2010 Toyota Camry

NEW FOR 2010:

- 2.5-litre four-cylinder replaces 2.4-litre

- All transmissions now six-speed (except Hybrid)

- Revised front grille, bumper, wheel designs, front headlamps, and LED taillamps

- Improved instantaneous fuel economy meter on Hybrid

- Standard vehicle stability control and traction control, auto up/down function on all windows

- Available XM satellite-ready antennae with pre-wire, backup camera, USB audio input and Bluetooth connectivity

For 2010, the Toyota Camry trades its 2.4-litre four-cylinder for a 2.5-litre, with more power but with better fuel economy, and with all manual and automatic transmissions now six-speed, except for the Hybrid's continuously variable transmission (CVT). Electronic stability control is now added to the LE model, making the feature standard on all models. Other changes include revised front and rear styling, LED taillights, and new available features.

The Camry comes with three engine choices. The 2.5-litre four-cylinder comes with a six-speed automatic in the LE, and with a six-speed manual in the sportier SE that can be optioned to the automatic. The 3.5-litre V6 uses a six-speed automatic exclusively. The Hybrid uses a 2.4-litre four-cylinder with CVT and Hybrid Synergy Drive system; it's a full hybrid and capable of running on its battery alone.

Features on the LE include 16-inch steel wheels, air conditioning, CD/MP3 stereo with auxiliary input and wheel-mounted controls, fabric seats, 60/40 split-folding rear seat, power locks with keyless entry, auto up/down windows, Optitron electronic gauges, dual vanity mirrors, four-spoke tilt and telescopic wheel, floor mats, cruise control, driver's knee airbag, front and rear splash guards, heated mirrors, variable intermittent wipers, automatic headlamps and LED taillights.

The SE adds 17-inch alloy wheels, sport seats, eight-way power driver's seat, fixed rear seat with pass-through, auto-dimming rearview mirror with compass, three-spoke leather-wrapped wheel, aluminum sport pedals, sport-design scuff plates, garage door opener, side skirts, rear spoiler, sport-style grille, fog lamps, and dual exhaust with chrome pipes.

The LE V6 is outfitted similarly to the LE, but adds 16-inch alloy wheels, eight-way power driver's seat, auto-dimming mirror with compass, and garage door opener.

The SE V6 is outfitted similarly to the SE, but 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 dual-zone automatic climate control, six-CD/MP3 stereo, Bluetooth connectivity, USB connector, heated leather seats, four-way power passenger seat, 40/20/40 split-folding rear seat, multi-information display, woodgrain trim, smart key system with pushbutton start, rear window sunshade, rear reading lamps, anti-theft system, chrome grille, and fog lamps.

Features on the Hybrid include 16-inch alloy wheels, dual-zone automatic climate control, six-CD/MP3 stereo, Bluetooth connectivity, USB connector, fabric seats, eight-way power driver's seat, 60/40 split-folding rear seat, smart key with pushbutton start, auto up/down windows, Optitron electronic gauges, fuel economy meter, leather-wrapped tilt and telescopic wheel, floor mats, cruise control, garage door opener, driver's knee airbag, front and rear splash guards, heated mirrors, variable intermittent wipers, automatic headlamps, LED taillights, and unique grille.

With electronic stability control on all models, the Camry is now fully outfitted with comprehensive safety features, along with its smooth ride and sporty character. The wide-opening rear doors require extra care in tight parking spots, but passengers enjoy a roomy and comfortable seat.

The new four-cylinder engine is an improvement over the oft-buzzy outgoing engine, and the SE's manual transmission is a nice touch for the segment. The Hybrid's proven Synergy Drive is similar to that used in the Prius, but its more conventional packaging may appeal to those who find the Prius too tech-heavy.