You might know the mid-size sedan as a useful tool, but fun-to-drive isn’t usually a sedan trait. For 2020, Toyota released a special version of the venerable mid-size sedan, the Camry TRD.
It looks sporty, with large 19-inch wheels and a unique aero body kit with a trunk mounted spoiler. The Camry sits lower and looks much more aggressive than I can ever remember a humble Camry looking.
The Camry TRD comes with a sporty-themed interior with red seat belts and red stitching on the leather shift knob and steering wheel.
While it looks the part, the Camry TRD can move, too. The V6 pumps out 301hp, and with a TRD exhaust system, you can hear it! Never known as a good handling car, Toyota dove in and changed the suspension on this TRD.
It’s not a sports car, but the Camry TRD is surprisingly good when the road is curvy. The heavy-duty suspension doesn’t beat you up either, so this can be your normal sedan, which is how the car will be used most of the time.
The Camry excels with space of a sedan, plenty of room for people and even a large trunk for cargo. Finally, in 2020, both Android Auto and Apple CarPlay integration is included with the easy-to-use 7-inch touch screen.
Cost: $31,040; as tested $32,920
MPG: 22 mpg city and 31 mpg highway; I managed 25.6 mpg in 248 miles of mixed driving.
Safety: Toyota Safety Sense P; pre-collision system with pedestrian detection; dynamic radar cruise control; lane departure alert with steering assist; automatic high beams; star safety system; brake assist and smart stop technology
Options: $425 special color; $500 two-tone midnight black metallic roof, spoiler, window trim and side view mirrors
Things to know: The Camry TRD is the sporty version of the family sedan, with flashy looks and a suspension that’s happy on back roads and still good for daily driving.
Pros:
- Special body kit and wheels gives the Camry TRD an aggressive appearance
- Spacious interior with room for five
- Improved performance with tightened suspension
Cons:
- The lower profile of Camry TRD calls for caution around curbs and large speed bumps
- Not as luxurious as higher trim level Camry models
- Might be too aggressive for some Camry buyers
