The 2013 Jaguar XF: What the critics say

last updated 10 January 2015

Car and Driver

Finally, Jaguar is “getting the attention it was denied during its stint as furniture in Ford’s living room.” India-based Tata Motors acquired the storied brand in 2008 and is showing its commitment to a U.S. comeback under the hood of this year’s XF. Jaguar’s midsize luxury sedan has changed little on the outside, but it now comes with options an American buyer expects: all-wheel drive, plus two non-V-8 engines.

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The base model’s new 2.0-liter four-cylinder has an unfortunate tendency to “bog down” at lower speeds, but it has “a characterful growl under acceleration,” it shows ample power once spooled up, and its lighter weight “translates into lighter, sharper steering.” The supercharged V-6 is even better: It provides so much “silky-smooth” power that only those concerned about neighborhood bragging rights should consider the V-8.

We’d avoid that smallest engine. It “stretches the XF’s credibility as a sports sedan.” But even though Jaguar hasn’t yet shaken its “less-than-stellar” reputation for reliability, this car remains “one of the more distinctive choices in the midsize luxury sedan segment. It has a distinctive street presence” and an impressive cabin. Better yet, it’s still “more fun to drive than many competitors.”