Used 2019 Jaguar F-TYPE 380 HP Coupe Review

Loud, raucous and not exceptionally practical, the Jaguar F-Type remains one of our favorite sports-car indulgences. Its gorgeous shape and proportions are among the best on the road and belie the precise, aggressive tendencies lurking under the hood and sheet metal. But that doesn't mean the 2019 F-Type isn't a pragmatic choice. Indeed, with four-, six- and eight-cylinder engine choices, there's an F-Type for all driving styles.

The F-Type's range extends to its multiple configurations. It's available as a convertible or a coupe, with rear- or all-wheel drive, and offers both manual and paddle-shifted automatic transmissions. You can get it in one of 24 combinations, in fact, which befits the kind of tailored class of cars to which it belongs.

For 2019, the F-Type's infotainment system — significantly upgraded last year — is further refined with a 10-inch touchscreen and improved graphics. Also, some driver aids now come standard on all trim levels and include automatic emergency braking, lane keeping assist, traffic sign recognition, and a drowsy-driver alert system.

Drivers who seek maximum exhilaration need only consider the two 500-plus-horsepower V8 trims, which are brash, loud and blistering fast. On the other end of the spectrum is the 296-hp four-cylinder trim, which balances performance and fuel efficiency with the Jag's incomparable style. The V6, available in 340-hp and 380-hp versions, is our pick since it represents the best balance of the F-Type's charms.

While the F-Type isn't exactly cheap, it's still a relative bargain compared to some of its German and Japanese rivals.

What's it's like to live with?

For more information on the Jaguar F-Type of this generation, read about our experiences from a full year of living with our long-term 2015 Jaguar F-Type R. We had some mixed reactions to seat comfort, but we almost unanimously loved this F-Type for its brash engine and exhaust notes. The 2019 F-Type R has a newer infotainment system and more safety features and is only offered with all-wheel drive. Our 2015 long-term test was conducted with the rear-wheel-drive model that was discontinued. In terms of overall spirit, though, they're the same.

The 2019 Jaguar F-Type is a two-seat luxury sports car available as a coupe or convertible. It comes in P300, P340, P380, R-Dynamic, R and SVR trim levels with subvariations in between. The 300-named models can be optioned up handsomely, but power hounds will want the preternatural V8 performance of the R and SVR trims.

The F-Type P300 starts with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine (296 horsepower, 295 pound-feet of torque) paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and rear-wheel drive. This is the only configuration available with the four-cylinder.

Features include 18-inch alloy wheels, an active sport exhaust, LED headlights and taillights, rain-sensing wipers, power-folding heated side mirrors and rear parking sensors. Inside, you'll find push-button ignition, cruise control, leather and microsuede upholstery, power-adjustable seats with memory settings, a power-adjustable and leather-wrapped steering wheel (with attached paddle shifters for automatic transmission models), rear parking sensors and a rearview camera.

Tech features include Bluetooth and USB connections, a 10-inch touchscreen navigation system with real-time traffic and routing, and a Meridian sound system with satellite radio, along with driver safety aids that include automatic emergency braking and lane keeping assist.

Opting for the P340 boosts engine power to 340 hp (332 lb-ft of torque) via a supercharged 3.0-liter V6 engine (340 hp, 332 lb-ft of torque) paired to a choice of six-speed manual or an eight-speed automatic transmission.

The P380 offers a higher-output engine (380 hp, 339 lb-ft), optional all-wheel drive, 19-inch wheels, an adaptive suspension, a limited-slip differential and upgraded brakes.

A step up from that is the P380 R-Dynamic, which adds a driver-selectable active exhaust — which opens up the exhaust flow for more dramatic sound and effect — and various gloss black exterior trim pieces.

The R trim is a significant leap upward, substituting a 5.0-liter supercharged V8 engine (550 hp, 502 lb-ft) paired to the eight-speed automatic and all-wheel drive. Features include 20-inch wheels, upgraded brakes, gloss black exterior trim, auto-dimming side mirrors, keyless entry, leather sport seats, and leather-wrapped panels, console and steering wheel.

The top-trim SVR uses a higher-output V8 (575 hp, 516 lb-ft) and adds a carbon-fiber rear spoiler, upgraded interior trim, a heated leather-wrapped steering wheel, and front parking sensors.

The options list is long, but highlights include the carbon-ceramic brakes, heated and ventilated seats, upgraded leather upholstery, a Meridian surround-sound audio system, and additional driver assistance features such as blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert. A carbon-fiber roof or a fixed panoramic sunroof and a power liftgate are available for all coupe models.