Overview

With a classically beautiful body and V-8-only engine options, the 2022 Jaguar F-type is a throwback sports car of sorts. Unlike the Chevy Corvette or the Porsche 718 Boxster and 718 Cayman, the Jaguar’s powerplant resides in front of the driver rather than behind them. This gives the F-type dramatic proportions and an altogether different driving experience. The thrilling sound of its supercharged 5.0-liter V-8, making between 444 and 575 horses, is another distinction. While the Jag doesn’t stop, go, and grip as short, quick, and strong as its peers, both the coupe and convertible will still excite the senses. Unfortunately, its upscale cabin is claustrophobic and drop-top models have smaller storage space than the already cramped coupes. 2022 F-type also has a higher starting price than its classmates, but perhaps its elegance and old-school charm are enough to offset that disparity.

What’s New for 2022?

The F-type is now only available with a V-8 engine under the hood. For 2022, Jaguar drops the previously standard turbo four as well as the optional supercharged V-6. That means the least powerful F-type­–the newly christened P450­–features a 444-hp supercharged 5.0-liter. It’s a detuned version of the 575-hp V-8 that motivates the higher-performance R variant, which continues to only be offered with all-wheel drive. The new P450 comes standard with rear-wheel drive, 20-inch wheels, larger rear brakes, and an active exhaust system. The P450 R-Dynamic adds all-wheel drive, black exterior trim, and a different set of wheels.

Engine, Transmission, and Performance

Apart from the Corvette, 2022 F-type is the only other sports car in its class to offer a V-8. Even the base P450 model, with its 444-hp supercharged 5.0-liter engine and rear- or all-wheel drive, is more powerful than the most potent six-cylinder Boxster and Cayman, which top out at 414 ponies. Then there’s the even mightier F-type R that boasts 575 horsepower and 516 pound-feet of torque. With standard all-wheel drive and the same eight-speed automatic as the P450, the R coupe we drove roared to 60 mph in 3.5 seconds and through the quarter-mile in 11.7 seconds at 121 mph. While the V-8-powered Jags sound fantastic, their front-engine layout contributes to a different driving experience than their mid-engined rivals. We were particularly pleased with the R’s civilized ride and talkative, albeit touchy, steering. It also delivered a notable 1.0 g of cornering grip and stopped from 70 mph in a tidy 155 feet. Although those numbers are pretty common among modern sports cars, they’re not quite as impressive as you’ll find on the Corvette and the Porsches.

Interior, Comfort, and Cargo

Inside, 2022 F-type maintains a driver-centric design that’s accentuated with a mix of racy and rich materials. These include stitched surfaces, faux-suede accents, and chrome trim. Fancier models will offer even better interior appointments that include aluminum pieces, embossing, and more faux-suede coverings. Two differently styled seats are available and can be upgraded with heated and cooled surfaces. The F-type’s excellent driving position carries over as well, and the driver will now face a large 12.3-inch fully digital gauge cluster. Unfortunately, the coupe and convertible’s notoriously tight cabin, and the convertible’s hilariously small trunk will also remain.