2020 Toyota Supra Review: The Legend Reborn
The automotive world stood still when Toyota announced the return of the iconic Supra nameplate. After a 21-year hiatus from the U.S. market, the fifth-generation A90 Supra arrived in 2020 carrying the weight of legendary expectations. Developed in partnership with BMW yet distinctly Toyota in character, this sports car delivers an exhilarating driving experience that honors its heritage while embracing modern performance technology.
The Supra Legacy Continues
Since its debut in 1978, the Toyota Supra has evolved from a refined grand tourer to a turbocharged legend in the 1990s. The 2020 model marks a bold new chapter, sharing its platform and powertrain with the BMW Z4 but emerging as a completely unique driving machine through meticulous Japanese tuning.
MotorVero's extensive testing reveals how Toyota's engineers transformed these shared components into a sports car that stands apart:
Key Specifications
Engine | 3.0L Turbocharged Inline-6 |
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Horsepower | 335 hp (underrated, estimated 380+ hp) |
Torque | 365 lb-ft |
Transmission | 8-speed automatic |
0-60 mph | 4.1 seconds |
Base Price | $49,990 |
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What Makes the 2020 Supra Exceptional
1. An Exhilarating Soundtrack
The Supra's acoustic personality transforms with driving mode selection. In Normal mode, the exhaust note remains refined yet sporty. Engage Sport mode, and the cabin fills with an aggressive symphony perfectly tuned for enthusiast drivers:
- Deep, resonant growl under acceleration
- Snappy exhaust pops on throttle lift-off
- Precise upshift blips during aggressive driving
- Active sound tuning enhances the natural engine harmonics
2. Underrated Power Delivery
While officially rated at 335 horsepower, dyno tests consistently show the B58 engine producing significantly more power - likely between 380-390 hp at the crank. This BMW-sourced powerplant delivers:
- Peak torque available from just 1,600 rpm
- Linear power band with no noticeable turbo lag
- Effortless acceleration throughout the rev range
- Overboost function for temporary power increases
3. Precision Steering & Handling
Despite sharing hardware with the Z4, the Supra's steering feel demonstrates Toyota's tuning mastery. The electromechanical system provides:
- Ideal steering weight (lighter than the Z4 in Comfort mode)
- Excellent feedback about road conditions and grip levels
- Quick 13.0:1 ratio for sharp turn-in response
- Progressive build-up of effort during cornering
4. Transmission Performance
The absence of a manual option disappointed some enthusiasts, but the ZF 8-speed automatic proves remarkably capable:
- Lightning-fast upshifts (under 100ms in Sport mode)
- Intuitive predictive downshifting during braking
- Manual mode holds gears to redline without intervention
- Seamless shifts in Normal mode for daily driving
5. Surprisingly Accommodating Interior
While compact, the Supra's cockpit accommodates a wide range of body types through clever packaging:
- Seat lowers nearly 2 inches for tall drivers
- Roof bubbles provide extra headroom
- Adjustable steering column with generous range
- Sport seats offer excellent lateral support
Considerations Before Buying
1. Visibility Challenges
The Supra's dramatic styling creates some practical compromises:
- Low windshield header obstructs view for tall drivers
- Significant passenger-side blind spot
- Small rear window with limited rearward visibility
- Optional blind spot monitoring highly recommended
2. BMW-Sourced Tech Quirks
The iDrive infotainment system works well but has some limitations:
- No Android Auto compatibility (Apple CarPlay available)
- Touchscreen positioned slightly too far forward
- Controller dial requires attention to use precisely
- Some menu structures aren't immediately intuitive
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How the Supra Compares to Key Rivals
The sports car segment offers several compelling alternatives to the Supra:
Supra vs. BMW Z4
While sharing mechanical components, these cars deliver distinct experiences:
- Driving Dynamics: Supra tuned for sharper responses and more feedback
- Practicality: Z4's convertible top reduces cargo space
- Pricing: Supra offers better value with similar performance
Supra vs. Porsche Cayman
The German mid-engine benchmark presents a tougher challenge:
- Handling: Cayman's mid-engine balance provides superior poise
- Interior Quality: Porsche's materials and finish feel more premium
- Cost: Well-equipped Caymans cost significantly more
Supra vs. Nissan Z
The other returning Japanese sports car icon:
- Transmission: Nissan offers a manual option
- Tech: Supra's cabin feels more modern
- Performance: Supra's turbo-six delivers smoother power
Final Verdict: Who Should Buy the 2020 Supra?
After extensive evaluation, the 2020 Toyota Supra emerges as an exceptional sports car that successfully revives an iconic nameplate. It particularly shines for:
- Enthusiast Drivers: Seeking engaging dynamics and tunable character
- Performance Value Shoppers: Delivering near-luxury quality at mainstream pricing
- Weekend Cruisers: Who prioritize driving pleasure over practicality
- Toyota Purists: Willing to embrace the BMW partnership for superior engineering
While not without compromises, the Supra represents one of the most compelling performance values in its class. Its combination of accessible price, thrilling dynamics, and head-turning styling make it a worthy successor to the legendary Supra name.