Used 2022 Jaguar F-TYPE

The 2022 Jaguar F-Type is a true sports car, embracing modern technology, yet still with big thrills, high style, and a nod to heritage. It’s fast, thanks to supercharged V8 engines in every variant. It handles, courtesy of a standard adaptive suspension and excellent basic chassis tuning by talented engineers.

The cabin has a digital driver information display, safety features include automatic emergency braking, and the stereo system comes from a well-respected British manufacturer. This is all wrapped in a package that says classic 2-seater sports car, with a long hood, low-slung roof, short tail, and an indefinable something.

There might even be a danger that the Jaguar F-Type could be underestimated as a driver’s machine because it’s so arguably good-looking. But it’s the real deal.

The F-Type comes as a coupe or convertible. This latter version has a power-operated fabric roof, as opposed to a folding hardtop. That’s not so good from a security standpoint, but it means less weight and — since this is a sports car — a touch more romance.

How fast is the Jaguar F-Type? The new P450 drivetrain can dash from standstill to 60 mph in just 4.4 seconds. The F-Type R completes the same sprint in 3.5 seconds.

Both times are breathtaking, especially when there’s a sonorous V8 soundtrack happening at the same time. And starting this year, every new F-Type has a V8 engine. An adaptive suspension is also standard, bringing the ability to move between road-trip comfort and track-worthy precision.

Electrically assisted steering has been great in many ways, allowing vehicles to offer more active safety features. But most driving enthusiasts will complain about a general lack of feel, no tactile sense coming up to the hands that give the driver an idea of how much grip the front tires have and how the front end reacts to changes of direction.

Jaguar’s system is different. In the F-Type, the steering has the right weight and plenty of feedback. Just because Jaguar is a luxury marque, don’t assume it can’t make a world-class sports car. We’ve driven the F-Type on tracks and public roads, and enjoyed every mile.

It doesn’t feel quite right to criticize a sports car for having a small cabin. After all, that’s part of the formula. But bigger-than-average types may find they’ll fit better in a Porsche or a Corvette.

Part of the issue is a wide center console. But the overall effect is that the F-Type cocoons its occupants, as opposed to merely accommodating them. Although the interior design doesn’t quite match the exterior, the materials are of suitably high quality.

The digital driver display is standard throughout and has various modes, including navigation details and maps. Underlining the F-Type’s sporting character, though, is the default setting, a large rev counter in the center of the display.

Jaguar has updated the infotainment systems in many of its vehicles, but not the F-Type. This is a shame because this one has often been criticized for its slow responses. Oh well, who needs music when the V8 sounds so good?

The coupe’s luggage area measures 14.4 cubic feet, enough for a couple of sets of golf clubs or weekend bags for two. The convertible’s trunk is 7.3 cubic feet.

There isn’t a bad angle. Stand (or hover) anywhere in relation to a Jaguar F-Type, and chances are most people will agree that all the lines and proportions are in harmony. This didn’t happen by accident or luck.

It happened because the F-Type had designers who knew what Jaguar has always been about — curves, power, and poise. After a mild revamp last year, the Jag retained all the best qualities and tweaked the LED headlights, then added a Leaping Cat emblem to the side vents.

All versions have 20-inch alloy wheels. The F-Type offers a choice of wheel designs, with red or black brake calipers just behind them.

Some exterior paint choices can cost as much as $4,550. Or the special Icy White is a cool $9,200.

STYLING
If there’s a smattering of classic Aston Martin about the F-Type’s looks, there is a connection. Ian Callum was Jaguar’s head of design when the F-Type was created. Before that, he designed (among other cars) the DB7 and the Vanquish for Aston Martin.

ACTIVE EXHAUST SYSTEMS
Every 2022 F-Type has a quad exhaust system. It can be subdued going through town and neighbor-friendly when starting the car in the mornings. Or it can be gloriously vocal when the time is right. Just press a button in the center console. The engine management system also squirts a little extra gasoline into the cylinders to make spine-tingling pops and crackles on the over-run.

Starting with the new P450 coupe, the 2022 F-Type has 20-inch alloy wheels, rain-sensing wipers, heated side mirrors, adaptive suspension, 6-way power-adjustable seats, leather/simulated suede upholstery, single-zone automatic climate control, self-dimming rearview mirror, and a 12.3-inch configurable digital driver information display.

A 10.1-inch touchscreen controls an infotainment system that brings navigation, Wi-Fi, satellite radio, USB port, and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto smartphone integration, and a 10-speaker/380-watt Meridian sound system.

A powerful rear-drive car in slippery conditions could be troublesome, but the F-Type has a rain/snow/ice setting among its selectable driving modes. Other safety features include automatic emergency braking, front/rear parking sensors, and lane-keeping assistance.

R-Dynamic versions of the P450 bring all-wheel drive as standard, 12-way power-adjustable seats with memory settings, power-adjustable steering column with memory, and self-dimming mirrors.

The 2022 F-Type R has the 575-horsepower V8 and all-wheel drive as standard, then adds keyless entry/ignition, full leather upholstery, and a powered trunk lid.

Naturally, the convertible models have a folding fabric roof and rollover protection. It’s slightly annoying that buyers have to pay extra for a wind deflector, though.

On top of the exterior and interior color schemes, buyers may also choose full leather upholstery (where it’s not standard), heated/ventilated/12-way power-adjustable seats, a 12-speaker/770-watt Meridian surround-sound system, blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, dual-zone automatic climate control, and a heated steering wheel. Coupe versions are also eligible for a fixed panoramic roof.

The entire Jaguar F-Type lineup is now V8-powered. The new F-Type P450 model comes with a supercharged 5.0-liter V8 generating 444 horsepower and 428 lb-ft of torque. An 8-speed automatic transmission sends output to the rear wheels (RWD) in standard form, or to an optional all-wheel-drive (AWD) system.

Another supercharged 5.0-liter V8 is in the F-Type R, developing an awesome 575 horsepower and 516 lb-ft of torque. It has the same transmission, but comes with all-wheel drive as standard.

The EPA figures below apply to both the coupe and convertible body styles. Premium gasoline is recommended.

5.0-liter supercharged V8 (P450)
444 horsepower @ 6,000
428 lb-ft of torque @ 2,500-5,000 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 17 mpg/24 mpg

5.0-liter supercharged V8 (R)
575 horsepower @ 6,500 rpm
516 lb-ft of torque @ 3,500-5,500 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 16 mpg/24 mpg