Compare the2021 Lexus ES SeriesVS 2020 Jaguar XE

For enhanced safety, the front seat shoulder belts of the Lexus ES 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.

The ES Series has a standard Secondary Collision Brake, which automatically applies the brakes in the event of a crash to help prevent secondary collisions and prevent further injuries. The XE doesn’t offer a post collision braking system: in the event of a collision that triggers the airbags, more collisions are possible without the protection of airbags that may have already deployed.

Over 200 people are killed each year when backed over by motor vehicles. The ES Series offers optional Intuitive Parking Assist with Auto Braking that uses rear sensors to monitor and automatically apply the brakes to prevent a rear collision. The XE doesn’t offer backup collision prevention brakes.

Both the ES 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, crash mitigating brakes, daytime running lights, lane departure warning systems, rearview cameras, driver alert monitors, available blind spot warning systems, around view monitors and rear cross-path warning.

For its top level performance in IIHS driver and passenger-side small overlap frontal, moderate overlap frontal, side impact, roof strength and head restraint tests, its standard vehicle-to-vehicle front crash prevention system, its standard vehicle-to-pedestrian front crash prevention system, and its standard headlight’s “Good” rating, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety grants the ES Series its highest rating: “Top Pick Plus” for 2021, a rating granted to only 35 vehicles tested by the IIHS. The XE has not been tested, yet.

Lexus’ powertrain warranty covers the ES 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 37 percent more Lexus dealers than there are Jaguar dealers, which makes it easier should you ever need service under the ES 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 ES Series’ reliability 74 points higher than the XE.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2020 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 12th in initial quality, above the industry average. With 31 more problems per 100 vehicles, Jaguar is ranked 29th, below the industry average.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2019 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 62 more problems per 100 vehicles, Jaguar is ranked 25th.

The ES 350’s 3.5 DOHC V6 produces 6 more horsepower (302 vs. 296) than the XE 30t’s optional 2.0 turbo 4-cylinder.

As tested in Consumer Reports the ES 350 3.5 DOHC V6 is faster than the XE 25t:

On the EPA test cycle the ES 300h CVT gets better fuel mileage than the XE 25t RWD (43 city/44 hwy vs. 25 city/34 hwy).

To lower fuel costs and make buying fuel easier, the Lexus ES Series uses regular unleaded gasoline. The XE requires premium, which can cost 20 to 55 cents more per gallon.

The ES 300h has a standard continuously variable transmission (CVT). With no “steps” between gears, it can keep the engine at the most efficient speed for fuel economy, or keep it at its peak horsepower indefinitely for maximum acceleration. The XE doesn’t offer a CVT.

The ES Series stops shorter than the XE:

For a smoother ride and more stable handling, the ES Series’ wheelbase is 1.4 inches longer than on the XE (113 inches vs. 111.6 inches).

The ES Series F Sport uses 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.

Because it has more passenger and cargo room, the EPA rates the ES Series a Mid-size car, while the XE is rated a Compact.

The ES Series has 8.9 cubic feet more passenger volume than the XE (99.9 vs. 91).

The ES Series has .5 inches more front headroom, .9 inches more front legroom, .8 inches more rear headroom and 4.2 inches more rear legroom than the XE.

J.D. Power and Associates surveys of service recipients show that Lexus service is better than Jaguar. J.D. Power ranks Lexus second in service department satisfaction. With a 56% lower rating, Jaguar is ranked 20th.

The ES Series’ optional easy entry system raises the steering wheel and glides the driver’s seat back when the door is unlocked or the ignition is switched off, making it easier for the driver to get in and out. The XE doesn’t offer an easy entry system.

If the windows are left open on the ES Series the driver can close them all at the outside door handle. On a hot day the driver can lower the windows at the outside door handle or from a distance using the keyless remote. (This window function must be activated by your Lexus service department.) The driver of the XE can only close the windows from inside the vehicle, with the ignition on.

The ES Series’ power window, power lock, power mirror and cruise control switches are lit from behind, making them plainly visible and easier to operate at night. The XE’s power mirror switches are unlit, making them difficult to find at night and operate safely.

To shield the driver and front passenger’s vision over a larger portion of the windshield and side windows, the ES Series has standard extendable sun visors. The XE doesn’t offer extendable visors.

A power rear sunshade is optional in the ES Series and manual rear side window sunshades are standard in the ES Series Ultra Luxury to help block heat and glare for the rear passengers. The XE doesn’t offer rear side window sunshades.

Consumer Reports® recommends the Lexus ES Series, based on reliability, safety and performance. The Jaguar XE isn't recommended.

The Lexus ES Series outsold the Jaguar XE by over 14 to one during 2019.