Is a performance-oriented version of the Toyota Camry in 2024 an anomaly? In a market dominated by crossovers, the 2024 Camry Trd might seem like a nostalgic throwback. While everyone is gravitating towards crossovers, this midsize sedan, complete with a rear wing and enhanced chassis, stands out as a unique offering. It’s a reminder of a time when V6 sedans were king, a sentiment that resonates as the automotive landscape rapidly changes.
The era of the V6 midsize sedan is drawing to a close. Competitors like the V6 Accord, Altima, and Galant Ralliart are relics of the past. Subaru discontinued its six-cylinder Legacy five years ago, and major manufacturers like Ford and Stellantis have exited the mainstream midsize sedan market in North America. Even the Volkswagen Passat is no longer available in this market. With the upcoming all-hybrid 2025 Camry, the 2024 Camry TRD represents the final opportunity to experience the thrill of a V6-powered midsize sedan. But does it live up to the hype? We took the 2024 Camry TRD for a test drive to discover just that.
This isn’t just any Camry TRD; it’s a rare breed. In fact, this particular model is the only one currently available in Canada, yet to be sold. Its presence in the press fleet offers a unique chance to explore and share the driving experience of this distinctive vehicle.
[Full disclosure: Toyota Canada provided us with this 2024 Camry TRD for a week-long review, under the agreement that we would return it with a full tank of gas, maintain its condition, photograph it, and publish a review. Fuel expenses were personally covered by the reviewer.]
Striking Red Accents Define the Camry TRD
2024 Toyota Camry TRD V6
The 2024 Toyota Camry TRD makes a bold visual statement with its extensive use of red accents. Red brake calipers, badges, side skirts, seat belts, floor mats, and seat stitching create a vibrant contrast against the car’s greyscale palette. The red gauges, while visually striking, might compromise legibility, a known issue from older Toyota models like the Matrix. This red-heavy design theme gives the Camry TRD a distinctive, sporty aesthetic, reminiscent of a bold and energetic style.
However, the 2024 Camry TRD‘s visual enhancements go beyond mere aesthetics. The prominent rear spoiler is engineered for functionality, contributing to the car’s performance. The lightweight TRD alloy wheels are not only visually appealing but also contribute to the car’s performance dynamics, though their dark satin finish can sometimes make them blend into the wheel wells. The oversized TRD exhaust tips further amplify the aggressive look. The overall design effectively delivers an assertive and grounded appearance to the Camry TRD, fulfilling its mission to visually communicate its performance intent.
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Inside the 2024 Camry TRD, the focus is on essential features without unnecessary frills. It forgoes a sunroof, native navigation, and premium branded audio systems. Instead, it offers practical technology and comfort features like Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, automatic climate control, heated seats and steering wheel, automatic headlights, and a comprehensive suite of advanced driver assistance systems. This feature set is remarkably well-equipped, especially when considering that just a decade ago, these features would have signified a top-tier, fully loaded vehicle. This underscores how rapidly automotive technology and standard features have evolved.
Performance Upgrades Unleash the V6 Power of the Camry TRD
2024 Toyota Camry TRD V6
The core appeal of the 2024 Camry TRD lies beyond its visual upgrades – it’s in its enhanced performance capabilities. Under the hood is Toyota’s 2GR-FKS engine, a 3.5-liter 24-valve quad-cam V6. This engine features both direct and port fuel injection, variable valve timing, and Atkinson cycle simulation for optimized efficiency. It delivers a robust 301 horsepower at 6,600 rpm and 267 lb.-ft. of torque at 4,700 rpm, providing the linear power delivery that driving enthusiasts appreciate. In an era dominated by turbocharged engines emphasizing low-end torque, the Camry TRD offers a unique and increasingly rare experience of power that builds progressively with revs.
2024 Toyota Camry TRD V6
The 2024 Camry TRD is not only the most accessible V6 Camry in the lineup but also the most performance-focused. It boasts significant chassis enhancements, including stiffer, lower springs and upgraded anti-roll bars. These modifications increase roll stiffness by 44 percent in the front and an impressive 67 percent in the rear, sharpening handling dynamics. To complement the stiffer springs, specially tuned dampers are included to maintain ride quality. The front brakes are upgraded to larger 12.9-inch discs with two-piston calipers, a step up from the XSE V6’s 12-inch discs and single-piston setup. Additional chassis bracing and a performance-tuned TRD exhaust system complete the performance package, positioning the Camry TRD as a factory-tuned midsize sedan that appeals to those who appreciate aftermarket enhancements, but delivered straight from Toyota. It’s a mature take on the tuner car concept.
2024 Toyota Camry TRD V6
Starting the engine and accelerating in the 2024 Camry TRD reveals the V6’s eagerness. During testing with winter tires, the car demonstrated ample power, often exceeding the available traction in first and second gear, indicated by frequent traction control engagement. However, once traction is secured, the Camry TRD delivers smooth, effortless acceleration, accompanied by a refined engine note. Overtaking and highway merging become seamless, offering a satisfying surge of power. Toyota’s legacy of producing smooth, naturally-aspirated V6 engines is evident in this final iteration, encouraging drivers to explore the upper rev range to fully appreciate its performance.
2024 Toyota Camry TRD V6
The 2024 Camry TRD also excels in ride and handling balance. The TRD enhancements contribute to an improved ride quality compared to standard Camry models. Road imperfections are absorbed effectively, with minimal disturbance felt in the cabin. The suspension effectively manages body control, providing stability without sacrificing comfort, making it well-suited for daily driving. Engaging in spirited driving on winding roads reveals enhanced body control, although steering feedback remains typical for the Camry, prioritizing ease of use over detailed road feel. While not a sports sedan in the vein of a BMW 3 Series, the Camry TRD offers a noticeable step up in driving dynamics from the standard Camry.
The Nostalgic Appeal of the V6 Sedan
2024 Toyota Camry TRD V6
Midsize sedans, especially those with V6 engines, have long held a special place in automotive culture. They represent a blend of practicality and performance, appealing to those who desired a bit more excitement in their daily drive. V6 sedans evolved from status symbols to attainable performance options, offering a taste of sportiness without fully committing to a sports car.
2024 Toyota Camry TRD V6
For families, the V6 midsize sedan provided a compromise – a vehicle that managed family duties while still offering driving enjoyment. The V6 engine offered a brief escape from the routine of daily commutes, adding a moment of exhilaration to mundane tasks. In a pre-turbocharging era, V6 sedans democratized accessible straight-line performance. While they might not have rivaled V8 muscle cars, they offered a satisfying level of speed and power.
2024 Toyota Camry TRD V6
As time progresses, the 2024 Camry TRD, like its V6 sedan predecessors, will eventually become less common. Normal wear, accidents, and depreciation will reduce their numbers on the road. The eventual disappearance of these once-common vehicles will evoke a sense of nostalgia, reminding us of a different automotive era. Owning a well-maintained 2024 Toyota Camry TRD in the future could become a statement of appreciation for this bygone type of vehicle. With proper care, particularly in regions prone to rust, a 2024 Camry TRD could potentially last for 15 to 20 years. By the late 2030s or early 2040s, it would be a rare sight, a well-preserved example of a disappearing breed.
2024 Toyota Camry TRD V6
In conclusion, the 2024 Toyota Camry TRD is more than just a performance sedan; it’s a tribute to the legacy of the V6 midsize sedan. It offers a final opportunity to experience this type of vehicle in a new car. For those considering a family car with a hint of driving excitement and nostalgic appeal, the 2024 Camry TRD presents a compelling alternative to ubiquitous crossovers. Priced comparably to a RAV4 XLE Premium (around $34,580 including freight, or $40,160 in Canada), the 2024 Camry TRD offers a distinctive and engaging option for car buyers seeking something different. If the V6 badge once held significance for you, the 2024 Toyota Camry TRD is worth serious consideration.
(Photo credits: Thomas Hundal)
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