- First-ever Camry TRD model
- Toyota Racing Development suspension and other components
- Unique aerodynamic enhancements
- Starting price of $31,040
- TRD variant is also least-expensive V6 Camry
With each generation and update, the Toyota Camry continues to get a little sportier. While the Camry has long been the recommendable choice for those seeking a comfortable, efficient, sensible and reliable sedan, Toyota knew it had to inject more fun-to-drive character into its venerable family sedan. That’s what more of today’s buyers are looking for, especially those who skew younger.
But Toyota isn’t done. In fact, one division is just getting its start when it comes to the Camry: TRD. Short for Toyota Racing Development, the in-house team has long worked magic on Toyota’s trucks, SUVs and more recently the 86 sports coupe. But it has never touched a Toyota sedan. That is, until now.
What’s changed on the 2020 Camry TRD?
The 2020 Toyota Camry TRD features a revamped suspension setup, a 0.6-inch lower ride height, improved brakes, and exterior aesthetic enhancements by the automaker’s famed Calty design studio in Southern California.
The new Camry TRD sedan doesn’t see a horsepower increase, but the engine it uses is the higher-powered option among Camrys: a 301-horsepower 3.5-liter V6. That power is sent to the front wheels via an 8-speed automatic transmission.
This new TRD Camry is based on the SE trim, but has an appearance and hardware not found in any other Camry. For example, there’s a big, un-Camry-like wing that sits on the trunk. And speaking of the trunk, while its cargo capacity is a generous 15.1 cubic feet like that of other trims, there is extra bracing behind the rear seats. That means more structure rigidity, but the compromise is that the rear seats don’t fold down.
How’s the new 2020 Toyota Camry TRD handle?
Toyota invited us to its home state and the Texas Motor Speedway to test the new 2020 Camry TRD and compare it with the standard versions.
As we’ve said, the standard Camry, especially in V6 XSE guise, has nimble manners while retaining a comfortable ride quality. The Camry TRD, however, is more focused. TRD’s magic has markedly changed this Camry’s ride quality.
It is notably stiffer, resulting in sharper handling. It’s more fun to throw into corners and feels more planted overall. The flip side of a stiffer ride is, well, by nature it’s simply not as comfortable. You will feel road bumps and undulations far more in this Camry TRD, and more road noise creeps into the cabin, too.
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So does exhaust note, and that’s intentional. This Camry truly sounds like no other new Camry out there thanks to its cat-back dual exhaust. It is louder and throatier than expected, and we anticipate it will turn a few heads and get some surprised looks.
As we said, power is the same, but at 301 horsepower coming from Toyota’s smooth V6, it’s never in short supply. The 8-speed automatic transmission also carries over from the standard model and works well as usual. One other feature you will find on the 2020 Camry TRD that you won’t find on others is Active Cornering Assist, which uses the brakes independently to help reduce plowing and guide the car through corners in spirited driving.
How much does the 2020 Toyota Camry TRD cost?
The 2020 Toyota Camry TRD has a sticker price of $31,040. And that is quite a deal. In fact, it’s the least-expensive way to get into a new V6 Camry, undercutting an XLE by about $3,000. It doesn’t get the more premium touches of other V6 variants like leather seating, dual-zone climate control or panoramic moonroof. But then again, no other Camry will handle as well as the TRD model.
In addition to its sharper handling and uniquely aggressive design, the 2020 Camry TRD is also more exclusive. Toyota is planning a limited production run of roughly 6,000 units.
The TRD-modified Camry certainly won’t be for everyone, especially buyers who want a Camry primarily for its comfort-oriented ride. But for those who like the Camry’s design, spaciousness, and reputation for quality and resale value, yet also are seeking notably better handling and a racier design, the Camry TRD might just be the missing piece they’ve been seeking.
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