10 Toyotas That Can Outperform Old Muscle Cars

When the muscle car era was at its peak, no other type of car even came close to beating out the craze that these V8-powered machines had in the United States. However, as that era died out, muscle cars became less common, and only dedicated fans bought these machines. The market shifted towards more fuel-efficient and economical cars. These were the times when Japanese manufacturers like Toyota became household names for Americans. Toyota’s cars have showcased their competence on both, tracks and highways for many years. They have set the standard for reliability and well-balanced agility, along with great modifiability.

Toyota has offered several feature-filled models over the years, that boast great agility and quick acceleration. Here are 10 such Toyotas that can actually outrun some of North America’s favorite muscle cars.

10 1994 Toyota Celica GT-Four ST205

0-60 MPH Acceleration: 6.2 seconds

The ST205 variant of the 1994 Toyota Celica GT-Four takes around 6.2 seconds to reach the 60-mph mark, aided by the updated 3S-GTE engine that generates around 239 horsepower and 223 lb-ft of torque. This is the most powerful mass-market variant of the Celica GT-Four ever produced, which is just one of the many reasons gearheads should buy the Toyota Celica GT-Four ST205.

Performance

Despite so much competence sealed under its hood, this version of the GT-Four ST205 was unable to go faster than 102 mph. It must not be forgotten, however, that Toyota Celica GT-Four is a rally legend that has many wins under its belt, so modifying this machine to run faster is a valid proposition. The stylish GT-Four is known for its reliability and longevity, so investing in one can be a great idea.

RELATED: This Is What Makes The Toyota Celica GT-Four ST205 The Best JDM Performance Car Deal

9 1991 Toyota MR2 Turbo

0-60 MPH Acceleration: 6.1 seconds

The 1991 Toyota MR2 Turbo has many amazing features, but the fact that it takes just around 6.1 seconds to catapult from 0 to 60 mph, and it can go as fast as 149 mph is probably its best one, as it’s amazing for the price tag it comes with and the time it was built in. It is a 2-door coupe with pop-up headlights, which makes this an instant eye-catcher on the streets. If one decides to get an MR2 Turbo from the used cars marketplace, one can expect to get some heads to turn as they drive down the streets.

Performance

Being a Toyota entails high levels of reliability, something the 1991 Toyota MR2 showcases well, as many examples of the mighty mid-engined machine can still be found after all this time. If anyone is looking to purchase a classic Toyota sports car with a turbocharged engine and time-tested reliability, the Toyota MR2 is the best they can find.

8 2020 Toyota Avalon TRD

0-60 MPH Acceleration: 6.0 seconds

The 2020 Toyota Avalon TRD certainly knows how to look like a million bucks, as this luxury sedan offers a stylish body and tons of interior features. Add to that a 0 to 60 time of 6 seconds, and you’ve got yourself a performer. The Avalon TRD is a popular option among buyers that want something practical and easy to handle. The front-wheel drive layout allows for great handling capabilities, and the 300-horsepower engine offers ample competence, letting the car reach a top speed of 130 mph.

Performance

With all that sporty-sedan styling and competence at such an accessible price, one might expect the car to not be much in terms of luxury and comfort, but they’d be wrong, as the Avalon TRD is as comfortable during bumpy rides as it is on the highway, and with great infotainment and interior features, boredom is never an issue.

7 2023 Toyota bZ4X

0-60 MPH Acceleration: 5.8 seconds

When it comes to fully electric SUVs, owners can boast that their 2023 Toyota bZ4X can reach 60 mph in a mere 5.8 seconds. EPA estimated range for the 2023 bZ4X is 252 miles, and the expected annual fuel cost for this machine is just $600, proving that there is much to love about the 2023 Toyota bZ4X.

Performance

The top speed of the 2023 Toyota bZ4X is electronically limited due to regulations and restrictions, so it can not go faster than 100 mph. However, with the quickness that it showcases in acceleration, one can hardly complain.

RELATED: Why Every Gearhead Must Drive The 2023 Toyota bZ4X

6 2023 Toyota Crown Platinum Hybrid

0-60 MPH Acceleration: 5.7 seconds

There aren’t many Toyota machines that are as bold as the 2023 Toyota Crown Platinum, for it oozes with style from every angle. The Hybrid Platinum edition of the 2023 Toyota Crown is their golden goose, making 340 horsepower and 400 lb-ft of torque, while reaching 60 mph from a standstill in a mere 5.7 seconds. Despite the hefty price tag that this machine originally comes with, it is totally worth it.

Performance

Giving this machine an AWD layout was the right call, as it can be very nimble to handle on any terrain and in any weather, and the 400 lb-ft of torque means that an uphill road is not a hurdle for this car’s drivetrain, as it can conquer everything in its path.

5 2020 Toyota Camry TRD

0-60 MPH Acceleration: 5.7 seconds

The 2020 Toyota Camry TRD offers a ton of special features, along with great fuel economy despite the 301 horsepower that it can deliver. The cabin space offered for passengers is no joke either, as the Camry TRD takes the cake in every aspect of practicality. The stylish exterior is an instant head-turner, but the engine can be rather loud as the soundproofing in the interior isn’t all that good.

Performance

The 0 to 60 time of a mere 5.7 seconds makes the 2020 Toyota Camry TRD the most competent and practical daily driver that one could ask for, as it is accessible as well as full of flair. The Camry TRD is a sporty sedan that can outrun muscle cars like it’s nobody’s business and can be a worthy investment for anyone looking to purchase a reliable Japanese sedan.

4 2022 Toyota RAV4 Prime

0-60 MPH Acceleration: 5.7 seconds

The 2022 Toyota RAV4 Prime is a powerful SUV with an advanced gas/electric powertrain. The electric motors and the engine can generate a 302 horsepower combined power output, allowing for this machine to reach 60 mph in a mere 5.7 seconds, despite the heavy curb weight. One could say that the RAV4 Prime is a great example of what future SUVs are going to be like.

Performance

This AWD compact SUV can outrun many muscle cars regardless of the era they come from, and the insane part is that these can be found on the market starting at just $39,800. A modern SUV with advanced safety features and tons of on-road competence, what else does the average citizen need?

3 2022 Toyota GR86 Premium

0-60 MPH Acceleration: 5.6 seconds

At just 2,868 lbs, the 2022 Toyota GR86 Premium is rather light when compared to other cars on the list, which helps it achieve an amazing 0 to 60 mph time of 5.6 seconds. The GR86 looks absolutely stunning, with just the right amount of curves in the right places. One can argue that the 2022 Toyota GR86 is one of the best low-cost performers on the market right now, especially with the longevity it is likely to showcase in the future, being a Toyota and all.

Performance

The 2.4-liter flat-4 engine generating 228 horsepower may seem rather modest for a sporty machine like this, but Toyota knows exactly how to make the most out of an engine’s potential, showcasing efficiency like none other. There is much to know before buying the 2022 Toyota GR86, but the idea of buying it is definitely not a bad one, as it showcases the great engineering and design philosophy of Toyota.

2 2023 Toyota Corolla GR Core

0-60 MPH Acceleration: 4.9 seconds

In less than 5 seconds, the 2023 Toyota Corolla GR Core will conquer the 0 to 60 mph sprint, faster than many modern sports cars and muscle cars. The 300 horsepower output is great, but it should be nowhere near enough to propel the car with such quickness, yet it does, because of the car’s aerodynamically efficient design and superb weight distribution.

Performance

The AWD system lets the driver enter this machine into high-speed corners without any trouble. Regardless of the terrain, the grip running capabilities of the Toyota Corolla GR let it boast amazing numbers, beating out the base variants of all major muscle cars on the scene. The 2023 Toyota Corolla GR can be considered as the perfect budget-friendly performance car for the average citizen.

RELATED: 2023 Toyota GR Corolla Circuit Edition Review: The Hottest Hatch Around

1 2023 Toyota GR Supra A91-MT

0-60 MPH Acceleration: 4.3 seconds

The 2023 Toyota GR Supra A91 manual transmission variant is capable of great competence, and it can reach 60 mph from a standstill in just 4.3 seconds, a feat many modern muscle cars can’t perform. The 2023 GR Supra looks stunning and does not hold back when it comes to horsepower, with 382 horsepower being its maximum.

Performance

When it comes to quickness, the GR Supra is most certainly capable of outrunning modern muscle cars, but more importantly, the 368 lb-ft of torque entails great hauling and climbing capabilities, meaning that uphill is as easy for the GR Supra A91 as downhill. Supra models have always been tuner friendly, so it would not be surprising to see one of these modified to become even faster.