What is the safety rating of the Toyota Supra Mk4?
Official, single-score safety ratings for the Toyota Supra Mk4 (A80) are not published as a universal figure across all markets. Ratings, where they exist, come from different countries and timeframes, and the Mk4 often lacks modern driver-assistance systems by today’s standards. What is clear is that the Mk4 offered basic safety measures for its era, and its protection levels depend on market, trim, and maintenance status.
Why there isn’t a single, definitive rating for the Mk4
The Supra Mk4 was produced from 1993 to 2002, in an era before consistent global crash-test scoring for every model. While some markets conducted tests or published data, there was no uniform, widely cited five-star or Top Safety Pick-style rating that covers all Mk4 variants. As a result, enthusiasts and researchers typically reference available market-specific data or rely on the car’s known safety features and structural design rather than a single, modern rating.
Official crash-test data: US, Europe, and Japan
Public crash-test data for the Mk4 varies by region and year, and comprehensive ratings are not uniformly published. When assessing a used Mk4 today, it’s important to understand that:
- United States: There is no consistently cited, widely publicized NHTSA overall star rating specifically for the Mk4 Supra across all model years. Availability of formal US crash-test results for the A80 is limited in public databases.
- Europe: Euro NCAP did not routinely publish a full rating for the Mk4 during its production years, so there isn’t a single European rating to cite for the car in most sources.
- Japan: JNCAP data for the Mk4 is not broadly documented in common consumer-facing references, so official rating information is scarce outside local publications.
In short, there isn’t a single, widely recognized official rating for the Mk4 that applies across markets and years. This means buyers and owners typically rely on a combination of known safety features, structural design, and a thorough pre-purchase inspection to gauge safety performance.
What safety features did the Mk4 include?
While the Mk4 predates many contemporary active safety systems, it did incorporate standard safety features typical of its era. The following highlights summarize the basic safety footprint of many Mk4 variants:
- Dual front airbags for driver and passenger (standard on most trims).
- Anti-lock braking system (ABS) in many markets or trims; some versions offered ABS as standard or as an option.
- Rigid unibody construction with crumple zones designed to absorb impact energy and protect occupants in a crash.
- Seatbelt pretensioners and three-point seatbelts for front occupants; belt-driven safety features were common across trims.
- Generally solid braking and handling characteristics for a high-performance sports coupe of its time, with potential improvements from aftermarket or dealer-installed upgrades.
These elements reflect 1990s safety expectations and contributed to occupant protection, though they do not compare directly with modern automated emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, or advanced airbag tech found in newer vehicles.
Safety today when evaluating a used Mk4
If you’re considering a Toyota Supra Mk4 today, here are practical considerations to assess safety in a used example:
- Check the airbag system status: Ensure the airbag warning light functions correctly and that there have been no recall-related deployments or repairs that could affect deployment in a crash.
- Inspect seatbelts and anchors: Look for fraying, excessive slack, or re-stitching that could compromise restraint performance.
- Assess braking and tires: Verify the ABS system works, test brake fade on a safe loop, and ensure tires are in good condition with even wear for stable handling.
- Evaluate structural integrity: Look for rust or frame damage in key load paths (firewall, underbody, rocker panels) that could affect crash protection.
- Check safety-related upgrades: Some owners have upgraded brakes, wheels, tires, or added aftermarket suspension components; ensure these changes don’t compromise safety or alignment.
Because official crash-test data are sparse for the Mk4, a careful mechanical inspection and a test drive focused on braking, steering feel, and stability are essential when assessing safety for a used example.
Summary
The Toyota Supra Mk4 does not have a single, universally published safety rating that covers all markets. Official crash-test data are limited or not widely publicized, and safety features reflect 1990s standards rather than contemporary tech. When evaluating a Mk4 today, focus on the car’s structural integrity, functioning airbags and belts, braking performance, and any safety upgrades or recalls. This approach provides a practical sense of safety in the absence of a definitive modern rating.
Bottom line
For fans and prospective buyers, the Mk4’s safety profile is best understood through its era-typical protections and a thorough, market-specific inspection rather than a single, modern rating. It remains a beloved performance car, but with safety expectations that differ from today’s vehicles.
Summary of key points
- No single, universal safety rating exists for the Mk4 across all markets.
- Public crash-test data from US/Europe/Japan are sparse or not widely cited for the A80 Supra.
- The Mk4 includes basic safety features characteristic of its era, such as dual front airbags and ABS in many trims.
- When buying used, prioritize airbag/Belt integrity, braking effectiveness, structural condition, and any safety upgrades.
What is the #1 safest car?
There is no single "number one" safest car, as safety rankings vary by organization and vehicle class. However, the 2025 Toyota Prius, 2025 Honda Accord, and 2025 Genesis GV60 consistently receive top awards from organizations like the IIHS and NHTSA. The Volvo XC90 is also frequently cited for its safety features.
Top-rated safe cars for 2025:
- 2025 Toyota Prius: Earned an IIHS Top Safety Pick+ award and has excellent scores in crash avoidance and overall crash tests.
- 2025 Honda Accord: Receives both IIHS Top Safety Pick+ and a five-star overall NHTSA rating for its standard Honda Sensing suite of driver-assist features.
- 2025 Genesis GV60: Achieved an IIHS Top Safety Pick+ and a five-star overall NHTSA rating.
- 2025 Volvo XC90: Continues the brand's safety legacy with a Top Safety Pick+ rating, advanced driver-assist features, and a design focused on protecting occupants.
How to choose the safest car for you:
- Check safety ratings: Consult reports from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
- Look for specific features: Consider cars with advanced driver-assist features, such as automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control.
- Consider vehicle class: The safest car for you will depend on your needs. Consider a midsize sedan like the Honda Accord or a larger SUV like the Volvo XC90 or Genesis GV60.
What is the safety rating of the Supra MK4?
This TOYOTA SUPRA has been awarded a 5-star Vehicle Safety Risk Rating (VSRR) based on information from the Monash University Accident Research Centre (MUARC).
Which Toyota car has a 5 star safety rating?
Toyota Innova HyCross Secures 5-Star Safety Rating Under Bharat NCAP. Receives a prestigious 5-star safety rating for adult and child occupant protection.
Why is the 1994 Supra illegal?
Q: Was the 1994 Toyota Supra ever officially banned in the US? A: There is no official blanket ban on the 1994 Supra, but certain units were restricted due to failing to meet NHTSA safety and emissions standards, making registration challenging.
