The Toyota Supra has an undeniable allure, a magnetic pull that draws you back time and time again. My recent experience behind the wheel of the 2022 Toyota Supra 3.0 Premium served as yet another powerful reminder of why this two-seater sports car continues to captivate. It’s not just a visually stunning machine; it’s an incredibly engaging driving experience wrapped in a design that’s nothing short of iconic. From every angle, the Supra is a head-turner, a modern classic in the making.
Considering upgrading or exploring ownership? Delve into our comprehensive reviews of the Supra models since 2020 to gain deeper insights. Explore Supra Reviews Here
Exterior Styling: A Modern Icon
The Supra stands in a league of its own when it comes to exterior aesthetics. In my opinion, it’s arguably the most visually striking two-seater on the market today. Having recently reviewed the vibrant 2022 Supra 2.0 in striking red, this time I had the pleasure of experiencing the more potent 3.0 Premium variant, finished in an exceptionally alluring Black Metallic.
The proportions of the Supra are nothing short of perfect. The long, commanding hood flows seamlessly into a sculpted profile, culminating in a distinctive rear end crowned with a sporty spoiler. This design language speaks to a heritage of performance and style. The aerodynamic double-bubble roof is a particularly noteworthy detail, serving as a stylish nod to the legendary Toyota 2000 GT.
Stepping up to the 3.0 Premium model brings enhanced visual presence with larger 19-inch forged aluminum wheels, a significant upgrade from the 2.0’s 18-inch wheels. These are paired with Michelin Pilot Super Sport tires, renowned for their exceptional grip and contribution to the Supra’s poised road manners.
The entire Supra range is equipped with modern LED lighting, encompassing the headlights, daytime running lights, and tail lights, ensuring both style and visibility. The 3.0 Premium further enhances its premium status with matte black auto-folding, heated outside mirrors with memory function, and distinctive dual exhaust outlets finished with brushed stainless steel tips.
Performance Prowess: Unleashing the 3.0-Liter Turbocharged Engine
For driving enthusiasts who crave exhilarating performance, the 2022 Toyota Supra 3.0 Premium delivers in spades. Its robust inline-six turbocharged engine is the heart of its appeal, generating an impressive 382 horsepower and 368 lb.-ft. of torque. This represents a substantial leap in power compared to the 2.0-liter four-cylinder version, which produces 255 horsepower and 295 lb.-ft. of torque. The result is blistering acceleration; Toyota officially clocks the 0-60 mph sprint at a mere 3.9 seconds.
Currently, both rear-wheel-drive Supra models utilize a refined 8-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters, offering quick and engaging gear changes. Excitingly, for the 2023 model year, Toyota introduced a manual gearbox option for the 3.0, further enhancing driver engagement for purists.
Beyond the engine, there are subtle yet significant differences between the 2.0 and 3.0 models. The 3.0 version carries approximately 200 additional pounds of weight compared to the 2.0. It also features a slightly lower ground clearance, sitting 2 inches closer to the road, contributing to its planted and sporty feel.
Interior Refinement: A Driver-Focused Cockpit
From its initial launch, the interior of the new-generation Supra has impressed with its blend of sportiness and refinement. However, the 2022 3.0 Premium elevates the cabin experience even further with the introduction of a striking red leather-trimmed interior option. This vibrant red leather adorns the sport seats, which are meticulously designed to keep you firmly in place during spirited driving, thanks to their supportive side bolsters. The driver’s seat in the 3.0 Premium boasts 14-way power adjustability, a significant upgrade from the manual adjustments in the 2.0 model, ensuring a perfectly tailored driving position.
As previously noted, the interior design reflects the collaborative partnership between Toyota and BMW, which played a crucial role in the Supra’s revival in 2019. Premium materials and features abound, including carbon fiber trim accents, heated seats for added comfort, sporty pedals, a leather-wrapped steering wheel for a tactile feel, dual-zone automatic climate control, and a high-fidelity 12-speaker JBL sound system as standard.
The center console is ergonomically laid out, housing the gear selector, the intuitive multimedia rotary dial, and conveniently placed buttons for sport mode activation, automatic start/stop control, and the electronic parking brake. Wireless phone charging is also integrated into the center console for modern convenience.
The cockpit is equipped with dual 8-inch screens: one serving as a digital driver display, providing essential vehicle information, and the other dedicated to the responsive Supra Command infotainment system. A notable update for the 2022 model year is the inclusion of full-screen wireless Apple CarPlay compatibility, enhancing smartphone integration.
2022 Toyota Supra GR 3.0 Premium cargo space
In terms of practicality, the Supra offers a surprisingly usable amount of cargo space for a sports car. It proved to be more than adequate for daily errands and storage needs during my time with the vehicle.
Driving Dynamics: A Sports Car at its Core
The 2022 Supra 3.0 Premium is unequivocally a sports car engineered for driving purists. It delivers an exhilarating experience that’s hard to match. The acceleration is breathtaking, and the chassis and suspension are finely tuned to provide exceptional sporty performance and handling. This is achieved through a suite of advanced engineering features, including an active rear sport differential for enhanced cornering traction, aerodynamic underbody panels to optimize airflow, an adaptive variable sport suspension that dynamically adjusts to driving conditions, and high-performance front Brembo brakes with eye-catching red calipers for confident stopping power.
The auditory experience is also integral to the Supra’s driving appeal. The active exhaust system produces a rewarding sound, intensifying in sport mode to deliver a more pronounced and engaging engine note. While not whisper-quiet, the road noise is part of the experience, connecting you to the tarmac and enhancing the overall sense of speed and engagement.
Safety and Driver Assistance: Confidence on Every Drive
My test vehicle was thoughtfully equipped with Toyota’s optional Driver Assist package, a welcome addition that enhances safety and convenience. This package includes Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, Blind Spot Monitor, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, and Parking Sensors with Emergency Braking Function, providing a comprehensive suite of driver aids.
The Supra 3.0 Premium also features a standard color Head-Up Display, projecting key driving information directly onto the windshield with excellent clarity and graphics, minimizing driver distraction.
Standard driver assistance features across the Supra lineup include Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection, Lane Departure Warning with Steering Assist, Speed Limit Information, a Rearview Camera, and Automatic High Beams, further bolstering safety and peace of mind.
Ownership Value: Premium Sports Car, Accessible Price
The optional features on the test model included the Driver Assist Package ($1,195), a cargo carpet mat ($80), wheel locks ($65), and an emergency kit ($59). The total Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) as equipped came to $57,114. In my view, the Supra’s striking design and exhilarating driving experience alone justify its price point, offering exceptional value in the sports car segment.
Verdict: A Must-Drive for Enthusiasts
To reiterate, I am a devoted admirer of the Toyota Supra. Whether you’re pushing its limits on a track or simply navigating daily errands, the Supra transforms every drive into an event, all while attracting admiring glances wherever you go. If you’re in the market for a stunning sports car that delivers exceptional performance without breaking the bank (under $60,000), the 2022 Toyota Supra 3.0 Premium is an absolute must-consider.
As a bonus, every 2022 GR Supra purchase includes a complimentary one-year membership to the National Auto Sport Association (NASA), further enhancing the ownership experience for driving enthusiasts.
Quick Take:
- Highlights: Stunning aesthetics, exhilarating performance, and the new red leather interior option.
- Wish List: Expanded standard Advanced Driver-Assistance Systems (ADAS) features.
- MSRP: Base price $54,690; $57,114 as tested including destination charges.
- Fuel Economy: EPA estimated 22 mpg city / 30 mpg highway / 25 mpg combined (Premium Fuel Recommended).
- Test Vehicle Mileage: 3,873 miles at the time of testing.
- Vehicle Weight: 3,400 pounds.
- Spare Tire: Tire Puncture Repair Kit.
- Dimensions: Length 172.5 inches / Width 73 inches / Height 50.9 inches.
- Fuel Capacity: 13.7 gallons, fuel filler on the passenger side.
- Exterior Color: Black Metallic.
- Towing Capacity: Not applicable.
- 2022 Supra 3.0 Premium in a Sentence: Calling all driving enthusiasts – one drive in the Supra 3.0 Premium and you’ll be completely captivated.
- Warranty: 36 months/36,000 miles basic warranty; 60 months/60,000 miles powertrain warranty.
- Final Assembly Location: Graz, Austria.
- Manufacturer Website: Toyota GR Supra
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