2023 Jaguar F-Type Coupe

The current-gen 2023 Jaguar F-Type has been with us for quite some time now, but it received a significant update a few years ago to help it feel more contemporary. It remains one of the most attractive cars you are likely to see on the road. Whether you opt for the coupe or convertible body style, you get a potent supercharged V8 engine that makes 444 horsepower and 428 lb-ft of torque, but what sets it apart from the likes of the Corvette C8 Stingray Coupe and Porsche 718 Cayman is access to all-wheel drive. It is a well-mannered sports car that feels as good as it looks, and while there may be stronger and more modern options out there, few are as well-balanced or classy as this classic Jag masterpiece. But is that enough to keep it in the running for a few more years?

The new Jaguar F-Type, be it coupe or convertible, remains unchanged for the 2023 model year. It still has just one engine choice and can be had with RWD or AWD. We review the more powerful F-Type R derivatives separately.

The price of the 2023 Jaguar F-Type is naturally quite high, but considering the prestigious badge and powerful engine under the hood, $73,400 for the P450 Coupe is quite reasonable. Meanwhile, the new Jag F-Type Convertible starts at $76,700 for the P450 trim. Both models are available in R-Dynamic guise, too. The R-Dynamic Coupe will cost you $83,900, while the Convertible sells for $87,200. These figures are MSRP and do not include the $1,275 destination charge.

Which one to buy comes entirely down to what you're looking for. The coupe is a little sportier on the road thanks to its sound body structure, while the convertible is more of a leisurely grand tourer, despite having all the same mechanical specs. The R-Dynamic models are worth considering if you live in areas prone to snow or frequent showers that leave the roads slick or muddy, but the significant bump in price is hard to swallow when there are more capable cars out there. We'd likely add the $550 Blind-spot Assist Pack, regardless of which model we buy, as it's an affordable upgrade that rounds out the driver-assistance suite.

The interior of the F-Type is one of its biggest draws, as the automaker is just as skilled at crafting a handsome interior space as it is at making automotive art on the exterior. It's worth remembering that this is a rather old car, and the updates over the years have managed to retain this old-world charm while still ensuring that modern amenities are added along the way. There is loads of space, albeit for only two passengers, and while there are quite a few physical buttons on the center console, the dashboard looks beautifully neat and clean. It goes to show just what a different centuries of skill can make. The base model includes standard equipment like power-adjustable seats, single-zone climate control, and an interactive driver display.

Since there are only two seats inside the F-Type, there is enough space for the occupants, but getting in and out can be a little tricky; the car is very low-slung. As a result, taller folks will have to crouch down. Once you're in, though, it is a great place to be. The seats are extremely supportive, especially if you opt for the performance variants, and while the standard level of power adjustability is a bit limited, you shouldn't struggle to find a comfortable position. You can add 12-way power front seats for $1,000, as well as heating for $500.

Sports cars are not generally renowned for their trunk volume, but the Jag F-Type is actually quite generous in this regard. The coupe supplies 14.4 cubic feet, which is as much as many sedans offer. Sadly, the narrow trunk opening makes this area feel smaller than it is, and if you opt for the convertible body, you have to sacrifice the majority of this to make room for the roof mechanism, leaving you with just 7.3 cubes.

Since it is just a two-seater, the F-Type doesn't have much in the way of small-item storage either. The glove compartment and armrest cubby allow you to store a few things, but they are still quite cramped, and the door pockets may as well not even be there. Dual cupholders are equipped.

The materials used throughout the cabin are extremely sumptuous, which is exactly what we'd expect from the premium British brand. Standard upholstery is a combination of leather with suedecloth facings presented in either pure Ebony or Light Oyster/Ebony. If you want more upscale Windsor leather, you'll need to spend an extra $2,000 for the Interior Luxury Pack with its extended leather, illuminated metal treadplates, and premium lighting. This upgrade doesn't include any new upholstery colors, though. For that, you'd need to install the performance seats for a total of $3,650, including the Interior Luxury Pack. This gives you the option of Ebony leather (with either Ebony, Oyster, or Red stitching), Oyster/Ebony, Tan/Ebony, or Mars Red/Ebony.
The final upgrade adds yet another $1,800 for the extended leather option, with new interior colors including Tan on Tan, and Mars Red on Mars Red. The interior trimmings are limited to either Delta aluminum or Knurled aluminum, while the headliner is Ebony Morzine, with the option to upgrade to Ebony suedecloth.

To keep the cost down and improve its overall appeal, the F-Type doesn't get the longest list of standard features, but this is nothing new for performance-focused sports cars. As such, you get single-zone climate control, six-way power front seats, push-button start, a power-adjustable steering column, and a 12.3-inch interactive driver display. A garage door opener, heated seats, and dual-zone climate control are available as options.

A ten-inch touchscreen lets you access infotainment functions like Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth, and SiriusXM, with playback through a ten-speaker Meridian sound system. Available upgrades include a 12-speaker Meridian sound system.

There is only a single engine on offer for the Jaguar F-Type, but the 5.0-liter supercharged V8 is nothing to sniff at. It develops a hefty 444 hp and 428 lb-ft and is mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission. Rear-wheel drive is standard, but you get AWD if you opt for one of the R-Dynamic models. The only way to get more power is to buy the Jaguar F-Type R, which we review separately. Regardless of configuration, the regular Jaguar F-type races from 0-60 mph in 4.4 seconds and can reach a top speed of 177 mph.

Aside from being a sleek and attractive sports car, the Jag is also a capable and engaging vehicle. The lack of overbearing driver-assistance tech ensures that you feel totally involved in what the car is doing, and excellent grip even with RWD ensures that you won't easily lose control. It's not nearly as tactile as a Porsche 911, and you can sense the reduced rigidity of the drop-top model through the steering column. Getting up to speed, the V8 engine sounds glorious, though there is a Quiet Start function so you won't get noise complaints from the neighbors. While comfort isn't the main aim of the F-Type, it isn't lacking either. This is especially evident in the convertible, which functions better as a grand tourer than a corner-cutting speedster. That being said, the Jag has very little body lean going into the bends. However, the steering is not quite as sharp and precise as we'd like.

Don't expect class-leading mpg ratings from the eight-cylinder Jaguar F-Type; this is a thoroughbred sports car that cares more about getting you where you're going quickly rather than efficiently. The gas mileage of the P450 is 17/24/19 mpg across the city/highway/combined cycles, regardless of whether you choose the coupe or convertible. The AWD P450 R-Dynamic is a little heavier, so it only returns 16/24/18 mpg. Luckily, the fuel tank capacity is quite high at 18.5 gallons, so you can travel for between 333 and 352 miles on a full tank.

Low-volume luxury sports cars are almost never subjected to crash testing, so there is no safety review of the Jaguar F-Type. However, it is a well-built piece of machinery, and it comes with all the basics, as well as a few advanced driver-assistance features to ensure your safety. For starters, you get six airbags (four in the convertible), ABS, and electronic stability control. Beyond this, there is a rearview camera, front/rear parking sensors, forward emergency braking, emergency brake assist, lane-keep assist, traffic sign recognition, and a driver-attention system. Blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and park assist are optional extras.

While there is no official reliability survey of the Jaguar F-Type in the USA, there have been no recalls for the 2023 model, and the 2022 iteration only had two problems: seat belt pretensioners that may not restrain occupants properly and a seat belt automatic locking retractor malfunction that can affect the child restraint system. Each 2023 Jaguar F-Type is covered by a good warranty that runs for five years/60,000 miles. You also get roadside assistance and complimentary scheduled maintenance over the same period.

If there is one area where Jaguar never disappoints, it's the sheer beauty of its cars. The F-Type is what many would refer to as automotive art. It is inspired by the classic E-Type, so it is naturally sleek and stylish. However, it also has many modern style choices, like a sharper front end. You'll still enjoy the J-blade daytime running lights and fender flares with the leaping cat. It also makes an appearance on the rear end, on the somewhat small trunk lid. Both the coupe and the convertible ride on 20-inch alloys, though their design differs slightly from the R-Dynamic trims. These trims also get metal tread plates and auto-dimming power-folding side mirrors. LED head- and taillights are standard, along with quad exhaust outlets. The convertible is essentially identical to its coupe sibling, aside from the power-retractable roof.

There are few cars as striking as the 2023 F-Type, and with the range including both a coupe and convertible, you have a choice of how you want to flaunt its beauty. But it's not just good to look at; it's loads of fun to drive, too. There are more powerful rivals, and they may boast better handling, but they don't have the same heritage and style, and they don't offer the option of AWD. Still, the F-Type handles well enough for its age, especially if you treat it more like a grand tourer, which is where the convertible, in particular, shines. It isn't the perfect fit for everyone, but those who prize a perfect balance of style and performance will no doubt want to take the F-Type for a spin - and likely home with them.