The Toyota Camry has seen its justifiable share of derision by automotive lovers over time. The widespread grievance appears to be that it is too milquetoast for our extra refined palettes. However the reality is, a lot as we predict everybody ought to simply drive a Miata or a diesel Land Rover Defender, most people simply have to get from level A to level B with as little fuss as attainable. Their automotive must be snug, quiet, properly appointed, reasonably priced and economical. And to these factors, the Toyota Camry is nice.

The Camry received a redesign in 2018 and now speaks a extra aggressive design language.

Toyota

Enticing, however somewhat overstyled

Earlier Camry generations appeared a bit stodgy, however this newest model makes a daring assertion. A creased hood leads all the way down to a grille that extends the whole width of the fascia. The entire automotive is decrease and wider than its predecessors, with wheel sizes starting from 16 inches on base fashions to 19 inches on essentially the most loaded variations.

I just like the sportier look of this top-level XSE V6 check automotive, with its quad exhaust ideas, tiny rear spoiler and angular grille up entrance. My solely actual gripe in regards to the Camry’s design is round again — these pretend vents that droop off the corners of the taillights are dumb. They don’t seem to be practical and simply appear to be its mascara is working.

A principally clean operator

The bottom Camry comes with a 203-horsepower, 2.5-liter, naturally aspirated I4 engine, and a hybrid powertrain can also be accessible. This tester, nonetheless, has the bigger, three.5-liter V6, producing a wholesome 301 horsepower and 267 pound-feet of torque.

Energy goes to the entrance wheels by means of an eight-speed automated transmission, which appears easy sufficient, however there is a bizarre quirk. Put the shifter into its Sport setting and the shift indicator will learn “four.” This doesn’t suggest you are in fourth gear — that is what Toyota calls a “vary maintain.” In different phrases, the transmission will shift itself by means of the primary 4 gears, and then you definitely’re supposedly by yourself. However once I push the automotive in fourth gear, the automotive upshifts anyway. The XSE has shift paddles that allow you to override this bizarre Sport setting, however they don’t seem to be very gratifying. Simply go away the automotive in Drive. Belief me.

In day by day commuting, the Camry is clean and straightforward to drive. It is fairly fast each off the road and below midrange acceleration, and on extra participating again roads, the steering is responsive. This automotive will not out-handle a Mazda6, however the stereotype of the Camry being a dud to drive is outdated and mistaken.

The spoiler and the quad exhaust ideas are good touches, however these pretend vents have gotten to go.

Toyota

The XSE V6 is EPA-estimated to realize 26 miles per gallon mixed — a class-competitive determine that matches the Honda Accord with its 2.Zero-liter turbo I4 engine. When you’re in search of higher gasoline economic system, nonetheless, persist with the four-cylinder Camry, which might internet you 34 mpg mixed. The Camry Hybrid, in the meantime, is estimated to return a severely spectacular 52 mpg.

There’s loads driver help tech onboard, and the Camry comes commonplace with a variety of options that price additional on competing sedans. Adaptive cruise management, ahead collision warning and braking, and lane-departure mitigation are all commonplace.

Adaptive cruise management works in stop-and-go site visitors, thank goodness. However even on the closest hole setting, there is a ton of house between you and a lead automotive, which led to a number of different drivers reducing me off. The ACC system additionally reduce out utterly as I approached a toll sales space on the San Francisco Bay Bridge, which is odd.

The lane-departure warning and ahead collision warning techniques are tremendous delicate. The previous is fast to try to information me again towards the middle of a lane, even once I have not veered off, and the latter yells at me as I strategy a stopped automotive despite the fact that my foot is already on the brake pedal. Give me somewhat extra credit score in my driving skills, Camry.

Tech and cargo shortcomings

The Camry XLE and XSE V6 comes with Toyota’s Entune infotainment system, housed on an Eight-inch touchscreen. (Decrease trim ranges get a 7-inch display screen.) Base Camry fashions include one USB port and a 12-volt outlet, however XLE and XSE trims add two extra USB shops within the middle console. A 10-inch head-up show is elective and has customizable settings for navigation, velocity, telephone and audio information. Wi-fi smartphone charging can also be accessible.

Toyota lastly provides Apple CarPlay compatibility for its Entune system, and because the Camry’s built-in navigation is not something to jot down house about, you may wish to use it. Utilizing voice management, the Toyota’s system could not acknowledge any of my makes an attempt to discover a native health club — “discover a health club close by,” “discover a health middle” and “discover a 24 Hour Health” all resulted in nothing, a number of instances.

And no, Entune nonetheless doesn’t help Android Auto.

Tech apart, the Camry’s inside is extraordinarily spacious and cozy, although there’s extra wind and tire noise inside than I might like. The eight-way energy entrance seats are as snug as they’re supportive, however the heaters inside might stand to be stronger.

The Camry provides 15 cubic toes of cargo house in its trunk, which is on the smaller aspect of the section. The Mazda6 falls quick, with 14.7 cubic toes, however the Honda Accord, Hyundai Sonata and Nissan Altima all boast larger boots.

As stable because it ever was

A lot as I like the facility of the V6, I would just as fortunately personal a Camry XSE with the two.5-liter engine. You continue to get the identical look goodies, in addition to all the motive force’s aids. With none choices, a properly outfitted Camry XSE 2.5 is available in below $30,000. This absolutely loaded XSE V6, in the meantime, prices $37,190 plus $930 for vacation spot.

Crossovers and SUVs are dominating at this time, however there are nonetheless a variety of people who need midsize sedans. The Camry provides a terrific general package deal, although it is not as good to drive as a Honda Accord or Mazda6. The Nissan Altima and Subaru Legacy additionally supply all-wheel drive.

Nonetheless, with the Camry’s spectacular suite of ordinary security tech, snug inside and competent driving dynamics, it is from being a stale entry on this section. The Camry has lengthy dominated the household sedan house, and even towards stiffer competitors than ever, Toyota’s entry can undoubtedly maintain its personal.