2024 Jaguar XF

How does the XF drive? The XF has adequate power. We tested a P300 R-Dynamic with all-wheel drive, and it sprinted from 0 to 60 mph at our test track in 6.9 seconds. That's not great, but the Jag has enough muscle that it'll easily keep pace in traffic. The brakes are where this Jag shines brightest. Along with strong results in our 60-0 mph panic-stop test, the Jag also feels composed and confident in routine braking.

The rest of the driving experience is not so impressive. The eight-speed automatic transmission has lazy shifts that hold the engine back, and the steering lacks on-center feel and needs to be monitored often when you're cruising on the highway. Most disappointing is that the XF feels lively and playful at lower speeds, but it oddly fails to provide the handling capabilities to keep up as your speeds increase. This unpredictability prevents it from reaching any sporty potential.

How comfortable is the XF? The leather sport seats on our test vehicle were shapely and supportive on long drives, and the comfortable cushioning and side bolsters hold you in place under cornering. Up front there is a wide range of adjustability to suit drivers of different sizes. Ride comfort is another strength, muting imperfections in the road before they reach your seat. However, the suspension feels bouncy and is slow to return the car to a level ride. We noticed little noise inside the cabin at highway speeds.

One noticeable issue is the climate control system, which in our testing pumped out warm air even when turned to cooler temps.

How’s the interior? The XF has a spacious cabin with good room for rear passengers to get comfortable. But there are problems. Getting in and out is hindered by small doors, wide sills to step over, and a low roofline due to the athletic styling. Once you're in, the seats and steering wheel have a wide range of adjustments, but the controls to operate them are confusing and oddly placed.

It can also be difficult to see out due to the thick windshield pillars and bulky rearview mirror housing. And the controls are frustrating at best — the driver display is difficult to operate, the infotainment menus are vague, and the XF offers few hard buttons that could offer some relief. You have to pull, press or twist the climate dials depending on what you're trying to achieve. This learning curve is beyond what we typically find acceptable.

How’s the storage? The XF was once a class standout when it comes to cargo capacity, but the current version is dramatically worse. At just 10.5 cubic feet, the trunk is the smallest we've tested in the midsize luxury class, and its high floor and low ceiling make it unusable for many medium-size to large items. Similarly, there's very limited storage space inside the cabin. Please pack lightly.

The back seat has enough space to accommodate a child's car seat, but the small door openings may make it difficult to load a bulky rear-facing seat. Also be careful not to lose the detachable latch covers.

Is the XF a good value? The XF makes an instant impression. Inside there is an impressive display of leathers and metal brought together with tight stitching and panel gaps. The Jag is typically priced higher than fully loaded Japanese competitors but less than German rivals.

Jaguar also offers a good warranty, including five years/60,000 miles for the basic and powertrain coverage. The same terms apply to rust coverage, roadside assistance and free maintenance, which is generous for the class.