The internet practically imploded when the A90 launched. Purists were screaming about BMW engines. Toyota fans were crying about the lack of a manual gearbox. But honestly? Five years later, the 2020 Toyota Supra 3.0 has aged like a fine wine, mostly because it represents a raw, slightly unrefined version of the car that subsequent years actually "civilized" in ways that some enthusiasts hate.
It's fast.
Really fast.
When you sit inside, you immediately notice the BMW switchgear, and yeah, the infotainment is basically iDrive. But the moment you floor that inline-six, you stop caring about the origin of the window switches. The 2020 Toyota Supra 3.0 was the first year of the return, and while some folks say you should hold out for the 2021 power bump or the 2023 manual, there are plenty of reasons why the OG A90 is the one to buy right now.
The B58 Secret That Toyota Didn't Tell You
The spec sheet for the 2020 Toyota Supra 3.0 says it makes 335 horsepower. That is a lie. Well, it's a "marketing" lie. Dyno tests from shops like Car and Driver and Papadakis Racing almost immediately proved that these cars were making closer to 335 horsepower at the wheels, meaning the actual crank horsepower was likely north of 380.
Toyota was being conservative.
This specific 3.0-liter turbocharged engine is the B58. It’s a masterpiece. It's smooth, it has torque everywhere, and it sounds like a ripping piece of silk. Because the 2020 model was the first year, it actually has a slightly different cylinder head design than the 2021+ models. The 2020 has a two-port exhaust manifold integrated into the head, whereas the later ones went to a six-port design.
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Does it matter?
For most people, no. But for the tuners? It's a massive point of contention. Some argue the two-port head on the 2020 Toyota Supra 3.0 actually builds boost a tiny bit faster, giving you that punch-in-the-gut feeling at 2,000 RPM that makes daily driving so much fun. If you’re planning on keeping the car mostly stock or just doing a simple stage 1 tune, the 2020 is basically a cheat code for speed.
Handling Quirkiness and the "Wind Buffeting" Drama
If you’ve spent five minutes on a Supra forum, you’ve heard about the wind buffeting. It’s bad. Basically, if you drive over 45 mph with the windows down, the cabin sounds like a helicopter is landing on your head. It’s an aerodynamic oversight. Toyota didn't fix it for 2020, but the aftermarket did. You can buy little $100 plastic "wind deflectors" that stick onto the side mirrors and solve the problem instantly.
The handling of the 2020 Toyota Supra 3.0 is... lively.
That’s a polite way of saying the rear end likes to dance. Toyota tuned the suspension on the 2020 to be quite stiff, and the steering rack is incredibly quick. If you aren't paying attention and you mid-corner a bump, the car can feel a bit nervous. It’s a short wheelbase car—shorter than a Toyota 86, believe it or not—so it rotates fast. In 2021, Toyota actually softened some of the bushings and recalibrated the power steering to make it more "stable."
But some drivers prefer the 2020's twitchiness. It feels more like a sports car and less like a grand tourer. It demands that you actually drive it. You can't just fall asleep at the wheel and expect the electronics to do everything. It’s a car that rewards precision but punishes laziness.
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The Tuning Potential No One Mentions
Here is something you really need to know: the 2020 Toyota Supra 3.0 is the "Golden Child" for tuners because of the ECU.
Starting in June 2020, Bosch (who makes the engine computers for BMW/Toyota) updated their encryption. This means that almost every Supra built after that date has a "locked" ECU that requires you to ship the physical computer to a company called FEMTO in Finland just to get it unlocked so you can tune it. It’s a massive pain in the neck and costs thousands of dollars.
Because the 2020 models were mostly built before this cutoff, they are often "bench unlockable" or even OBD-II unlockable. You can literally plug a laptop into the car in your driveway and add 50-80 horsepower in ten minutes. That makes the 2020 Toyota Supra 3.0 the most desirable year for anyone who wants to build a 500-horsepower street beast without jumping through bureaucratic hoops.
What to Look for When Buying Used
- Check the tires: The stock Michelin Pilot Super Sports are great, but the 2020s are getting old. If the rubber is original, it's probably hard and greasy by now. Replace them.
- Service History: These engines are reliable, but they need high-quality synthetic oil changes. No exceptions.
- Seat Bolsters: The leather on the 3.0 Premium trim is nice, but the side bolsters are huge. Drivers often slide over them and wear out the leather. Check for cracking.
- The "Safety Sense" Tech: Sometimes the sensors in the front bumper get knocked out of alignment by a stray rock. If you see a "Pre-Collision System Unavailable" warning, it might be an expensive fix.
Interior Reality Check
Let's be real: it’s a BMW interior.
Is that a bad thing? Not really. The 2020 Toyota Supra 3.0 features a 12-speaker JBL audio system (in the Premium trim) that is actually quite decent once you mess with the EQ settings. The seats are some of the best in the business—power-adjustable with memory settings and lumbar support that actually works.
The "normal" 3.0 trim had a smaller 6.5-inch screen, while the Premium got the 8.8-inch unit. If you're shopping used, get the Premium. The bigger screen makes a huge difference in how modern the car feels. Plus, you get the heads-up display, which projects your speed and navigation onto the windshield. It feels very Top Gun.
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The trunk is weird. It’s a "hatch" but the opening is narrow. You can fit two carry-on suitcases if you’re creative, but don’t expect to go to Ikea and bring home a bookshelf. Also, there is no physical button on the trunk lid to open it—you have to use the key fob or the button on the driver's door. It's an annoying quirk you just learn to live with.
Why the 2020 Model Year Specifically?
You might be wondering why you wouldn't just buy a 2021 or 2022.
Price is the big one. The 2020 Toyota Supra 3.0 has hit a sweet spot in depreciation. You get the 3.0-liter engine for significantly less than a brand-new 4-cylinder model. It’s the entry point into "serious" performance.
There's also the "Launch Edition." In 2020, Toyota released 1,500 units called the Launch Edition. They came in Absolute Zero White, Nocturnal Black, or Renaissance Red 2.0. They had red mirror caps, matte black wheels, and a red interior that looks incredible. They also have a numbered carbon fiber plaque on the dashboard. If you can find one of those for a good price, buy it. They are holding their value better than any other A90 variant.
Real World Maintenance and Reliability
Common wisdom says "don't buy a German car out of warranty." But the B58 engine in the 2020 Toyota Supra 3.0 is widely considered one of the most reliable engines BMW has ever made. It’s a closed-deck design, which means it’s built like a tank.
There have been a few recalls—one for a backup camera software glitch and another for a weld on the fuel tank—but most of these have been handled by dealers by now. The biggest "real" issue owners report is oil consumption. Some B58s like to drink a little bit of oil between changes. It’s not a dealbreaker, but you should check your dipstick (well, the electronic one) once a month.
Fuel economy is surprisingly good. If you're cruising on the highway in "Normal" mode, you can actually see 30 mpg. It’s a weirdly efficient car for something that can do 0-60 in under four seconds.
Actionable Next Steps for Buyers
- Verify the Build Date: If you want to tune the car easily, look for a build date before June 2020. This is usually found on a sticker inside the driver's side door jamb.
- Test the Brakes: The 2020 3.0 comes with 4-piston Brembos up front. They should feel firm. If the pedal is mushy, the car might have been tracked hard, and the brake fluid is cooked.
- Listen for the Diff: Some early 2020s had a slight "whine" from the rear differential. It's usually harmless, but it's a good bargaining chip for a lower price.
- Fix the Buffeting: Order the wind deflectors the same day you buy the car. Your ears will thank you.
- Get a Pre-Purchase Inspection (PPI): Since this is a performance car, people drive them fast. Ensure a mechanic checks for frame damage or "hidden" mods that were removed before sale.
The 2020 Toyota Supra 3.0 isn't just a "BMW in a dress." It’s a focused, fast, and remarkably capable sports car that finally feels like it belongs in the Supra lineage. It has flaws, sure, but those flaws give it a personality that the perfectly-manicured modern cars often lack. If you want the most "pure" version of the A90 before the engineers started smoothing out all the rough edges, this is the one.