Is the Toyota Camry sporty?
The Camry isn’t a true sports car, but it offers sportier character in its higher trims. In particular, the SE and XSE variants bring sharper handling and styling, and a dedicated high-performance TRD version existed in the past. Today’s sportiest option is the XSE, with strong powertrains and a more dynamic ride, while the base Camry remains primarily a comfortable family sedan.
What makes a car feel sporty in this class?
In a midsize sedan, sportiness is about more than raw horsepower. It combines responsive acceleration, tighter steering, a firmer chassis, and bold styling cues that convey a performance edge without sacrificing daily usability. Toyota separates these cues into specific trims and packages, giving buyers a sportier feel if they choose the right combination.
Performance options and trims
Key options that shape how sporty the Camry feels include engine choice, suspension tuning, and styling across trims.
- SE trim: sport-tuned handling and sharper styling, typically paired with the 2.5L four-cylinder engine and unique exterior/interior accents to emphasize performance intent.
- XSE trim: the sportiest mainstream Camry, featuring more aggressive styling, larger wheels, and upgraded handling; available with the 3.5L V6 in some years or with the Hybrid powertrain in others, depending on model year.
- Camry TRD: a high-performance variant with a tuned suspension, upgraded brakes and distinctive bodywork; offered in limited years (roughly 2020–2023) and not continued for 2024–2025.
- Hybrid sport variants: XSE and other trims with the Camry Hybrid powertrain that balance spirited acceleration with efficiency, delivering a livelier feel than base hybrids or gasoline-only trims.
In everyday terms, the most practical route to a sportier Camry today is the XSE with a gas engine or a Hybrid XSE for a blend of performance and efficiency, while the SE provides a more accessible sport look and feel.
How the Camry stacks up against rivals
Within the midsize sedan segment, the Camry’s sportier trims compete with the Honda Accord Sport and Nissan Altima SR. The Accord Sport can feel sharper in corners and rapid in acceleration thanks to its turbocharged engines, while the Altima SR offers a comparable sport-tuned vibe. The Camry’s strengths lie in a balanced blend of ride comfort, reliability and a convincing sportier character without sacrificing everyday usability. The peak performance of the TRD variant (when it was available) highlighted what a sport-focused Camry could do, but that model is no longer in the current lineup.
Summary
Bottom line: the Camry can be considered sporty, but only in specific trims. The SE and XSE deliver a sportier driving experience and styling, while a former TRD model demonstrated that Toyota has produced truly performance-focused Camrys in the past. For most buyers today, the XSE offers the best balance of power, handling and everyday practicality—the base Camry remains the king of comfort in the lineup.
