2022 Toyota GR Supra

There's a big difference in how the cars drive depending on which engine they have fitted, and it's not just down to the weight savings at the front with the four-cylinder. The Supra feels more eager to turn in with the smaller engine, but it's not pronounced enough to base a buying decision on that alone. The six-cylinder GR Supra adds weight with adaptive suspension and an active rear sport differential, which dramatically and positively affects how it gets the power down out of a corner. While our most recent 2.0-liter loaner model is more eager to turn in, the 3.0 is more eager to leave it and get to the next one. Either way, the Supra is at its best when corner carving, and the steering is beautifully weighted, accurate, and direct. It inspires confidence with its high level of grip, but taking the Supra to the edge requires finesse and confidence born from experience. It's not that the car is unbalanced or hard to drive, but it does like to be tail-happy when pushed over the limits of grip. The driver aids will step in for less experienced drivers running out of talent at that point, but they're not magical.

The Supra has a sharp edge from the factory, but that doesn't mean it's not a comfortable daily driver. The 2.0's standard suspension is firm but compliant, if a little bouncy at speed on a rougher road, while the adaptive suspension setup is more forgiving out of Sport mode. When it comes to daily driving, the Supra is only let down in that rear visibility is poor at best. However, if you're looking for a serious sports car, there are always compromises to be made.

There's no doubt the Supra is an entertaining sports car, even if it does feel more Germanic than Japanese now. While it doesn't quite have the soul of the legendary models, the modern Toyota Supra matches rather than excels over the fabled Mk IV from the early to mid-1990s in performance and handling. The BMW Z4 might be a better option for those seeking a more luxurious twist, but those options for real luxury start adding to the price quickly. For buyers looking for something purer when it comes to performance and sheer backroad enjoyment, the GR Supra is a wildly entertaining piece of engineering. The only letdown comes if you use an Android phone and/or enjoy listening to music when you drive. If you do, maybe stick with the base system and then look to the aftermarket later to get improved sound.

The Supra does have a superpower the previous iterations never had, though. It's amazing how people will pull over for it on a mountain road. Typically, you would be bored sitting behind them as they obliviously pass turnout after turnout. However, something about the front end of the Supra must register somewhere in the driver's brains and tell them the car behind shouldn't be shackled like that. On the flip side, it seems every rattle-trap lowered car on the planet wants to race a Supra. These are more typically the good and bad sides of driving a supercar.

BMW's Z cars have a long and rich history, not necessarily as the sharpest sports cars on the road, but as entertaining machines with a touch of class, and little has changed over the years. The 2022 Z4 Roadster is a good-looking car, and despite sharing a platform and powertrains with the GR Supra, it gets its own unique look and character. In terms of outright performance, these cars are equals and share both engine options and that sharp 8-speed transmission - the Z4 has the same specs as the 2022 GR Toyota Supra. On the road, the Toyota GR Supra is the better driver's car, but some will prefer the interior design and feel of the BMW. In terms of practicality, the Supra offers more cargo space. Notably, the Z4 offers top-down thrills and a much higher starting price. We'd stick with the GR Supra as it's simply more unique.

The universally-loved Toyota GR86 is now in its second generation and comes packed with improved tech, sharper styling, and more power. This RWD drift-happy driver's car has been a massive sales success ever since it was launched nearly a decade ago, and the second-gen vehicle promises to deliver more affordable fun. Unlike the GR Supra, the 86 makes use of a naturally-aspirated engine. In the case of the 2022 car, you get a 2.4-liter boxer 4-cylinder producing 228 hp and 184 lb-ft of torque. That is significantly less than you get in the 2.0 Supra, but at least the engine gets paired with a crisp six-speed manual transmission. In terms of fuel consumption, the GR86 will manage a best of 21/31/25 mpg, making it a heavier drinker than the Supra. The GR86 is also a smaller car and even more cramped, only offering 6.3 cubic feet of trunk space. The interior isn't as refined, and there isn't as much standard tech on offer. However, it does cost much less than the GR Supra at $27,700, making it an attractive choice for budget-minded buyers.