Online Shopping: 2020 Jaguar XF Review

2020 Jaguar XF

Overview

Jaguar may be moving towards electrification and building more SUVs, but its XF sedan still offers lovely styling and is still engaging to drive.

While it competes with many more sought-after alternatives, the Jaguar XF actually manages to preserve and promote the brand's exclusivity.

2020 Jaguar XF

Its athletic handling and smooth ride satisfy both sporty and luxury intentions. Likewise, the 2020 XF S has a potent 380-hp supercharged V-6 for aspiring hot shoes.

2020 Jaguar XF

Still, the XF has flaws such as an erratic infotainment system and disappointing leather materials. The Jaguar XF isn't one of the best sedans, but it is one of the most rare and refined in its class.

2020 Jaguar XF

What's New for 2020?

Jaguar has made several changes to the 2020 XF, which include newly standard features and a limited-edition model.

The sedan also no longer offers a diesel four-cylinder engine. Every XF now has standard Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, front and rear parking sensors, and more.

2020 Jaguar XF

A pair of new paint colors include Portofino Blue and Eiger Grey. The Jaguar XF Checkered Flag is a limited edition that boasts exclusive interior and exterior details as well as the more powerful turbocharged four-cylinder engine.

2020 Jaguar XF

Jaguar XF Pricing and Which One to Buy

25t: $52,095
30t: $59,545
S: $69,195

The 2020 XF doesn't need the available supercharged V-6 or a surplus of luxury options to look and feel special. I'd recommend the entry-level 25t with its dutiful turbocharged four-cylinder and suave driving manners.

2020 Jaguar XF

We'd also add all-wheel drive for $3000 and choose the fancier Prestige model.

This requires paying more but adds nicer interior materials, heated front seats, heated steering wheel, built-in navigation, and more.

Although Jaguar offers even more luxurious upgrades, I'll let buyers decide how much more they want to pay.

2020 Jaguar XF

Engines, Transmission, and Performance

The 380-hp supercharged V-6 is king of the XF power-train monarchy, but it's slower than most high-performance rivals and lacks auditory authority.

A pair of smooth turbo four-cylinders provide alternative propulsion choices.

2020 Jaguar XF

Every engine pairs with a great eight-speed automatic transmission; a torque-vectoring all-wheel-drive system is available, too.

The four-cylinder is much quieter than the supercharged alternative. Its acceleration times, though, are much slower than those of comparable rivals.

2020 Jaguar XF

A supple suspension delivers fluid handling along with an exceptional ride quality that reflects Jaguar's sophisticated image.

The XF also boasts a quiet, compliant ride and steering that adeptly transitioned between low-speed lightness and high-speed heft.

The brake pedal felt soft and had a gradual response on the 2017 XF S. The lack of pedal feedback was only concerning on the S model, which also has the longest braking distance at 180 feet.

2020 Jaguar XF

Interior, Infotainment, and Cargo

Thoughtfully laid out, pleasingly spacious, and integrating several cool features, the XF's interior has most of the trappings of high society.

But less-than-luxurious leather quality and limited standard equipment clash with Jaguar's otherwise palatial presentation.

When you power up the XF, it's a theatrical experience to watch its rotary shifter knob rise from the center console and the outboard air vents rotate open.

2020 Jaguar XF

These trick features, plus touch-sensitive map lights and dual-zone climate control, are standard fare. However, the leather surfaces looked mediocre and felt coarse.

The fire-engine-red leather interior was overwhelming, and the black-on-red seats looks, well, tacky.