2020 Toyota Supra 3.0 Premium – Review, Specs & Features

The return of the Toyota Supra after a 17-year hiatus sent shockwaves through the automotive world. Few cars carry such a heavy legacy, and even fewer manage to live up to the immense hype. The 2020 Toyota Supra 3.0 Premium didn’t just meet expectations; for many, it redefined what a modern sports car could be. Blending iconic styling cues with cutting-edge German engineering, the A90 generation GR Supra emerged as a true performance contender.

This isn’t just a car; it’s a statement. A statement that Toyota is serious about performance, and that the spirit of the Supra lives on, albeit in a slightly different form than purists might have envisioned. The 3.0 Premium trim, in particular, was the top-tier offering for the launch year, packing an exhilarating powertrain, luxurious amenities, and advanced technology. It offered the complete package for enthusiasts seeking a high-performance coupe with a dash of everyday usability.

In this comprehensive review, we’ll dive deep into what makes the 2020 Supra 3.0 Premium so special. We’ll dissect its performance, explore its interior and exterior design, analyze its driving dynamics, and help you understand if this modern legend is the right machine for your garage. Get ready to rediscover the thrill of the Supra.

Quick Answers to Common Questions

How fast is the 2020 Toyota Supra 3.0 Premium?

The 2020 Toyota Supra 3.0 Premium is seriously quick, boasting a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six engine that propels it from 0-60 mph in a blistering 3.9 seconds.

What makes the 2020 Toyota Supra 3.0 Premium “Premium”?

The “Premium” in 2020 Toyota Supra 3.0 Premium means you get desirable upgrades like an 8.8-inch touchscreen with navigation, a 12-speaker JBL sound system, wireless Apple CarPlay, and sport pedals.

Is the 2020 Toyota Supra 3.0 Premium comfortable for daily driving?

Despite its sports car DNA, the 2020 Toyota Supra 3.0 Premium offers a surprisingly compliant ride for everyday commutes, and its adaptive suspension helps smooth out rougher roads.

What kind of engine does the 2020 Toyota Supra 3.0 Premium have?

Under the hood, the 2020 Toyota Supra 3.0 Premium houses a potent 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six engine, which, in this model year, produces 335 horsepower and 365 lb-ft of torque for an exhilarating drive.

What was the approximate starting price of the 2020 Toyota Supra 3.0 Premium?

When it first launched, the 2020 Toyota Supra 3.0 Premium had an MSRP of around $53,990, making it a compelling option for a high-performance sports car packed with features.

The Legend Reborn: A Brief History of the Supra’s Return

The journey of the A90 Supra to production was long and often shrouded in mystery. After the beloved MkIV Supra ceased production in 2002, fans clamored for its return. Toyota teased concepts for years, but it wasn’t until a collaboration with BMW was announced that the dream truly began to take shape. This partnership, which also yielded the BMW Z4, was a pragmatic decision, allowing both manufacturers to share development costs for niche sports car platforms.

When the 2020 Toyota Supra finally debuted, it ignited a passionate debate. On one hand, it carried the torch of an automotive icon; on the other, its BMW-sourced engine and platform led some purists to question its “true” Supra identity. However, Toyota’s Gazoo Racing (GR) division poured its expertise into tuning the chassis, suspension, and steering, ensuring the car had a distinctly Toyota feel, even with its German heart. The result was a car that quickly proved itself on the track and the street, silencing many critics and winning over a new generation of enthusiasts.

The 2020 Supra 3.0 Premium represented the pinnacle of the initial launch lineup, offering everything from enhanced infotainment to premium sound systems, ensuring that its performance was matched by a refined cabin experience. It was Toyota’s bold re-entry into the serious sports car segment, and it certainly made an impact.

Under the Hood: Power and Performance of the 3.0 Premium

At the heart of the 2020 Toyota Supra 3.0 Premium lies one of the most celebrated engines of its generation: BMW’s B58 inline-six turbocharged engine. While some initially balked at the BMW connection, the B58 quickly proved its mettle, offering a blend of smooth power delivery, robust torque, and incredible tuning potential. For the 2020 model year, this 3.0-liter straight-six produced:

• Horsepower: 335 hp (though many dyno tests showed figures closer to 380 hp at the wheels, suggesting an understated factory rating)
• Torque: 365 lb-ft

This power is channeled exclusively through a sharp-shifting ZF 8-speed automatic transmission. While a manual option was absent for 2020 (it would arrive in later model years), the ZF automatic is widely regarded as one of the best in the business, offering lightning-fast shifts in sport mode and smooth, imperceptible changes in comfort mode. This powertrain combination allowed the 2020 Supra to achieve impressive acceleration figures:

• 0-60 mph: Approximately 3.9-4.1 seconds (official figures often cited 4.1 seconds, but independent tests frequently beat this)
• Top Speed: Electronically limited to 155 mph

Beyond raw numbers, the Supra 3.0 Premium delivers its power with a delightful linear thrust and a captivating exhaust note, especially with the sport exhaust active. The turbo lag is virtually non-existent, and the engine pulls strongly across the entire rev range, making overtakes effortless and spirited driving incredibly rewarding. The short wheelbase and wide stance contribute to its agile feel, allowing it to dart into corners with confidence.

Driving Modes and Adaptive Suspension

The 2020 Toyota Supra 3.0 Premium comes equipped with an adaptive variable suspension system, which intelligently adjusts damping forces based on road conditions and driving mode. This, coupled with selectable driving modes (Normal and Sport), allows the driver to tailor the car’s characteristics to their preference:

• Normal Mode: Provides a comfortable ride, lighter steering, and more relaxed throttle response, ideal for daily commuting.
• Sport Mode: Sharpens throttle response, firms up the suspension, adds weight to the steering, and holds gears longer for a more aggressive and engaging driving experience.

The active limited-slip differential further enhances the Supra’s performance, optimizing traction and stability during hard cornering, ensuring power is put down effectively to the pavement.

Stepping Inside: Interior Design, Comfort, and Technology

The interior of the 2020 Toyota Supra 3.0 Premium is a blend of driver-focused ergonomics, modern technology, and premium materials, though its BMW origins are quite evident. Once inside, you’re greeted by a cockpit that feels snug and purposeful, designed to keep you connected to the driving experience.

Driver-Focused Cockpit

The dashboard design is clean and intuitive, with all essential controls within easy reach. The digital gauge cluster, a key feature of the 3.0 Premium, provides clear, customizable information, including a large central tachometer. The sports seats are comfortable and supportive, offering excellent bolstering to hold you in place during spirited driving, and come with leather trim and heating for added luxury. Despite its compact dimensions, headroom and legroom for the two occupants are surprisingly generous, even for taller drivers.

Infotainment and Connectivity

The 3.0 Premium truly shines in its technology offerings. It features an 8.8-inch touchscreen infotainment system (compared to the 6.5-inch screen in the base 3.0 model), which is essentially a re-skinned version of BMW’s iDrive system. This system is known for its user-friendly interface and can be controlled via touch, a rotary knob on the center console, or voice commands.

• Navigation: Standard on the Premium trim.
• Apple CarPlay: Wireless Apple CarPlay was included (though Android Auto was notably absent for 2020).
• JBL Audio System: A 12-speaker, 500-watt JBL audio system provided crisp, immersive sound, a significant upgrade over the base model’s 10-speaker system.
• Supra Connect: Features like remote services, roadside assistance, and an emergency call function were also part of the package.

Premium Touches and Practicality

Beyond the tech, the 2020 Toyota Supra 3.0 Premium elevates the cabin experience with several luxury touches:

• Carbon fiber trim accents
• Head-up display
• Wireless phone charger
• Heated leather seats

While a two-seater sports car isn’t known for its practicality, the Supra offers a surprisingly usable trunk space of 10.2 cubic feet. It’s enough for a weekend bag or a couple of grocery bags, making it viable for more than just track days. The hatchback-style opening also aids in loading larger items.

Eye-Catching Aesthetics: Exterior Design and Practicality

The exterior design of the 2020 Toyota Supra is unmistakably aggressive and pays homage to its iconic lineage, while carving out a distinct modern identity. Its muscular proportions, double-bubble roof, and athletic stance make it a head-turner on any street.

Distinctive Styling Cues

Toyota designers worked hard to incorporate elements that link back to past Supras and the FT-1 concept car. Key design highlights include:

• Aggressive Front Fascia: Large air intakes (some functional, some cosmetic) and sharp LED headlights give the Supra an intimidating gaze.
• Double-Bubble Roof: A classic design element that not only looks cool but also offers a slight increase in headroom while paying tribute to racing heritage.
• Wide Rear Hips: Flared fenders and a short rear deck give the car a squat, powerful appearance, further emphasized by the integrated ducktail spoiler.
• LED Tail Lights: Slim, angular LED tail lights complement the futuristic look.
• 19-inch Forged Alloy Wheels: The 3.0 Premium comes standard with lightweight 19-inch wheels, shod with Michelin Pilot Super Sport tires, enhancing both aesthetics and performance.

Aerodynamics and Dimensions

Every line and curve of the GR Supra isn’t just for show; it’s designed with aerodynamics in mind. While some of the vents are indeed fake, the car’s overall shape contributes to downforce and stability at high speeds. Its compact dimensions further contribute to its agility:

• Length: 172.5 inches
• Width: 73.0 inches
• Height: 50.9 inches
• Wheelbase: 97.2 inches

The short wheelbase and perfect 50:50 weight distribution are critical to the Supra’s handling characteristics, providing a nimble and balanced feel that belies its solid build.

Driving Experience: What It’s Like Behind the Wheel

This is where the 2020 Toyota Supra 3.0 Premium truly comes alive. From the moment you press the start button and hear the turbocharged inline-six rumble to life, you know you’re in for a treat. The driving experience is a harmonious blend of raw power, precise handling, and surprising refinement.

Handling and Agility

The short wheelbase, wide track, and low center of gravity make the Supra incredibly agile. Steering is direct and responsive, offering good feedback, especially in Sport mode. Turn-in is sharp, and the car rotates eagerly, feeling much lighter than its 3,397-pound curb weight suggests. The adaptive suspension does an excellent job of managing body roll, keeping the car flat and composed through corners. Whether on a winding back road or a track, the Supra 3.0 Premium inspires confidence, allowing you to push its limits.

Ride Comfort and Daily Usability

Despite its sports car credentials, the 2020 Supra 3.0 Premium manages to offer a surprisingly compliant ride for daily driving. In Normal mode, the adaptive dampers soak up most road imperfections effectively, preventing it from being overly harsh. It’s firm, as you’d expect from a performance coupe, but not punishing. Visibility is decent forward and to the sides, though the thick C-pillars can create blind spots, which are mitigated by standard blind-spot monitoring on the Premium trim. Its compact size also makes it relatively easy to maneuver and park in urban environments.

Braking Performance

The Supra 3.0 Premium is equipped with powerful Brembo brakes, featuring four-piston fixed calipers at the front. These provide strong, consistent stopping power with excellent pedal feel, crucial for both spirited driving and emergency stops. They resist fade well, even under sustained heavy use, making the car capable on the track.

Aural Experience

The sound of the B58 engine is intoxicating. While some of the exhaust note is augmented through the speakers in Sport mode, the actual mechanical symphony from under the hood and out the dual exhaust tips is rich and satisfying. There’s a delightful snarl at higher RPMs and a satisfying burble on overrun, adding to the emotional connection with the machine.

Is the 2020 Supra 3.0 Premium Right for You? Pros, Cons, and Value

Deciding if the 2020 Toyota Supra 3.0 Premium is the right car for you involves weighing its strengths against its few drawbacks and understanding its place in the market. It’s a compelling package, but not without its nuances.

Key Benefits of the 2020 Supra 3.0 Premium

• Exhilarating Performance: The turbocharged B58 engine delivers strong, linear power and rapid acceleration, making every drive exciting.
• Superb Handling: Agile, balanced chassis with precise steering and a fantastic active limited-slip differential.
• Premium Interior: High-quality materials, advanced infotainment (8.8-inch screen, JBL audio, wireless CarPlay), and comfortable heated leather seats.
• Iconic Styling: A head-turning design that stands out in a crowd while honoring its heritage.
• Daily Drivability: Surprisingly comfortable for a sports car, with adaptive suspension smoothing out rough roads in Normal mode.
• Tuning Potential: The B58 engine is renowned for its aftermarket support and ability to handle significant power upgrades.

Considerations and Potential Drawbacks

• BMW DNA: While the performance is undeniable, some purists still struggle with the shared platform and interior components.
• Two-Seater Only: Limited practicality for those needing more seating or cargo space (though trunk space is decent for a coupe).
• No Manual Option (for 2020): Enthusiasts who prefer a manual transmission had to wait for later model years or look elsewhere.
• Blind Spots: Thick C-pillars can impede rearward visibility.
• Price: At launch, the 3.0 Premium commanded a significant price, placing it in contention with other strong sports cars.

Value and Competition

The original MSRP for the 2020 Toyota Supra 3.0 Premium was around $53,990 (excluding destination charges). This placed it squarely against rivals like the Porsche 718 Cayman, Audi TT RS, BMW M2 Competition, and even the Ford Mustang GT Performance Pack. While some of these offered more power or a manual transmission, the Supra carved out its niche with its unique blend of Japanese heritage, German engineering, and a focus on driving purity.

As a used car, the 2020 Supra 3.0 Premium holds its value relatively well due to its demand and the Toyota badge’s reputation for reliability. It represents a fantastic opportunity to own a modern classic with serious performance credentials and a high level of standard equipment.

Who is it for?

The 2020 Toyota Supra 3.0 Premium is ideal for:

• Sports car enthusiasts who prioritize engaging driving dynamics and strong acceleration.
• Buyers seeking a stylish, well-equipped coupe with premium features.
• Individuals who appreciate a balance of track capability and daily usability.
• Those looking for a car with significant aftermarket tuning potential.
• Anyone who wants to own a piece of automotive history reborn, without breaking the bank for a true exotic.

2020 Toyota Supra 3.0 Premium Key Specifications

Here’s a quick overview of the essential data for the 2020 Toyota Supra 3.0 Premium:

Feature	Specification
Engine	3.0-liter Turbocharged Inline-6 (BMW B58)
Horsepower	335 hp @ 5,000-6,500 rpm (factory stated)
Torque	365 lb-ft @ 1,600-4,500 rpm
Transmission	8-speed ZF Automatic with Paddle Shifters
0-60 mph	4.1 seconds (Toyota official); Sub-4 seconds (independent tests)
Top Speed	155 mph (electronically limited)
Curb Weight	3,397 lbs
Fuel Economy (City/Highway/Combined)	24/31/26 MPG
Drive Type	Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD)
Seating Capacity	2
Original MSRP (Premium)	Approx. $53,990 (excluding destination)

Conclusion: The Modern Legend That Delivers

The 2020 Toyota Supra 3.0 Premium arrived with the weight of immense expectation, and it largely delivered. It may not be the purist’s ideal “Japanese muscle car” in the traditional sense, but it is undeniably a phenomenal sports car. It offers a thrilling combination of potent performance, engaging driving dynamics, and a surprisingly refined, tech-laden interior, all wrapped in a visually striking package.

For those seeking a performance coupe that excels on both winding roads and daily commutes, the Supra 3.0 Premium makes a compelling case. Its BMW-sourced heart provides a robust and tunable foundation, while Toyota’s GR division has masterfully tuned the chassis to create a distinct and rewarding driving experience. If you’re in the market for a high-performance two-seater that offers both excitement and everyday usability, the 2020 Toyota Supra 3.0 Premium should be at the very top of your list.

It’s more than just a tribute to its predecessors; it’s a bold new chapter for the Supra nameplate, proving that legends can indeed be reborn, even if they evolve in unexpected ways. Drive one, and you’ll understand why this modern classic has captivated so many.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the key performance specs of the 2020 Toyota Supra 3.0 Premium?

The 2020 Toyota Supra 3.0 Premium is powered by a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six engine, producing 335 horsepower and 365 lb-ft of torque. This allows the car to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in a swift 4.1 seconds, delivering an exhilarating driving experience.

What features are included in the “Premium” trim level of the 2020 Toyota Supra?

The “Premium” trim enhances the 2020 Toyota Supra with significant upgrades over the base model. It includes an 8.8-inch touchscreen with navigation, a 12-speaker JBL audio system, heated leather-trimmed seats, and a head-up display for a more luxurious and connected experience.

How does the 2020 Toyota Supra 3.0 Premium handle on the road?

The 2020 Toyota Supra 3.0 Premium offers a sharp and engaging driving experience, characterized by its low center of gravity and balanced chassis. Its adaptive variable suspension and precise steering provide excellent agility and stability, making it enjoyable on both winding roads and daily commutes.

What kind of technology and interior features can I expect in the Supra 3.0 Premium?

Inside, the Supra 3.0 Premium boasts a driver-focused cockpit with modern technology. Key features include an 8.8-inch infotainment system with Apple CarPlay compatibility, a digital instrument cluster, and a suite of advanced safety features like dynamic radar cruise control and lane departure warning.

What is the fuel efficiency of the 2020 Toyota Supra 3.0 Premium?

The 2020 Toyota Supra 3.0 Premium offers competitive fuel economy for a sports car with its performance capabilities. It achieves an EPA-estimated 24 miles per gallon combined (24 city/31 highway), balancing spirited performance with reasonable efficiency.

What are the main differences between the 2020 Toyota Supra 3.0 Premium and the 2.0 model?

The primary difference lies in the engine: the 3.0 Premium features a powerful 3.0-liter turbo inline-six, while the 2.0 model has a 2.0-liter turbo inline-four with lower horsepower and torque. Beyond the engine, the 3.0 Premium also includes more luxurious standard features like a larger infotainment screen, premium sound system, and upgraded seating materials.