The Toyota Supra. Just the name evokes decades of automotive passion, performance, and iconic design. For enthusiasts, the Supra isn’t just a car; it’s a symbol. And the 2022 Toyota Supra 3.0 Premium? It’s a potent reminder of why this nameplate holds such a revered position in the hearts of driving aficionados. Having recently spent time behind the wheel of this exhilarating two-seater, I can confidently say the Supra continues to captivate, offering a driving experience that’s as visually stunning as it is dynamically engaging. It’s a sports car that’s easy to fall in love with, over and over again.
Striking Exterior Design of the 2022 Supra 3.0 Premium
If first impressions matter, the Supra aces the test with flying colors. In my opinion, it’s easily one of the most visually arresting two-seater sports cars on the market today. While I previously enjoyed the 2022 Supra 2.0 in a vibrant red, this time, the 3.0 Premium arrived in an equally captivating Black Metallic, enhancing its sleek and aggressive lines.
The proportions of the 2022 Supra 3.0 Premium are, simply put, perfect. The classic sports car silhouette is immediately apparent: a long, commanding hood, a beautifully sculpted profile that flows seamlessly into a distinctive rear end, complete with an integrated rear spoiler. The double-bubble roofline is a sophisticated nod to the legendary Toyota 2000 GT, adding a touch of heritage to this modern marvel.
Stepping up to the 3.0 Premium model brings notable enhancements, including larger 19-inch forged aluminum wheels. These are not just for aesthetics; they are wrapped in Michelin Pilot Super Sport tires, renowned for their exceptional grip and performance, ensuring optimal connection with the road.
The entire Supra range is equipped with striking LED lighting – headlights, daytime running lights, and taillights – providing excellent visibility and a modern light signature. The 3.0 Premium further distinguishes itself with matte black auto-folding, heated outside mirrors with memory function, and dual exhaust outlets finished with brushed stainless steel tips, adding premium touches to its already impressive exterior.
Performance Prowess: The Heart of the 2022 Supra 3.0 Premium
For those who crave exhilarating performance, particularly track day enthusiasts, the 2022 Supra 3.0 Premium is the clear choice within the Supra lineup. Its heart is a potent 3.0-liter inline-six turbocharged engine, delivering a thrilling 382 horsepower and 368 lb.-ft. of torque. This is a significant leap from the 2.0-liter four-cylinder variant, which offers 255 horsepower and 295 lb.-ft. of torque. The result is blistering acceleration; Toyota officially quotes a 0-60 mph time of just 3.9 seconds for the 3.0 Premium.
Currently, both the 2.0 and 3.0 Supra models are equipped with a responsive 8-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters, offering quick and engaging gear changes. However, for purists and driving enthusiasts, the exciting news is the introduction of a manual gearbox option for the 3.0 model starting in 2023, promising an even more connected driving experience.
It’s worth noting a couple of key differences between the 2.0 and 3.0 models beyond just engine output. The 3.0 Premium carries approximately 200 additional pounds compared to the 2.0, and it also has a slightly lower ground clearance, sitting about 2 inches closer to the road, further enhancing its sporty stance and handling dynamics.
Premium Interior and Technology within the 2022 Supra 3.0 Premium
From the moment you slide into the cockpit, the interior of the current generation Supra impresses. For the 2022 3.0 Premium, the available red leather-trimmed interior elevates the cabin ambiance to a new level of sporty luxury. The red leather sport seats are not only visually striking but also functionally designed to hold you firmly in place, thanks to well-contoured side bolsters, ideal for spirited driving. The driver’s seat in the 3.0 Premium offers 14-way power adjustability, a step up from the manual adjustments in the 2.0 model, ensuring a perfect driving position for any driver.
The Supra’s interior design clearly reflects the collaborative partnership between Toyota and BMW that brought this iconic sports car back to life in 2019. You’ll find premium touches throughout the cabin, including carbon fiber trim elements, heated seats for added comfort, sporty pedals, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and dual-zone automatic climate control. A standard 12-speaker JBL sound system provides immersive audio enjoyment.
The center console is thoughtfully laid out, housing the gear selector, the intuitive multimedia rotary dial, and clearly labeled buttons for sport mode, automatic start/stop, and the electronic parking brake. Convenient wireless charging is also integrated into the center console.
The technology interface is modern and user-friendly, featuring two 8-inch screens. One serves as the digital driver display, providing essential vehicle information, while the other is home to the responsive Supra Command infotainment system. Notably, new for 2022 is full-screen wireless Apple CarPlay compatibility, enhancing smartphone integration.
Practicality isn’t typically a sports car’s forte, but the Supra pleasantly surprises in terms of cargo space. For a two-seater, it offers a usable amount of trunk volume, easily accommodating day-to-day errands.
Driving Dynamics: Engineered for Enthusiasts
The 2022 Supra 3.0 Premium is fundamentally a sports car built for driving enthusiasts, and it delivers on that promise emphatically. It’s an incredibly fun car to drive, with exhilarating acceleration and remarkably agile handling. Toyota’s engineers have meticulously tuned the Supra for sporty performance, incorporating features such as an active rear sport differential, aerodynamic underbody panels, adaptive variable sport suspension, and powerful front Brembo brakes with eye-catching red calipers.
The auditory experience is equally engaging. The active exhaust system comes alive, especially in sport mode, providing a rewarding and sporty sound profile. While it’s not designed to be a quiet cruiser, the focus is on connecting the driver to the road, where a bit of road noise becomes part of the immersive driving experience.
Safety and Driver Assistance Features
My test vehicle was equipped with Toyota’s optional Driver Assist package, a welcome addition. This package includes Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, Blind Spot Monitor, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, and Parking Sensors with Emergency Braking Function, enhancing both safety and convenience.
The 3.0 Premium also comes standard with a color Head-Up Display, projecting important driving information directly into the driver’s line of sight with clear graphics and excellent readability.
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.
Ownership and Value
The model I tested had a total MSRP of $57,114, including options like the Driver Assist Package ($1,195), cargo carpet mat ($80), wheel locks ($65), and an emergency kit ($59). Even at this price point, the Supra 3.0 Premium feels like exceptional value, especially when considering its striking aesthetics and thrilling performance capabilities.
Final Verdict: The 2022 Toyota Supra 3.0 Premium – A Sports Car Gem
To reiterate, I’m a devoted fan of the Supra. Whether you’re heading to the track or simply running errands around town, the 2022 Toyota Supra 3.0 Premium transforms every drive into an event. It’s a head-turning sports car that offers a grand driving experience without breaking the bank, especially for those seeking a high-caliber sports car under $60,000.
As a bonus, every 2022 GR Supra includes a complimentary one-year membership to the National Auto Sport Association (NASA), adding even more value for driving enthusiasts.
Highlights:
- What I liked most: Stunning design, exhilarating performance, and the new red leather interior option.
- What could be improved: Expanding the availability of advanced driver-assistance systems as standard features.
- Base MSRP: $54,690; MSRP as tested: $57,114 (including transportation).
- Fuel Economy: 22 mpg city/30 mpg highway/25 mpg combined (Premium fuel required).
- Odometer reading at test: 3,873 miles.
- Weight: 3,400 pounds.
- Spare Tire: Puncture Repair Kit.
- Dimensions: Length: 172.5”, Width: 73”, Height: 50.9”.
- Fuel Tank Capacity: 13.7 gallons (passenger side filler).
- Official Color: Black Metallic.
- Towing Capacity: Not applicable.
- 2022 Supra 3.0 Premium in a nutshell: A must-drive for sports car enthusiasts. One drive is all it takes to be captivated.
- Warranty: 36 months/36,000 miles basic; 60 months/60,000 miles powertrain.
- Final Assembly Location: Graz, Austria.
- Manufacturer’s Website: Toyota
