Compare the2019 Lexus IS SeriesVS 2019 Jaguar XF

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 XF 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 XF doesn’t offer height-adjustable seat belts.

Both the IS Series and the XF 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 XF has not been tested, yet.

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

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.

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

The IS Series stops much shorter than the XF:

The IS Series AWD handles at .89 G’s, while the XF R-Sport Sedan AWD pulls only .81 G’s of cornering force in a Motor Trend skidpad test.

The IS 350 AWD executes Motor Trend’s “Figure Eight” maneuver 1.8 seconds quicker than the XF R-Sport Sedan AWD (26 seconds @ .72 average G’s vs. 27.8 seconds @ .6 average G’s).

For better maneuverability, the IS Series’ turning circle is 3.9 feet tighter than the XF’s (34.2 feet vs. 38.1 feet). The IS Series AWD’s turning circle is 2.7 feet tighter than the XF’s (35.4 feet vs. 38.1 feet).

The IS Series is 10.7 inches shorter than the XF Sedan, making the IS Series easier to handle, maneuver and park in tight spaces.

The design of the Lexus IS Series amounts to more than styling. The IS Series has an aerodynamic coefficient of drag of .28 Cd. That is lower than the XF (.28 to .29) and many sports cars. A more efficient exterior helps keep the interior quieter and helps the IS Series get better fuel mileage.

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 XF doesn’t offer active noise cancellation.

As tested by Car and Driver while under full throttle, the interior of the IS 350 F Sport is quieter than the XF S Sedan AWD (73 vs. 74 dB).

The IS Series has 1.1 inches more front headroom and 3.3 inches more front legroom than the XF Sedan.

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.

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 XF doesn’t offer a locking fuel door.

The Lexus IS Series outsold the Jaguar XF by almost six to one during 2017.