Toyota Camry TRD V6: A sports-themed treat

Toyota Camry TRD V6 (2021) is undoubtedly the most assertive version to date. It has made efforts to make more enjoyable automobiles with great products.

The Toyota Camry, America’s leading sedan, is continuously successful and professionally generic. But it seems an unusual opportunity to begin when attempting to construct a sports car.

Unfortunately, Toyota appears to have been unaware of the inconsistency. Hence, this 2021 Camry TRD results from a series of cars bearing the “Toyota Racing Development” modifying team’s moniker.

However, if there was ever a car that needed an image renovation, it’s the Camry. As a result, Toyota has given the four-door classic a bolder appearance and more distinctive ornamentation to lift it from “simply another commodity” to something genuinely desirable in its eighth iteration. In contrast, the TRD symbol is far more than a statement piece.

As with the XLE and XSE V6s, this vehicle is powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 301 horsepower and 267 pound-feet of torque. Unless you want a manual transmission, you’re out of luck; Toyota also includes a specific 8-speed automatic transmission like the Supra. Could more power make a difference? Certainly, but with a price of $32,260 (plus $995 destination), this is the most affordable way to get a V6 Camry. It’s paired with TRD-tuned front and rear suspension and thicker undercarriage reinforcements. The Camry TRD is 0.6-inch lower than the average car, thanks to stiffer springs and custom-tuned shocks. Toyota then adds bigger front brakes, 12.9-inch discs nearly an inch larger than ordinary, and dual-piston calipers. It replaces the simple single variant.

What You Give Up in the Camry TRD vs. Camry XSE V-6

Only one deleted component, as previously stated, can be reinstated as an option if preferred:

1. There is no moonroof.
2. No wireless charging.
3. There are no dynamic gridlines on the backup camera.
4. No heated seats.
5. Not any heated steering wheel.
6. No air vents in the backseat console.
7. There is no foldable backseat.
8. No backseat armrest with cupholders.
9. There are no ventilated seats.
10. Also there is no head-up display.
11. There is no 360-degree camera.
12. No auto-dimming rearview mirror.
13. The TRD lacks the XSE’s standard 9-inch touchscreen with a JBL sound system.
14. Only a single-zone climate as opposed to the XSE’s dual-zone

There are savings with the Camry TRD, as it costs $3,360 less than an XSE V-6 ($36,540 versus $33,180). But the missing features aren’t enough to make it significantly lighter than the XSE. It weighs only 10 pounds less than its 3,585-pound curb weight.

Comparable to the better-equipped XLE and XSE models, the interior quality is similar to that of a Camry SE or LE.

Features of Toyota Camry TRD V6 2021:

The exterior look and Interior appearance:

This Toyota 2021 Camry TRD V6 exudes style and personality. The front end appears robust. The black TRD body accessories blend beautifully with the Ice Edge paintwork on the car. To create the Camry TRD’s standout stance, Toyota’s designers designed a black grille with mesh inlay, front splitter, side aero skirts, trunk wing, and rear diffuser. If those features would not be enough to tell other car drivers that they’re not engaging with a standard Camry, the red TRD emblems will. TRD editions feature black SofTex-trimmed seating, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, red contrasting embroidery, a TRD gear knob, TRD gauges, red safety belts, TRD mats, and aluminum pedals inside too.

The $500 option included a two-tone Midnight Black roof and other decors, while the $69 option included some rear bumper appliqués. With flooring and trunk coverings ($259) and “door sill upgrades” ($199), the total cost is $34,207.

The elements are superb, with most primary areas covered and swapped, and the complex polymers are neatly done. The passenger room is plentiful on both sides, with various spaces and compartments at the front. However, those in the backseat will be without temperature control, a central armrest, or electrical outlets. The trunk capacity is a generous 15.1 cubic feet, but hauling longer goods will be problematic because the second-row rear seats do not recline due to a V-brace fitted behind for further body stiffness. The ensemble looks excellent with the Midnight Black roof for a striking two-tone effect.

Updated Tech:

The TRD has a brand-new touchscreen system that brings the functions close to the occupants and reduces sunlight on the comparatively tiny 7-inch display. Keys and knobs bordering the screen provide instant access to frequently used options and audio modifications, while the touchscreen interface is simple. For 2021, the TRD adds a standard blind-spot monitor, reverse cross-traffic awareness and an enhanced Toyota Safety Sense 2.5 Plus package. In addition, a forward-collision alert can recognize bikers and is more accurate in detecting walkers in low-light conditions. There’s also adaptive cruise management, automatic emergency brakes, lane departure warning, and traffic signs assistance.

That still devalues a Camry XLE V6, which costs a small fortune, but you give up some modern conveniences. Spend some money, and you’ll get dual-zone, fully automated temperature control instead of single-zone, a 7-inch cluster screen instead of the TRD’s 4.2-inch, leather upholstery with front heating, an adjustable rear bench instead of a stationary one, a 10-inch head-up spectacle, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, cordless phone charging, and a 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system instead of a 7-inch. Despite what Toyota charges, you can’t add those amenities to the Camry TRD other than adding a larger display. In terms of its dashboard, the Camry performs well, with the infotainment platform featuring Android Auto and Apple Car Play if the native UI is not to your taste, and the instrumentation is solid if not particularly exciting, but concessions have been made for efficiency.

Performance of the Toyota Camry TRD V-6:

Driving the First 300 Horsepower

There are 301 horsepower and 267 pounds-feet of torque generated by the 3.5-liter V6 engine. While rivals have forsaken six-cylinder engines in preference for turbocharged fours, Toyota have decided to continue with a six-cylinder engine for its smooth and linear grid supply.

Power delivery is quick at tip-in, and low-end torque is acceptable, but not as robust as in conventional cars with a force-induced I4s.

However, from the center of the rev range to the top speed of 6,800 rpm, the V6 draws strongly and sounds fantastic, releasing a pretty nice intermediate growl over a TRD cat-back exhaust. Powered by an eight-speed automatic transmission, the Camry propels its front wheels. Gear shifts are always precise, and there’s no reluctance in dropping a speed or two when you must get rolling.

If you wish to arrange the gears directly, the large steering wheel-mounted paddles are remarkably sensitive to downshift directions.

However, behavior during upshifts is more variable, with rapid responses and hesitation at others. When driven conservatively, the TRD’s engine produces an EPA-estimated 22 mpg in the cities and 31 mpg on the highway.

Structure Upgraded 

The most significant upgrades to the Camry TRD are in the structure. The sedan’s torsional stiffness is increased by a more muscular bodywork and the previously mentioned back seat reinforcement. Different suspension systems, firmer springs, a half-inch shorter ride height, and larger antiroll bars are all part of a chassis upgrade. Put it all on the 19-inch Michelin Primacy MXM4 all-season wheels, and you have excellent handling.

The TRD’s frame lowers considerably at corner turn-in and corners more comfortably than any Camry. There was enough traction and control to have a fun time on the road. Driving the Camry aggressively culminates in the front end, gradually washing away. The stiffer chassis comes at the expense of a slight drop in passenger comfort. Bump shocks are experiencing more than in a conventional Camry, although they are not forceful or unpleasant.

In this case, the design team did an excellent job of combining efficiency and ride comfort.

Given that the suspension upgrades appear to be the most expensive, it’s encouraging to note that the most significant improvements over a standard Camry are in ride and handling. The Camry TRD is stiffer but not teeth-rattlingly, and it handles the curves more elegantly than you’d anticipate. In addition, when you add a nice balance to the steering, even though understeer is unavoidable, you can have a lot of fun without requiring to accelerate to ridiculous speeds.

Brakes have been improved

The brakes have also been improved, and not just with red paint on the front rotors. The front wreckers on TRD Camrys are two-piston units rather than single-piston stoppers found on non-TRD Camrys, and they impose restrictions on larger 12.9-inch rotors. They’re powerful, quickly wiping off speed, albeit better pedal assistance is on my want list. Although a minor dead spot in the center, the transmission is precise and well-weighted.

Improvements needed:

However, several things could be improved; minor changes in the handling and brakes would help this Camry even more. The sluggish accelerator is incompatible with the agility of the suspension, and the paddle shifters struggle to upshift when necessary. Engine and transmission management improvements would make it an even better combo. Nevertheless, the TRD is a pleasant surprise. The lack of heated seats and temperature vents in the console is a deal breaker if you are hauling youngsters in the backseat.

Furthermore, the Camry TRD lacks a foldable back seat. The Camry TRD deviates from the norm in a number of areas that most buyers would not expect from a Camry.

Mainly because some individuals do not require the items on that list or the handling competency that comes with the features that have been included. The client enjoyed driving it and wants to do so again on summer tires. It is essential for performance packages like the Camry TRD.

Conclusion of Toyota Camry TRD V6:

The Toyota 2021 Camry TRD V6 is a better model than the standard model. The body modification isn’t overpowering. But it does enough to visually boost this car, while the loud exhaust and improved agility make a more enjoyable driving experience.

The V6 sounds great, with the exhaust system providing more than just a cosmetic enhancement. Its normally aspirated nature provides a linear throttle response. With its smooth upshifts and desire to downshift when you press on, Toyota’s transmission also gets no complaints.

The far more clear proof that the Camry TRD has been modified is how each side of the car carries its weight properly.

The rear end aligns with the front end, as compared to the non-TRD, whose front end performs the majority of the job. Of course, when pushed hard, the inner tires still seem like they’re pulling the car around the corner rather than surrendering when the bodywork slides over. This is with Michelin Primacy MXM4 all-season instead of the alternative gripper summer tires. But now that the suspension is in such fantastic condition, it demonstrates how the Camry TRD is ready for a Sport “Plus” driving style to supplement the existing Sport option.

If you are transporting children in the backseat, the lack of heated seats and temperature vents in the console is a deal breaker. Moreover, the Toyota 2021 Camry TRD V6 does not offer a foldable back seat. The Camry TRD is surprising in many ways that most customers wouldn’t expect from a Camry.

Especially since some people do not require the items on that list and the handling competency that comes with the features that have been included.