The automotive landscape is rapidly changing, with crossovers and electric vehicles dominating the market. In this shift, the 2024 Toyota Camry Trd stands out as a glorious anomaly – a performance-focused midsize sedan. It might seem unexpected in today’s car climate, but this Camry TRD is a reminder of a recent past where sporty sedans held a special place. Think of it as that last gathering with old friends at a familiar spot before everything changes.
The era of the V6 midsize sedan is drawing to a close. Competitors like the Honda Accord V6, Nissan Altima V6, and Subaru Legacy V6 are no longer available. Even the Volkswagen Passat has departed from North America. With the 2025 Camry transitioning to an all-hybrid lineup, the 2024 Camry TRD represents the final opportunity to experience the thrill of a V6-powered Camry. We took this unique model for a drive to understand its appeal and assess its place in automotive history.
It’s worth noting the special nature of this particular Camry TRD. While still available in the US, the model we tested is the last unsold unit in Canada’s press fleet. This adds to its significance as a final chapter for this type of vehicle.
Drenched in Red: The TRD Aesthetic
Side profile of the 2024 Toyota Camry TRD V6, highlighting the red TRD side skirts, black wheels, and sporty stance.
The 2024 Toyota Camry TRD boldly embraces red accents, a signature of Toyota Racing Development. Red brake calipers, badges, side skirts, seat belts, floor mats, and seat stitching create a visually striking contrast against the predominantly grey color scheme. The red gauges add a sporty touch to the interior, reminiscent of classic performance cars, although some might find the legibility similar to earlier Toyota Matrix models less than optimal in bright conditions. The overall aesthetic is undeniably aggressive, evoking a tuner car vibe from the late 90s and early 2000s, but in a more mature and refined package.
Beyond aesthetics, the Camry TRD features functional upgrades. The prominent rear spoiler is designed to enhance aerodynamics, while the TRD alloy wheels, though their dark finish can blend into the wheel wells, are lightweight and contribute to the car’s performance. The large TRD exhaust tips further emphasize the car’s sporty intentions. The visual package successfully transforms the Camry into a more assertive and grounded-looking sedan.
Close-up of the 2024 Toyota Camry TRD V6 rear, emphasizing the TRD spoiler, taillights, and dual exhaust outlets.
The interior of the Camry TRD prioritizes driving essentials. It forgoes features like a sunroof, integrated navigation, or a premium branded sound system, focusing on core functionalities. It includes Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, automatic climate control, heated seats and steering wheel, automatic headlights, and a comprehensive suite of advanced driver-assistance systems. This equipment level would have been considered top-tier just a decade ago, demonstrating how quickly standard features in vehicles have advanced.
Performance-Focused Engineering Underneath
Engine bay of the 2024 Toyota Camry TRD V6, showcasing the 3.5-liter V6 engine and engine components.
The true essence of the Camry TRD lies beneath its sporty exterior. The heart of this model is the 2GR-FKS 3.5-liter V6 engine. This 24-valve, quad-cam engine features both direct and port fuel injection, variable valve timing, and Atkinson cycle capabilities for enhanced efficiency when cruising. It delivers a robust 301 horsepower at 6,600 rpm and 267 lb.-ft. of torque at 4,700 rpm. This engine provides the linear power delivery that driving enthusiasts appreciate, a contrast to the surge of low-end torque common in modern turbocharged engines. The naturally aspirated V6 offers a rewarding experience as the revs climb, a sensation increasingly rare in today’s automotive landscape.
Interior view of the 2024 Toyota Camry TRD V6, showing the red accented seats, steering wheel, and dashboard.
The Camry TRD isn’t just about the engine; it’s a comprehensive performance package. It’s the most affordable way to get a V6 Camry and includes significant chassis and handling upgrades. Stiffer, lower springs and enhanced anti-roll bars increase roll stiffness by 44 percent at the front and an impressive 67 percent at the rear. Upgraded dampers are paired with these stiffer springs to maintain ride quality. The front brakes are also enhanced with larger 12.9-inch discs and two-piston calipers, an upgrade over the XSE V6’s 12-inch discs and single-piston setup. Additional chassis bracing and the TRD exhaust system complete the performance enhancements, creating a sedan that appeals to those who appreciate aftermarket tuner modifications but desire factory-backed engineering and reliability.
Front three-quarter view of the 2024 Toyota Camry TRD V6, emphasizing the black TRD wheels and red brake calipers.
Driving the Camry TRD reveals its enhanced performance capabilities. Even with winter tires on our test vehicle, the engine’s power was readily apparent, with traction control intervening frequently in first and second gear under hard acceleration. Once traction is established, the Camry TRD delivers a smooth and potent surge of power, accompanied by a refined engine note. Overtaking and highway merging are effortless, highlighting the V6 engine’s ample power and responsiveness. Toyota’s expertise in crafting smooth and powerful naturally aspirated V6 engines is evident, and this final iteration is a testament to their engineering prowess. The engine encourages drivers to explore the upper rev range, offering a rewarding experience for those who appreciate spirited driving.
Side view of the 2024 Toyota Camry TRD V6 in motion, illustrating its handling and sporty suspension.
The Camry TRD also impresses with its ride and handling balance. The TRD-tuned suspension enhances handling without sacrificing ride comfort. It manages road imperfections effectively, absorbing bumps and maintaining composure. The ride is firm yet comfortable, suitable for daily driving. In corners and on highway on-ramps, the Camry TRD exhibits surprisingly flat body control for a midsize sedan, offering improved handling compared to the standard Camry, though it doesn’t reach the levels of a dedicated sports sedan like a BMW 3 Series.
A Nostalgic Farewell to an Era
Rear view of the 2024 Toyota Camry TRD V6, highlighting the TRD exhaust and rear diffuser elements.
Midsize sedans with V6 engines once represented a sweet spot – practical family transportation with an added element of driving enjoyment. For many, a V6 badge signified a step up, a slightly more exciting choice. These sedans transitioned from status symbols to accessible performance cars, offering a bit of extra thrill in everyday driving.
Front angled view of the 2024 Toyota Camry TRD V6, showcasing its aggressive front fascia and headlights.
The V6 sedan also provided parents with a touch of driving pleasure amidst the routine of family life. The engine’s power offered a brief escape during commutes, turning mundane drives into slightly more engaging experiences. In a pre-turbocharging era, V6 sedans were synonymous with readily available straight-line performance. While not muscle cars, they offered a satisfying level of speed and responsiveness.
Low angle front view of the 2024 Toyota Camry TRD V6, emphasizing its ground-hugging stance and sporty design.
As time progresses, these final V6 Camrys will become increasingly rare, eventually disappearing from roads due to attrition and wear. Their absence will likely evoke a sense of nostalgia for a simpler automotive era. Owning a well-maintained 2024 Toyota Camry TRD in the future will be a statement, a nod to a bygone type of car. With proper care, especially in regions with harsh winters, these cars could last for 15 to 20 years, becoming unique and cherished vehicles.
Close-up of the 2024 Toyota Camry TRD V6 TRD badge and red pinstripe on the grille.
The 2024 Toyota Camry TRD is more than just a performance sedan; it’s a tribute to the V6 midsize sedan. It’s a final celebration of a formula that balanced practicality with driving enjoyment. If you value the legacy of the V6 engine and seek a family car that offers genuine driving thrills, the Camry TRD is a compelling choice. Priced similarly to a RAV4 XLE Premium, the Camry TRD offers a unique blend of performance and practicality that is increasingly rare. For those who remember the significance of a V6 badge, the 2024 Toyota Camry TRD is a worthy final act.
