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The track-inspired Camry TRD is arguably one of the boldest-looking and best-handling Toyota sedans ever.

Toyota has consistently recognized the automotive principle of 'win on Sunday, buy on Monday', where auto racing success helps in building the global image of a winning brand. To this end, Toyota has ensured its longstanding Toyota Racing Development (TRD) and relatively new Gazoo Racing (GR) performance division co-exist to improve production vehicles for more outstanding performance. One of the most notable cars to benefit from the TRD program is America's best-selling sedan, the Toyota Camry.

With TRD-developed Camrys achieving success in the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series, Toyota's decision to introduce a track-inspired Camry on the street livened up the trim range after 35 years of production. Fast-forward to 2022, and the Camry TRD has earned its stripes as arguably one of the boldest-looking and best-handling Toyota sedans ever. After taking a closer look at this ubiquitous sedan, here's a list of things we love about the 2022 Toyota Camry TRD.

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Like all TRD vehicles, the 2022 Camry TRD benefits from exclusive TRD styling cues that exude a bold, road-hungry look. The aerodynamic TRD-tuned body kit includes exclusive red pinstripes that contrast the TRD gloss black grille, air vents, front splitter, and side aero skirts.

The Camry TRD rear features the TRD gloss black roof, shark fin antenna, pedestal rear spoiler, TRD rear diffuser, and TRD cat-back dual exhaust with polished stainless steel tips. Other exterior cosmetics include a black rear Toyota emblem, black 'CAMRY' lettering, and a red TRD badge.

The TRD treatment converts the standard Camry cabin into a sports sedan interior with the sophisticated luxury expected of a model near the top of the range. The telescopic three-spoke leather-trimmed steering wheel, instrument panel, and shift boot feature red stitching, while the black leather shift knob adds a debossed TRD logo to match the red stitching.

The black Sport SofTex-trimmed seats boast red stitching, fabric inserts, and seat belts, not to mention red-stitched TRD headrest logos and seatback pockets. Similarly, the floor mats in the cabin and trunk have red 'CAMRY TRD' logos and the TRD-exclusive red outline.

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The midsize Camry TRD is a relatively large sedan with enough headroom, legroom, shoulder room, and hip room for five. Internal storage comprises two front cup holders, a glove compartment, two front door bottle holders, two rear door bottle holders, covered center console storage, and overhead sunglasses storage.

Unfortunately, the Camry TRD is the only trim variant without the 60/40 split fold-down rear seats and a rear center armrest with cup holders. Nonetheless, the EPA cargo space is still thoroughly competitive for a daily driver, rated at 428 liters.

Toyota designed the Camry TRD cockpit to deliver an inviting, wide-open feel suitable for a daily driver or freeway cruiser. The driver-centric position behind the wheel envelops the driver with an intuitive feeling, perfectly placing the steering controls right at the fingertips.

With Toyota's Smart Key System, owners can easily lock and unlock the front doors and open the trunk without the need to reach into the pocket or purse. In addition, the Push Button Start accentuates the cockpit's simple design while providing convenience.

The Camry TRD's 4.2 -inch TFT Multi-Information Display comes with TRD start-up animation and TRD instrumentation with red-illuminated accents. Along the dashboard sits a seven-inch touchscreen floating display with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa compatibility, SiriusXM, Wi-Fi Connect, and music streaming via Bluetooth wireless technology.

However, Toyota offers an optional nine-inch infotainment with nine JBL speakers, including an amplifier and subwoofer. Other notable in-car technologies include single-zone automatic climate control with air filter, integrated backup camera with projected path, USB media+charging port, USB-C charge port, 12V auxiliary power outlet, Connected Services, and Remote Connect.

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The Camry TRD has featured in the 2022 IIHS Top Safety Pick list thanks to its extensive range of standard safety features. The Star Safety System encompasses Traction Control, Enhanced Vehicle Stability Control, Electronic Brake-force Distribution, four-wheel Anti-lock Brake System, Smart Stop Technology, and Brake Assist.

Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+ includes driver assist features like Pre Collision System with Pedestrian Detection, Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Full-Speed Range Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist, Lane Tracing Assist, Road Sign Assist, and Automatic High Beams. The Camry TRD also boasts safety features such as Hill Start Assist Control, Rear Seat reminder, Automatic Engine Shut Off, and Tire Pressure Monitor System.

Toyota equipped the Camry TRD with the most potent engine option in the lineup, a 3.5-liter V-6 with VVT-i intake and exhaust. Thanks to the low center of gravity of the Direct Shift eight-speed ECT-i automatic transmission, the Camry TRD delivers an output of 301hp at 6,600 rpm and 267lb-ft of torque at 4,700 rpm.

This robust naturally aspirated V-6 offers impressive passing power, hitting the 0-60 mph mark in an impressive 5.6 seconds. In addition, the Camry TRD clears the quarter-mile run in 14.3 seconds, while the top speed stands at 138 mph.

Admittedly, the Camry TRD trim returns lower efficiency figures than variants rocking the smaller inline-four motors. According to the Environmental Protection Agency data, the 2022 Camry TRD offers an estimated 22 MPG city and 31 MPG highway, translating to 25 MPG combined.

The Camry TRD's combined gas mileage makes it competitive against several four-cylinder turbo-equipped rivals in the segment. Opting for the superior performance capabilities of the track-tuned Camry TRD comes with a relatively small trade-off in fuel economy.

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The Camry TRD boasts three drive mode choices that instantly tailor the drive to suit the driver's whim at the press of a button. Normal Mode provides perfect balance by blending the car's fuel economy with inherent performance.

Eco Mode ensures better frugality by adjusting the Camry TRD's throttle input to help maximize fuel efficiency. Performance enthusiasts will make the most of Sport Mode, which indulges the Camry TRD's spirited side with a sharper acceleration feel.

The 2022 Camry TRD benefits from tangible performance improvement, courtesy of the rack-tuned performance features afforded by the TRD division. The 19-inch matte-black alloy wheels help reduce weight and improve steering response, while the red-painted 12.9-inch diameter ventilated disc brakes with dual-piston calipers provide remarkable stopping power.

The sophisticated sport-tuned MacPherson front strut suspension and multi-link rear suspension deliver the perfect harmony of a smooth and relaxed ride. The underbody braces boast increased thickness for increased torsional rigidity, and unique coil springs drop the Camry TRD .60 inches for a desirably low center of gravity. The specially-tuned cat-back dual exhaust reduces back pressure and helps optimize engine power and efficiency.

Simon Kim has always been passionate about machines since childhood, and this has grown into an obsession well into adulthood. As an avid reader and creative content writer, he finds joy and fulfillment in sharing his love for cars and bikes with other machine heads. Currently, Kim seeks to deliver exciting and informative articles on HotCars. He enjoys music and art and dabbles in active sports and virtual gaming in his spare time.