Used 2020 Jaguar XF

As a premium-midsize European sedan, the 2020 Jaguar XF competes with the likes of the Audi A6, BMW 5 Series and Mercedes-Benz E-Class. The aluminum-chassis XF, however, is far less common than those Germans, so you won’t see yourself coming and going in this Brit. In that sense, the XF competes more closely with the Volvo S60, which also is available as a station wagon (the V60).

We like the XF’s character, and the fact that Jaguar gives buyers a choice between two turbocharged 4-cylinder engines or a potent supercharged 3.0-liter V6. Given its technology, talents and style, the XF has what it takes to be a contender.

The 2020 Jaguar XF S, with its 380-horsepower supercharged V6, boasts superb torque and passing power, aided by an 8-speed automatic transmission that responds crisply to the shift paddles on the steering column. This Jag is part luxury sedan, part sports sedan, and it blends both worlds with an easy grace.

The XF’s base engine, the turbo 2.0-liter with 247 horsepower, gets the job done, but we prefer the upgraded 296-horsepower version of the gasoline 4-cylinder for its added power and performance.

The XF S’s adaptive suspension soaks up road irregularities with aplomb while also preventing the XF from leaning excessively in corners. What’s more, while there are noticeable differences among this Jag’s selectable drive modes (Normal, Eco, Dynamic and Winter), the fun in Dynamic mode is hampered on occasion by an abrupt upshift.

This is not a classic wood-paneled Jag sedan from a bygone era. Rather, the 2020 Jaguar XF is best described as simple and elegant, with a 10.2-inch infotainment screen dominating the center console. In this world populated by so many crossover SUVs, the XF’s driving position feels low, but the driver’s seat is supremely comfortable while also offering excellent cornering support.

Four adults fit with ease inside the XF; five fit in a pinch. The 3-seat bench is segmented 40/20/40, so you’ll want to avoid that middle seat anyway. On a positive note, the bench folds forward to help this Jag sedan swallow large items like skis or a surfboard. Nor is that a problem in the 2020 Jaguar XF Sportbrake wagon, which has 69.7 cubic feet of cargo room when its rear seat is folded.

Walk around the Jaguar XF and it quickly becomes clear that its design works well from any angle. That’s quite an achievement. It gets the proportions right, the short overhangs, long nose and low, sleek roof. The LED accents on the headlights look sharply modern and the whole car exudes a premium air. Nonconformists should also enjoy the Sportbrake wagon version, as it wraps handsome, well-judged shapes around a lot of practicality.

ADAPTIVE SPEED LIMITER
Using onboard traffic-sign recognition, the Jaguar XF will automatically increase or decrease its set speed, easing the workload on the driver.

SMARTPHONE PACK
For 2020, the Jaguar XF’s updated Smartphone Pack features Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, which essentially turn the car’s 10.2-inch touchscreen into your iPhone or Android device, greatly assisting you in accessing Spotify, maps or messages.

In entry-level Premium trim, the 2020 Jaguar XF has the 247-horsepower engine, 18-inch alloy wheels and an interior with simulated leather, a moonroof and standard Apple CarPlay.

The XF Prestige has the same engine, but it can be ordered with the 296-horsepower version instead. The Prestige’s standard-equipment list includes 19-inch alloy wheels, keyless entry, heated front seats, leather upholstery and navigation.

The new 2020 Jaguar XF Checkered Flag model — available only as a sedan in white, gray or black — comes with the 296-horsepower 4-cylinder, gloss-black side vents, leather sport seats, adaptive LED headlights, front and rear parking aids and a lane-keep assist program. Body-color side sills and 19-inch alloy wheels enhance the Checkered Flag’s sporty look.

At the top of the Jaguar XF lineup is the S model. In addition to its supercharged 380-horsepower V6 and adaptive suspension, the flagship S model has 20-inch alloy wheels, a bespoke body kit, embossed seats, red brake calipers, XM satellite radio and a blind-spot monitor (something we feel should be standard on all XF models).

A Vision Assist Pack, which bundles adaptive LED headlights with automatic emergency braking, a blind-spot monitor and lane-departure warning, is a smart $1,750 option on the 2020 Jaguar XF Premium and Prestige models. A Driver Assistance Package, available for $3,495 on the Checkered Flag, XF S Sedan and XF S Sportbrake wagon, groups adaptive cruise control and an adaptive speed limiter with a 360-degree camera, blind-spot assist and a park-assist program.

Other options on this midsize Jaguar sedan and station wagon include an Adaptive Dynamics package ($1,020, and available only on the Prestige sedan and wagon), heated and cooled seats, and even a heated windshield. A head-up display (HUD) and all-wheel drive also remain available, as do navigation, a 360-degree camera system and a 17-speaker audio system (with a CD player that will please some traditionalists).

The 2020 Jaguar XF Premium 25t and XF Prestige 25t, with rear- or all-wheel drive (RWD, AWD), are powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder gasoline engine producing 247 horsepower and 269 lb-ft of torque. The XF Prestige 30t, equipped with a 296-horsepower version of that same powerplant, feels more relaxed in everyday use. The higher-output 4-cylinder engine is standard equipment in the XF Checkered Flag.

Jaguar’s supercharged 3.0-liter V6, which produces 380 horsepower and 332 lb-ft of torque, powers the XF S sedan and XF S Sportbrake wagon, both all-wheel-drive models. The XF Sportbrake, for the record, also is available with the 296-horsepower 4-cylinder. One part common to all XFs is the transmission, a ZF 8-speed automatic with paddle shifters.

2.0-liter turbocharged inline-4
247 horsepower @ 5,500 rpm
269 lb-ft of torque @ 1,200-4,500 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 25/34 mpg (RWD), 23/33 mpg (AWD)

2.0-liter turbocharged inline-4
296 horsepower @ 5,500 rpm
295 lb-ft of torque @ 1,200-4,500 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 23/31 mpg (RWD), 22/31 mpg (AWD), 21/28 mpg (AWD Sportbrake 30t)

3.0-liter supercharged V6
380 horsepower @ 6,500 rpm
332 lb-ft of torque @ 4,500 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 20/28 mpg (AWD); 18/25 mpg (AWD Sportbrake S)