“Great looking vehicle but watch out for maintenance issues, they can eat you alive. Other than that, car looks great and is fun to drive. Interior seating position is awkward but can get used to it.”
Jaguar XE: Trims, Generations & Buyer's Guide
Last updated August 4, 2026
The Jaguar XE is a compact luxury sport sedan known for sharp handling, rear-wheel-drive-based balance, and styling that stands apart from more familiar rivals. It was sold in the U.S. from the 2017 through 2020 model years.
The XE was Jaguar’s smaller, more accessible sports sedan, built to deliver a livelier drive without moving up to the larger XF. Its aluminum-intensive structure and rear-wheel-drive-based layout remained central to its character. Earlier cars offered a notably broad mix of engines, while the major 2020 refresh sharpened the styling and gave the cabin better materials, controls, and technology.
Strengths
- The XE feels more driver-focused than the typical small luxury sedan, thanks to sharp handling and rear-wheel-drive-based balance.
- Its distinctive styling gives it a less conventional presence than many of its segment rivals.
- Earlier model years span economical diesel power, turbocharged gas engines, and supercharged V6 performance.
- The 2020 refresh addressed the older cabin’s weak points with softer materials, redesigned controls, and more standard equipment.
- The refreshed 2020 model included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and useful parking and lane-support aids as standard equipment.
- The trunk is useful for daily life, with 14.1 cubic feet of cargo space in 2020.
Who it's for
The XE fits someone shopping used who wants a small luxury sedan with personality and responsive road manners rather than the most familiar badge. It is especially appealing to drivers who enjoy a sporty feel but still need four doors, five seats, and a practical trunk for everyday use.
Jaguar XE lineup
Earlier XE lineups covered several priorities: the diesel 20d emphasized fuel economy, the 25t and 30t models provided different levels of gas four-cylinder power, and the 35t and XE S brought supercharged V6 performance. The Portfolio Limited Edition leaned toward luxury, while the 300 Sport and rare SV Project 8 occupied the more aggressive end of the family. For the refreshed 2020 model, Jaguar simplified the U.S. range to the P250 S and P300 R-Dynamic S. Pick the P250 S for the more straightforward XE experience, or look to the P300 R-Dynamic S for the lineup’s stronger, sportier character.
Jaguar XE generations
From 2017 to 2020, the XE spans 1 generation. The current 1st Generation — X760 arrived for 2017.
1st Generation — X760 (2017–2020)
The XE arrived in the U.S. as a compact luxury sports sedan built on an aluminum-intensive structure, with four-cylinder and V6 engines and optional all-wheel drive on some versions. A major 2020 refresh sharpened the exterior, redesigned the cabin, and simplified the U.S. lineup before the model left the American market for 2021.
9 In Stock
2020Mid-cycle update
Major refresh with sharper exterior styling, a redesigned interior, a simpler trim range, and more standard technology and driver-assistance features.
2019Trim changes
The Landmark Edition and 300 Sport joined the lineup, and a 10-inch touchscreen became standard across the range.
2018Trim changes
The XE S and Portfolio Limited Edition joined the lineup, along with new turbocharged four-cylinder engines and expanded safety and cabin technology.
2017New generation
The all-new XE launched in the U.S. with gas four-cylinder, diesel four-cylinder, and supercharged V6 engines.
What's new by year
See what changed in a specific model year of the Jaguar XE.
Frequently asked questions
What kind of car is the Jaguar XE?
The Jaguar XE is a compact four-door luxury sport sedan with seating for five. It uses a rear-wheel-drive-based layout and was designed as Jaguar’s smaller, more driver-focused alternative to the larger XF.
What is the Jaguar XE known for?
The Jaguar XE is known for sharp handling, distinctive styling and a lightweight aluminum-intensive structure. Its appeal is less about maximum cabin space and more about giving a compact luxury sedan a lively, balanced feel on the road.
Does the Jaguar XE come as a hybrid?
No. The U.S.-market Jaguar XE was sold with gasoline and diesel engines, but not a hybrid powertrain. The final refreshed U.S. lineup used two turbocharged gasoline four-cylinder engines.
Does the Jaguar XE have all-wheel drive?
Yes. All-wheel drive appeared on selected earlier XE versions, including some 20d and 35t models. In the refreshed lineup, it was standard on the 296-hp P300 R-Dynamic S, while the P250 S used rear-wheel drive as standard.
What engines were offered in the Jaguar XE?
The U.S. XE used several engines across its run: a 180-hp diesel four-cylinder, gasoline four-cylinders ranging from 240 to 296 hp, supercharged V6 engines with 340 or 380 hp, and a 592-hp supercharged V8 reserved for the rare SV Project 8.
How many generations of the Jaguar XE are there?
There is one XE generation in the U.S., known as X760. It arrived for 2017 and received a major refresh for 2020 with sharper styling, a redesigned cabin, more standard equipment and a much simpler two-trim lineup.
Who is the Jaguar XE a good fit for?
The Jaguar XE suits someone who wants a compact luxury sedan with responsive handling, a low driving position and styling that stands apart from more common choices. It also works as a practical four-door, but its main draw is the driving experience.
Jaguar XE Reviews
What owners are saying about the Jaguar XE.
4.2
Jaguar XE
(679 reviews)
“Even if you don't like to drive, you will love driving this car. It handles well, even in poor road conditions, but unlike other fast cars, it never gets away from me. Love this car.”
“The jaguar XE is a perfect blend of all the luxurious options and handling that a car can have.”
“The power in dynamic sport mode is awesome! The large sun roof is a family favorite and my neighbor said she only saw cool cars like mine in a matchbox set! ;)”
“Make sure to test drive and check out the back seat leg room. Also, test the bluetooth connectivity. These are features that I am less than satisfied with. Everything else is great!”
“Great for 2 people; back seat crowded but ok for occasional guests; sun roof does not tilt very high (it should). Gear shift on 2017 was better than the 2020 which is not intuitive...my wife hates it!!!!”
Sources
- archive.jaguar.com — 2019 / 02 / Technical Press Kit 2020My Jaguar Xe
- archive.jaguar.com — 2019 / 10 / Whats New Jaguar 2019 2020 Model Year Highlights
- archive.jaguar.com — 2020 / 10 / Jaguar Updates 2021 Model Lineup Meet Evolving Us Market Demands
- media.jaguar.com — 2018 / 04 / Introducing 2019 Jaguar Xe Landmark Edition
- media.jaguar.com — 2018 / 09 / Jaguar Xe Sets Lap Record Forgotten Grand Prix Circuit
- media.jaguar.com — 2019 / 02 / Technical Press Kit 2020My Jaguar Xe
- media.jaguar.com — 2018 / 04 / Jaguar Debuts New 2019 Xe 300 Sport Edition Gripping Ice Race
- media.jaguar.com — 2017 / 06 / Technical Press Kit Jaguar Xe Sv Project 8
- media.jaguar.com — 2017 / 02 / New Engine Options Trim Packages And Technology 2018 Jaguar F Pace Xf And Xe Models
- archive.jaguar.com — 2017 / 06 / Advanced New 296Hp Ingenium Four Cylinder Engine Introduced 2018 Jaguar Xe Xf And F
- media.jaguar.com — 2016 / 09 / 2017 Jaguar Xe
- archive.jaguar.com — 2015 / 11 / 2017 Jaguar Xe Debuts Los Angeles Awd And Apple Watch Connectivity