No New Toyota Camry TRD: TRD to Focus Exclusively on Body-On-Frame Trucks & SUVs, GR Handles On-Road

No New Toyota Camry TRD: TRD Shifts Exclusive Focus to Body-On-Frame SUVs and Trucks

Toyota has officially clarified the future direction of its performance divisions, confirming that a new Toyota Camry TRD is not happening. Moving forward, Toyota Racing Development (TRD) will focus exclusively on body-on-frame SUVs and trucks, specializing in off-road prowess. Meanwhile, the Gazoo Racing (GR) division will exclusively handle on-road performance for cars and crossovers. This clear distinction means beloved TRD-badged sedans like the Camry TRD and crossovers like the RAV4 TRD Off-Road will not see direct replacements. However, Toyota’s commitment to a diverse range of enthusiast-focused models, including future GR Sport crossovers and robust TRD trucks, ensures a sportier Toyota future, even if the Camry TRD is gone.

TRD and GR: Defined Directions for Toyota’s Performance Divisions

Toyota is clearly delineating the roles of its two performance arms to avoid overlap and maximize focus.

• TRD’s New Focus: Toyota Racing Development (TRD) will now be exclusively for body-on-frame vehicles—specifically, SUVs and trucks, elevating their capabilities in off-road environments.
• GR’s Domain: Gazoo Racing (GR) and GR Sport branding will be used for cars and crossovers, prioritizing on-road performance.
• Official Confirmation: Paul Hogard, Toyota product communications sr. analyst, clarified this at a recent event, making the distinction official.
• Past Overlap: Previously, TRD badging appeared on unibody vehicles like the Camry and RAV4, which will no longer be the case.

Impact on Specific Models: The End of Camry TRD and RAV4 TRD Off-Road

This new strategy directly affects popular models that previously carried the TRD badge but are not body-on-frame.

• No New Camry TRD: The previous-generation Camry TRD, known for its stiffer suspension and 301-horsepower V6, will not have a direct replacement in the new Camry lineup, which now “focuses on efficient hybrid power.”
• RAV4 TRD Off-Road’s Fate: The focused RAV4 TRD Off-Road trim, which included standard all-wheel drive and Multi-Terrain Select, has also been effectively discontinued without a direct replacement. While the new RAV4 has a “Wilderness trim,” it lacks the full suite of off-road features of the older TRD Off-Road.

The Future of Toyota Performance: GR Crossovers and TRD Trucks

Despite the changes, Toyota’s commitment to performance across various segments remains strong.

• Expanded GR Lineup: The existing GR86, GR Corolla, and GR Supra will soon be joined by the first GR Sport-badged RAV4. This model will feature a 320-horsepower plug-in hybrid system, upgraded suspension, and grippier tires for enhanced on-road driving fun.
• Hope for a GR Camry: While there’s “no sign of a GR Camry,” the article expresses hope for a performance variant of the sedan, given the “great fundamentals” of the new Camry’s handling.
• Continuing TRD Lineup: The Tacoma, Tundra, 4Runner, and Sequoia will continue to offer TRD versions with varying levels of off-road prowess, ensuring TRD’s legacy in rugged, capable vehicles. The Tacoma, for instance, boasts six TRD-badged variants.

Toyota Leading Among Japanese Rivals

Toyota’s diversified approach positions it ahead of other Japanese brands in offering enthusiast-focused models.

• Comprehensive Portfolio: Toyota now has “the most comprehensive portfolio of specialized performance models by far” among Japanese brands in America.
• Rival Comparison: Mazdaspeed is gone, Spirit Racing (Mazda) is nascent, and while Honda has the Civic Type R and a growing TrailSport range, their off-road capabilities do not match Toyota’s body-on-frame TRDs.
• Appealing to All Enthusiasts: Toyota is “doing a great job of appealing to enthusiasts of all kinds,” promising exciting developments for both TRD and GR brands in the future.

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