While the Toyota Camry has always been an amazing family car, it’s also carried the stigma of being boring. However, the new-for-2020 TRD trim level kicks things up a notch by adding some much-needed flair and breathing in new life to the Camry’s normally subdued driving characteristics.

On the other end of the coin, the Honda Accord Sport has been receiving rave reviews over the past couple of years for its classy interior, potent turbocharged engine, and well-mannered driving dynamic. Needless to say, the Accord is not boring by comparison. However, the 2020 Camry TRD is out to change everyone’s mind about the sedate family hauler, and here are five ways in which it might.

It has the TRD flair

The 2020 Toyota Camry TRD is outfitted with a TRD front splitter, side skirts, rear diffuser, and a rear spoiler. While it might look gaudy to some – especially the spoiler – we think it actually adds a nice flare to Camry’s more-aggressive body lines. Also, the 19-inch black wheels complement the overall look and add a nice contrast to the body color. The Honda Accord Sport looks sporty, but it could use a little more flare.

Surprisingly good handling characteristics

We have driven the 2020 Honda Accord Sport and do agree with other reviewers that it handles well. However, we found that the Camry’s TRD-tuned suspension – which includes lowering springs, upgraded dampers, and stiffer roll bars — provided more stability in the corners and its wider tires added a surprising amount of grip. One other welcomed characteristic was the car’s steering, which seemed much tighter and more responsive than that of the Accord’s.

V6 power

We’ve said it before and we’ll say it again; the Camry TRD’s 3.5-liter V6 engine has smooth power delivery and enough torque to get the 3,500-pound car up the steepest of hills, as well into almost any opening that you might spot while in traffic. Don’t get us wrong, we do like the Accord Sport’s turbo 2.0-liter engine, which provides a nice surge of power when the boost builds. However, the Camry’s V6’s power band is smooth in every gear and the TRD exhaust makes it sound very lively.

A sporty interior

While the Honda Accord Sport’s interior is definitely classy and exudes the elegance that you would normally expect from a class above, we like that the Camry TRD has a sportier design language to it. The black Sport SoftTex front seats have contrasting red stitching and there’s red striping on the cloth inserts. And while automakers do tend to overdo it with the “special edition” embroidering, we found the TRD embroidering on the floor mats and red seatbelts add a necessary sporty design element.

Black contrasting roof

The Toyota Camry TRD is available in four different colors: Supersonic Red, Wind Chill Pearl, Celestial Silver, and Black. And while these are pretty normal colors for any car, we like Toyota’s use of a black-contrasting roof, which does much to accentuate the car’s body color and aforementioned body kit. We’re not sure if the Honda Accord Sport could use the same kind of paint detail, however, it sure looks good on the Toyota Camry TRD.