It was love at first sight. Again.
A few weeks back, I found myself paddle-shifting through the last week of the year in the 2022 Toyota GR Supra 2.0. The red-hot two seater, looking every bit as sizzling as I remembered, the interior every inch as sporty and the driving experience every bit as fun. Indeed, my recent stint behind the Supra only proceeded to rekindle my already documented adoration for this sportster in previous reviews.
Powertrain
The Supra 2.0 slots below the more track-enthusiast geared 3.0 Premium. The big difference between the two is, of course, power. The 2.0’s BMW-sourced turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder delivers 255-horses (and 295 pound-feet of torque). The 3.0’s inline-six engine delivers a substantially more 382-ponies (and 368 lb.-ft. of torque). Yes, it’s a difference in power you can feel, but the 2.0’s horsepower matches its lighter weight. ( As I shared in my previous 2.0 review, this model is roughly 200 pounds lighter than the 3.0 version with more room under the hood for modifications. )
Both rear-wheel drive Supra powertrains are currently equipped with an 8-speed automatic, but some big news to share here: The Drive confirms a 2.0 GR Supra with a manual gearbox is on the way sometime this year.
Exterior
The Supra’s looks can be summed up rather succinctly: RED HOT. It’s one of the best-looking two-seaters out there, if not the best in my book, with perfect portions. A long hood, sculpted profile and distinctive tail end make for a gorgeous car as does its aerodynamic double-bubble roof that harkens back to the 2000 GT. Eighteen-inch cast aluminum wheels look super sharp set against the Renaissance Red 2.0 hue.
The Supra lineup boasts LED headlights, daytime running lights and tail lights along with an aerodynamic underbody panel. The 2.0 is outfitted with a body-colored rear spoiler, dual rear exhaust outlets with stainless steel polished tips and glossy black power folding heated side mirrors.
Interior
Thanks to the Toyota-BMW partnership which brought the Supra back to life in 2019, you’ll see a heavy BMW influence on the interior when it comes to design and technology.
The sporty cabin impresses with its Black Alcantara leather sport seats, terrific carbon fiber trim, quality stitching and leather-wrapped steering wheel.
More BMW-influence is found in the 8.8-inch digital driver info display and responsive Supra Command infotainment system as well as on the center console with its gear-shift knob, multimedia rotary dial and various buttons including one to turn off the automatic start/stop and enable the electronic parking brake.
The 2.0’s driver seat adjusts manually. A 4-speaker sound system is standard, but my test model has the optional 12-speaker system.
Ride and Drive
The Supra is fun-to-drive with great acceleration (though not as accelerating as the 3.0’s), sport-calibrated power steering and a sport suspension that gives you an engaged ride that is noticeably firmer in “Sport” mode. Michelin Pilot Sport tires provide a great grip on the road. It’s not a quiet ride, but no one expects it to be. You’ll get enhanced cornering ability and stability with the 3.0 model. Braking is confident though you get larger brakes on the 3.0.
Standard Features and Options
Standard features include dual zone climate, a great backup camera, smart key entry and push button start, automatic rain sensing wipers, and a manual tilt and telescopic steering wheel.
Standard driver assistance features include Pre-Collision with Pedestrian Detection, Lane Departure Warning with Steering Assist, and Automatic High Beams.
My test model’s optional Safety and Technology Package ($3,485) adds Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, Blind Spot Monitor, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Parking Sense with Emergency Braking. The package’s tech features include the 8.8-inch touchscreen with navigation, 12-speaker audio system, Touchpad Rotary Control, wireless Apple CarPlay and speed limit info. It’s also equipped with a Carpet Cargo Mat ($80) and wheel locks ($65.)
Verdict
The rear-wheel drive 2.0 Supra is a sports car to love with looks that’ll have all eyes on you going down the road. It’s just not going to give you the adrenaline rush the more powerful model will. But it’s plenty fun to drive all the same and a stunner to look at. Plus it’s entry-level price point at under $50K as equipped is pretty fantastic.
- What I liked most: RED HOT looks and sporty cabin.
- What I would change: Boost horsepower for the entry-level model. Make Blind Spot Monitor standard.
- MSRP: $43,190 Base Price; $47,845 as equipped with transportation.
- Official color: Renaissance Red 2.0.
- Fuel economy: 25 city/32 highway/28 combined. (Premium Fuel required,)
- Odometer reading when tested: 269 miles.
- Spare tire: Puncture Repair Kit.
- Weight: 3,181 pounds.
- Length-width-height: 172.5” long/ 73” wide/ 51.1” high.
- Fuel-tank capacity: 13.7 gallons w/filler on the passenger’s side.
- Towing capacity: N/A
- 2022 Supra 2.0 in a few words: A gorgeous, fun-to-drive sports car with BMW-influence at an amazing price.
- Warranty: 36 months/36,000 miles Basic Warranty; 60 months/60,000 miles Powertrain
- Final assembly location: Graz, Austria.
- Manufacturer’s website: www.Toyota.com
