Pros and Cons: 2023 Toyota GR Supra on Everyman Driver

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Now in its fourth model year after a 2020 reboot, the Toyota GR Supra two-seat coupe sits atop a performance-car lineup that includes the GR 86 and GR Corolla. The GR prefix is short for Gazoo Racing, Toyota’s partner for low-volume, specialty-tuned performance cars. Developed in conjunction with BMW, the GR Supra shares most of its underbody structure, drivetrain, and chassis components with the BMW Z4. Aside from the fact that the GR Supra is a hatchback coupe and the Z4 an open-top roadster, the main differences between the two are styling and tuning.

What the collaboration gives Toyota is a well-engineered two-seat sports GT coupe with a choice of two turbocharged engines, the latter of which is an inline six-cylinder that harks back to the original Toyota Supras of the 1980s and '90s. The result is an adventurously styled sports car with a long hood, prominent snorkel grille, side scallops, and low, wide stance that show this car means business. And with as much as 382 horsepower and quick throttle response from a twin-scroll turbo with no perceivable lag, acceleration is invigorating. The chassis adds adaptive suspension damping on six-cylinder models, with real-time, on-the-fly adjustments to the suspension that deliver optimal control when needed, balanced with a surprisingly pleasing ride.

Assembled in Austria by esteemed coachbuilder Steyr, the GR Supra offers a luxuriously appointed cabin. It’s snug by sedan standards, but as sports and GT cars go, there’s plenty of legroom and just enough headroom for comfort. Cargo room is surprisingly generous for the class as well.

The rival Nissan Z offers sporty handling and potent turbocharged six-cylinder power similar to the GR Supra but with more advanced safety tech and a lower price. The more expensive BMW Z4 has the same engines but with the fun of a convertible and a larger infotainment screen.