Jaguar XE vs Jaguar XF: used car comparison

The Jaguar XE and Jaguar XF are the British brand’s most popular saloon car models. They’re both luxurious, comfortable and feel fantastic to drive. But which is best for you when buying used? Our guide explains.

In this article, we’re looking mainly at the XE and XF models sold new since 2015. There’s also an older version of the XF, sold from 2007 to 2015.

All Jaguar saloon models have a two-letter name starting with an ‘X’, and the second letter indicates the model’s size – the earlier the letter comes in the alphabet, the smaller the car. The XE is, therefore, smaller than the XF. It’s about 4.7 metres (15.4 feet) long, which is about the same size as the Audi A4 and BMW 3 Series. The XF is about 5.0 metres (16.4 feet) long, making it roughly the same size as the Mercedes E-Class and Volvo S90.

The XE and XF share the distinctive, athletic look of all Jaguars and, in some ways, the two look quite similar, especially from the front. It’s easier to tell them apart if you’re looking at their back ends because the XF’s boot extends further beyond the back wheels. There’s also an estate version of the XF, called XF Sportbrake, which adds a longer roof to create a bigger, more versatile boot.

Both cars have been upgraded since 2015 with new features and design changes inside and out. The XE had a major update in 2019, with new exterior lights and bumpers and a much more modern look for the interior. The XF received similar changes in 2020.

As with their exterior styling, the interiors of the XE and XF look similar but there are differences. Most obviously, the XF has a band of metal or wood trim across its dashboard that helps create an even more luxurious look. Both cars have a central touchscreen display for the infotainment system, and the latest versions have an additional touchscreen below that controls the heating, ventilation and assorted other features.
The tech has been updated a number of times over the years, and the infotainment system has gained more features and a more responsive touchscreen. The latest system, called Pivi, was introduced in 2020 and is the one to go for if you can – it’s a big step forward.

All XE and XF cars have a long list of other standard features including sat nav, climate control, cruise control and smartphone connectivity. Many also have leather seats and high-tech features like adaptive cruise control and a head-up display that projects the speedo and sat-nav instructions onto the windscreen.

Being the smaller car, the XE isn’t as spacious inside as the XF. Indeed, it isn’t as spacious as similar cars like the BMW 3 Series; there’s plenty of room up front but the back seats may feel cramped for adults. Children are a better fit though, and the XE has two sets of Isofix child-seat mounts in the back. The boot is a decent size, with enough space for a couple of sets of golf clubs.

The XF is much more spacious, with generous room for four adults on par with key rivals like the Mercedes E-Class. Children should have all the space they need and, again, there are two sets of Isofix mounts. The 540-litre boot is big enough for most people’s needs, easily fitting in four big suitcases. The back seat folds down if you need to carry longer loads. But if you’d like even more there’s the XF Sportbrake estate, which can handle bulkier loads thanks to its longer roof and more square back end.

What is a saloon car?

Best used saloon cars

Seat Ateca vs Skoda Karoq: used car comparison

Jaguars often feel great to drive, combining comfort and fun in a way few other saloon cars can match. The XE and XF more than live up to that and are just as good on a long motorway journey or nipping around town as they are on a winding country road.

There’s a wide range of petrol and diesel engines available in the XE and XF. Even the low-power options give responsive, rapid acceleration when you need it. The more powerful options are great fun, but they’ll drink through fuel quickly. Most models have a smooth automatic gearbox and some have four-wheel drive for a greater sense of security in bad weather.

There really isn’t much to choose between the XE and XF in how they drive, but if you really enjoy driving you’ll likely prefer the XE. It’s smaller and lighter, so it feels a bit more responsive.

Somewhat surprisingly considering the size difference, the XE and XF give you similar fuel economy. According to official figures, the XE can give up to 32-39mpg with a petrol engine and 46-55mpg with a diesel engine. Petrol models of the bigger XF can give up to 34-41mpg, while diesels can give 39-56mpg, depending on which engine is fitted.

Those numbers translate to affordable Vehicle Excise Duty (car tax) costs but insurance can be a bit steep because the XE and XF have bodies made from lightweight aluminium, which is trickier to repair than steel.

Safety experts Euro NCAP awarded the XE and XF a full five-star rating. Both have lots of driver safety features including automatic emergency braking and lane-keeping assist. Some models also have more advanced features like blind-spot monitoring, a cross-traffic alert system and adaptive cruise control, all of which can make driving safer and less stressful.

Jaguar XE

Length: 4,678mm

Width: 2,075mm (including door mirrors)

Height: 1,416mm

Boot space: 356 litres

Jaguar XF

Length: 4,962mm

Width: 2,089mm (including door mirrors)

Height: 1,456mm

Boot space: 540 litres

You’ll find lots of used cars for sale at Cazoo, all available to buy through our trusted dealers.

Cazoo makes selling a car just as easy – just enter a few details for an instant online valuation. If you accept the offer our partners will get in touch to arrange payment and collection of your car at a time that suits you.