The Toyota Camry of years past has been renowned for its stalwart reliability, solid engineering and fuel economy. With the 2015 redesign Toyota added 'bold styling' to that list. The new Camry features stronger front and rear styling and additional character lines on the side, while the whole car cuts a sportier stance.
The interior features soft-touch materials throughout, so even the base model feels relatively luxurious. Toyota claims that this Camry has the quietest interior yet, while the dashboard puts more of an emphasis on high-tech amenities. The overall look both inside and outside is definitely more exciting than in years past.
Powering the Camry is a choice of one of two engines, a 2.4L 4-cylinder engine making 178 horsepower or a 3.5L V6 making 268 horsepower. Both engines are mated to advanced 6-speed automatic transmissions, and with either choice, the Camry is rated at above 30 mpg on the highway. While the 4-cylinder engine provides plenty of power for most applications, the V6 actually packs decent punch, with impressive acceleration to match.
For fuel misers, the Camry is offered with a hybrid drivetrain as well. The hybrid drivetrain provides up to 200 horsepower, utilizing both a 2.5L 4-cylinder and an electric motor. Acceleration numbers fall somewhere between the four and 6-cylinder engines, however fuel economy is far better than either non-hybrid model: The Camry Hybrid is rated at 43 mpg in the city and 39 mpg on the highway. Both are excellent numbers for a car this big.
The non-hybrid Camry is offered in four basic trim levels, LE, SE, XSE and XLE any of which can be had with either engine. Hybrid models are offered in LE, SE and XLE trims only.
The Camry is a mid-sized car and in this segment, even the base model offers plenty of features and amenities. The LE-trimmed Camry is equipped with a backup camera, automatic headlights, an 8-way power adjustable driver's seat, a 6.1-inch touchscreen controlled audio system, keyless entry, Bluetooth hands-free controls, as well as air conditioning and power windows.
SE models are a little bit sportier and come standard with 17-inch alloy wheels, a more aggressive looking front grill, a rear spoiler, a multi-function information display and sport-tuned suspension.
The XSE trim builds on the sporty SE model, adding 18-inch machined-face alloy wheels, dual-zone automatic climate control, LED daytime running lights and seating surfaces trimmed in Toyota's "Ultrasuede" material.
The XLE trim is the most luxurious trim level. It features 17-inch alloy wheels, leather trimmed seats, a power moonroof, as well as daytime running lights and dual-zone climate control.
Options available on the Camry line include a premium Entune audio system, a navigation system, a smart key system with push button start and illuminated entry, a blind spot monitoring system, and an auto-dimming rearview mirror with Homelink integration.
All Camry models come standard with 10 airbags, anti-lock brakes and traction and stability control.
The Toyota Camry returns in 2017 mostly unchanged. Toyota's Entune Audio Plus multimedia system now comes standard with navigation on XLE and XSE models, along with wireless smartphone charging. An automatic braking system is also newly available for 2017.
The Toyota Camry has been the best-selling car in America for twelve years now. The Camry is a massive success and with good reason -- it's got proven reliability, a quiet and spacious interior, good fuel economy and exciting exterior styling. For anyone who needs quiet, comfortable transportation for up to five people without breaking the bank, the Camry is invariably the place to start the search. With a starting MSRP of under $24,000, the Camry offers a ton of versatility for the price, but can also be optioned up to give buyers that luxury car feel if they so desire.
