Used 2019 Jaguar XE 25t Sedan Review

Jaguar has manufactured sporty sedans and coupes for years, and it has expanded its repertoire to include SUVs as well. Perhaps lost amongst the expansion is the 2019 Jaguar XE. This small sedan isn't a big seller, but it delivers on many of the points that elevate the British brand from its competition.

One of its differentiators is in its engine lineup. While other automakers are paring down their offerings, Jaguar still provides a four-cylinder gas engine (in two power outputs), a four-cylinder diesel engine, a supercharged V6 or even an outrageous 592-hp V8. When you combine these engines with the XE's sporty suspension and steering calibrations, you get a naturally small sedan that's fun to drive no matter the powertrain choice.

But there are certain aspects of the XE that may frustrate some buyers. The rear seat is much smaller than the competition, and some materials in the door and dash do not feel up to snuff for the luxury brand. Another area that may frustrate is in the smartphone integration. To get full functionality out of the infotainment system and your smartphone, you'll have to download multiple apps with their own specific logins.

Nevertheless, the Jaguar XE has a unique style and excellent dynamics. As long as you don't regularly need to carry rear-seat passengers, it's a near-ideal sport sedan.

The 2019 Jaguar XE is available in base (XE), Premium, Prestige, Portfolio, R-Sport, S, 300 Sport, Landmark and SV Project 8 trim levels. The first four trims introduce increasing degrees of luxury and convenience, while the others offer different takes on sportiness or styling. Five engines are available across the lineup, all paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. Most are available with either rear- or all-wheel drive.

Base XE models start with a choice of a 2.0-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine (the 25t) or a turbocharged 2.0-liter, four-cylinder diesel engine (the 20d). The gas engine makes 247 horsepower and 269 pound-feet of torque, while the diesel is good for 180 hp and 318 lb-ft of torque.

Standard features on the base XE model include 17-inch wheels, a sunroof, power-adjustable front seats, dual-zone climate control, simulated-leather (Luxtec) upholstery, a 10-inch touchscreen (Touch Pro), a USB input and a six-speaker sound system.

Premium trims are available with either base four-cylinder engine or a more powerful gas four-cylinder (30t) that produces 296 hp and 295 lb-ft. The Premium builds on the base XE's features with auto-dimming side mirrors, driver-seat and mirror memory settings, a 40/20/40-split folding rear seat, and an upgraded 11-speaker Meridian sound system.

Prestige and R-Sport trims also get the choice of four-cylinder gas and diesel engines. Prestige upgrades include 18- or 19-inch wheels (depending on engine selection), keyless entry, leather upholstery, heated front seats with additional adjustment, a power-adjustable and heated steering wheel, ambient interior lighting, a navigation system, and Jaguar's InControl apps, which enables control of various smartphone apps through the touchscreen interface.

Moving up to the R-Sport gets you unique 19- or 20-inch wheels and exterior trim, adaptive xenon headlights (with LED accent lights), automatic high beams, upgraded leather upholstery and panel trim, and satellite radio. A host of driver assistance aids are also standard, including blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane departure warning and intervention, automatic emergency braking, and front and rear parking sensors.

The S trim is equipped similarly to the R-Sport but only offers a supercharged V6 engine (30t, with 380 hp and 332 lb-ft) and all-wheel drive. Specific features include 19-inch wheels, upgraded front seats, enhanced leather upholstery, and upgraded aluminum and metal cabin accents.

The 300 Sport and Landmark models are also based on the R-Sport. They both come with trim-specific wheels and unique exterior and interior trims, including sill plates as well as seats and steering wheel trim. The Landmark is only available with either the 25t or 20d engines, while the 300 Sport is only available with the 30t engine.

The limited-run Portfolio model is equipped similarly to the S trim; it comes in only a tan interior and white exterior color combination and showcases upgraded front seats, a 12.3-inch digital instrument/gauge display, a head-up display, a Meridian surround-sound system, customizable ambient interior lighting, and a hands-free opening trunk. Heated and ventilated front seats, heated rear seats and the R-Sport's driver assistance features are also standard.

Many of the additional features found on the upper trim levels can be ordered as options on the lower trims. A Driver Assistance package enhances the standard driver aids with adaptive cruise control, a surround-view parking camera system and an automated parking system. Certain XE variants can also be ordered with an adaptive suspension.

Finally, there's the limited-run SV Project 8, which packs a supercharged 5.0-liter V8 (592 hp, 516 lb-ft) and extensive body, chassis and suspension modifications. This trim level also includes a titanium exhaust, carbon-ceramic brakes, 20-inch wheels with Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires, a four-seat interior with lightweight race-style front seats, and various trim pieces specific to the car.

Each vehicle typically comes in multiple versions that are fundamentally similar. The ratings in this review are based on our full test of the Jaguar XE 25t R-Sport (turbo 2.0L inline-4 | 8-speed automatic | AWD).

NOTE: Since this test was conducted in 2018, the current XE has received some minor revisions, including improvements to the infotainment system. Our findings remain applicable to this year's XE, however.