2020 Toyota Camry TRD: The Japanese Midsize Sedan With An Attitude

Highlight: This is the only remaining midsize vehicle in the segment, offering a 6-cylinder engine.

Test Vehicle’s MSRP: $32,920 (Base MSRP: $25,380)

Seating Capacity: 5

Standard Safety Features: airbags; ABS; a vehicle stability system; a traction control system; a radar activated cruise control system; a lane departure alert system; a pre-collision braking system; automatic high beam headlights; a hill start assist system; and a tire pressure monitoring system

Standard Equipment (L): 16-inch wheels; an 8-speaker automatic transmission; a single exhaust system; a/c vents front seat only; cloth seats; manually adjustable front seats; a manual operated tilt/telescopic steering wheel; one USB port; front center armrest with two cupholders; a fuel saving automatic engine shutoff; and Amazon Alexa

Standard Equipment (TRD): 19-inch black alloy wheels; a 3.5-liter, 6-cylinder 301-horsepower engine; a three mode driving system: eco, normal and sport; a TRD specially tuned dual exhaust note system; stainless still chrome pipes; red painted brake calipers; track-tuned front and rear coil springs; unique brake booster and pedal stiffness tuning; a glossy black rear spoiler; aero kit with red pin-striping; a rear back up camera; a single zone automatic climate control system; a 7-inch touch screen infotainment system; two USB ports; sport fabric pseudo leather/cloth; a power driver’s seat with lumbar support; a keyless entry system; three USB ports; an electric parking brake; a brake hold feature; a push button ignition system; a blind spot monitor with a rear traffic cross alert system; TRD instrumentation with red illuminated accents; and aluminum sports pedals

Options: a two-tone roof color treatment and a special color

Other Trim Levels:

LE
XLE
SE
XSE

Standard Audio On Test Vehicle: a 6-speaker AM/FM with SiriusXM

Bluetooth Connectivity: Standard

USB Connectivity: Standard

Bumper-to-Bumper Warranty: 3 years or 36,000 miles

Powertrain Warranty: 5 years or 60,000 miles

Standard Engine/Horsepower: 2.5-liter, 4-cylinder turbo/203-hp

Recommended Fuel: Regular

Standard Fuel Mileage: 22-city/31-hwy

What’s New: The TRD performance model is all new for the 2020 model year.

Why: The Camry has been a staple in the midsize segment for decades. One of our major criticisms of the vehicle has finally been answered. While the Camry has been available in a variety of trims, up until this year, the vehicle has not been known for being engaging, responsive or fun to drive.

For the 2020 model year, Toyota has finally tricked out the Camry. However, this five seater Camry is one of the most expressive to date. With its 19-inch wheels, red brake calipers, sports tuned suspension system and mean sounding dual exhaust note, this Camry is here to play. Yes, this is the Camry we've been waiting for Toyota to build.

Despite the new attitude of the TRD Camry brings to the street, its still a family sedan. While many automakers have walked away from 6-cylinder engines in their midsize vehicles, replacing them with turbo-injected 4-cylinder engines, the engineering team from Toyota decided to do the right thing. By that we mean, steering clear of a 4-cylinder and dropping a 6-cylinder underneath the hood. The powerful engine which is also available in other Camry trims pushes out 301-horsepower.

Behind the wheel, one will note that the interior design team has outfitted the Camry with a specially design instrumentation with red aluminum accents, aluminum brake/gas pedals and TRD sport fabric seats.

Furthermore, this no compromise model is also equipped with the latest safety driving aids too as standard equipment. Those features range from a radar activated cruise control system to a lane change departure warning system.

But: While we love the ride and handling of the TRD, we were disappointed to learn that this stunning good looking vehicle does not offer a sunroof. Also we’re not a fan of the aftermarket-like rear spoiler, we would prefer a more conservative-like rear spoiler that is integrated into the trunk.

Lastly, a navigation system is not available on this model. One will have to integrate their smartphone to have access to the navigation system displayed on the Camry’s infotainment screen.

Verdict: For a price point under $33,000, Toyota has tuned-up a Camry that is appealing, engaging and roomy. Moreso, being that it’s a Toyota, we expect that it will be reliable too!

With the addition of the TRD trim, Camry pretty much appeals to all demographic in need of a family sedan. One can consider a hybrid, luxury or this all-new sports tuned model.

Competition: None matches the TRD model in this segment.