You Will Want the All-New 2020 Toyota Camry TRD and Here’s Why

I just had the honor of reviewing the 2020 Toyota Camry TRD. It was an eye-opening look for me, especially since I own a 2018 Camry XLE. This all-new TRD is certainly not my Camry. In fact, this is not like any Camry I have ever seen or driven. I was impressed.

We all know that purchasing a new Toyota is the automotive reliability equivalent of “a sure thing.” Toyota’s entire fleet of cars, trucks and SUVs has been known for decades for its high quality and long-term dependability. This is the main reason a Toyota is at the top of most of our shopping lists. However, we also know that the styling has been, for lack of a better word, simple. Nothing wrong with it, but also nothing flashy.

A funny thing has started happening with Toyota over the last couple years. There has been a dramatic philosophical movement toward eye-catching styling and more impressive performance.

Take the 2020 TRD Pro lineup as an example – Tacoma, Tundra, 4Runner and the all-new Sequoia. Or maybe the 2020 Avalon TRD. And now, just released to dealerships is the 2020 Camry TRD.

This 2020 Toyota Camry TRD is different

In the past couple years, seeing a V6 engine in a Camry meant you were looking at either an XSE or XLE. Now, for the 2020 model year, we find this same V6 engine in the all-new Camry TRD. This proven 3.5-liter V6 engine provides 301 horsepower and 267 lb.-ft. torque. It is matched with an 8-speed automatic transmission, and it comes with sport mode and paddle shifters.

Another head-turner about the Camry TRD is that it definitely sounds sportier and more muscular than your traditional Camry. This is due to its TRD-tuned cat-back dual exhaust with stainless steel tips. Start it up next to a non-TRD Camry and you will notice the difference immediately.

Watch my 2020 Camry TRD video review to learn more. Click here to Subscribe to Torque News YouTube channel for the latest Toyota news and automotive analysis.

To improve handling and responsiveness and steer it toward what Toyota calls “track-inspired” performance, several key elements were added. Thicker underbody braces, along with unique coil springs, were added to increase torsional rigidity and reduce center of gravity. Also, look for TRD-tuned shock absorbers to provide control while twisting and turning your way along a winding country road.

I’ll take “Camry TRD Styling” for $200 please Alex

Even a quick glance at the new 2020 Camry TRD will tell you this is not like any other Camry you have ever seen before. I immediately noticed the unique rear wing spoiler on the back, along with black badging everyone. A prominent red TRD logo was stamped on the back, in the same style as its 2020 Avalon TRD counterpart.

Front end highlights are gloss black wire mesh grille and LED headlamps. Wide side aero kits run from tire to tire and are accented with red stripes along the sides. Adding to the sporty flavor are 19-inch matte black alloy wheels with red TRD logos, and these are matched with Michelin all-weather tires.

Black and red say it all inside 2020 Camry TRD

If Camry TRD had to pick an interior styling theme, let’s call it black and red. The cornerstone of TRD is black Softex seating with black-and-red accented fabric inserts, topped off with red seatbelts. You will find red stitching throughout the interior cabin as well.

TRD is advertised all over and includes TRD headrests, shift knob, floor mats and trunk mat.

Camry TRD comes in 4 colors

Supersonic Red, Wind Chill Pearl, Celestial Silver Metallic and Midnight Black Metallic are the 4 color choices for 2020 Camry TRD. All colors except for Black come in a two-tone Midnight Black Metallic roof.

Factory MSRP is $31,040 and the 2020 Camry TRD is available for purchase at retail dealerships starting this month in September.

Thanks for reading everyone. See you next story.

What do you think of the 2020 Toyota Camry TRD? Are you more of a sporty car person or do you prefer the more traditional Camry look and feel?

Bookmark Jeff Teague's Toyota News and Reviews at Torque News Toyota. Please subscribe to Jeff’s “Toyotajeff” YouTube channel for Toyota news, reviews and how-to videos. Follow Jeff on Facebook and Instagram. Twitter him @toyotajeff1 and tweet him tips for new stories.