The 2020 Toyota Supra made big waves when it was released last year. It was already highly anticipated by old-school Supra fans from the ’80s. Its updated powertrain and modern design attracted even more attention, and it was met with critical acclaim upon its release.

Needless to say, the Toyota Supra’s return was a huge success. However, the 2021 model is already the subject of some controversy. Along with the inline-V6 engine, drivers will also have the option to get a new turbo-four. Less horsepower may be less appealing for some consumers, but there are still some perks about buying a slower Toyota Supra.

Old versus new

Currently, the Toyota Supra’s turbo 3.0-liter V6 makes 335 hp and 365 lb-ft of torque. It’s paired with a smooth-shifting eight-speed transmission. Even though the 2020 Supra is very fast, it doesn’t suffer from decreased gas mileage. It gets 24 mpg in the city and 31 mpg at highway speeds.

The newcomer engine was made possible due to Toyota’s partnership with BMW. It’s a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder capable of 255 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque. It’s paired with the same transmission as the inline-6. It’s less efficient than the previous model, earning 22 mpg in the city and 30 mpg on the highway.

How does the turbo-four affect the Toyota Supra’s performance?

Despite the weaker engine, one MotorTrend reviewer said that it’s still a fun car to drive. It even feels a little more refined when cutting tight corners. The 2021 Supra doesn’t have an active differential or adaptive suspension, so it may feel a little stiff for some drivers. During a 0-60 mph test, it scored an even 5 seconds.

A different MotorTrend editor felt that Supra 3.0 is the better car in terms of ride quality. Despite its agility, it feels firmly planted to the pavement thanks to its electronic suspension. It’s also faster than the 2.0-liter Supra by a full second during 0-60 mph acceleration. The 3.0 model also has bigger brakes and those cool exhaust crackles in Sport driving mode.

What else is new for 2021?

The 2021 Supra’s interior isn’t quite as fancy as last year’s. Smartphone integration is no longer standard, now only available with the purchase of a technology package. However, the touchscreen is a few inches bigger for 2021.

The interior dimensions haven’t changed, nor has the overall cabin layout. Still, some drivers may be disappointed with the lack of power-adjustable seats. Adaptive cruise control is also not included, and it only has four speakers instead of 10. Automatic emergency braking is the sole standard safety feature.

Will the 2021 Toyota Supra be any cheaper?

The good news is that the Toyota Supra 2.0 is expected to have a lower price tag. MotorTrend estimates that it could be in the lower $40,000 range. In contrast, the 2020 Toyota Supra launched with a minimum price of about $50,000.

Even if you opted for the available technology package, the weaker Supra would still be more affordable than its straight-six sibling. Additionally, while the Supra 2.0 is slower, it still feels just as grounded to the road as the previous model. Its lighter weight may also make it easier to steer for some drivers.

If you’re all about the speed and engine rev noises, you’re probably better off with the bigger motor. However, if you can make do with slightly less horsepower, the 2021 Toyota Supra is an awesome deal. The only downside is that you’ll have to wait a bit longer to drive it. Due to the coronavirus outbreak, its release date has been pushed to this autumn.