Sports cars are seemingly not flavor of the month right now, with popular nameplates dropping like flies. Audi has canned both the R8 and the TT in recent years, the BMW Z4 is set to be discontinued, and now Toyota has opted to remove the 2.0-liter GR Supra from their list of offerings.

The more powerful and heavily favored GR Supra 3.0 six-cylinder still remains an option, which got us thinking. Does the four-cylinder Toyota GR Supra 2.0 deserve to retire as an underappreciated model? We took a closer look to establish whether it is just a ‘poor man’s alternative’ to a ‘proper Supra’, or if it can actually stand alone as a serious sports car, worthy of your hard-earned cash.

CarBuzz has sourced all specifications and statistics directly from Toyota. If any other authoritative sources have been used, they will be listed separately at the foot of the article.

History Of The Mk5 GR Supra

Toyota had clearly been toying around with a Supra replacement for some time, developing concepts such as the FT-HS along the way, which kept the fans guessing. However, the iconic nameplate would not make a proper revival until 2019, when it was revealed fully at the North American International Auto Show in January. The model was developed in collaboration with BMW and its then-new Z4, with both models sharing powertrains and platforms.

Two main engines were offered, with the 2.0-liter model appearing a year after the 3.0L one. Both engines are BMW-derived, and it’s the smaller 2.0-liter, four-cylinder model that this article hones in on. While BMW has made the decision to ax the Z4 entirely, Toyota has opted to keep the Supra running, although the 2.0-liter model will be dropped from the lineup for the first time in 2025.

Design: Toyota’s Supra Is Styled Like A Heavyweight Sports Car

Design-wise, there is very little to differentiate the entry-level Supra from its bigger 3.0-liter brother. The main differences are alloy wheel designs, as the 2.0-liter model sports lightweight 18-inch wheels, whereas the 3.0-liter model wears larger 19-inch wheels.

While many Toyota designs can push boundaries and sometimes look somewhat awkward, the designers have played it fairly safe with the GR Supra, and it’s all for the better. While unique touches, such as the striking front fascia and dynamic rear lights are a break from the norm, the overall design of the GR Supra follows some simple and traditional sports car styling rules. The hood is long and down-swept, there is minimal overhand at the rear, and the cabin sweeps neatly into a flared rear spoiler. It’s aggressive and smooth all at the same time, which is surely no easy brief to nail as a designer.

The smoothness of the silhouette echoes the simple designs of Supra models of old, particularly the ever-popular Mk4, and it’s not even so different from classic ’60s sports cars, such as the awesome 2000 GT. However, it’s in the details where the GR Supra appears aggressive, hinting that it’s not just a sweet-looking coupe, but a properly purposeful sports car.

Performance: A Logical Step Up From The GR86

A quick comparison reveals one very obvious fact – the GR Supra 2.0 is clearly lacking in terms of output when lined up against the 3.0. That’s a given, though. What might not be so obvious, is where the four-cylinder model actually excels.

Losing two cylinders doesn’t pose many benefits to a sports car, but one pro is that the 2.0 comes in over 200 pounds lighter than its more powerful sibling. Not only is it notably lighter, but the excess weight is lost from the nose, too, which has a profound effect on the Supra 2.0’s handling.

When we took the 2021 Toyota GR Supra 2.0 by the horns, we experienced how sweetly the coupe handled. The Supra changed direction keenly and felt predictable – even if flung into a corner with some force. The only real area in which the 2.0-liter model lacked was in a straight line, but, again, that’s always going to be the case when compared to a six-cylinder counterpart.

Instead of looking at the Supra 2.0 as a low-powered Supra, it might help instead to view it as a more powerful GR86. It kicks out 255 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque, whereas Toyota’s baby sports car makes do with just 228 horsepower and 184 lb-ft. Now, if Toyota had launched a GR86 with this powertrain as an upgrade, and left the Supra as a 3.0-liter model, it would no doubt be hailed as the ultimate iteration of GR86. So, why is it so overlooked when packaged up as a Supra?

Regardless of how you choose to look at it, the GR Supra 2.0 is certainly anything but a slow car. The Supra 2.0 completes the 0-60 run in just 5.2 seconds, and it’ll carry on accelerating until it hits the same electronically limited 155 mph as the six-pot model.

Interior: Premium BMW Quality, With Toyota Character

Naturally, much of the Supra’s cabin is similar to that of the BMW Z4’s. That’s no bad thing; after all, BMW interiors are rarely lacking in quality or premium feel. Fortunately, the Toyota designers have still been able to get creative inside, and so the dashboard has been largely redesigned to suit the Japanese brand’s design language, and so loyal Toyota enthusiasts should still feel right at home behind the wheel.

Toyota provides the option for customers to invite a splash of color into the Supra’s cabin, with leather accents found on the steering wheel, center console, door cards and sports seats. While a solid black interior always looks smart, red or even tan highlights help to brighten the cabin.

Pricing: How Much Can You Save With A Supra 2.0?

Flagship trims of the Mk5 GR Supra, such as the 3.0 Premium and striking 45th Anniversary Edition, are notably more expensive than the GR Supra 2.0, and so comparing them directly doesn’t make an awful lot of sense. They can be more closely compared to BMW’s M2 or the Porsche Cayman.

However, one comparison that does make sense is the Supra 2.0 and the Supra 3.0. There is very little to separate these cars – the main difference being two cylinders and 127 horsepower, oh, and $8,960. Just shy of $9,000 to upgrade is a significant chunk of change, but, for a near 50% power increase (plus slick suspension and an intoxicating soundtrack), all of a sudden that $8,960 looks rather like money well spent.

Another comparison worth making is the base GR Supra 2.0 and the GR86, which, for 2025, sports an MSRP of only $29,950. So, if it’s just an entry-level sports car for some weekend fun that you’re after, why not save $15,590 and buy a GR86? Or, if it’s a proper driver’s tool you’re hankering for, surely the 3.0-liter Supra is worth that extra expense? That’s easier said than done, though, as $8,960 is no small chunk of change to find, even if you’d really like to. Plus, running costs would be higher for the Supra 3.0 too.

Summary: Four-Pot Or Not, The Baby Supra Is A Proper Driver’s Car

Whether or not the GR Supra 2.0 is a wise investment or not ultimately depends on the depth of one’s wallet. If you’ve got $65,000 to shell out on a bells and whistles sports car, you’d likely not consider it, and instead just head straight for the 3.0 Premium or 45th Anniversary Edition. If, however, you’re looking at either a top-flight GR86 or this, then all of a sudden the more powerful Supra 2.0 looks like a seriously compelling package.

Regardless, there’s no denying that the 2.0 model lives in the shadow of its six-cylinder sibling when it really needs not. In every way, shape and form, the GR Supra 2.0 is a proper driver’s car, and it offers a comprehensive sports car experience. Manufacturers like Alpine, Mercedes-AMG and Jaguar have proven that four cylinders are plenty enough for a serious driver’s car, and you can add the entry-level Supra right to the top of that list.