2022 Jaguar F-Type

The Jaguar F-Type is a sporty coupe or convertible with V-8 power and a choice between rear- or all-wheel drive.

This year, Jaguar slices the lineup to focus only on the 5.0-liter V-8-powered versions, both of which benefit from superchargers. With between 444 and 575 horsepower underhood, the F-Type is downright quick in both P450 and R-Type forms. Its power is aided by a quick-shifting 8-speed automatic transmission.

Last year’s turbo-4 and supercharged V-6 are gone and probably not missed since these cars have long been best appreciated with eight cylinders under their very long hoods.

The F-Type prioritizes performance over fuel economy, so don’t be surprised at 17 mpg city, 24 highway, 19 combined with rear-wheel drive or just 18 mpg combined with winter-ready all-wheel drive. Premium fuel is required.

Safety-wise, automatic emergency braking, parking sensors, and active lane control all come as standard fare. Blind-spot monitors are optional. The F-Type has not been crash tested by either the NHTSA or the IIHS.

Model Lineup

Pick your flavor: hardtop or droptop, rear- or all-wheel drive, and 444 or 575 hp.

The lineup starts around $72,000, which buys a coupe with 20-inch wheels, LED headlights, leather upholstery, 6-way power-adjustable seats, a power-adjustable steering column, a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster, a 10.0-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The convertible runs around $3,000 more, while all-wheel drive adds around $9,000, though that also includes more power adjustment for the seats and aluminum interior trim.

Jaguar offers a bevy of options, ranging from special paint colors to a panoramic glass roof (coupes only), a power liftgate, sueded and cooled front seats, and upgraded audio. The automaker will even black-out most exterior brightwork.

The F-Type R tops $104,000 before options.

On all, a 5-year/60,000-mile warranty with free scheduled service adds appeal.

Exterior

Low-slung and sinewy, these two-doors have a feline look starting with their narrow headlights and continuing to their broad rear haunches. If a car can look ready to pounce, this one does it.

Convertibles are just as pretty top up or down, albeit with endless head room. The F-Type R has sportier touches but is still a buttoned-up Brit without too many needless tack-ons.

It feels almost criminal to paint one in any hue other than British Racing Green, but Jaguar’s unusually broad lineup of hues invites serious consideration.

Interior

The F-Type’s cabin is oriented toward the driver with big screens but not many knobs and buttons, though it’s not quite as touchscreen-intensive as some cars. Its lines are simple and forceful, with no hints of retro. Don’t look for glossy wood trim here.

The standard seats are comfortable enough, while 12-way-adjustable extra-bolstered thrones are available. Leather can be paired with or without a suede-like surface, too.
Coupes offer a decent 14.4 cubic feet of stuff storage and convertibles a little more than half that.

On all, look for gorgeous trim and materials in line with prices.

Driving Impressions

With this year’s refocusing on just top V-8 models, the F-Type is sportier than ever.

They’re both supercharged V-8s displacing 5.0 liters and sending power rearward via an automatic gearbox with paddle shifters that we’ve described as near-telepathic. Base cars offer up a solid 444 hp, which scoots them to 60 mph in as little as 4.4 seconds.

The F-Type R ups the boost to a staggering 575 hp, good for about a second off of that 0-60 run. Its active exhaust opens up at speed for an especially ferocious roar, too.

A good sports car needs to handle well, and the F-Type is a winner in that regard. These are bona fide track cars when pushed, though their adaptive dampers make them comfortable enough for easy – and thrilling – commuting.

Optional all-wheel drive adds grip without detracting from this lineup’s impressive balance. Just slap on some winter tires and you’re good for four-season motoring, too.

Final Word

The Jaguar F-Type is a modern evolution of the classic sports car with stunning acceleration and handling to match. The only question is just how much power you want to unleash.

—by Andrew Ganz, with driving impressions from The Car Connection