The Jaguar F-Type is a looker, and you get a lot of power for your money. Still, we think Jaguar missed the mark with this model updated for 2021. The car has lost some of the raucous character we fell in love with a few years back, and the car's infotainment system is still behind the times.
Christian Wardlaw has worked in the automotive industry since 1994. He has written nearly 10,000 car-related articles and tested and reviewed more than 2,000 vehicles over the course of his career. Chris is a correspondent at Edmunds and was the first editor-in-chief of Edmunds.com in the 1990s. He has also contributed to Autotrader, CarGurus, J.D. Power, Kelley Blue Book, NADAguides, New York Daily News Autos and WardsAuto. His mom claims that his first word was “car,” and Chris believes that Miata is always the answer.
Reese Counts has worked in the automotive industry since he started as an intern at Edmunds in 2015. He has written or edited thousands of car-related articles and tested and reviewed hundreds of vehicles over the course of his career. Reese is a vehicle test editor at Edmunds and has also contributed to Autoblog. Reese has also been featured on Yahoo! Finance, Engadget and AOL reviewing cars and covering automotive technology, auto shows and more. Reese learned to drive in his father's C4 Chevrolet Corvette and now owns his grandfather's 1999 Mercedes-Benz C43 AMG. A love for cars runs deep in his family.
Pros
Standard supercharged V8 offers thrilling performance
Seductive styling in coupe and convertible body styles
Upscale interior materials
Coupe offers nearly as much cargo space as some midsize sedans
Cons
Infotainment interface is buggy and hard to use
Overly stiff ride
Lots of road and tire noise on rough pavement
Steering is heavy and doesn't provide enough feel
What's new
Minor changes to equipment availability
Part of the first F-Type generation introduced for 2014
Overview
Decades ago, Jaguar was known for its slinky sports cars and ornate executive sedans. Today, as Jaguar prepares for an electrified future and ever more SUVs, the last remaining connection to the brand's storied past is the 2023 F-Type. It is a two-seat sports car with a fixed or convertible roof, and it exhibits the long-hood, short-deck, rear-wheel-drive proportions made legendary by the Jaguar XK and E-Type.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2023 Jaguar F-TYPE P450 2dr Coupe (5.0L 8cyl S/C 8A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $4.40 per gallon for premium unleaded in New Jersey.
Jaguar introduced the F-Type for the 2014 model year and gave it a substantial refresh for 2021. Last year, the car's supercharged V8 became standard as Jaguar doubled down on performance to shore up waning consumer interest. This year, Jaguar makes minor changes to equipment availability but otherwise carries the F-Type over for 2023.
Driving a Jaguar F-Type in a straight line is an unmitigated thrill, but the car's age is increasingly apparent, and its mechanical components can produce a discordant symphony when the road ahead contains curves and imperfect pavement. A stiff ride and noisy interior make long-distance travel less appealing, a shame given the F-Type coupe's accommodating cargo space.
Still, there's no denying that the F-Type is a looker, and it's one of the few luxury sports cars you can buy. If you're in the market and want an old-school driving experience, be sure to read our full Expert Rating for more details.
What's it like to live with?
For the fun of it (why else?), we put nearly 20,000 miles on a 2019 Jaguar F-Type SVR. Though Jaguar has made changes to the F-Type since then, including an upgrade to the previously maddening and now simply frustrating infotainment system, what we experienced in the 2019 F-Type is largely applicable to the latest models. Check out our long-term road test of the F-Type for all the details.
Edmunds Expert Rating
Our VerdictThe Edmunds Vehicle Testing Team evaluates a fresh batch of vehicles every week, pairing objective assessments at our test track with real-world driving on city streets, freeways and winding roads. The data we gather results in our Expert Ratings. They’re based on 30-plus scores that cover every aspect of the automotive experience.
Average
7.4
out of 10
edmunds TESTED
The Jaguar F-Type is a looker, and you get a lot of power for your money. Still, we think Jaguar missed the mark with this model updated for 2021. The car has lost some of the raucous character we fell in love with a few years back, and the car's infotainment system is still behind the times.
How does the F-TYPE drive? Some cars are more than the sum of their parts, but the refreshed Jaguar F-Type isn't one of them. On paper, the F-Type R, which is what we tested, seems great. But somehow it falls apart when pushed. The F-Type gets upset by midcorner bumps and corners less flat than we expect from a car in this class. Despite the all-wheel-drive system, it's hard to figure out just when to get on the gas when powering out of a corner. It's capable, but it feels disconnected from the road.
Raw acceleration is decent. At Edmunds' test track, our F-Type R ripped from 0 to 60 mph in 3.6 seconds. That's undeniably quick but a bit off the pace of rival luxury sports cars. The F-Type R features all-wheel drive, so there's no issue putting the power down.
The story isn't so bad when driving around town. Despite offering a comical amount of power, the F-Type is relatively smooth and easy to drive. The transmission shifts quickly, and the engine stop-start system works unobtrusively. Our biggest complaint: the brakes. The pedal is a bit uneven, making coming to a smooth stop a bit difficult until you spend some time behind the wheel.
Comfort
7.0/10
How comfortable is the F-TYPE? The F-Type R is fitted with sport seats that, while thin on padding, offer a good bit of adjustment and decent support for your back, thighs and lumbar area. There's good lateral support, a boon for spirited driving, but not so much that the seats feel restricting. The seat ventilation feature works well and keeps the thin seats from feeling swampy in hot weather.
On the downside, the F-Type's ride quality is just too stiff, even in its softest comfort setting. It never seems to relax, even when you're cruising on relatively smooth pavement. There's significant road noise too. Plus, the noise we used to like — the crackles and pops from the V8's exhaust — has been largely banished. Boo.
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How’s the interior? The F-Type's interior is average for the class. There's enough room in the F-Type for most drivers not to feel cramped. There's a decent range of adjustment for both the seats and the steering wheel, so it's fairly easy to find a good driving position. That said, taller drivers might find the seat won't go low enough.
Most of the controls are well placed, with dedicated knobs and buttons for the climate control system. Jaguar's infotainment system is fine, but it's nothing exceptional and it's far off the class leaders. The menus are mostly logical, but we found some of the radio adjustments a bit frustrating. Visibility is hampered by the F-Type's sleek lines. The windshield is fairly large, but the back glass is narrow and blocked by the active spoiler at highway speeds.
Technology
7.0/10
How’s the tech? The infotainment system in the F-Type is decent enough. In fact, some of our past frustrations with lag and connection failures have disappeared. The system is a snap to use and rarely laggy. Android Auto and Apple CarPlay are both standard, and while we've had problems with Android's phone mirroring tech in the past, CarPlay worked without a hitch every time we hooked it up.
The Meridian sound system does leave something to be desired, however. It gets loud enough to be easily heard with the top down, but it doesn't deliver deep bass and gets grainy as you crank the volume higher. Highlights of the Jag's tech are the standard lane keeping assist and blind-spot monitoring, something that comes in handy frequently in such a low-slung coupe with bus-sized blind spots.
Storage
7.0/10
How’s the storage? The F-Type's cargo area is one of the largest in the class and opens up even further with the cargo cover removed. It's not particularly tall, but it's wide and deep enough to fit some carry-on luggage or a decent number of grocery bags.
Storage up front isn't quite as good. The door pockets are small, as are the glovebox and center console. There's no good place to put your phone, and a small storage net between the seats isn't good for much more than a pair of sunglasses. The two cupholders are shallow but easy to reach.
Fuel Economy
8.0/10
How’s the fuel economy? The V8-powered Jaguar F-Type R gets an EPA-estimated 18 mpg combined (16 city/24 highway). On our 115-mile mixed-driving evaluation route, we managed a respectable 20.3 mpg given this V8's prodigious power. The V6-powered F-Type gets even better fuel economy, at 22 mpg combined (19 city/27 highway).
Value
8.0/10
Is the F-TYPE a good value? We were pretty pleased with the F-Type's build quality and fit and finish. The interior design, despite being a few years old, holds up well. Most of the major touchpoints feel nice. There were no paint issues, squeaks or rattles on our test car. It's not quite on the level of the Porsche 911, but you definitely see where the money has gone.
It's a relatively decent value too. The F-Type includes lots of standard equipment, and options go for less than what other automakers command on their luxury sports cars. One of the biggest benefits is the F-Type's warranty and ownership experience. The five-year/60,000-mile basic and powertrain warranties are well above average. Additionally, Jaguar offers five years/60,000 miles of roadside assistance and scheduled maintenance. No one else comes close to matching the latter.
Wildcard
8.0/10
When the F-Type debuted in 2014, it was one of the loudest and most stylish cars on the road. The whine and burble from the supercharged V8 were aural delights, but this refreshed model seems to have lost all its character. The exhaust note just isn't as sweet. And while the V8 provides plenty of sauce for powering away from traffic lights, the F-Type otherwise isn't as sharp or engaging as we expect it to be.
Still, it's a handsome car that looks special and gets attention in parking lots and on the street. The revised front and rear styling keeps the F-Type looking fresh without straying too far away from the basic form.
Which F-TYPE does Edmunds recommend?
We recommend the standard P450 model. It doesn't make as much power as the mighty F-Type R, but it's still mighty quick and leaves you with extra cash to tailor the car's appearance, materials and comfort to your preferences. Whether you want all-wheel drive or a convertible top is up to you.
Jaguar F-TYPE models
Three versions of the 2023 Jaguar F-Type are available: P450, P450 R-Dynamic and R. Each comes in a two-door coupe or two-door convertible body style with two seats, a supercharged 5.0-liter V8 engine and an eight-speed automatic transmission. The P450 has rear-wheel drive and offers all-wheel drive as an option, while the P450 R-Dynamic and the R use AWD. The R also makes substantially more power than the P450 models. Feature highlights include:
I've only had the car for a month. So my review will be limited to initial impressions. Looks. The car is stunning. I've never had a car that people stop and take pictures of when it's parked. And I've owned some VERY nice sports cars. Sound. The car sounds incredible, especially in dynamic mode with the exhaust in loud. i've always thought Porsche flat-6s sounded the best, but the Jag … is darn close. Handling. I'm still getting used to the car, haven't really played around with it with the stability control off. But it has minimal body roll, and very linear (if touchy in dynamic mode) throttle response. It throttle steers well in corners. Power is adequate. Book says 0-60 in a smidge under 5 seconds, and that feels about right. Yes, a new base boxster will about match it for less (I test drove one), but who wants to listen to a Subaru soundtrack. Turn in isn't as quick as my old Boxster, no surprise, but it isn't bad. As good or better than a Z4M Coupe. Braking is nothing short of incredible. I have the performance braking package, and while a bit touchy, stops are extremely short and consistent. Jaguar obviously uses a very soft "track" pad, as even a short drive will coat the wheels with brake dust. Which I'm sure means shorter replacement intervals. Ride. Actually not too bad. My car has the 20" Carbon Fiber wheels (they are really aluminum with some attached CF accent pieces), but it still rides tolerably, I commute 110 miles to a client site twice a month, and the trip is easy and comfortable. (Bear in mind I've owned sports cars my entire life, so my opinion of "comfortable" and yours might differ:)). Visibility. OK, here I need to deduct points. The door sills are high, so it is difficult to see curbs when turning and parking (I leave plenty of room) and resting you arm on the door sill leaves it at an odd angle. The nose is long, and I would HIGHLY recommend the package with the parking assist. I don't need the backup camera as much, but the front sensors for pulling forward are a godsend. Overall visibility really isn't that bad (better than a new corvette in my pinion). Just the price you pay for form over function. Storage space. a glove compartment, arm rest compartment, and open cubby are what you get up front. Generally all I need, but the rear compartment is rather small, there is a little area that is deeper, but you really are going to have issues with more than a few soft suitcases. Technology. Oodles. As expected, it has pretty much everything you could want. An awesome sound system, loads of customization for car systems, very good blue tooth integration, you can adjust the side bolsters in the seats (Ok, not really tech, but it is very cool), etc. The navigation system is not very intuitive though. Read the manual before you jump in and try to program in a destination. You're welcome. Reliability. No problems to date. There is an annoying buzz/rattle in the right rear, which might just be the cover for the storage area, I haven't located it yet. But other than that, nothing of note. Anyway, I'd highly recommend the F-Type. Yes, you can buy cars that perform better for less. But unless you're tracking the car (and driving for track times) you'll never notice the few tenths of a second here and there. You get a stunning car, that sounds incredible, and is a blast to drive. And you won't constantly pass yourself, as you will if you buy a Porsche, Corvette, etc.
Update to prior review: My F-Type was involved in, what I consider, a minor rear-ending. It took a less-than 30 MPH bunt to the dead center of the rear bumper. The bumper wound up with a visible crease down the middle, and the trunk lid, being made mainly of fiberglass, essentially crumbled. Original estimate for repair was around $6K USD. However, the dealer-authorized repair … facility was concerned the price for repair could go higher, because "...it's a convertible..." They wanted to have their special team remove most of the rear hardware and "bench" the car on a device that, apparently rare in the U.S., will indicate if the car had suffered a structural loss. According to the F-Type experts (and, I'm not being facetious or critical of them), the car, because it was a convertible, "bucked" on impact, essentially destroying the car. Price tag to repair "if possible" was not pushing $40K USD. My insurance adjuster's discussion with me included parts of the conversation with the repair facility, including, but not limited to, "...parts are not possible to get...," and, "...structurally, it's a total loss." Apparently, the convertible is something of a weakling on impact. So, when I rec'v the settlement check, I'm going to research available F-Type coupes from model year 2017, then acquire one. My previous opinions of the car haven't changed. It's gorgeous, a blast to drive and better than therapy. Just not getting another dangerous convertible. FYI - It had just crossed 6,000 miles on the odometer. Makes you want to cry...
Be ready for a LOT of attention from on-lookers! Not always welcome, though (LOL!)... As another reviewer has conveyed, we've had people: walk up to the car and pose with it; hang out windows of moving vehicles "cat calling" and waving frantically; try to goad us into impromptu races; drive around us, taking moving pictures; etc. The car is super sexy, accelerates like a rocket, handles like a dream, stops on a dime, and has the Voice of God!! Other car buffs have actually asked us to start the engine just so they can hear what they've read about. And, let's face it, Ain't nothin' like a Racing Red, top-down Jag on a beautiful day!! Get one and you can fire your therapist!!!!
It has a very small trunk. If you want to drive yourself and two others, don't get this car. It accelerates like a supercar and gets the same type of MPGs (low). It is a blast to drive, even if to the grocery store - remember small trunk means not a lot of groceries. Otherwise, I bought in September from a dealer that was closed most of the month due top hurricanes, so I got the best … deal of my life. I have to watch it like a hawk, because my wife want to drive it and more than once she got out of the house before I did and it was gone, gone, gone. Its just that much fun to drive and the styling is the best Jaguar has done since the E-Type. So far, everything works, no problems with reliability. Not really impressed with the 9 speaker audio system, it kind of rattles, but who cares, turn on the by-pass for the mufflers and music is made the natural way - with a big powerful supercharged V-8.
A dream car - with a stick no less!
5 out of 5 stars
NY F-Type Lover, 06/24/2017
2017 Jaguar F-TYPE Premium 2dr Coupe (3.0L 6cyl S/C 6M)
Best review I can think of: Driving the other day and this 20 something year old in a Nissan Altima is taking pictures of my car. He is racing ahead, then holding back, then right next to me. At a traffic light, he pulls up next to me and rolls down his window. He apologizes for making an idiot of himself with the photos, but just wants me to know that when he gets home, he is posting … the pictures of my car on his Facebook site with the intended caption stating that 'this is my dream car". That is what it is like to drive a Jaguar F-Type. Oh, and did I mention it has a manual transmission? The color, the wheels, the styling, the butterly smooth action and positive engagement of the clutch and stick...I could go on and on...
Two years and 17,500 miles later, my opinion on this car has not changed one bit. I am still head over heals in love with it. I am however, sorry to report that Jaguar has eliminated the manual transmission option for 2020. Oh well, looks like I will be purchasing my leased car next year. If you can find one, buy one!
December - 2019: I have 23,000 miles on the car and have extended my lease. The original (summer type performance) tires lasted 20,500 miles and were recently replaced with a set of Continental Extreme Contact DWS06 tires which are giving me a much more comfortable ride, and much help with a recent 1" snow fall accumulation. Gas mileage is still stellar at 25mpg. I am proud to report that besides (no-charge) factory service, there have been absolutely no issues with this vehicle. Not one single problem - no warranty claims what-so-ever. Still love it as much as the day I drove it home.
We have a limited number of reviews for the 2023 Jaguar F-TYPE, so we've included reviews for other years of the F-TYPE since its last redesign.
Though it's unavailable with a coupe body style or with all-wheel drive, the BMW Z4 roadster offers rousing performance, especially in M40i specification. Better yet, even when equipped with the more powerful of its two engines, the Z4 costs substantially less than the F-Type, and it offers more agreeable and user-friendly tech. However, the BMW cannot match the Jaguar's sheer aesthetic appeal, performance or practicality (in coupe form).
In some ways, the Jaguar F-Type is what the Chevrolet Corvette used to be: a slightly bonkers front-engine, rear-wheel-drive sports car with rough edges here and there. New Corvettes are something else entirely, with a midship-mounted V8 engine, a supercar shape, an uncommon level of refinement, and superior overall performance. But if you miss the old Corvettes, the Jaguar F-Type might be of special interest to you. Find out what it's like to live with the latest Corvette by reading our long-term road test of the car.
Owning a Porsche is a holy grail for some people, and there is a good reason for that. The 718 Cayman coupe and its 718 Boxster convertible sibling are brilliant sports cars, but you'll pay a premium for their precision engineering and the cachet that comes with Porsche ownership. Comparatively, the Jaguar F-Type is a bargain, supplying substantially more standard power and undeniably seductive styling at about the same price.
The Jaguar F-Type is a two-seat sport coupe or convertible that is the spiritual successor to the iconic E-Type that defined the class in the 1960s. As the F-Type enters its ninth year of production, its age is showing, but a steady stream of updates over the years has kept it relevant. With Jaguar's plan to go all-electric in 2025, however, it seems that the F-Type's days may be numbered.
Last year's downsizing of the F-Type lineup may be an indication of an eventual discontinuation or replacement. The four- and six-cylinder engines are no longer available, leaving only the supercharged V8, which has been our recommended choice anyway. In the top F-Type R trim, that V8 is a snarling angry beast with 575 horsepower, delivering the kind of theater and performance that will thrill drivers of any stripe.
As we anticipate Jaguar's electric rebirth, the 2023 F-Type would be a great send-off to internal combustion engines. If a new electric replacement arrives, we're sure it will surpass the F-Type in terms of performance, but that glorious V8 growl will be missed. In the meantime, alternatives such as the Chevrolet Corvette, BMW Z4, and Porsche 718 Cayman or Boxster will still be around to deliver similar thrills.
Edmunds says
Time could be running out for the Jaguar F-Type, so if you're in the mood for one of the most raucous V8 sports cars, we suggest you make your move now.
FAQ
Is the Jaguar F-TYPE a good car?
The Edmunds experts tested the 2023 F-TYPE both on the road and at the track, giving it a 7.4 out of 10. Edmunds’ consumer reviews show that the 2023 F-TYPE gets an average rating of 5 stars out of 5 (based on 39 reviews) And then there's safety and reliability. Edmunds has all the latest NHTSA and IIHS crash-test scores, plus industry-leading expert and consumer reviews to help you understand what it's like to own and maintain a Jaguar F-TYPE. Learn more
What's new in the 2023 Jaguar F-TYPE?
According to Edmunds’ car experts, here’s what’s new for the 2023 Jaguar F-TYPE:
Minor changes to equipment availability
Part of the first F-Type generation introduced for 2014
To determine whether the Jaguar F-TYPE is reliable, read Edmunds' authentic consumer reviews, which come from real owners and reveal what it's like to live with the F-TYPE. Look for specific complaints that keep popping up in the reviews, and be sure to compare the F-TYPE's 5-star average consumer rating to that of competing vehicles. Learn more
Is the 2023 Jaguar F-TYPE a good car?
There's a lot to consider if you're wondering whether the 2023 Jaguar F-TYPE is a good car. Edmunds' expert testing team reviewed the 2023 F-TYPE and gave it a 7.4 out of 10. Our consumer reviews show that the 2023 F-TYPE gets an average rating of 5 stars out of 5 (based on 39 reviews). Safety scores, fuel economy, cargo capacity and feature availability should all be factors in determining whether the 2023 F-TYPE is a good car for you. Learn more
How much should I pay for a 2023 Jaguar F-TYPE?
The least-expensive 2023 Jaguar F-TYPE is the 2023 Jaguar F-TYPE P450 2dr Coupe (5.0L 8cyl S/C 8A). Including destination charge, it arrives with a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of about $73,400.
Other versions include:
P450 2dr Coupe (5.0L 8cyl S/C 8A) which starts at $73,400
P450 R-Dynamic 2dr Coupe AWD (5.0L 8cyl S/C 8A) which starts at $83,900
R 2dr Coupe AWD (5.0L 8cyl S/C 8A) which starts at $108,500
If you're interested in the Jaguar F-TYPE, the next question is, which F-TYPE model is right for you? F-TYPE variants include P450 2dr Coupe (5.0L 8cyl S/C 8A), P450 R-Dynamic 2dr Coupe AWD (5.0L 8cyl S/C 8A), and R 2dr Coupe AWD (5.0L 8cyl S/C 8A). For a full list of F-TYPE models, check out Edmunds’ Features & Specs page. Learn more