22 MPG combined is what you’ll get if you want top-down thrills and a snarling soundtrack in the 2016 Jaguar F-Type Convertible. A Prius driver might faint at the pump, but the F-Type buyer wants something more visceral than just being efficient. They want the attention-grabbing look, the supercharged punch, and the unmistakable roar that comes with every spirited drive. Fuel economy is less important than the unique character this Jag delivers.

City and highway performance

The EPA numbers are 19 MPG in the city and 27 MPG on the highway. The city figures show what happens in stop-and-go traffic, where the F-Type’s eagerness can easily mean generous throttle and thirsty performance. The supercharged 3.0L V6 responds instantly, tempting you to dip into its reserves even at lower speeds. The highway number is more respectable, but getting that 27 MPG requires restraint. High-speed cruising, even with the top down, will probably see those figures drop a bit. The automatic transmission shifts efficiently, but it will also hold gears longer when you’re pushing hard, which impacts fuel consumption.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates the annual fuel cost for the 2016 Jaguar F-Type Convertible at $2,650. This is based on driving 15,000 miles per year and using the national average fuel price when it was calculated. Fuel prices change, so your actual cost could be higher or lower depending on where you live and how you drive. The estimate also assumes a certain percentage of city versus highway driving. People who mostly drive in congested urban areas are likely to exceed this estimate.

Real-world expectations

Don’t expect to consistently match the EPA numbers unless you are trying to conserve fuel. The F-Type makes you want to put your foot down, and resisting that is a challenge. Most owners will probably see real-world average fuel economy somewhere around 18-24 MPG. Your actual fuel consumption will depend on many things, like driving style, traffic, climate, and even tire pressure. Short trips, frequent acceleration, and idling all make your MPG lower. The F-Type is a weekend car, and its fuel consumption reflects that.

How it compares

The F-Type’s fuel economy is typical for a performance convertible. A 2016 Porsche 718 Boxster is also sporty, but gets a slightly better 25 MPG combined with its turbocharged four-cylinder engine. The Porsche is for a different buyer, one who wants handling over power. A 2016 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray Convertible has a larger V8 engine and gets around 20 MPG combined, showing that more displacement doesn’t always mean worse fuel economy. The BMW Z4, especially the sDrive35i version, offers similar performance and luxury, and gets around 22 MPG combined. Looking at F TYPE MPG across all years can provide further comparison.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Don’t floor the accelerator all the time. The supercharged V6 is fun, but it will drain the fuel tank quickly. Accelerate and brake smoothly, and avoid idling.

Check your tire pressure often. Underinflated tires create more rolling resistance, which lowers fuel economy. The sticker on the driver’s side doorjamb says what the tire pressure should be.

Use premium fuel as Jaguar recommends. The engine runs best on higher octane fuel, and using regular could hurt performance and fuel efficiency. Not doing so can also affect the long-term health of the engine.

Consider using the F-Type’s driving modes. Select the “Eco” mode when you can. It might make the throttle less responsive, but it will prioritize fuel efficiency. Explore all Jaguar fuel economy data for insights on similar models.