Toyota Camry Base Vs. TRD: What's The Difference?

Aug 13, 2023

Toyota knows that family cars don't necessarily need to be boring. That's why, besides the base model, it also offers the Camry with a TRD flavor.

Toyota introduced the Camry on the U.S. market four decades ago, and the model is still one of the top earners in the carmaker's lineup. Every generation of this model had huge sales. Not even the 2008-2010 world financial crisis or the 2020 pandemic could bring this model down. The Camry had so many things to offer that almost anyone could enjoy it. Moreover, Uber and Lyft drivers set their eyes on it since it provided the necessary comfort for rear passengers and peace of mind regarding dependability.

But when you buy a Camry for your family and step into a Toyota showroom, you might be trapped between two distinct versions: the lower-priced LE grade or the hot-looking TRD model. Regardless of which of these you'd take, you need to know that you can't go wrong buying a Toyota Camry. So, let's see the differences between these two.

The design of the Camry's first generation featured a combination of flat panels and straight lines. Even the headlights were squared, which looked weird after so many years of mandatory round headlamps. But over time, the carmaker understood that it had to hire better-skilled designers and shut bean counters' mouths who kept yelling that “round is expensive.” So, over the years, the Camry got updated, and in 2017, Toyota introduced the eighth generation of this family sedan. It didn't rush to completely change it but refreshed it in 2022.

We might say that the car aged well and doesn't show wrinkles around its bi-LED headlights. Not even in the LE grade, which is the base trim level for the Camry. Moreover, it comes fitted as standard with 17” alloys and doesn't look bland anymore. While it doesn't have some bells and whistles that might turn heads on the streets, it's not the kind of vehicle you'll disregard for its looks.

Related: 10 Ways The 2024 Toyota Camry Will Shake Up Its American Competition

The TRD, on the other hand, is an attention-grabber. First, it's the glossy-black front grille that will capture your attention. Then, you'll notice the splitter and the red accents on it. Moreover, from its sides, the Camry TRD boasts 19” light-alloy wheels unique for this grade. It also features different skirts adorned with red accents from the Toyota Racing Development team. But wait! There's more. The car tells a different story from the back, where there's a wing on the trunk. In addition, there are also four exhausts under the rear bumper incorporated into the diffuser's overall design. If you want just the performance and not the looks, you should know that there are other 300-hp sleeper cars cheaper than a new Toyota Camry V6.

Toyota tried to offer enough features and amenities to the Camry so it could be attractive even in the lowest trim level, and it did a good job. It didn't cheap out on the touchscreen for the infotainment system or install cranked windows for the rear passengers. As a result, the Camry LE has everything a family would need daily. It has dual-zone automatic climate control, a decent six-speaker sound system, and a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment unit featuring Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa compatibility. As expected for this car category, customers will get fabric upholstery and a 60/40 split-folding rear bench seat with two integrated cupholders. Front occupants also benefit from a pair of “hold my can” devices.

The TRD, on the other hand, boasts many features, starting with a 9-inch touchscreen for the infotainment unit and a nine-speaker JBL sound system, including a subwoofer. So, if the owner expects a higher level of music quality, that should do it. It features Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa compatibility, just like its base-model sibling. But perhaps the most striking difference is its high-bolstered seats. They are covered in a black SoftTex upholstery enhanced by red stitching and complemented by red seat belts for all passengers.

Unlike the LE version, the TRD doesn't offer rear cupholders or split-folding rear seats. At least it has two bottle holders in the door cards. For the driver, Toyota installed a 4.2” multi-information display (MID) with TRD start-up animation and red illumination for the dials.

In terms of safety, Toyota didn't cheap out. It fitted both versions with about the same features. Both are equipped with ADAS, and there are plenty of advanced safety systems you might want to know about. Moreover, there are ten airbags to keep everyone onboard safe in the event of a crash. But still, there are some differences between these two grades when it comes to the blind spot monitor that is fitted as standard on the TRD. On the LE, Toyota offers it as an option that costs $680.

Another feature that's standard on the costlier vehicle but unavailable for the base model is the full-range dynamic radar cruise control (DRCC). The LE version has a similar feature, but not for the full range of speeds. The enhanced version works between 0 and 110 mph, so it can be safely used in busy traffic with more stop-and-go situations.

Regarding performance, the differences between these two versions are significant. Here, surprisingly, the LE might have the upper hand in certain conditions. Toyota made this version available with an all-wheel-drive system that costs $1,400, which the TRD can't get. So, if you're living in an area where snow is often seen on the roads, this might be a deal-breaker for the sportier-looking version. Besides that, the LE also comes fitted with the standard suspension set for comfortable rides. Sure, some might enjoy the stiffer one that's better for high-speed cornering.

Still, you should ask them before spending money on a vehicle only the one behind the wheel will enjoy. The 17” light-alloy wheels and softer springs and dampers offer a better ride quality, especially noticeable on long journeys. But don't think that this setup transforms the car into a barge that'll move around on every corner at any speed above 5 mph. The Camry LE handles well. Maybe even better than someone would expect from a family sedan, thanks to the independent suspension in all corners with McPherson struts up front and a multi-link system out back.

Related: Why We Are Excited For The 2024 Toyota Camry

For the LE, Toyota installed its upgraded 2.5-liter inline-four paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. It develops over 200 ponies and ensures excellent fuel efficiency. Moreover, it can get from zero to sixty in less than eight seconds, and that's decent. As for the top speed, it can get up to 120 mph.

The TRD version, on the other hand, is built for those who want a sports car but need a family vehicle. By adding two cylinders and one liter in displacement, Toyota managed to squeeze another 100 hp compared to the four-banger version. Just like its sibling, it comes fitted with an eight-speed auto, but the car also features paddle shifters behind the steering wheel. As a result, the car can get to 60 in less than six seconds. Not too far ago, that was sports car territory. In addition, the reinforced suspension with track-tuned coils and dampers transforms the Camry into a vehicle that can keep up with some hot hatches.

Performance

Toyota Camry LE

Toyota Camry TRD

0-60 mph

7.5 sec.

5.6 sec.

Top Speed

120 mph

135 mph

Of course, everything comes to the vehicle's price. Basically, you don't need to add anything to any of these vehicles to make them pleasant. Sure, you might get a specific color or some floor mats. But that's what you want, not what you need. So, an Uber or Lyft driver might get the base, LE version, to do their job. The same car will do well as a family vehicle. It won't turn heads on the street but will earn more and spend less than the TRD version. On the other hand, the more expensive version might be the darling of the family if they'll cope with the stiffer suspension and higher expenses for gas.

Trim Level

Toyota Camry LE

Toyota Camry TRD

Price

$26,420

$33,485

Tudor started his career in automotive journalism over 25 years ago as a contributor in a small editorial team of a printed magazine. Later, he evolved and led several car magazines as editor-in-chief, produced his TV broadcast, and traveled worldwide to car events from Italy to Pikes Peak, and from Laguna Seca to the Sahara Desert. Tudor continued learning and completed rally-driving and off-road schools. He also reviewed more than a thousand cars in his career before joining the HotCars team.