2020 Toyota Camry TRD—It’s the Real Deal

Sheer power may not be the first thing to come to mind when you think about the Toyota Camry—until now. Sure, it’s been America’s best-selling passenger car for the past 17 years. But in general, Camrys usually sell because of their reliability, looks, well-rounded performance, and value.

Enter the 2020 Toyota Camry TRD. While still offering exceptional value, this new model puts the Camry in the conversation as a real sports car. With more aggressive looks and performance, it might reach a new market of buyers—those who are looking for a sleek sports car that’s safe, doesn’t guzzle gas, and will still run like new in 20 years.

Let’s get into some of the features offered by the 2020 Toyota Camry TRD:

Driving and Performance
The Camry TRD still provides the comfortable drive that Camry fans have grown to love. However, the modified chassis dynamics make for a midsize sedan with more precise steering and superb body control, especially around corners.

All current Camrys are based on the TNGA-K platform, which provides sufficient torsional rigidity in its own right. Add the TRD treatment of extra underbody bracing, stiffer coil springs, thicker anti-roll bars, specially-tuned shocks, and bigger front brakes, and performance goes to another level. The Camry TRD also gets 19-inch summer performance tires and reduced ride height (0.6 inches), both of which help the car stick to the road around turns.

Buyers of the Camry TRD will get a 3.5-liter V6 engine that’s good for 301 hp and 267 lb-ft of torque. Toyota’s D-4S dual fuel injection is present, which means that both multiport and direct injectors are used. The engine is matched with a Direct Shift eight-speed automatic transmission.

Exterior Design
The Camry TRD’s exterior styling is, in a word, aggressive. The subtlety usually present in the family versions of the sedan is gone. Riding with a flashy, pedestal-mounted rear wing, the car rocks a body kit that emphasizes aerodynamics—complete with ground-effect rockers, dynamic front and rear fascias, a mean-looking dual exhaust, and flat-black 19-inch alloy wheels that are exclusive to the TRD. And the airfoils found on the front and back of each wheel opening add a nice touch.

More black adorns the front grille and badging and is offset by red brake calipers. Moreover, buyers who opt for the Barcelona Red Metallic paint job will get blacked-out window trim and mirror caps, along with a gloss-black roof. Simply put, the Camry TRD’s exterior looks fast. Even when parked, it’s easy to imagine it speeding down the highway.

Interior Design
The same aggressiveness is found in the Camry TRD’s interior. In place of the family-friendly features that other trims offer are aluminum race-style foot pedals, red seatbelts, and Toyota’s comfortable Softex-covered seats, which combine the trademark black leather-like material with a red-black cloth scheme. TRD logos adorn the floor mats, leather gear shifter, and seatbacks, while red stitching runs along several areas of the cabin.
The sportiness of the Camry TRD doesn’t sacrifice the comfort that drivers love about the mainstream Camry models. Though the cockpit is more driver-centric than the more traditional trims, high-quality soft-touch materials make for a cabin that feels much more upscale than the price reflects.

There is also ample headroom, legroom and cargo room throughout. Along with a 15.1 cubic-foot trunk, the Camry TRD’s back seat folds down for hauling longer items, and there is plenty of storage offered by the glovebox and center console bin, among several other compartments that hold miscellaneous items.

Safety and Technology 

Even given the beefed-up performance and appearance of the 2020 Camry TRD, the sedan is still one of the safer vehicles on the market. As with all the other Camry trims, the TRD comes stocked with Toyota Safety Sense, a safety package that includes several high-tech features, including:

• Lane departure warning with gentle steering assist
• Forward-collision warning with pedestrian detection
• Automatic emergency braking
• Automatic high-beam control 
• Backup camera with trajectory lines
• Three years of Toyota Safety Connect (emergency roadside assistance, automatic collision notification, and stolen vehicle locator).

In addition to the suite of safety features, buyers of the Camry TRD will get Apple CarPlay, Amazon Alexa, and Android Auto compatibility with the infotainment system. Furthermore, a seven-inch touchscreen, six-speaker audio system, Bluetooth connectivity, and in-car WiFi are included.

Toyota is breaking new ground with the 2020 Camry TRD. Rather than simply being a family midsize sedan with an optional sport package, this model brings all the power and toughness that Toyota Racing Development can throw at it. So, if you’re looking for a legitimate sports car that still provides the comfort, reliability, safety, and all the other qualities Toyota is known for, then the Camry TRD could be the perfect vehicle for you.

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Should You Get a 2020 RAV4 or 2020 Chevy Equinox? Here’s Some Information to Help You Decide

These days, compact SUVs have a lot more to offer than in times past. No longer do you have to sacrifice cabin space, features, and technology to get a vehicle that offers exceptional versatility and fuel economy.

While there are many vehicles to choose from in the compact SUV segment, the Toyota RAV4 and
Chevrolet Equinox are two of the most popular options among consumers. And for good reason—they both have qualities that appeal to a wide range of car buyers. The RAV4 is among the top of the class in several categories and is generally acclaimed as one of the best overall compact SUVs on the market. However, the Chevrolet Equinox has its own merits and comes at a below-average starting price.

If you’re on the lookout for a compact SUV that will best serve your needs, you’ve come to the right place. Below, we’ll discuss the 2020 Toyota RAV4 and 2020 Chevrolet Equinox in more detail so that you can determine which vehicle is right for you.

COMPARISON 
Let’s take a brief look at some of the primary features offered by the 2020 RAV4 and 2020 Equinox:

The RAV4
As with previous model years, the 2020 Toyota RAV4 does not disappoint. Due to Toyota’s notorious reliability and general build-quality of all its vehicles, the RAV4 comes into any comparison at an advantage. However, there’s much more to the RAV4 than reliability and build quality. For starters, it’s one of the most attractive SUVs on the market, as it demonstrates the beautiful blend of modern and classic designs that are prevalent in all the newer Toyota models.

The 2020 RAV4 is also a very comfortable vehicle. In fact, its spacious cabin comfortably fits five passengers, leaves plenty of room for cargo, and makes it easy to forget that you’re driving a compact SUV. Then there’s the impressive power that comes with any trim level you choose, and a fuel economy (30 MPG combined) that rivals anyone in its class. And if you opt for the Hybrid, you get an SUV that is even more powerful and fuel-efficient (41 MPG city).

Furthermore, each RAV4 model performs better off the pavement than most of its competitors (especially the Equinox), and its off-road ability only increases in the Adventure and TRD Pro Off-Road trims.

In general, three of the main criticisms of the 2020 Toyota RAV4 are that it can get a little noisy in the cabin, it doesn’t come with a leather upholstery option, and the upgrades cost more than some of its competitors. However, these seem like trivial matters when you consider the advantages that come with the RAV4.

The Equinox
The 2020 Chevrolet Equinox is a sharp-looking SUV in its own right. Like the RAV4, it has ample space for five passengers, as well as different engines to choose from. The Equinox’s base engine is underwhelming compared to that of the RAV4’s, but buyers can opt for a 2.0-liter turbo engine that packs a punch and can tow up to 3,500 pounds.

Perhaps the most appealing aspect of the 2020 Equinox is its impressive list of driver-assistance features that come standard on all trim levels, which has earned the SUV a five-star safety rating. Also, the Equinox includes easy-to-use infotainment features, and it comes at a lower MSRP than the RAV4.

One thing to consider is that the 2020 Equinox is a little tight when it comes to cargo space, which limits the number and size of items you can take with you around town or on long trips. And its fuel economy isn’t competitive, nor is its ability to navigate rough terrain. Moreover, buyers who choose the cheaper upfront price of the Equinox will miss out on the top-notch quality and reliability of the RAV4.

MORE ON THE 2020 TOYOTA RAV4
Now that you’ve seen the 2020 Toyota RAV4 and 2020 Chevrolet Equinox side-by-side, let’s dive into some more details on the RAV4 so that you can determine whether it’s a nice fit for your lifestyle:


The Outside
While the RAV4 has been touted for its looks for several generations, the most recent versions are getting even more attention. Toyota has said bye to the soft, round look of previous RAV4 models, going instead with an overall appearance that is much more aggressive and rugged. This is accomplished by employing hard angles, bold lines, and SUV-style cladding.

What’s more, this appeal comes with the RAV4 at every trim level. And buyers of the all-new RAV4 TRD Off-Road will get an even tougher appearance, as it features black wheels, all-terrain tires, and an optional Lunar Rock body with Ice Edge Roof.

The Inside
Toyota has gone to great lengths to improve the interior of the RAV4. Using higher quality materials than in years past, the cabin prioritizes function over form, which matches it perfectly with the SUV’s exterior. However, soft materials throughout the cabin add just the right amount of comfort.


Though there is no option for leather upholstery, buyers can opt for seats wrapped in Toyota’s SofTex leatherette material, which feels convincingly like real leather. Also, the seats in the 2020 RAV4 are very comfortable, and they provide excellent thigh and back support, making for an enjoyable road trip or off-road adventure. Furthermore, the cabin provides ample legroom for passengers in the front and back.

When it comes to cargo room in a compact SUV, the RAV4 is hard to beat. With the rear seats up, there are 37.6 cubic feet of cargo volume. When the seats are folded down, that number becomes 69.8 cubic feet.

While these figures are competitive among compact SUVs, the storage compartments in the RAV4 are perhaps what’s most impressive, as they have been expertly designed to maximize space. Take, for instance, the shelf that runs along the dashboard or the wireless charging pad in front of the gearshift. And though the center console bin is not big, it is surprisingly deep when opened, leaving adequate space to store a variety of items.

The Powertrain 
The 2020 RAV4’s powertrain is quite impressive. Coming standard on all trims is a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine that produces 203 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque. For compact SUVs equipped with a base engine, this puts the RAV4 among the highest in horsepower ratings. Drivers will enjoy good acceleration and passing power. While there is no turbocharged engine available on the RAV4, the hybrid model puts out 219 hp.
All RAV4 models come with an automatic eight-speed transmission. The transmission shifts smoothly, and when in Sport mode, it provides a little extra snap.

It’s worth noting that the powertrain’s performance in the RAV4 is taken to the next level with the TRD Pro Off-Road trim. While it uses the same engine and transmission, the added features make for superior capability in off-road settings when compared to others in the compact SUV segment. These features include a Multi-Terrain traction system, Dynamic Torque Vectoring all-wheel-drive system, a specially-tuned suspension, 8.6-inch ground clearance, a hill descent control system, and all-terrain tires.

Driving Performance 
Along with excellent powertrain performance, the RAV4 offers a driving experience to be reckoned with. It achieves secure, well-weighted steering while also providing decent feedback from the road (or rougher terrain). On most common terrains, drivers can expect a smoother and more comfortable ride than most of the RAV4’s competitors, which many people find surprising since ruggedness is part of the SUV’s charm. Moreover, the braking is responsive and reliable.

Safety
As with any vehicle, safety is of paramount importance. The RAV4 offers superior visibility with its large windows and mounted side mirrors, which allow for better sightlines of the front corners of the vehicle. When equipped with an adjustable rearview camera mirror and 360-degree surround-view camera system (which includes a perimeter-view capability), visibility is even more impressive.
No matter what trim level you choose, the RAV4 comes with Toyota’s Safety Sense 2.0—an industry-leading package of advanced driver-assistance features. Here are some of those features:

• Adaptive cruise control 
• Automatic emergency braking
• Lane-departure alert with lane-keeping assist
• Forward-collision warning with pedestrian and cyclist detection

Buyers can also opt for a blind-spot alert with rear-cross traffic warning.
The 2020 RAV4 received a five-star rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for its crash tests. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) designated it as a Top Safety Pick.

Infotainment Features
All 2020 RAV4 models come with impressive infotainment features. Included in the infotainment system is Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capability, a 4G LTE hotspot, and a seven- or eight-inch touchscreen (depending on the model). Optional add-ons include navigation, a wireless charging pad for devices, and a JBL premium audio system. Even if you don’t get a model that comes with navigation, you can use Scout GPS Link to display your smartphone’s GPS system to the touchscreen.

Fuel Efficiency
Last but definitely not least: the 2020 RAV4 offers exceptional fuel efficiency. Front-wheel-drive models provide an estimated 35 MPG on the highway (30 MPG combined), while all-wheel-drive models fall just shy of those numbers at 33 MPG highway and 29 MPG combined. Buyers of the RAV4 Hybrid will get 38 MPG on the highway and 40 MPG combined.

MORE ON THE 2020 CHEVROLET EQUINOX 
The 2020 Chevrolet Equinox also comes with decent fuel efficiency, though it’s not as impressive as that of the RAV4. Equipped with the base engine, drivers can expect 31 MPG on the highway and 28 MPG combined. Other attractive aspects of the Equinox are that it provides great handling capability, a smooth ride, an easy-to-use infotainment system, and a solid predicted reliability rating. If these are the primary features you’re looking for, and you don’t care about cargo space or quality materials in the cabin, then the Equinox isn’t a bad choice as a compact SUV.

The base model of the 2020 Chevrolet Equinox (L) comes in at $23,800. That number might be enticing to the causal consumer, but the L model is usually only available through custom order, which means that you will have to wait for it to be built. And if you go up a tier to the LS, which you can find at almost any dealer, you won’t get many more features, and the charm of the low starting price diminishes. If you decide that you want an Equinox, your best bet is to go with the LT, as it provides some nice luxuries without adding too much to the price and offers a wider variety of option packages.

The Bottom Line
The compact SUV segment is one of the most popular among consumers in this day and age. And with so many options to choose from, determining the best make and model for you can seem overwhelming.

With that said, the 2020 Toyota RAV4 and 2020 Chevrolet Equinox are two of the most popular compact SUVs on the market today. And after comparing them, the RAV4 seems to be the superior vehicle on almost every front. However, you shouldn’t take our word for it. Schedule a test drive with Mount Airy Toyota, and you can decide for yourself what you think!