The Toyota Camry has long held a reputation as a dependable, practical, and sensible midsize sedan. Known for reliability and comfort, it has been the go-to choice for commuters, families, and anyone looking for long-lasting value. However, in 2020, Toyota threw a curveball into the mix with the introduction of the Toyota Camry TRD V6, a performance-tuned variant that aims to inject some excitement into the daily drive without sacrificing the sedan's core virtues.
The TRD badge—short for Toyota Racing Development—typically adorns trucks and SUVs with off-road prowess. But in this case, it represents a sportier, track-inspired makeover of an everyday family sedan. With a beefy V6 engine, bold styling, and suspension tuning to match, the Camry TRD 2024 is a fascinating experiment: Can a reliable commuter car also be a legitimate sports sedan?
Let’s dive deep into everything the Toyota Camry TRD V6 offers, from performance to design, and see how it stacks up in today’s competitive midsize sedan market.
Under the Hood: 3.5-Liter V6 Engine
The heart of the Toyota Camry TRD is its 3.5-liter DOHC V6 engine, the same powerplant found in the Camry XSE and XLE trims. This naturally aspirated engine delivers a healthy 301 horsepower and 267 lb-ft of torque, routed exclusively through an 8-speed automatic transmission.
Performance-wise, the TRD V6 is noticeably more aggressive than its 4-cylinder siblings. It can sprint from 0 to 60 mph in about 5.8 seconds, making it one of the quickest non-luxury sedans in its segment. Throttle response is crisp, and power delivery is smooth and linear across the rev range. The exhaust note, enhanced through a TRD cat-back dual exhaust system, gives off a throaty, sporty growl that’s not overly loud but adds character.
Unlike many performance sedans, the Camry TRD remains front-wheel-drive (FWD) only. While this may disappoint some enthusiasts who prefer rear-wheel-drive dynamics, the handling upgrades do make up for it to a degree.
Chassis and Suspension Enhancements
What separates the TRD from the rest of the Camry lineup isn’t just the engine—it’s the extensive chassis tuning and suspension upgrades.
Key performance upgrades include:
TRD-tuned shocks and springs
Stiffer anti-roll bars
Underbody bracing
Larger 12.9-inch front brakes with dual-piston calipers
20-inch black TRD wheels with Michelin all-season or summer tires
These enhancements lower the car’s ride height by 0.6 inches and stiffen the suspension to reduce body roll and increase responsiveness. On twisty roads, the Camry TRD V6 feels more planted and composed than any Camry before it. Steering is relatively quick, though still light, and the upgraded brakes provide excellent stopping power.
While it’s not a track monster or a direct rival to something like a BMW M340i, the TRD version brings fun-to-drive dynamics to a car that’s traditionally associated with beige paint and vanilla performance.
Exterior Styling: A Sporty Makeover
Visually, the Camry TRD doesn’t shy away from its performance aspirations. It wears a number of aggressive styling elements that set it apart from standard Camry models:
TRD-specific black mesh front grille
Aerodynamic body kit with side skirts
Black rear spoiler and rear diffuser
Dual TRD exhaust tips
Red TRD badging
Exclusive 20-inch matte-black alloy wheels
Black-painted roof
These elements combine to give the TRD an athletic stance and more dramatic presence. Available colors like Supersonic Red, Ice Edge, and Celestial Silver further highlight its sporty character. While the design may be polarizing to traditional Camry buyers, it’s sure to attract younger drivers or those who want their sedan to stand out from the crowd.
Interior Features and Cabin Design
Inside, the Camry TRD carries many of the standard Camry's design elements but adds sporty flair through unique TRD accents:
Red seatbelts and contrast stitching
TRD-embroidered headrests
Leather-wrapped steering wheel
Aluminum pedals
Sport fabric-trimmed front seats with additional bolstering
The cabin remains comfortable, spacious, and practical. There’s ample legroom in both rows, and trunk space remains at 15.1 cubic feet, which is only slightly impacted by the sportier rear suspension setup.
Technology and infotainment:
7-inch or optional 9-inch touchscreen
Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa compatibility
Wi-Fi hotspot
Optional JBL premium audio system
Dual-zone automatic climate control
Although the cabin doesn't match the luxury or refinement of a German performance sedan, it provides solid comfort and usability at a more accessible price point.
Safety and Driver Assistance Features
As expected from a Toyota, the Camry TRD V6 comes equipped with a full suite of advanced driver assistance features, courtesy of Toyota Safety Sense-P (TSS-P):
Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection
Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist
Dynamic Radar Cruise Control
Automatic High Beams
Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert
These features contribute to the Camry's strong safety reputation. In fact, the Camry consistently receives high crash-test ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA, making the TRD a safe choice even with its sporty credentials.
Pricing and Value Proposition
The Camry TRD is priced competitively within the midsize sedan and sport sedan markets. As of the 2025 model year, its starting MSRP is around $34,000–$36,000, depending on options and regional pricing.
This places it below sportier sedans like:
Honda Accord Sport Hybrid (faster but not V6)
Acura TLX (more refined, AWD option available)
Kia K5 GT (290-hp turbo, FWD)
VW Arteon (premium feel, less sporty)
Nissan Altima SR VC-Turbo (weaker performance, comparable price)
What makes the Camry TRD stand out is its V6 power, Toyota reliability, and unique styling—all at a price that undercuts many performance-oriented competitors. It's a value-packed option for drivers who want spirited driving without breaking the bank.
Fuel Economy and Daily Usability
Despite its V6 power, the Camry TRD maintains respectable fuel economy numbers:
22 mpg city / 31 mpg highway / 25 mpg combined
Thanks to its 8-speed automatic and aerodynamic efficiency, it balances performance with efficiency better than many V6-powered rivals. And unlike some performance sedans that demand premium fuel, the Camry TRD runs on regular unleaded gasoline.
Daily drivability remains a strength. The suspension is firm but not punishing, the cabin is quiet on highways, and visibility is excellent. Even though it's sportier, it doesn't abandon the Camry’s original mission of being an easy, comfortable car to live with.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
Powerful and reliable 301-hp V6 engine
Sporty handling and aggressive styling
TRD-specific suspension upgrades improve cornering
Comfortable interior with ample space
Competitive pricing for a performance sedan
Toyota’s reputation for long-term reliability
Cons:
No AWD option
FWD layout limits sporty dynamics vs. RWD competitors
Some may find the ride too firm for daily comfort
Interior materials and tech feel dated compared to newer rivals
Lacks manual transmission option
How Does It Compare to Other Camry Trims?
The Camry TRD sits between the XSE V6 and the base trims in terms of price and performance. While the XSE also has the same engine, it lacks the aggressive suspension tuning and styling cues. Meanwhile, the four-cylinder SE and XLE trims focus more on comfort and efficiency than outright fun.
If you’re choosing between Camry trims, the TRD is ideal for drivers who prioritize performance and style but don’t want to jump into the luxury bracket.
Verdict: Who Is the Camry TRD V6 For?
The Toyota Camry TRD V6 isn’t for everyone—and that’s precisely the point. It’s for drivers who want muscle-car-level power in a midsize sedan body, without sacrificing daily practicality or spending luxury-brand money.
It’s a unique offering: a performance-tuned front-wheel-drive sedan with a naturally aspirated V6 in an age of turbocharged four-cylinders and electric drivetrains. The Camry TRD V6 appeals to enthusiasts who appreciate old-school thrills wrapped in modern safety and reliability.
While it doesn’t quite match the poise of a true sports sedan, it delivers authentic fun, head-turning looks, and Toyota dependability in one sleek package.