Fuel Stats for Toyota Supra

The Toyota Supra: a name that ignites passion, conjuring images of raw power, iconic design, and a driving experience unlike any other. But beyond the horsepower figures and 0-60 times, a practical question often arises for current and prospective owners: what about the Fuel Stats for Toyota Supra?

Whether you're daily driving a modern GR Supra, cherishing a classic Mk4, or maintaining a vintage Mk3, understanding your Supra's fuel economy is key to enjoying your ride without constant trips to the pump. This comprehensive guide will dive deep into the fuel consumption across different generations of this legendary sports car, reveal the factors that truly impact its efficiency, and provide actionable tips to help you get the most out of every tank.

The Legendary Mk3 Supra (A70): Power Meets Practicality

The third-generation Toyota Supra, produced from 1986 to 1992, introduced a more sophisticated platform with a focus on grand touring. It came with various engine options, most notably the naturally aspirated 3.0L 7M-GE and the turbocharged 3.0L 7M-GTE.

• 3.0i (Non-Turbo) (7M-GE): Owners of the naturally aspirated Mk3 Supra 3.0i (201 HP) could expect around 23 MPG (US) / 10.1 L/100 km combined.
• 3.0i Turbo (7M-GTE): The turbocharged variant (232-235 HP) typically delivered around 16 MPG (US) in the city and 22 MPG (US) on the highway, with a combined average of about 21.38 MPG (US) / 10.8 L/100 km. Real-world reports from owners often fall in the 15-17 MPG range in city driving and 20-24 MPG on the highway, with some achieving up to 26 MPG on pure highway cruises.

While not a fuel-sipper by today's standards, for a performance car of its era, these figures were quite respectable.

The Iconic Mk4 Supra (A80): The 2JZ Legend

The fourth-generation Supra, produced from 1993 to 2002, is arguably the most recognizable, largely due to its starring role in popular culture and its legendary 2JZ engine. Available in both naturally aspirated (2JZ-GE) and twin-turbocharged (2JZ-GTE) forms, its fuel economy varied.

• 3.0i Turbo (2JZ-GTE): The highly sought-after twin-turbo Mk4 Supra (326 HP) was rated at approximately 16 MPG (US) in the city and 21 MPG (US) on the highway, with a combined average of around 11 L/100 km.
• Real-world observations for the Mk4, especially those with modifications like larger turbos or E85 fuel systems, can see fuel economy drop significantly, with some owners reporting around 12 MPG. This generation is often more about performance than economy, leading many owners to prioritize power over fuel efficiency.

The Modern GR Supra (A90/A91): A New Era of Efficiency?

The return of the Supra in 2019, now known as the GR Supra (A90/A91), brought BMW-sourced engines and a more contemporary approach to performance and efficiency. This generation offers both a 2.0-liter four-cylinder and a 3.0-liter inline-six engine.

• 3.0L Inline-Six (B58 Engine):
  • 2020 Model (335 HP): EPA rated at 24 MPG city / 31 MPG highway.
  • 2021+ Models (382 HP): With an increase in horsepower, the EPA rating for the automatic transmission is 22 MPG city / 30 MPG highway, and 25 MPG combined.
  • A91-MT (Manual Transmission): The 2023 GR Supra A91-MT Edition, featuring a 6-speed manual, sees a slight dip in efficiency compared to its automatic counterpart, rated at 19 MPG city / 27 MPG highway / 21 MPG combined.
  • Real-world results for the 3.0L GR Supra often show impressive figures, with many owners reporting 19-22 MPG in mixed driving, and some even achieving 32-35 MPG on highway trips. However, some users have reported lower averages, sometimes as low as 14.4-15.5 MPG, which could be due to aggressive driving, tuning, or potential mechanical issues.
• 2.0L Turbo-Four (B48 Engine): For those prioritizing efficiency, the 2.0L GR Supra is a compelling option, with an EPA rating of 25 MPG city / 31 MPG highway / 27 MPG combined. Car and Driver even reported achieving 38 MPG on the highway with the 2.0L model.

It's clear the modern GR Supra offers a strong balance of performance and surprisingly good fuel economy, especially for a sports car.

Beyond the Numbers: Factors Influencing Your Supra's Fuel Economy

While official ratings provide a baseline, several real-world factors can significantly impact your Toyota Supra's fuel consumption. Are you getting the most out of your tank?

Driving Habits

Your personal driving style is perhaps the biggest determinant of fuel efficiency.

• Aggressive Driving: Frequent hard acceleration, sudden braking, and high-speed driving drastically increase fuel consumption. The engine has to work much harder to overcome inertia and air resistance.
• Steady Driving: Maintaining a consistent speed, accelerating gradually, and anticipating traffic flow can significantly improve your MPG. Utilizing "engine braking" by letting off the accelerator and allowing the car to slow naturally can also save fuel.
• Speed: Fuel economy generally decreases rapidly at speeds over 50 mph. Optimal highway speeds are typically around 60 mph.
• Idling: Excessive idling, such as warming up the engine for too long, wastes fuel. Driving gently will warm up the engine more efficiently.

Vehicle Maintenance

A well-maintained Supra isn't just more reliable; it's also more fuel-efficient.

• Tire Pressure: Under-inflated tires increase rolling resistance, forcing your engine to work harder. Properly inflated tires can improve gas mileage by around 3.3 percent. Check your owner's manual for the recommended pressure, not just the sidewall of the tire.
• Engine Health: A clean engine, proper oil changes, and functioning components like oxygen sensors and spark plugs ensure efficient combustion. Dirty air filters can also restrict airflow, impacting efficiency.
• Cooling System & Battery: An optimized cooling system and a healthy battery reduce strain on the engine and alternator, preventing unnecessary fuel consumption.
• Wheel Alignment and Balancing: Improper alignment can cause increased drag and tire wear, both of which negatively affect fuel economy.

Modifications and Tuning

While modifications are part of Supra culture, they can impact fuel economy.

• Performance Tunes: Aftermarket tunes, especially those focused purely on power, often prioritize a richer air-fuel mixture for safety and performance, which can decrease fuel efficiency.
• Aftermarket Parts: Components like catless downpipes and certain intakes, while potentially boosting power, can sometimes lead to a noticeable drop in fuel economy if not properly integrated or tuned.
• Weight Reduction & Aerodynamics: Removing unnecessary weight or improving aerodynamics (e.g., removing a large wing if not needed for track use) can offer minor improvements.

Environmental Factors

Don't forget the external elements that play a role.

• Air Conditioning: Using the A/C, especially in "recirculation" mode, consumes engine energy. While modern systems are efficient, heavy use will still impact MPG.
• Weather: Extreme temperatures can affect engine efficiency and tire pressure.
• Road Conditions: Stop-and-go city traffic will always yield lower MPG than consistent highway cruising.

Tips to Maximize Your Toyota Supra's Fuel Efficiency

Ready to squeeze more miles out of your Supra? Here are some actionable steps:

1. Embrace Smooth Driving: Accelerate gently, brake softly, and maintain a steady speed. Use cruise control on highways to avoid unnecessary speed fluctuations.
2. Regular Maintenance is Key: Stick to your Supra's recommended service schedule. Ensure tires are properly inflated, the engine is clean, and all fluids are at optimal levels.
3. Lighten the Load: Remove any unnecessary heavy items from your trunk or cabin. Every extra pound requires more fuel to move.
4. Mind Your Speed: While tempting to unleash the Supra's power, remember that fuel efficiency drops significantly at higher speeds.
5. Plan Your Trips: Combine errands to minimize cold starts and short trips, which are less fuel-efficient. Anticipate stops and traffic to avoid aggressive braking and acceleration.
6. Use the Right Fuel: Always use the octane level recommended in your owner's manual for optimal performance and efficiency.
7. Consider Aerodynamics: If you have aftermarket roof racks that aren't in use, remove them to reduce drag. Keep windows closed at higher speeds.

Conclusion

The Toyota Supra, in all its generations, is a car built for driving enjoyment and performance. While fuel efficiency might not be its primary selling point, understanding the Fuel Stats for Toyota Supra and implementing smart driving and maintenance habits can significantly impact your running costs. From the classic Mk3 to the modern GR Supra, each model offers a unique balance, and with a bit of care, you can enjoy the thrill of the Supra while being mindful of your fuel consumption.

What's your experience with your Supra's fuel economy? Share your tips and real-world MPG figures in the comments below!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Is the new GR Supra good on gas?

A1: Yes, for a high-performance sports car, the modern GR Supra offers surprisingly good fuel economy. The 3.0L automatic models are rated around 22 MPG city / 30 MPG highway / 25 MPG combined, while the 2.0L four-cylinder model is even more efficient at 25 MPG city / 31 MPG highway / 27 MPG combined. Real-world highway figures can often exceed these ratings.

Q2: What kind of gas does a Toyota Supra take?

A2: Most Toyota Supra models, especially the turbocharged variants (Mk3 Turbo, Mk4 Turbo, and all GR Supra models), require premium unleaded gasoline for optimal performance and to prevent engine knocking. Always refer to your specific vehicle's owner's manual for the exact recommended fuel type and octane rating.

Q3: How much does driving style affect Supra fuel economy?

A3: Driving style has a significant impact on your Supra's fuel economy. Aggressive driving with frequent hard acceleration and braking can drastically reduce your MPG, sometimes by 15% or more compared to smooth, consistent driving. Maintaining steady speeds, anticipating traffic, and accelerating gradually are key to maximizing efficiency.

Q4: Can modifications impact the fuel economy of my Toyota Supra?

A4: Yes, modifications can definitely impact your Supra's fuel economy. Performance-oriented modifications like aftermarket tunes, larger turbos, or certain exhaust systems (e.g., catless downpipes) can lead to a decrease in MPG as they often prioritize power output over fuel efficiency. However, some modifications, like a well-designed cold air intake, might have a minimal or even slightly positive effect if paired with proper tuning.