thumb|right|300px|An example of a time trial. Time Trial is a mode that was first introduced in Crash Bandicoot 3: Warped, and was later featured in Crash Team Racing, Crash Bandicoot: The Wrath of Cortex and Crash Nitro Kart.
In this mode, the player must race against the clock to the end of the level, and they will then earn a relic depending on how fast they managed to complete it. Touching the Stopwatch at the beginning of a level (which becomes available once the power crystal has been collected) starts the time trial. There are also yellow time boxes spread around the level, and if the player breaks one, the clock will freeze for a period of time. The time the clock stays frozen is indicated on the box (one, two or three seconds). Based on the player's time, they will be awarded a relic, as mentioned before. There are three different types of relics: Sapphire, Gold and Platinum. Platinum relics are the most difficult to obtain, whilst Sapphire and Gold relics are easier. Depending on the level, time trials can vary from 18 seconds (Level 3: Orient Express, Platinum) to 3 minutes.
On some time trials it is possible to obtain a platinum relic without the Speed Shoes, but on other trials it is not possible without them. Therefore a good tactic is to wait until the Crash Dash power becomes available, which makes getting the relics much easier. Another good strategy is to go ahead in the level slightly and shoot the Stopwatch with the Fruit Bazooka, which can save the player a couple of seconds.