The Jaguar F-Type is a 2-seat, 2-door sports car that comes in hatchback and convertible form. Direct competitors include the Chevrolet Corvette, Nissan GT-R and Porsche 718. However, at the top end, the F-Type competes with the Acura NSX, Audi R8, Mercedes-Benz SL and Porsche 911. First introduced in 2014, the F-Type goes V8 only and gets a lower base price for 2022.
Trims include P450, P450 R-Dynamic and R. P450 and P40 R-Dynamic are powered by a supercharged 5.0-liter V8 that makes 444 horsepower and 428 lb-ft of torque. R models get a re-tuned version of that engine making 575 horsepower and 516 lb-ft of torque. An 8-speed automatic transmission and active exhaust system with a Quiet Start mode are standard across the board. The P450 offers rear- or all-wheel drive, while the other two trims come only with AWD.
Standard safety features automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, parking sensors, and a driver-attention monitor. Also standard across the board are 20-inch wheels, adaptive suspension, LED headlight and tail lights, leather and simulated suede seating surfaces, digital instrumentation, and navigation system. R-Dynamic adds gloss-black exterior trim and 12-way power-adjustable seats. R brings styling tweaks, quad-exhaust outlets, red brake calipers, power liftgate, keyless entry and performance seats. Prices start at $71,000 and climb to more than $100,000.
Going V8 only is a prelude to Jaguar going all electric in 2025. Sort of a swan song for Jaguar's core sports car. Regardless of trim, the fire-breathing 5.0-liter V8 provides ample acceleration including being able to push the R from 0-60 mph in a scant 3.5 seconds. Additionally, the engine proves to be supremely tractable in routine driving, which makes the car more palatable away from the race track. The all-wheel drive system, a rarity in this segment, also helps deliver the power seamlessly to the ground. The exhaust note, ranging from demure to hellacious, can be controlled by a cockpit toggle.
EPA estimates for the F-Type are 17 mpg (16 mpg w/AWD) city and 24 mpg highway. Premium-grade fuel is required. Driven like a regular car in typical suburban commuting, the F-Type car return about 18 mpg overall, perhaps 20 mpg if you mix in some gentle highway cruising. Driven like you stole it? Expect mid-teens at best.
F-Type is a large and fairly heavy sports car, meaning it's not quite a nimble as a Porsche 718. Still, it quickly shrinks around the driver and direct steering, tractable throttle and progressive brakes make it a stellar performer. Ride quality is never harsh, though more so on the R. Either way, the F-Type is simply glued to the road. Interior noise levels are acceptable on all models except for the aforementioned R where track-minded tires kick up a ruckus.
Since its introduction in 2014, Jaguar has consistently refined the F-Type's interior, upgrading materials and simplifying the control layout. In updating the F-Type for 2022, Jaguar has crafted an interior that's elegant, refined and functional. Drivers face a configurable digital instrument cluster with twin binnacles housing vehicle and engine speed that flank a programmable cluster. The center-console screen is lags behind those in some rivals but is more than functional. Climate controls are simple dials. Buttons and toggles abound and take considerable familiarization.
Front seats are confining -- as they should be. Head and leg room are quite good, perhaps the best in the class. Still, the footbox is tight. Materials are beyond reproach and assembly quality is as expected. One problem that surfaces are seatbacks that squeak and rub against the back of the interior. This is a common malady of nearly all two seaters and is easily rectified with the installation of a few felt pads. Convertibles have a one-touch power-operated top with glass rear window.
Cargo space on convertible models is at a premium with barely enough room for a Sunday golf bag. Hatchback models have more space, but it's still not an F-Type strength. Interior storage is minimal.
Bottom Line -- The Jaguar F-Type is a fantastic sports car and it is a shame it is being phased out. The V8-only lineup makes sense given the reduction in build complexity and resultant reduction in base price. F-Complaints are few -- once you get past the typical 2-seater, sports car stuff. While competitors are few, the F-Type makes a compelling argument for your premium sports car dollars.
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