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2018 Jaguar XE review

Research, photos, specs, and expertise
6 photos

Jaguar XE highlights

Customer rating

RepairPal reliability rating

Pros

  • Excellent fuel economy with diesel engine
  • Performance with supercharged V6
  • Sharp handling and great chassis balance

Cons

  • Cramped second row
  • Quality of interior trim trails the competition
  • Glitchy infotainment system

Mileage (EPA estimate)

20 city, 29 highway, 23 combined

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The 2018 Jaguar XE is sporty but lacks luxury touches of rivals

For luxury-car shoppers who value sharp steering and a supple ride, the 2018 Jaguar XE sedan delivers on both counts. With its pert shape and lively handling, the XE is a joy to drive on tight and twisty roads. How quickly it zips from point A to point B depends largely on which of the four available engines is providing the motivation.

A 180-horsepower turbocharged 2.0-liter diesel four-cylinder delivers great estimated fuel economy and reasonable acceleration, but the available 296-hp turbocharged four-cylinder is the better choice if you want quicker getaways. A supercharged V6 puts out 340 horsepower, or 380 hp on S trim models. While the XE comes standard in rear-wheel-drive format, all-wheel drive is optional with every engine for the 2018 model year.

The front seats provide good support and the dash is straightforward and functional, although some cabin trim looks cheap compared to what you’ll find in rivals from the likes of Audi, BMW, Lexus, and Mercedes-Benz. Space in the second row is also snug for taller folks.

All Jaguar XE years

What is new for the 2018 Jaguar XE?

  • The XE is available in a variety of new trims, including the Portfolio and S.
  • The First Edition trim has been discontinued for 2018.
  • XE trims have been upgraded with Leather & Suede Seats and Adjustable Suspension as standard equipment this year.
  • Run Flat Tires and Full Roof Rack features are now available as options on select trims.
  • The R-Sport trim now comes with Turbo Charged Engine as standard equipment.
  • The Prestige trim now comes with Parking Sensors and Satellite Radio Ready as standard equipment.
  • The Premium trim now comes with Parking Sensors as standard equipment.

2018 Jaguar XE trims

Curious how Jaguar XE trims differ? Use our side-by-side vehicle comparison to see the differences and similarities

Base:

  • 180-hp, 318-lb-ft of torque 2.0L
  • 247-hp, 269-lb-ft of torque 2.0L
  • Sunroofs
  • Smart Key
  • Overhead Airbags
  • Side Airbags
  • Traction Control
  • Power Mirrors
  • Power Seats
  • Cruise Control
  • View our Jaguar XE inventory

Premium:

  • Includes all features available on the Base
  • 340-hp, 332-lb-ft of torque 3.0L
  • Parking Sensors
  • Rear View Camera
  • Memory Seats
  • Supercharged Engine
  • Meridian Audio
  • View our Jaguar XE Premium inventory

Prestige:

R-Sport:

S:

Portfolio:

  • Includes all features available on the S
  • Head Up Display
  • A/C Seats
  • Adjustable Suspension
  • Rear Sunshade
  • Power Hatch/Deck Lid
  • CD Audio

Jaguar XE photos

What We Like

Handling and suspension: There’s no debate: The Jaguar XE is one of the most fun-to-drive small luxury sedans available. It zips around corners with ease and has a ride that remains smooth and supple.

Available all-wheel drive: Offering all-wheel drive with every one of the XE’s powertrains is a major plus point. Want diesel economy and all-season grip? No problem. Or do the antics of the 380-hp supercharged V6 and all-wheel drive sound too good to resist? You can go that route too.

Performance: Speaking of the supercharged 3.0-liter V6, it provides the Jaguar XE with acceleration to make many two-door sport coupes blush when a traffic light turns green. It also provides a lively soundtrack via its exhaust note.

What Needs Improvement

Cozy second row: Sure, you can squeeze a couple of adults in the second row of the XE. Just make sure the voyage isn’t far because space back there is limited. If driving with a full complement of passengers is part of your usual driving routine, rival luxury sedans are a better fit. 

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Ratings & reliability

Customer ratings

4.5 out of 5

4 customer reviews

RepairPal reliability rating

4
Above Average

RepairPal gave the Jaguar XE an overall reliability rating of 4 out of 5 stars, which RepairPal describes as Above Average. This rating ranks Jaguar XE 5th out of 25 among Luxury Compact Cars.

View RepairPal's full rating of the Jaguar XE

Jaguar XE features and specs

Curious how Jaguar XE trims differ? Use our side-by-side vehicle comparison to see the differences and similarities

Base 2WD 4D Sedan

Standard Features

  • ABS Brakes
  • Air Conditioning
  • Alloy Wheels
  • AM/FM Stereo
  • Automatic Transmission
  • Auxiliary Audio Input
  • Bluetooth Technology
  • Cruise Control
  • Overhead Airbags
  • Panoramic Sunroof
  • Power Locks
  • Power Mirrors
  • Power Seat(s)
  • Power Windows
  • Rear Defroster
  • Side Airbags
  • Traction Control
  • Turbo Diesel Engine

Optional Features

  • Auxiliary Audio Input
  • Blind Spot Monitor
  • Front Seat Heaters
  • Full Roof Rack
  • Head Up Display
  • Heated Steering Wheel
  • Lane Departure Warning
  • Leather Seats
  • Leatherette Seats
  • Memory Seat(s)
  • Meridian Audio
  • Navigation System
  • Parking Sensors
  • Power Hatch/Deck Lid
  • Rear Spoiler
  • Rear View Camera
  • Run Flat Tires
  • Satellite Radio Ready
  • Smart Key

Drive Wheels

Rear Wheel Drive (2WD)

Engine size

2.0L

Horsepower

180

Torque (ft-lbs)

318

Engine type

Turbo Diesel

Fuel capacity

14.8

Wheelbase

111.6"

Overall length

183.9"

Width

72.8"

Height

55.7"

Front tires

P225/50HR17

Rear tires

P225/50HR17

Seating capacity

5

Transmission

Automatic

2018 Jaguar XE FAQ

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