If you were diligently waiting for the Supra's hype to die down, your patience has paid off. Just less than a year after launching the A90 Toyota GR Supra, the automaker has already made big changes to the 2021 year-model, including important changes that impact the sports car's performance. From the first-ever four-cylinder Supra GR 2.0 to arrive on our shores to a more powerful inline-six in the Supra GR 3.0, there's plenty of things to be excited about with the 2021 Supra. Features editor Christian Seabaugh and I drove both Supras, and although our opinions differ as to which Supra we'd get, we both acknowledge that the new model is a far more compelling product than the 2020. So, if you're thinking about getting a Supra soon, wait for the 2021 models to arrive.
Which Supra Would I Buy? Supra 3.0—Christian Seabaugh
After driving the new 2021 Toyota GR Supra 2.0 and the revamped 2021 GR Supra 3.0 back to back, for me the choice between the two is easy: Just get the bigger engine.
I'm usually in the "drive a slow car fast" camp, but the Supra 2.0 feels like it's missing something. There's nothing wrong with the new Supra 2.0, of course—its BMW-sourced turbo-four has a good amount of power and a well-tuned transmission, and its steering is ever so slightly quicker than the Supra 3.0's thanks to carrying less weight on the nose. Still, it doesn't provoke that buzzy, happy feeling that a good sports car should.
The Supra 3.0 does. The throaty wail of the Supra 3.0 is addictive, and so is the smoothness in the way the turbocharged I-6 revs. It also rides nicer, its electronically adjustable suspension—to steal a line from an old Camry commercial—helps the Supra 3.0 feel "grounded to the ground." It's planted and confidence inspiring, ensuring you can focus on getting the Toyota's nose aimed at the next corner and the throttle pinned.
Which Supra Would I Buy? Supra 2.0—Miguel Cortina
I was quite surprised by the way the Supra 2.0 handled. The impressive grip, the peppy engine combined with a quick eight-speed transmission, and the more direct steering feel make the four-cylinder Supra a very fun car to drive. Sure, the turbo-four obviously doesn't feel as quick as the six-cylinder does, but in the grand scheme of things, the 2.0 checks a lot of boxes for those who want a fun car.
The only thing I missed on the four-cylinder was the adaptive suspension that comes on the 3.0-liter. I thought the suspension in the Supra 2.0 was a tad too stiff, especially on Los Angeles' freeways, whose hodgepodge of concrete and violent expansion joints sent the Supra 2.0 flying against its bumpstops at speed.
The Supra 2.0 is also a better value. Toyota hasn't released pricing on the 2021 models, but we know the four-cylinder will be cheaper. We estimate the Supra 2.0 will be in the low $40,000s, which would be a terrific place to start. At that price you can save a ton of money for your kids' college and still have change for the speeding tickets you'll get when you drive the Supra. I'll take that deal.
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