After their reveal late last year, we’ve finally had a chance to test the 2020 Toyota Camry TRD and Avalon TRD. This information and the video attached are pre-embargo meaning that we can’t divulge driving impressions until Monday, September 9th. Fortunately, we can give you a rundown on what’s new before then.
Similar cars
Using the same powertrain, driving components and electronics, both the 2020 Toyota Camry TRD and Toyota Avalon TRD are brothers. While the Avalon is a larger, more conservative vehicle, it (normally) drives a lot like a regular Camry.
When the driving impressions post, we’ll be able to tell you the differences between the two. One thing both TRD vehicles share is the augmented components – from the wheels to the suspension, and more.
Power
Both vehicles share the same 301 horsepower, 3.5-liter V6. This engine makes 267 lb-ft of torque and both are hooked up to an eight-speed automatic transmission. Both vehicles have paddle shifters and come standard with a TRD exhaust system.
There is no four-cylinder variant, nor is there any mention of a hybrid version either. According to Toyota, the TRD exhaust system does not add to the horsepower or torque numbers. More on that when the embargo on driving impressions drops.
Suspension
One of the main parts of the TRD mission statement is handling. A majority of its suspension augmentation was performed for enhanced maneuverability. To this end, Toyota retuned the shocks, springs, dampeners and stiffened the chassis. They lowered both vehicles by 15-millimeters and stiffened the springs.
There was a lot of stiffening done to both vehicles.
This is especially apparent in the Camry TRD which has cross braces in the back where the rear bulkhead is located. As a result of these cross braces being used in the Camry TRD, the cargo passthrough is no longer available. In the Avalon TRD, the pass through is still available.
Brakes
One piston front brakes are now beefier two-piston brakes. They sit on larger discs that promote better cooling via improved ventilation. Rear brakes remain the same, but the brake calipers are painted red… because red is fast.
The wheels are a big story too. Weighing in at about three pounds lighter than the XSE model’s wheels, they are finished in black matte. These wheels are wider too, accommodating a wider tire that, along with the addition spacing, increases the track width.
Exterior
This is where the 2020 Toyota Camry TRD and Toyota Avalon TRD diverge a bit. Both vehicles had a similar design language, but each one is a tad unique. Both noses are unique, they both have very similar black with red stripe ground effects, and both have similar rear end design upgrades too.
The Camry TRD has a massive wing and no sunroof. On the other hand, the Avalon TRD comes with a smaller, almost subdued rear spoiler and a thin spoiler. The Avalon TRD comes standard with a sunroof as well.
Only a few unique colors are available for these TRD sedans. The red TRD badges and black painted ground effect components with a red line are consistent on both vehicles. The Toyota Camry TRD also has a black contrasting roof color whereas the Avalon is one tone.
Interior
Once again, both vehicles are similar in how they receive interior TRD touches, but they have unique overall interior designs. Raised red stitching, red inserts in the seats and lots of TRD badging throughout. The leather wrapped steering wheel has unique stitching as well.
Both vehicles have red seat belts, which are unique to TRD vehicles. Also, there are metal pedals with rubber grips for the brake and accelerator.
Pricing for the 2020 Toyota Camry TRD starts at $31,040 for the base MSRP. Interestingly, this is the least expensive way to get a Toyota Camry with a V6. The base MSRP for the 2020 Toyota Avalon TRD is $42,300. Both vehicles went on sale in September 2019.
In this pre-embargo video, we talk about the differences and give you details about both vehicles from Texas Motor Speedway. Stay tuned for driving impressions soon!
