Is a performance-oriented version of the Toyota Camry in 2024 out of touch with reality? In a world dominated by SUVs and crossovers, the Toyota Camry TRD might seem like an anomaly. While everyone else flocks to high-riding vehicles, Toyota dares to offer a midsize sedan with sporty upgrades like chassis bracing and a rear wing. It’s a bold move, reminiscent of a time when sedans, not crossovers, were the kings of the road. The automotive landscape is rapidly changing, and the Camry TRD represents a glorious last hurrah for a dying breed.
The V6-powered Honda Accord and Nissan Altima are relics of the past. Subaru waved goodbye to the six-cylinder Legacy years ago. American manufacturers have largely abandoned the mainstream midsize sedan market altogether. Even the Volkswagen Passat is no longer available in North America. With the 2025 Camry transitioning to an all-hybrid lineup, the era of the V6 midsize sedan is drawing to a close. The 2024 Toyota Camry TRD is your final chance to experience this unique blend of practicality and performance. But is it a chance worth taking? We got behind the wheel to find out.
Speaking of last chances, the model we tested is particularly special. While the Camry TRD remains available in the US, this specific vehicle was the last unsold unit in Canada and part of the press fleet. We were fortunate to spend a week with this unique car, putting it through its paces and bringing you this in-depth review.
[Full disclosure: Toyota Canada provided us with this Camry TRD for a week. Our obligations were to return it with a full tank of gas, keep it undamaged, photograph it, and write a review. Fuel costs were covered by us.]
Drenched in Red: The TRD Aesthetic
Front three quarter view of the 2024 Toyota Camry TRD V6 showcasing its bold red accents and sporty design.
The 2024 Toyota Camry TRD embraces red with unapologetic enthusiasm. Red accents are everywhere: brake calipers, badges, side skirts, seat belts, floor mats, and seat stitching. The instrument gauges glow red, creating a visually striking effect, although some might find it compromises legibility, a common trait in older Toyota models with red gauges. Combined with a predominantly grayscale exterior, the overall aesthetic is bold and youthful, reminiscent of a tuner car with a factory finish.
However, the TRD treatment is more than just cosmetic enhancements. The prominent rear spoiler is not just for show; it’s designed to be functional, contributing to aerodynamic stability. The TRD alloy wheels, while their dark satin finish might blend into the wheel wells a bit too much for some tastes, boast a lightweight design and aggressive styling. And then there are the oversized TRD exhaust tips, making a clear statement of intent. The result is an assertive and sporty Camry that definitely looks the part.
Close-up of the 2024 Toyota Camry TRD's rear spoiler and TRD performance exhaust, highlighting its functional aerodynamic and sporty features.
Stepping inside, the Camry TRD’s interior prioritizes function over frills. You won’t find a sunroof, built-in navigation, or a premium branded sound system. Instead, it offers essential modern features such as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, automatic climate control, heated seats and steering wheel, automatic headlights, and a comprehensive suite of advanced driver-assistance systems. A decade ago, this level of equipment would have been considered top-of-the-line, highlighting how quickly automotive technology and expectations evolve.
Performance Upgrades: More Than Just Looks
Side profile of the 2024 Toyota Camry TRD V6, emphasizing its lowered stance and TRD alloy wheels.
While the visual upgrades are attention-grabbing, the true essence of the Camry TRD lies beneath the surface. The heart of this performance sedan is the 2GR-FKS, a 3.5-liter, 24-valve, quad-cam V6 engine. Featuring both direct and port fuel injection, variable valve timing, and a simulated Atkinson cycle for enhanced efficiency when cruising, this engine is a sophisticated piece of engineering. It produces a robust 301 horsepower at 6,600 rpm and 267 lb.-ft. of torque at 4,700 rpm, delivering the kind of linear power delivery that driving enthusiasts appreciate. In an era dominated by turbocharged engines with instant low-end torque, the Camry TRD’s naturally aspirated V6 offers a rewarding experience that builds power as the revs climb.
Upgraded front brakes on the 2024 Toyota Camry TRD, featuring larger discs and two-piston calipers for enhanced stopping power.
The Camry TRD isn’t just about the engine; it’s a comprehensive performance package. It’s the most accessible entry point into a V6 Camry and boasts genuine performance enhancements. Stiffer, lower springs and upgraded anti-roll bars significantly increase roll stiffness – by 44 percent at the front and an impressive 67 percent at the rear. To complement the stiffer springs, TRD engineers fitted specially tuned dampers, ensuring a balanced ride. The front brakes are also upgraded with larger 12.9-inch discs and two-piston calipers, a step up from the XSE V6’s 12-inch discs and single-piston setup. Additional chassis bracing and a throatier TRD exhaust system complete the transformation, creating a factory-tuned midsize sedan that appeals to those who appreciate aftermarket performance upgrades, but prefer factory refinement and warranty. It’s a tuner car, matured and refined by Toyota’s engineering expertise.
Interior of the 2024 Toyota Camry TRD, showing red accents on seats, seatbelts, and gauges, and driver-focused cockpit.
On the road, the Camry TRD’s power is immediately apparent. Even with winter tires on our test car, unleashing full throttle in first and second gear resulted in a flashing traction control light as the tires struggled for grip. Once traction is established, however, the V6 engine delivers a smooth and effortless surge of acceleration, accompanied by a refined and pleasing exhaust note. Highway overtaking becomes a breeze, requiring only a gentle press of the accelerator to access a wave of naturally aspirated power. Toyota has a long-standing reputation for producing velvety smooth V6 engines, and this final iteration is no exception. It provides ample torque across the rev range, but truly rewards drivers who explore the upper limits of the tachometer.
The 2024 Toyota Camry TRD V6 in action, demonstrating its dynamic handling and performance capabilities on the road.
The Camry TRD’s handling and ride quality are equally impressive. Surprisingly, the TRD enhancements seem to have improved the ride comfort compared to a standard Camry. Road imperfections are absorbed effectively and quietly – you might hear the tires working, but you won’t feel harshness transmitted through the cabin. The suspension effectively controls body motions, eliminating float and unwanted secondary movements, resulting in a composed and comfortable ride suitable for daily driving. On winding roads and highway on-ramps, the Camry TRD exhibits surprisingly flat cornering, exceeding expectations for a midsize sedan, even if steering feedback isn’t as communicative as a dedicated sports car like a BMW 3 Series. However, it’s a clear and noticeable improvement over the standard Camry, offering a more engaging and controlled driving experience.
A Fond Farewell to the V6 Sedan
TRD badge on the 2024 Toyota Camry TRD, signifying Toyota Racing Development's performance enhancements.
Midsize sedans with V6 engines have long held a special place in the automotive landscape. They represented a step up from base models, offering a blend of practicality and a touch of performance. For many, a V6 sedan was the first taste of something a little more exciting, a compromise between sensible family transportation and the desire for a more engaging driving experience. They became a symbol of attainable aspiration.
Rear view of the 2024 Toyota Camry TRD, highlighting its sporty rear design and TRD badging.
V6 sedans also provided a touch of enjoyment for parents navigating the daily grind. Amidst the demands of family life and work, the V6 offered a brief escape, a chance to enjoy the smooth power and sound of six cylinders, turning mundane commutes into slightly more pleasurable experiences. In a pre-turbocharging era, V6 engines represented accessible performance in a practical package. While not muscle cars, they offered a satisfying dose of speed.
Close-up of the TRD alloy wheels on the 2024 Toyota Camry TRD, showcasing the dark satin finish and performance design.
Over time, attrition will inevitably claim these final V6 Camrys. They will gradually disappear from our roads, fading into automotive history. One day, their absence will be noticeable, triggering a wave of nostalgia for a bygone era. Owning and preserving a 2024 Toyota Camry TRD in the coming decades will become a statement. In regions prone to rust, diligent maintenance, including oil-based undercoating, might extend its lifespan to 15 or 20 years. By the late 2030s or early 2040s, seeing a well-maintained Camry TRD will be a rare sight, a testament to its owner’s dedication. Some might see it as an outdated choice, while others will admire it as a symbol of automotive appreciation. We certainly fall into the latter camp.
Front view of the 2024 Toyota Camry TRD V6, showcasing its aggressive front grille and sporty styling.
For now, let’s appreciate the 2024 Toyota Camry TRD for what it is: a final salute to the V6 midsize sedan. It offers a unique blend of practicality, performance, and a touch of nostalgia. If you’re in the market for a family car and have fond memories of V6 badges, consider the Camry TRD instead of another crossover. With a starting price of $34,580 (including freight, $40,160 in Canada), it’s priced similarly to a RAV4 XLE Premium. The choice is clear for those who value driving enjoyment.
(Photo credits: Thomas Hundal)
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