2020 Jaguar F-TYPE Review

　　

2020 Jaguar F-Type Review

by the zzdcar Experts

　　Luxury sport coupes should be fast, fun, stylish and refined. And the 2020 Jaguar F-Type possesses all these attributes but in varying degrees based on which model you're considering.

　　The base F-Type and its four-cylinder engine are adequate, skimping on the fast and fun requirements. The V6 feels a little punchier from the driver's seat but isn't actually much faster on the road. At the top of the range, the V8-powered models put particular emphasis on fast and fun, delivering the kind of thrills and theater expected of the class. Not surprisingly, the prices are directly tied to the fun factor, starting around $60,000 and cresting at more than double that.

　　Compared to the top luxury sport coupes, the F-Type can be considered a relative bargain in supporting trims and competitively priced on the high end. In overall scores, however, it trails our class favorites that include the performance-biased Porsche 911 and the more luxurious BMW 8 Series, both of which have been recently redesigned.

　　As much as we like the 2020 Jaguar F-Type, it's held back by its somewhat compromised comfort and a sometimes aggravating infotainment system. It's also not as strong a performer as top rivals, but for most drivers, it will be more than enough.

　　

What's it like to live with the F-Type?

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 2020 F-Type R has a newer infotainment system with smartphone integration 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.

　　zzdcar Expert Rating

　　Our VerdictThe zzdcar 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.

　　Below Average

　　7.1

　　out of 10

　　zzdcar TESTED

　　Rated for you by America's best test team.

　　

Performance

7.0/10

　　How does the F-TYPE drive? The underlying F-Type architecture provides a sporty driving experience no matter which engine you choose. Our P380 R-Dynamic tester featured an all-wheel-drive system that was willing to let the tail slide out, much to our editors' appreciation. The steering feels a touch light but it's still communicative, and the car responds quickly to inputs.

　　But despite the P380 boasting nearly 100 more horsepower, its 0-60 mph time of 5.3 seconds is only 0.2 second quicker than a previously tested four-cylinder F-Type. Every one of this trim's similarly priced competitors is faster and smoother to drive on a daily basis. And, at 113 feet, panic-stopping distances are a little longer than average.

　　

Comfort

7.0/10

　　How comfortable is the F-TYPE? Like many competitive sports cars, the F-Type strikes a good balance between performance and comfort. Our tester's standard adaptive dampers do a good job controlling body motions, and the ride is neither pillowy soft nor jittery, even in Dynamic mode. The performance seats are similarly comfortable and have better padding than those in the F-Type R or SVR.

　　The climate controls are simply laid out, but the automatic setting is lacking. Set to auto on a brisk morning, the fans never rose above a whisper with the system set to 80 degrees. Wind and tire noise is ever-present, but it's the engine noise that can get grating after a while.

　　

Interior

6.5/10

　　How’s the interior? The cabin might feel accommodating to anyone stepping out of a Miata, but there's less headroom and legroom than in other sports coupes. While the seat offers a good range of adjustment, taller drivers will have to slouch down to avoid rubbing against the headliner. Getting in and out is difficult for passengers of all sizes due to small door openings, wide sills and deeply inset footwells.

　　Visibility can be lacking on low-slung sport coupes, but the F-Type still fares worse than most, especially when you look rearward. Our tester was equipped with the new infotainment system released in mid-2019. Overall, it's snappier than the previous system, but its interface still requires considerable driver attention.

　　

Technology

7.0/10

　　How’s the tech? Jaguar has taken big steps over the last few years to enhance its tech offerings. Navigation is pretty easy to use, and although it doesn't give you directional info (e.g., forward 1.2 miles), it does mark search results on the map. The default sound system is good by sports car standards, but mostly because others don't place a high priority on audio quality. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration is now standard, but the Jag's buggy infotainment system meant CarPlay didn't always connect. Shockingly, there are no native voice controls, so you'll have to use the one provided through your smartphone.

　　The F-Type has numerous standard safety aids that work well overall, but blind-spot monitoring is optional. Adaptive cruise is not offered.

　　

Storage

6.5/10

　　How’s the storage? Even by the low bar set for this class, the F-Type doesn't offer much in the way of cabin or cargo storage. It has less storage overall than a Porsche Cayman, but the Jaguar can hold a large suitcase without compromising rear visibility. It can't, however, hold a standard set of golf clubs. The Audi TT RS has a smaller cargo area, but it can fold its rear seats to increase capacity. Competitors with trunks can hold more than the F-Type and often feature folding rear seats.

　　In-cabin storage is meager. The center console is shallow, the cupholders aren't much better, and the door pockets are slim and simply too small. There is a net between the seats, but with limited capacity, it is fairly useless and hard to reach.

　　

Fuel Economy

7.0/10

　　How’s the fuel economy? The F-Type P380 AWD is rated at 21 mpg combined (18 city/26 highway). These are good numbers for a sports car equipped with a V6, naturally slotting between those powered by turbocharged four- or five-cylinders and naturally aspirated V8s. However, when you consider it's slower than those cars with fewer cylinders (especially the Audi TT RS, with a 3.6-second 0-60 mph time), the outlook seems a little less rosy.

　　

Value

7.5/10

　　Is the F-TYPE a good value? While not as eye-catching as the exterior, the F-Type's cabin is aging well. Hard plastics are used sparingly, and our tester's Windsor Leather Interior package dresses some touch points in supple leather. There were no squeaks or creaks to speak of in our tester. The Jaguar's warranties are slightly more generous than coverage provided by rivals, and complimentary maintenance is offered for a whopping five years/60,000 miles.

　　Our particular F-Type's whopping $96,471 price tag hurt the score here. The base model costs $61,775 and the P380 R-Dynamic starts at $87,375 but doesn't offer much more in the way of performance. A V8-powered F-Type R equipped similarly to our tester costs about $10,000 more and is significantly more enjoyable and powerful. Get that one.

　　

Wildcard

8.0/10

　　Though similarly priced cars are faster and more performance-oriented, the Jaguar is tremendously fun to drive taken on its own. It also strikes a nice balance between sporty and comfortable, which appeals to a broad audience. The rear-biased AWD system ensures that even though you're getting good traction, you can still hang the tail out if you want to. Still, given the engine's lack of thrust, we're not sure why you wouldn't save some cash and get the four-cylinder. Or pay extra for the raucous V8.

　　Thanks in part to its seductive styling, the Jaguar F-Type exudes personality. It's a showstopper no matter which engine is underhood, and the sport exhaust ensures people are paying attention even if they can't see it.

　　

Which F-TYPE does zzdcar recommend?

For the full F-Type experience, we recommend stepping up to the V8-powered R model. The engine and exhaust emit one of the most glorious soundtracks from any car, though perhaps a bit too brash for some. If paying $14,500 to get the V8 is a deal-breaker, the four-cylinder P300 isn't much slower than the V6-powered P340 or P380 R-Dynamic.

　　

2020 Jaguar F-TYPE models

The 2020 Jaguar F-Type is a two-seat luxury sport coupe. A convertible version is reviewed separately. 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 lb-ft of torque) paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and rear-wheel drive. This configuration is the only one available with the four-cylinder.

　　Standard feature highlights include 18-inch alloy wheels, an active sport exhaust, LED headlights and taillights, power-folding heated side mirrors, and front and rear parking sensors. Inside, you'll find leather and microsuede upholstery, power-adjustable seats with memory settings, a power-adjustable and leather-wrapped steering wheel, and a rearview camera.

　　Tech features include Bluetooth and USB connections, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, a 10-inch touchscreen navigation system with real-time traffic, a Meridian sound system with satellite radio, and driver safety aids such as 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).

　　The P380 R-Dynamic offers a higher-output engine (380 hp, 339 lb-ft) and adds a driver-selectable active exhaust and various gloss-black exterior trim pieces. Options include  all-wheel drive, 19-inch wheels, an adaptive suspension, a limited-slip differential and upgraded brakes.

　　The R trim is a significant leap upward, with a 5.0-liter supercharged V8 engine (550 hp, 502 lb-ft) and standard 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 and a heated steering wheel.

　　Many features are offered on supporting trims as options, such as carbon-ceramic brakes, dual-zone automatic climate control, a heated windshield, 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 models.

　　New for 2020, the Checkered Flag Limited Edition package can be added to the P300 and P380 AWD models. This cosmetic option is equipped with black exterior trim elements, a black roof, 20-inch wheels, red brake calipers, red seat belts, a heated steering wheel, and unique interior treatments.

　　

2020 F-TYPE Highlights

Type: SVRCoupeConvertibleRCoupe

　　Trim: P300P340P300 Checkered Flag Limited EditionP380 R-DynamicP380 Checkered Flag Limited EditionRSVRP300

　　

Base MSRP	$61,600
Engine Type	Gas
Combined MPG	26 MPG
Cost to Drive	$181/month
Seating	2 seats
Drivetrain	rear wheel drive
Warranty	5 years / 60,000 miles