The Toyota Supra of yesteryear has been romanticized by millions. Some even say it is one of the most legendary cars in the entire automotive world. But when the Mk4 Supra was suddenly killed off nearly 25 years ago, it left a big void with fans and enthusiasts alike.

Now, almost two decades later, the Supra lives on in the form of a BMW in Toyota skin. Although not many out there are fans of this new Supra, it appears to have grown on people. This is because, since its return in 2019 as a 2020 model year, Toyota has sold nearly 20,000 Supras in the U.S.

I had the chance to review the new Supra back when it first came out a few years ago and was mighty impressed with it. Luckily, I have been given the chance to relive that moment in time to see if the Supra still retains that same charm. Here are my thoughts.

Exterior Styling

The exterior styling hasn't changed since I first drove the new Supra. The only difference is that there is now a "GR" badge on the rear end. The front fascia is still sleek and beautiful. The daytime running lights look as if the Supra is wearing some sort of eyeliner with hanging wingtips pointed down to the ground. The roof has an indentation mark straight down the middle creating mounds over the passenger and driver's sides respectively.

My favorite design feature of the Supra is its wide rear body making it seem like it is ready to pounce on its prey. That prominent line that runs from the bottom of the door over the wheel accentuates the wide rear features. As for the rear, the taillights highlight the backend with similar features as the finishing touches of the headlights. To top it all off, the spoiler lip is the cherry on top of the cake.

As for its size, the Supra looks small; because it is, when compared to other sports cars on the market. But not all of them. The Supra is 172.5 inches long, 73 inches wide, and 50.9 inches tall. It has a wheelbase of 97.2 inches.

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Interior Design

If you're familiar with BMW interiors, the Supra is very similar in some aspects. Minus the Toyota badging in certain areas, the overall design feels and looks like a BMW. The carbon fiber trim with some plastic, leather, and metal adds to the quality of the environment that surrounds you. The only thing that the Supra has that may throw you off is that there is no center console storage space. You only get a slot where you could put your wallet and some receipts from the gas station.

As for seats, they're comfortable and offer great support for long-distance driving. They also seem a bit "spongy" as one might suggest, absorbing the shocks of imperfect road mishaps and keeping your back from aching. And since they're bucket seats, they hold you like a parent cradling their newborn baby. It makes it all worthwhile even while going through corners.

The trunk, on the other hand, offers just enough space for a suitcase and a few bags to take on a weekend getaway. I suggest bringing home only a few souvenirs so they don't take up a lot of space. Cargo capacity offers only up to 10.3 cubic feet of space. While speaking of space, the Supra offers up to 42.2 inches of legroom.

Comfort and Convenience Features That Stood Out

• Heads-up display
• Heated powered front seats
• 12-speaker JBL audio system with amplifier
• Wireless charging
• Wireless Apple CarPlay compatible
• Bluetooth capability
• 8.8-inch infotainment system with sat-nav
• Tilt and telescoping steering wheel

Safety Features That Stood Out

• Lane departure warning
• Pre-collision assist with pedestrian detection
• Traction control
• Driver assist package ($1,195 option): dynamic radar cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, parking sensors with emergency braking function
• Reverse camera

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Performance

The 3.0-liter twin-scroll turbocharged inline six-cylinder under the hood of the Supra produces 382 horsepower and 368 pound-feet of torque. Power goes to the rear wheels through the Supra's 8-speed automatic transmission. With my driving habits, I surprisingly achieved 22 mpg. From a full tank of fuel, I drove almost 230 miles and still had 70 more miles to go. The fuel tank has a capacity of 13.7 gallons.

As for the ride comfort, the Supra offers nothing less than praise from me. The electronically controlled steering is light and direct when needed until put into SPORT mode. Here, it gets tight and sharp giving feedback from the tires like a sensitive nerve. As for the suspension, it keeps the Supra from being dramatic on the roads and holds everything down while going into corners. The suspension paired with the sport bucket seats creates one of the best ride comforts I haven't experienced in quite some time out of a new vehicle. Braking is stupendous thanks to the Supras ventilated Brembo brakes.

Now for the exciting part of the Supra - its acceleration. It takes off like a bat out of Hell. The engine and exhaust sound like a provoked bear ready to charge. The transmission snaps through gears in a blink-like fashion. Before you know it you're going quite fast and it doesn't feel like you are with the Supras mechanical and electrical components, coming together until you look down at the speedometer. The entire time up to that point, you have been wearing the largest grin on your face since you can remember and laughing in such a way it sounds maniacal.

Adrenaline is coursing through your veins and you feel like you can't get enough of that high. So you do it over and over again. Before you know it, you're already down a bar on the fuel meter, the computer has calculated you're averaging sub-10 mpg and starting to feel guilty. But only for so long until you feel the need to feel those sensations all over again. It turns into an addiction.

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Key Issues I Had With The Supra

As I have stated before with every review, there are always flaws in every car and the Supra is no exception. The one major problem and most people will agree with me on this, is the namesake, Supra. I had no other issues personally with the sports car except from which it derives its name.

The Supra, for most enthusiasts, believe the sports car should have been only made by the likes of the manufacturer which bears it, Toyota. To have BMW come in and tarnish what the Supra means for most is the reason why some people haven't been buying it. They would much rather buy the BMW Z4 (Supra's German sibling) or not have one at all. I can agree with them up to a certain degree.

I am not one hundred percent biased. It is my belief that manufacturers have their vehicles use their product and create something with it to make the very best of what they can offer. If they have to outsource, then how good, or should I say bad, was the best original car going to be? It makes me wonder. Especially since the previous Supra is almost on a god-like pedestal in the automotive world.

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Pricing, Warranties, and Competition

How much does this Toyota Supra Premium 3.0L GR cost? After adding up the options and shipping and handling fee to the MSRP of $54,690, the total price comes to $57,335. The Toyota Supra 2.0 starts at $43,540. That is almost a $14,000 price difference with the tested model. The Toyota Supra A91-CF Edition starts at $63,280. That is almost a $6,000 price difference from the tested model.

As for warranties, the Toyota Supra doesn't offer much. The new vehicle limited warranty only provides coverage for 3 years or 36,000 miles. The powertrain warranty covers up to 5 years or 60,000 miles. And finally, a corrosion perforation coverage warranty that covers up to 5 years with unlimited miles in that time.

As for rivals, the Toyota Supra competes against some of the most desirable cars on the market. The Supra goes up against the Nissan Z, Porsche 718 Cayman, and of course, the BMW Z4. The Nissan Z starts at $39,990. The Porsche 718 Cayman has a starting price of $63,400 and the BMW Z4 comes in at $49,900.

Conclusion

So, does the Supra still have the same charm as I remember? Indeed it does and then some. The horsepower on the Supra has increased quite well and it still is as comfortable of a ride as I last drove one. As far as the issue I have with the Supra, I can easily overlook it and see it as a sports car with a fun personality.

As for those who want a car that will put a smile on their face every time they get in one, the Supra is one of the best choices on the market. BMW is the only manufacturer that gets my approval for working with Toyota in making the Supra. It is the only manufacturer that fits the needs of what the Supra could be in today's world of merging automotive makers. Others would have completely ruined what the vision of the Supra is now. BMW was the best fit for it. You cannot tell me otherwise.