2021 Toyota GR Supra Review, Pricing, and Specs (2024)

Overview

Pay no mind to the fact that the 2021 Toyota GR Supra shares much of its chassis and powertrains with the BMW Z4—it offers its own distinct personality and is an utter blast to drive. Two different turbocharged powertrains—an inline-four and an inline-six—are on offer, both of which drive the rear wheels through an eight-speed automatic transmission. We know, we know: a six-speed manual would be preferable. To be honest, this automatic does an excellent job, changing gears crisply and responding quickly to the GR Supra's paddle shifters. So impressed are we with the GR Supra, we've named it an Editors' Choice and to our annual 10Best list two years in a row. Its snug cabin, while not the right size for every driver, is nicely finished. Want a convertible? Then you'll have to get the Z4; the GR Supra is available only as a coupe.

What's New for 2021?

Only a year after the GR Supra was reintroduced, Toyota is turning up the heat on the car's turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six, dialing up its horsepower from 335 to 382. To help the GR Supra broaden its reach, the company is also adding a four-cylinder model to the lineup, which is powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-4 that makes 255 horsepower. The range-topping A91 special edition comes standard with the six-cylinder engine and adds a host of appearance items to the interior and exterior to differentiate it from regular GR Supra models. Last year's standard 6.5-inch infotainment screen is gone; the larger 8.8-inch display is now standard across the lineup.

Pricing and Which One to Buy

Although there's little driving emotion lost with the new four-cylinder GR Supra 2.0, we predict that the inline-six will be worth the cost of the upgrade for most buyers. We'd skip the Driver Assist package; it adds adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-centering assist that's more annoying than useful. With the purchase of a GR Supra comes a one-year membership to the National Auto Sport Association and a complimentary day at a high-performance driving event. The money saved by not optioning the Driver's Assist package would be wisely spent on additional track time and spare tires.

Engine, Transmission, and Performance

All GR Supra models come with an eight-speed automatic transmission and are offered only with rear-wheel drive. At the test track, our long-term 2020 GR Supra 3.0 laid down some seriously impressive acceleration numbers: zero to 60 mph in 3.7 seconds and zero to 100 mph in 9.5. That puts it in the big leagues against the Chevy Camaro, the Porsche Cayman GTS, and the BMW M2 Competition. In fact, it's even quicker than the vaunted fourth-generation GR Supra that was powered by a sequentially-turbocharged inline-six with 320 horsepower. It's a shame that a manual transmission is not available, but hope isn't completely lost; it's rumored that the GR Supra will gain a stick later in its production run. Despite its performance potential, the GR Supra's suspension is forgiving enough to drive daily. Its steering is accurate, nicely weighted and direct, which enhances its fun-to-drive personality. The lower-priced four-cylinder model is new for 2021 and delivered a brisk 4.7-second zero-to-60-mph run at our test track. That's quicker than the GR Supra's German cousin—the BMW Z4—which managed a 5.0-second zero-to-60-mph time.

Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG

Now with more horsepower, the fuel-economy ratings for the 2021 GR Supra 3.0 take a slight hit but are still good, earning 30 mpg highway, 22 mpg city, and 25 mpg combined. That's more efficient than the Camaro, the Cayman GTS, and the M2. On our 75-mph highway fuel-economy test route, the six-cylinder GR Supra exceeded its highway rating by delivering 34 mpg. Those looking for even better fuel economy with their sports car will find it in the four-cylinder GR Supra, which carries ratings of 25 mpg city and 32 mpg highway; in our testing, this model exceeded its highway rating and delivered a stellar 38 mpg.

Interior, Comfort, and Cargo

The driver-focused co*ckpit is tight, and although the double-bubble roof provides some additional headroom, the tallest drivers will feel pinched. Cargo space is similarly cramped, but the cargo area (accessed via a hatchback) should be roomy enough for a couple of duffle bags, a week's worth of groceries for two, and maybe even a set of golf clubs depending on the bulkiness of the bag. In our testing, we managed to fit four carry-on suitcases behind the rear seats. Much of the Toyota's interior is shared with the Z4, so those familiar with BMW switchgear and infotainment controls will feel right at home.

Infotainment and Connectivity

Speaking of infotainment, the GR Supra's central display is an 8.8-inch unit with a very lightly reskinned version of BMW's latest iDrive interface. A digital gauge display—which is another carry-over piece from the BMW parts bin—is standard across the range. Navigation and Apple CarPlay capability are both available, but Android Auto isn't offered. A 12-speaker JBL audio system is optional but we expect the standard 10-speaker audio system will be enough for most buyers considering the size of the GR Supra's interior.

Safety and Driver-Assistance Features

The GR Supra has not been tested by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration or the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. Toyota offers a host of driver-assistance features as standard across the GR Supra lineup, including automated emergency braking. Additional features such as adaptive cruise control and blind-spot monitoring can be added via the Driver Assistance package for $1195. Key safety features include:

• Standard automated emergency braking with pedestrian detection
• Standard lane-departure warning
• Standard automatic high-beam headlamps

Warranty and Maintenance Coverage

Although it shares much with the Z4, the GR Supra offers slightly longer powertrain coverage but falls behind the BMW with a shorter limited warranty and complimentary scheduled maintenance plan.

• Limited warranty covers 3 years or 36,000 miles
• Powertrain warranty covers 5 years or 60,000 miles
• Complimentary scheduled maintenance is covered for 2 years or 25,000 miles

More Features and Specs