Used 2021 Toyota GR Supra

For 2021, the Toyota GR Supra returns with several significant enhancements. For starters, a new 4-cylinder model joins the lineup. Its turbocharged 2.0-liter engine, also sourced from BMW, is less powerful and less refined. It lacks the buttery smoothness of the 6-cylinder, but it lowers the curb weight by nearly 200 pounds. The premium turbocharged 3.0-liter 6-cylinder now delivers considerably more power, and the re-tuned chassis accommodates the upgrades.

It’s no secret that the Supra was jointly developed with BMW. While this does provide engineering and cost advantages, the Toyota is unable to mask its German underpinnings to the point where it lacks a Japanese soul (brand loyalists may be disappointed).

Quick, capable, and fun-to-drive, the GR Supra is Toyota’s highest-performing model. The Supra competes with the Porsche 718 Cayman, the BMW Z4, and possibly the Chevrolet Corvette, although each of those buyers seldom strays from their favorite brands.

With a sub-4-second zero-to-60-mph time and a 155-mph top speed, the 2021 Toyota GR Supra has what it takes to compete with the world’s best performance coupes. The BMW-sourced 3.0-liter inline 6-cylinder turbocharged engine delivers its power smoothly and without hesitation. The new turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder is peppy and strong.

The lack of a manual gearbox may be very frustrating to enthusiasts, but the 6-cylinder does well – paired to the 8-speed automatic transmission. Unfortunately, the story isn’t the same with the 4-cylinder engine, as the gearbox is often held in the wrong gear during enthusiastic driving.

The ride is firm, even with the adaptive dampers, but that is often the price to pay with a sports coupe. In the corners, the Supra’s 19-inch wheels, performance tires, and electronic rear differential make certain the car remains planted and stable.

Overall, the vehicle is well balanced and playful in the corners (with the rear stepping out when prodded), although understeer is the theme when the Supra is pushed to the limit. The multi-piston brakes on the 3.0-liter model are strong, but the single-piston brakes on the new 2.0-liter left us wanting a bit more capacity when prodded.

The Toyota Supra shares one thing in common with its forebears: a snug cockpit. The handsome interior is awash in leather, Alcantara, and high-quality plastics. A dash-mounted touchscreen display provides information for the audio, navigation, smartphone apps, and various functions such as exhaust-note tuning, suspension settings, and, thanks to its BMW roots, wireless Apple CarPlay (although Android Auto is still notably missing).

The sport seats are fantastic, offering plenty of support without squeezing the life out of regular-sized beings. Both driver and passenger in the 6-cylinder model enjoy 14-way power-adjustable seats with 4-way power lumbar support. The seats are manually adjustable in the 4-cylinder variants.

The new GR Supra derives inspiration from a number of previous Toyota cars, the most notable being the recent FT-1 Concept (also hinted at are the 4th-generation Supra and the legendary Toyota 2000GT).

The Supra rides on a very short wheelbase some four inches shorter than the compact Toyota 86 coupe. This setup allows for precise handling, but also rather ungainly front and rear overhangs.

Notable styling cues include staggered 19-inch wheels, 6-lens LED headlights, and, on higher trims, red brake calipers. We can’t say we’re big fans of the numerous non-functional vents and intakes that adorn the car’s exterior as they remind us of late 1970s American muscle cars with fake hood scoops, side vents, and air dams. However, a big thumbs-up goes to the raised decklid that draws inspiration from the 1993 Supra Turbo’s hoop spoiler.

FULL SET OF PERFORMANCE UPGRADES STANDARD
While some manufacturers make you pay more for the simplest upgrades, the 2021 Toyota GR Supra includes all the desirable stuff as part of its standard-equipment list. Included on the premium 6-cylinder models is an electronic rear differential, adaptive dampers, 13.7-inch front brake discs with 4-piston Brembo brakes, and staggered 19-inch wheels.

ELECTRONIC REAR DIFFERENTIAL
The 2021 Toyota Supra’s electronic rear differential does a fantastic job getting power to the ground, most notably when coming out of tight corners or punching the accelerator.

The 2021 Toyota GR Supra comes in several trims. The new 4-cylinder models are the least expensive, yet are still well equipped with a smart key and push-button start, LED headlights, a 4-speaker audio system, an 8.8-inch TFT LCD gauge cluster, infotainment with Apple CarPlay, and 18-inch alloy wheels.

Other standard equipment includes dual-zone automatic climate control, satellite radio, Bluetooth, rain-sensing wipers, a rearview camera, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and automatic high beams. Premium 6-cylinder models are upgraded with an electronic rear differential, adaptive dampers, 19-inch alloy wheels, active exhaust, and a 12-speaker (500-watt) JBL sound system.

Along with the 3-year/36,000-mile bumper-to-bumper and 6-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranties is a 2-year/25,000-mile complimentary-maintenance plan.

The 2.0-liter model offers the Safety & Technology package with Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and parking sensors with emergency braking function. Enhanced technology includes an 8.8-inch touchscreen infotainment display and the 12-speaker (500-watt) JBL sound system.

Optional on the 3.0-liter model is a Driver Assist package with Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and parking sensors with emergency braking function.

Toyota offers a choice of two engines in the 2021 Supra. The entry model uses a BMW-sourced 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder. Premium models boast a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-6 engine – also from BMW and upgraded for the 2021 model year.

All models feature an 8-speed automatic transmission and rear-wheel drive. Acceleration is brisk. The 4-cylinder Supra will hit 60 mph in about 5 seconds, while the 6-cylinder model is about a full second quicker.

2.0-liter turbocharged inline-4
255 horsepower @ 5,000-6,500 rpm
295 lb-ft of torque @ 1,550-4,400 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: est 25 mpg/32 mpg

3.0-liter turbocharged inline-6
382 horsepower @ 5,800-6,500 rpm
368 lb-ft of torque @ 1,800-5,000 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 22/30 mpg