Compare the2019 Lexus IS SeriesVS 2019 Jaguar XE

The IS Series’ optional pre-crash front seatbelts will tighten automatically in the event the vehicle detects an impending crash, improving protection against injury significantly. The XE doesn’t offer pre-crash pretensioners.

For enhanced safety, the front seat shoulder belts of the Lexus IS Series are height-adjustable to accommodate a wide variety of driver and passenger heights. A better fit can prevent injuries and the increased comfort also encourages passengers to buckle up. The Jaguar XE doesn’t offer height-adjustable seat belts.

Both the IS Series and the XE have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, side-impact head airbags, front and rear seatbelt pretensioners, four-wheel antilock brakes, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, daytime running lights, rearview cameras, available all wheel drive, blind spot warning systems, rear parking sensors and rear cross-path warning.

For its top level performance in all IIHS frontal, side, rear impact and roof-crush tests, its standard front crash prevention system, and its headlight’s “Acceptable” rating, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety grants the IS Series the rating of “Top Pick” for 2018, a rating granted to only 85 vehicles tested by the IIHS. The XE has not been tested, yet.

Lexus’ powertrain warranty covers the IS Series 1 year and 10,000 miles longer than Jaguar covers the XE. Any repair needed on the engine, transmission, axles, joints or driveshafts is fully covered for 6 years or 70,000 miles. Coverage on the XE ends after only 5 years or 60,000 miles.

There are over 43 percent more Lexus dealers than there are Jaguar dealers, which makes it easier should you ever need service under the IS Series’ warranty.

A reliable vehicle saves its owner time, money and trouble. Nobody wants to be stranded or have to be without a vehicle while it’s being repaired. Consumer Reports rates the IS Series’ reliability 57 points higher than the XE.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2018 Initial Quality Study of new car owners surveyed provide the statistics that show that Lexus vehicles are better in initial quality than Jaguar vehicles. J.D. Power ranks Lexus 8th in initial quality, above the industry average. With 64 more problems per 100 vehicles, Jaguar is ranked 30th, below the industry average.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2018 survey of the owners of three-year-old vehicles provides the long-term dependability statistics that show that Lexus vehicles are more reliable than Jaguar vehicles. J.D. Power ranks Lexus first in reliability, above the industry average. With 60 more problems per 100 vehicles, Jaguar is ranked 20th.

As tested in Motor Trend the IS 350 is faster than the XE 25t:

The IS Series has 2.6 gallons more fuel capacity than the XE Diesel’s standard fuel tank (17.4 vs. 14.8 gallons), for longer range between fill-ups.

For better stopping power the IS Series’ standard brake rotors are larger than those on the XE:

The IS Series’ standard front and rear disc brakes are vented to help dissipate heat for shorter stops with less fading. The rear discs standard on the XE are solid, not vented.

The IS Series stops much shorter than the XE:

The IS Series’ standard tires provide better handling because they have a lower 45 series profile (height to width ratio) that provides a stiffer sidewall than the XE’s standard 50 series tires.

The IS Series AWD handles at .89 G’s, while the XE AWD pulls only .83 G’s of cornering force in a Motor Trend skidpad test.

The IS 350 AWD executes Motor Trend’s “Figure Eight” maneuver 1.2 seconds quicker than the XE AWD (26 seconds @ .72 average G’s vs. 27.2 seconds @ .62 average G’s).

For better maneuverability, the IS Series’ turning circle is 2.6 feet tighter than the XE’s (34.2 feet vs. 36.8 feet). The IS Series AWD’s turning circle is 1.4 feet tighter than the XE’s (35.4 feet vs. 36.8 feet).

The IS Series is 6.1 inches narrower than the XE, making the IS Series easier to handle and maneuver in traffic.

The IS Series 300 RWD offers available computer-generated active noise cancellation to help remove annoying noise and vibration from the passenger compartment, especially at low frequencies. The XE doesn’t offer active noise cancellation.

As tested by Car and Driver, the interior of the IS 350 F Sport is quieter than the XE R-Sport AWD:

The IS Series has 1.2 inches more front headroom and 3.3 inches more front legroom than the XE.

The IS Series’ standard rear seats fold to accommodate long and bulky cargo. The XE Base doesn’t offer folding rear seats, only a ski pass-through.

J.D. Power and Associates surveys of service recipients show that Lexus service is better than Jaguar. J.D. Power ranks Lexus third in service department satisfaction. With a 30% lower rating, Jaguar is ranked 15th.

Unlike the driver-only memory system in the XE (except Base), the IS Series offers an optional driver and passenger memory, so that when drivers switch, the memory setting adjusts the driver’s seat, steering wheel position and outside mirror angle and the front passenger seat also adjusts to the new passenger’s preset preferences.

The IS Series has a standard locking fuel door with a remote release located convenient to the driver. A locking fuel door helps prevent vandalism, such as sugar in the tank and fuel theft. The XE doesn’t offer a locking fuel door.

Motor Trend performed a comparison test in its June 2017 issue and they ranked the Lexus IS 300 F Sport two places higher than the Jaguar XE Prestige.

The Lexus IS Series outsold the Jaguar XE by almost three to one during 2017.