The 2022 Toyota Camry has 13 different trim levels, but the TRD trim stands out among the rest. Its dark wheels and low-slung look make the Camry TRD look like an odd duckling, which may make some wonder who would ever buy it. Although Toyota markets this car to everyone, there’s really only one type of person that would likely be interested in it.

Who buys the 2022 Toyota Camry TRD?

According to YouTuber Sarah-n-Tuned, the 2022 Toyota Camry TRD is “a perfect car for dads in their late 30s who are champions of keg stands and moms who have more followers on Tik Tok than their teenage daughters.” That’s a pretty funny perspective, but it’s pretty accurate. Let’s face it, the Camry TRD is the mullet of the Camry lineup, but that’s not a bad thing.

I have driven the Toyota Camry TRD and came away impressed with its road-handling dynamics, responsive engine, and unique aesthetic. Yes, it has side skirts and a semi-gaudy rear spoiler. But if you don’t take the car too seriously, it’s actually pretty fun to drive especially on twisty roads. I even remember getting a few “thumbs up” gestures from passengers in other cars.

What’s so special about the Camry TRD?

The 2022 Toyota Camry TRD sits on the upper end of the sedan’s trim level hierarchy. That means that it comes with a 301-hp 3.5-liter, six-cylinder engine as opposed to the smaller four-cylinder option. But what makes it so special is its 19-inch TRD wheels, side skirts, front splitter, and rear diffuser. But of course, let’s not forget that gloss-black pedestal rear spoiler.

But that’s not all. Toyota also blessed the Camry TRD with a sport-tuned exhaust system — which is an option for the other trims – in addition to a track-tuned suspension. To top it all off, larger front brakes and a Softex leather interior complete the race-ready look inside and out. Also, in case you’re wondering, a manual transmission is not offered on this trim level, just an eight-speed automatic.

The Camry TRD doesn’t take itself seriously, but you should

Just like a man with a mullet, the Camry TRD takes itself too seriously. I say this because its on-road manners feel just as comfortable and subdued as its non-TRD brethren, but with some added stiffness. That is to say that the Camry TRD won’t beat you up when you roll over bumps or other road imperfections. But it will hold the road when you throw it into some tight turns, which is the point of the car’s beefed-up suspension.

So, who is the Toyota Camry TRD really for? It’s for anyone that needs the space of a mid-size sedan but wants the feel of a smaller sports coupe. It’s also for anyone that wants all of the comforts that the 2022 Camry has to offer, but with a bit of a wild side. Party on the outside, business on the inside.