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2020 Toyota Camry TRD – Test Drive, Review, Ratings, Specs

The Camry TRD is a Track-Tuned Sports Sedan

The TRD badge has long been a staple resemblance of high-performance vehicles both on and off the road – winning races from the Baja deserts to the Nascar ovals since 1979. And when it comes to making a sports sedan race-savvy, there’s no better way to do it than slapping the TRD badge onto the Toyota Camry.

The Upgrades

It makes sense. The already peppy 4-door V6 makes headroom for track potential with an upgraded 8-speed automatic transmission, tuned cat-back dual exhaust and an added aerodynamic body kit, which includes the front splitter, side aero skirts, trunk lid spoiler, and rear diffusers. Wheels are also upgraded to matte-finish 19″ diameter and fitted with Bridgestone Potenza 235/40R19 summer tires for improved cornering grip. The crux of it all is the net horsepower remains the same as its stock XSE trim at 301 horsepower.

Interior treatment also gets TRD cosmetic upgrades with race-red instrument cluster, seat belts and stitching. Above all, Toyota will make a limited number of the exclusive Toyota Camry TRD trim. Other than a few other TRD logos scattered throughout the interior, the interior appoints basic amenities with touch-capacitive keyless entry, 7″ infotainment touchscreen and dual climate controls and heated seats (only).

The Drive

Primarily known for a family sedan, the black and white duo TRD exterior upgrades adds a definitive and aggressive flair to its overall stance. The modified dual cat-back exhaust gives a deep and pronounced sound during idle and low-end acceleration as well.

Other than that, the drive is neither scary nor unordinary. Acceleration didn’t quite live up to the performance realm with its limited 301 horsepower and transmission shifts via paddle shifters could be snappier.

Lateral cornering showed some promise in the handling department thanks to the upgraded Bridgestone Potenza summer tires, track-tuned chassis and stiffer suspensions.

Worth It?

The TRD badge adds an exotic flair with upgraded aero-dynamic fittings and a bolt on independent rear wing spoiler. Other than the track-tuned chassis and stiffer suspensions for improved handling, the Toyota Camry TRD doesn’t call out much more on the performance realm with the limited 301 horsepower output from the stock V6. Still, the TRD cosmetics, grippier handling and pronounced exhaust note adds a unique and exciting driving experience stepped above the other boring and bland stock Camry. The starting price of the Camry TRD starts at $35,990.

Specifications

  • Vehicle : 2020 Toyota Camry
  • Model : TRD Camry
  • Price as Tested : $35,990
  • Vehicle Type : Spors Sedan
  • Seating Capacity : 2+3
  • Powertrain Configuration : FWD
  • Engine : 3.5L V6
  • Transmission : 8-speed Automatic with Direct Shift
  • 26/37/30 mpg city/highway and combined
  • Horsepower : 301
  • Torque: 267

Pros

  • Sporty interior and exterior TRD upgrades
  • Improved handling and capability with stiffer suspensions chassis upgrades and summer tires
  • Good exhaust tone

Cons

  • Limited acceleration performance with just stock 301 horsepower
  • No unique performance features added to the Camry TRD