Is Toyota Supra front or rear wheel drive?
The Supra is rear-wheel drive.
Across its history, the Supra has consistently used a front-engine, rear-drive layout. The latest GR Supra continues this tradition, developed with BMW and built on a shared platform with the Z4, and there are no production all-wheel-drive variants.
Historical drivetrain through the generations
A quick look at how the Supra's layout has remained rear-wheel-drive through its lineage.
- First-generation Celica Supra (late 1970s–early 1980s) — front-engine, rear-wheel drive
- Second-generation Supra (1980s) — front-engine, rear-wheel drive
- Third-generation Mk4 Supra (1993–2002) — front-engine, rear-wheel drive; famed for the 2JZ-GTE
- Current-generation GR Supra (2019–present) — front-engine, rear-wheel drive; co-developed with BMW on the Z4 platform
In all production forms, the Supra has remained rear-wheel drive, a core aspect of its handling character and brand identity.
Current generation: GR Supra drivetrain and design
The current GR Supra continues to use a front-engine, rear-drive layout. It pairs an inline-6 or four-cylinder turbocharged engine with an 8-speed automatic transmission and, unlike some sports cars, does not offer a factory all-wheel-drive option. The car is built on a shared platform with BMW’s Z4, reflecting a cross-brand engineering collaboration that emphasizes driving dynamics as a centerpiece.
Platform, powertrain, and handling implications
Key aspects that shape the Supra’s driving experience include its rear-drive balance, powertrain options, and transmission choices. The rear-drive setup contributes to balanced handling and predictable oversteer characteristics, which are central to the car’s appeal as a performance coupe.
- Layout: front-engine, rear-wheel drive (FR)
- Engines: turbocharged inline-4 (2.0L) or turbocharged inline-6 (3.0L)
- Transmission: 8-speed automatic (no factory manual option in production)
- Platform: shared with BMW Z4, reflecting a collaboration between Toyota and BMW
- All-wheel drive: not offered in production Supra models
Whether in straight-line acceleration or cornering, the GR Supra maintains its rear-drive character, distinguishing itself from competitors that offer AWD as standard or optional equipment.
Summary
The Toyota Supra is rear-wheel drive in all current production forms, a tradition that stretches back to its earliest Celica Supra models. The latest GR Supra keeps that heritage intact while benefiting from a shared BMW-based platform and modern turbocharged powertrains. If AWD performance is a priority, buyers may need to consider other models or brands, as the Supra does not include a production AWD option.
