The Supra sure looks like the Toyota version of the BMW Z4, and that makes sense since both of these two-seater sports cars share engines, transmissions and chassis. While the Supra doesn’t have the sheer power of some rivals, it’s still a blast to drive and has a comfortable and attractive interior as well as a relatively low sticker price.
Base Price: $42,990
As Tested: $48,040
Horsepower: 255
Mileage: 25 mpg city/32 mpg highway/28 mpg combined
You may also remember the Supra from the Fast and Furious movie franchise.
Toyota came out with the fifth-generation Supra for the 2020 model year after a long break – production ended on the fourth-generation in 1998. For 2021, there’s a limited-edition A91 Edition trim, a new four-cylinder engine, the six-cylinder gets more horsepower, and the infotainment system gets a bigger touchscreen.
The rear-wheel-drive Supra comes in trims: 2.0, 3.0, 3.0 Premium, and A91 Edition. The Supra starts at $43,090, which is the lowest starting price among luxury sports cars. The A91 Edition starts at $54,795 which is still low for the segment. The Supra is only available with an automatic transmission and only as a coupe – no convertible.
Two engines are available. The base is a 2.0-liter turbocharged four cylinder that makes 255 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. There’s also a 3.0-liter turbocharged six-cylinder that produces 382 horses and 368 pound-feet. Both engines are paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission—no manual gearbox is available.
The Supra is a nimble performer. My tester has the base engine and it provides more than enough power for everyday driving. Acceleration is quick off the line and anytime you press the accelerator; Toyota says the Supra 2.0 can go from zero to 60 in five seconds. Merging and passing at freeway speeds is a breeze. The Supra glides around turns with little body lean. Steering and brakes are responsive, and the eight-speed shifts quickly and smoothly. While the six-cylinder provides more oomph, the standard four-cylinder engine still provides lots of fun behind the wheel! It’s also pleasant for everyday driving, whether you’re commuting or running errands. Visibility is limited to the rear so you’ll want to check the side mirrors and rear view camera.
The Supra 2.0 has excellent fuel economy for a sports car. EPA ratings for my 2.0 tester are 25 mpg city and 32 mpg highway with a combined rating of 28. I got 29 mpg during my week with a mix of city and highway driving.
The cabin is attractive with lots of upscale materials and soft-touch plastic. The front seats are cushy and supportive. As you’d expect in a two-seater, there’s not a ton of room but average-size adults will be comfortable with decent leg- and headroom. However, the car is also low to the ground which can make it tough for some folks to get in and out.
Standard features include keyless entry, push-button start, rearview camera, dual-zone automatic climate control, leather upholstery, manually adjustable seats, digital gauge cluster, infotainment system with 8.8-inch display screen, four-speaker audio system, HD Radio, satellite radio, Bluetooth, one USB port, and automatic high-beam headlights.
Available features include a head-up display, heated seats with power adjustments, 8.8-inch touchscreen, navigation, 10- or 12-speaker audio system, Apple CarPlay, and wireless device charging.
Standard driver assistance technologies include lane departure warning, lane keep assist, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and pedestrian detection.
Available driver assistance technologies include adaptive cruise control, blind spot monitoring, rear cross traffic alert, and front and rear parking sensors.
The Supra Command infotainment system comes standard with an 8.8-inch display screen which you control with a touchpad and knob on the center console between the two front seats. It’s pretty much the same system as BMW’s iDrive. Graphics look good and menus are logically laid out. There are physical knobs and buttons for common functions such as audio and climate. An 8.8-inch touchscreen is available, which comes with navigation and Apple CarPlay; however Android Auto isn’t available.
The Supra has a fair amount of cargo space—10.2 cubic feet—for a small sports car, and the wide opening makes it easy to load and unload your stuff. I was easily able to fit a number of items after a Costco run including a big container of kitty litter!
The good:
Relatively low price for the class
Fun to drive!
Quick and nimble performance
Excellent fuel economy for a sports car
Attractive interior with quality materials
User-friendly infotainment system
Available Apple CarPlay
Decent cargo space for a two-seater
The not-so-good:
Not available as a convertible or with a manual transmission
Rear visibility is limited
No Android Auto
Pricing info:
My tester starts at $42,990. The Safety and Technology Package is $3,485 and includes dynamic radar cruise control, blind spot monitor, rear cross traffic alert, parking sensors with emergency braking function, 8.8-inch touchscreen, navigation, 12-speaker 500-watt JBL audio system with amplifier, touchpad rotary control, wireless Apple CarPlay, speed limit information, and map updates. The special color (Nitro Yellow) is $425. The carpet cargo mat is $80. Wheel locks are $65. Delivery fee is $995 bringing the grand total to $48,040.
Bottom line:
If you’re looking for a reasonably priced sports car that’s quick and fun to drive, check out the 2021 Toyota Supra. It comes with a long list of standard features and is also practical enough for commuting and running errands. It doesn’t have the sheer athleticism or opulent luxury of some rivals, but it will still put a big smile on your face!
