Jaguar
XJ
Lexus
LS
Jaguar XJ vs Lexus LS: 2021 Comparison
The short answer
The Jaguar XJ offers power, while the Lexus LS excels at fuel economy instead. Choose the Jaguar XJ if you prioritize power in daily driving, or the Lexus LS if fuel economy matters more for your needs. Both are covered by real owner reports on CarWizz.
Specs side by side
What owners say
XJ
Overall
Sentiment is deeply divided and heavily dependent on the specific generation and powertrain. For the classic X300/X308 (mid-1990s to early 2000s) and the Ford-era X350/X358 (2003-2009), long-term owner feedback is mixed, with strong praise for their distinctive styling, luxurious interiors, and driving experience, but severe criticism for reliability, aging poorly after high mileage, and costly repairs. The aluminum-bodied X350/X358 generation, in particular, is noted for its rust-free construction and more reliable naturally-aspirated 4.2L V8, with some owners reporting affordable maintenance using common Ford/Lincoln parts.
Best version to buy
For the X350/X358 generation (2003-2009), the 2006-2009 model years with the naturally-aspirated 4.2L V8 are recommended to avoid early issues present in 2004-2005 models. The Super V8 (SV8) trim is highlighted as a particularly good example.
Known issues
- ⚠Cooling system failures: plastic pipes, thermostat housings, water pumps, and crossover pipes become brittle and leak, requiring comprehensive replacement. Frequency: very frequent (across multiple generations).
- ⚠Electrical and infotainment problems: from blue-screen failures requiring a full reboot in older models to pervasive electronic component failures (instrument clusters, battery drains) in newer ones. Frequency: very frequent.
- ⚠Aging interior materials: door handle cables breaking, adhesive failing on trim, leather and wood deteriorating, especially in high-mileage examples. Frequency: recurrent.
LS
Overall
The sentiment is overwhelmingly positive, characterized by deep owner loyalty and satisfaction with the vehicle's core mission of providing unparalleled long-term comfort, refinement, and reliability. The LS is consistently described as a benchmark for a "decade-plus" ownership experience with minimal drama, offering a sense of solidity, quietness, and effortless power that makes other vehicles feel "a bit cheap by comparison." While there is strong consensus on its supreme comfort and build quality, nuanced criticisms exist regarding specific model years and components. The LS460 (2007-2017) is praised for its bulletproof V8 but noted for expensive wear items like control arms and air suspension.
Best version to buy
For the LS460 generation, later model years (e.g., 2017) are implied to be more refined and reliable than early first-year models (e.g., 2007), which are described as "Toyota's bastard child for reliability." For the current LS500 generation, the LS500h AWD with the "Teammate" advanced driver-assist system is mentioned as a highly capable but rare and expensive configuration. There is no single trim consensus, but the underlying recommendation is to seek well-maintained examples with full service histories, regardless of specific year or trim.
Known issues
- ⚠**LS460 Generation:** * Control arm and suspension bushing wear: Requires replacement far too often, as frequently as every 60k miles, with costs exceeding $2,000. Frequency: very frequent.
- ⚠**LS500 Generation:** * Early powertrain reliability: The 2018 LS500's new twin-turbo V6 had "early teething issues" compared to the previous V8. A manufacturer recall for engine debris affecting some 2022-2023 models is mentioned.
- ⚠**General (All Generations):** * Excessive weight and handling: The car is described as incredibly heavy, with tires and wheel wells too small for its mass, leading to compromised cornering and braking feel. Frequency: recurrent.
The verdict
The Lexus LS is the better choice for most buyers.
It has stronger reliability sentiment in owner reports than the Jaguar XJ, based on the data above. If the specific known issues on the Lexus LS are a dealbreaker, the Jaguar XJ is worth a closer look instead.
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Frequently asked questions
Which is more reliable, the Jaguar XJ or the Lexus LS?
Owner reports lean more positive on reliability for the Lexus LS than the Jaguar XJ. See the known issues comparison above for the specific concerns owners report on each.
Which is better for families, the Jaguar XJ or the Lexus LS?
Data on family-specific factors like cargo space is limited for one or both models, but based on available reports, both are positioned as practical daily drivers. Check the specs table above for seating and body type.
Which has better fuel economy, the Jaguar XJ or the Lexus LS?
The Lexus LS is more fuel-efficient on paper: 8.6 L/100km combined versus 11.1 L/100km for the Jaguar XJ, based on the best-equipped catalogued version of each.
Which is cheaper to maintain, the Jaguar XJ or the Lexus LS?
Exact maintenance costs aren't in our data, but owner reports mention cost-related concerns more often for the Jaguar XJ than the Lexus LS. See the known issues comparison above.