2009 Toyota Camry

NEW FOR 2009:

- Stability control standard on all but base LE model

- Front and rear splash guards standard on LE model

- Garage door opener and auto-dimming mirror with compass standard on SE model and LE V6 model

- Auto-dimming mirror with compass standard on SE V6 model

- Available Navigation Package on SE V6 model

- New available option packages

For 2009, the Toyota Camry receives some trim changes. Most notable is the wider availability of stability control, which was previously unavailable on the four-cylinder models and standard only on the SE V6, XLE and Hybrid models. Only the four-cylinder LE lacks it now as standard equipment, and it can be added as a package along with a power driver's seat and auto-dimming rearview mirror.

The Camry comes with three drivelines. The 2.4-litre inline four-cylinder engine is mated exclusively to a five-speed manual transmission in the SE; in the base LE it comes with a five-speed automatic, but the trim line can be optioned to the manual gearbox. The LE V6, SE V6 and XLE V6 models use a 3.5-litre V6 with six-speed automatic transmission. The Camry Hybrid uses the 2.4-litre four-cylinder with hybrid electric system, mated to a continuously variable transmission (CVT).

Features on the LE include 16-inch steel wheels, air conditioning, CD/MP3 stereo with auxiliary jack, fabric seats, 60/40 split-folding rear seat, power locks with keyless entry, power windows, Optitron electronic gauges, tilt and telescopic wheel, floor mats, cruise control, driver's knee airbag, heated power mirrors, automatic headlamp cancel system, and variable intermittent wipers.

The LE V6 adds 16-inch alloy wheels, garage door opener, auto-dimming rearview mirror with compass and eight-way power driver's seat.

The SE builds on the four-cylinder LE and adds 17-inch alloy wheels, sport fabric seats, eight-way power driver's seat, fixed rear bench seat with pass-through, auto-dimming rearview mirror with compass, leather-wrapped three-spoke wheel, aluminum sport pedals, garage door opener, chrome tailpipe, coloured side skirts, rear spoiler, sport-style grille and fog lamps.

The SE V6 adds four-way power passenger seat, dual illuminated vanity mirrors, rear reading lamps, anti-theft system, and power sunroof.

The XLE V6 builds on the LE V6 and adds premium six-CD/MP3 stereo with auxiliary input jack, Bluetooth capability, dual-zone automatic climate control, heated leather seats, four-way power passenger seat, 40/20/40 split-folding rear seat with manual recline and pass-through, multi-information display, simulated woodgrain trim, Smart Key system with pushbutton start, rear window sunshade, rear reading lamps, anti-theft system, chrome grille, fog lamps and power sunroof.

Features on the Camry Hybrid include 16-inch alloy wheels, dual-zone automatic climate control, premium six-CD/MP3 stereo with auxiliary input jack, fabric seats, eight-way power driver's seat, 60/40 split-folding rear seat, power locks, Optitron electronic gauges, fuel economy gauge, dual illuminated vanity mirrors, auto-dimming rearview mirror with compass, leather-wrapped wheel, floor mats, Smart Key with pushbutton start, cruise control, garage door opener, rear reading lamps, driver's knee airbag, heated mirrors, chrome tailpipe, variable intermittent wipers, power sunroof, unique grille, and LED taillights.

Completely redesigned in 2007, the Camry combines a smooth ride with a sporty character. The interior is a lovely design and features an elegant glass faceplate on the centre stack that glows blue at night. The wide-opening rear doors require extra care when opening them in tight parking spots, but once inside, passengers will find a roomy and comfortable rear seat.

The addition of electronic stability control on almost all of the models adds to the safety factor, along with standard anti-lock brakes and side, curtain and knee airbags on all models.

The four-cylinder provides a lower price point for the segment, but it can be buzzy when pushed. The V6 is smoother, more powerful and a better choice if you plan on doing a lot of highway driving. The Hybrid uses Toyota's famous Hybrid Synergy Drive, a seamless system that has been proven over many years in the Prius; here, it works similarly, but in a more conventional package that some buyers will prefer to the Prius' more tech-heavy styling.