18 MPG combined is the price of admission for the 2019 Jaguar F-Type R AWD Coupe. No, it’s not good, and yes, a Toyota Prius will run circles around it at the pump. But the person signing the check for this snarling, all-wheel-drive Jag isn’t cross-shopping with economical hybrids. They’re buying a visceral experience, a four-wheeled expression of raw power and refined British swagger.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates the F-Type R AWD Coupe will achieve 15 MPG in the city and 23 MPG on the highway. The city figure, frankly, is optimistic if you unleash even a fraction of the supercharged V8’s potential. Stop-and-go traffic and the temptation to exploit every gap in traffic will likely drag that number down. On the open road, the 23 MPG is more attainable, especially if you resist the urge to constantly dip into the engine’s prodigious reserves of power. Still, this car begs to be driven, and driven hard. Expect to see figures closer to the city estimate if you’re consistently enjoying the performance this machine offers.

Annual fuel cost

According to the EPA, the annual fuel cost for the 2019 Jaguar F-Type R AWD Coupe is $3,200. This figure is based on driving 15,000 miles per year, with 55% of those miles driven in the city and 45% on the highway. The calculation also uses the national average fuel price and assumes that the vehicle does not require premium fuel. (While the F-Type R doesn’t REQUIRE premium, it is recommended for optimal performance.) Understand that this $3,200 figure is just an estimate, and your actual fuel costs will vary depending on your driving habits, local fuel prices, and the octane rating you choose. For a car like this, most owners are simply not that concerned.

Real-world expectations

Forget what the stickers say. The 2019 F-Type R AWD Coupe is not a vehicle for hypermiling. It’s a machine built to thrill, and that thrill comes at a price. Real-world MPG will likely hover around the combined estimate, if you drive with a feather-light foot sometimes. More spirited driving will push that number south, perhaps significantly. Consider this car if you value grin-inducing acceleration and evocative exhaust notes over squeezing every last mile from each gallon. The F TYPE MPG across all years highlights that this generation prioritizes performance over economy.

How it compares

Compared to other performance coupes in its class, the F-Type R’s fuel economy is predictably thirsty. The BMW M4 Competition, with its 3.0-liter inline-six, manages a combined 19 MPG, a slight edge. The Porsche 911 Carrera S, while offering similarly blistering performance from its flat-six engine, achieves around 21 MPG combined. Even the Chevrolet Corvette Stingray sees around 19 MPG combined. However, the Jaguar offers a distinctive British flair and a supercharged V8 soundtrack that its competitors simply cannot match. For some buyers, that unique character is worth the fuel economy penalty. For those interested in wider performance across the entire family, review all Jaguar fuel economy data here.

Tips to maximize efficiency

While fuel economy might not be a primary concern for F-Type R owners, there are still a few things you can do to minimize trips to the gas station. Avoid aggressive acceleration and braking. The supercharged V8 loves to flex its muscles, but doing so frequently will quickly deplete the fuel tank. Gradual acceleration and smooth braking will help conserve fuel.

Use the car’s driving modes strategically. The F-Type R offers various driving modes that adjust engine mapping, throttle response, and gear shift points. Selecting “Eco” or “Comfort” mode can help to optimize fuel efficiency during relaxed highway cruising by softening throttle response and shifting to higher gears sooner.

Ensure proper tire inflation. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, which reduces fuel economy so check your tire pressures regularly to ensure they meet the manufacturer’s recommended specifications.

Minimize unnecessary weight. Excess cargo in the trunk adds weight to the vehicle, which in turn reduces fuel economy. Remove any items you don’t need to carry on a regular basis. Even the slightest adjustments can nudge the MPG in the right direction.