History/Overview
The Toyota Camry is the default midsize sedan for much of the market and has held that place for decades. Not always exciting, but always rock-solid, reliable, and offering excellent resale values. In later years, especially with the current generation, Toyota has refocused on adding style and fun to drive to the package, but not forgetting about where the car came from and adding ever more efficient hybrid models.
What's New
For 2021, the Camry received an extensive refresh that included some new styling cues, but the bigger changes were inside. A new and relocated infotainment screen and revised dash to go with, and also Toyota's latest TSS 2.5+ active safety suite. Hybrid XSE and Camry AWD Nightshade Edition trims were added this year.
Available Trims
Toyota Camry now comes in 20 models with four different powertrains, though some trim levels overlap with different engines. LE, SE, XSE and XLE models are all offered with a 2.5L four and eight-speed automatic, and all four also offer optional all-wheel drive. XSE and XLE can both come with a 3.5L V6, front-drive, and the same eight-speed auto. Hybrid models include LE, SE, XSE, and XLE, all with a 2.5L four and hybrid synergy drive for improved fuel efficiency.
Standard Features
Toyota divides the Camry's grades into two levels, one called L and one called S. L is the luxury-aimed line and starts with LE Base with AC, cloth seats, 4.2-inch dash display, keyless entry, 16-inch steel wheels, and LED lamps. All Camry models have Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and all have Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+ which includes vehicle and pedestrian collision detection in left turns, emergency steering assist, lane departure alert, road edge detection, pre-collision system, and radar cruise control.
LE Comfort adds heated front seats and LE (as opposed to LE Base) gets 17-inch alloys, eight-way power driver seat and heated front seats. LE AWD adds all-wheel drive and a 7.0-inch dash display.
LE Upgrade gives the vehicle a 9.0-inch display audio screen, Connected Services, dual-zone climate control, wireless charging, proximity key, and blind spot with rear cross traffic warnings.
XLE adds 18-inch alloys, navigation, panoramic roof, heated wheel, leather seating, power-adjust passenger seat, full-speed radar cruise, upgraded 7.0-inch dash display, and premium LED lights. It is also available in all-wheel drive. XLE V6 adds the V6 engine, head-up display, surround-view camera, and clearance sonar.
S, the more sporting grades, come with unique styling. The model starts with SE with 17-inch alloys, sport fabric seats and leatherette trim, heated front seats, power-adjust driver seat, leather-wrapped wheel, and keyless entry. SE AWD adds AWD and 7.-0-inch dash display while SE Upgrade adds a 9.0-inch display audio screen, connected services, power moon roof, heated wheel, dual-zone climate, proximity key, wireless charging, and blind spot monitor with rear cross traffic alert. SE Upgrade can be had with all-wheel drive.
Nightshade removes the SE Upgrade AWD's heated wheel but adds black 18-inch alloys and black trim including on the door handles, mirror caps, and around the glass.
XSE adds 19-inch alloys to SE Upgrade as well as panoramic roof, leather seats, power passenger seat, ambient lighting, and full-speed adaptive cruise. It can be had with AWD. XSE V6 adds JBL audio, head-up display, surround-view camera, and rear cross traffic braking.
TRD V6 has 19-inch wheels, TRD exhaust, body kit, and embroidered seats as well as a performance-tuned suspension.
Hybrid models include LE, XLE, SE, and XSE, and are equipped like their gas-only equivalents.
Key Options
With so many trim grades, Camry offers only a choice of colour for each.
Fuel Economy
Camry fuel efficiency estimates start with the Hybrid LE at 4.9 L/100 km city, 4.8 highway. SE, XLE, and XSE are 5.3/5.0, while LE and SE non-hybrid are estimated at 8.5/6.1. That's 8.6/6.3 for XLE and XSE, 9.3/6.8 for LE/SE AWD, 9.5/7.0 for XLE/XSE, and 10.5/7.1 L/100 km for XLE V6. XSE V6 is estimated to get 10.7/7.4 and finally, TRD should return 10.8/7.6 city/highway.
Competition
The Toyota Camry competes with a shrinking segment that includes the Honda Accord, Kia K5, Hyundai Sonata, and Chevrolet Malibu, as well as the AWD-only Subaru Legacy.
