2022 Toyota Camry

Oh, how the mighty have fallen. Well, technically. The Toyota Camry, once the best-selling passenger car in America, fell to the number three spot in 2020 (not counting pickup trucks). It's still the best-selling sedan but was outsold by two crossovers, the Honda CR-V and Toyota's own RAV4. With sedan sales shrinking and crossover sales rising, you might think Toyota would pay less attention to its former sales star. But now in its eighth generation, the Camry is better than ever.

How do you make people forget about crossovers? Build a cooler Camry. You can now buy a Camry with a V6 engine producing over 300 horsepower. Just let that sink in. It wasn't long ago that V8 American muscle cars were making that much power. Toyota has even added a sporty new TRD variant and all-wheel-drive for cold weather climates, widening the car's appeal. All of these changes help keep the Camry a compelling choice again evergreen rivals like the Honda Accord, Kia K5, and the Hyundai Sonata, but can they stop the sun from setting on sedans?

The Camry tries its best to get heads turning, and thanks to heaps of sharp edges and stand-out elements, it does. The Camry of yore was a beigemobile, but the modern version couldn't be more different. The athletic TRD is the hottest looking of the lot thanks to a lower stance and aerodynamic body kit, including a gloss black rear spoiler, front splitter and rear diffuser, as well as cat-back dual exhausts with chrome tips. The SE Nightshade Editions also boast blacked-out exterior accents. All models in the Camry lineup have LED headlights and taillights, with the former boasting daytime running lights. The base LE model gets 17-inch wheels, and the SE and XLE models get 18-inch wheels. The XSE and TRD get 19-inch wheels. There's also an optional tilting and sliding powered moonroof that can be added to the LE and SE trims and a panoramic moonroof can be added to the XLE and XSE trims.

The Camry is a similar size to both the Hond Accord and the Mazda 6 in terms of dimensions. It has a total length of between 192.1 to 194.6 inches depending on the trim, and all models have a wheelbase of 111.2 inches. All models except for the TRD have 72.4-inch width, the exception being 73.1 inches. The same concept applies to height, and all models except for the TRD stand 56.9 inches from the ground (57.1 for AWD models). The TRD's sport suspension drops it to 56.3 inches.

Curb weights range between 3,310 pounds and 3,595 lbs, the former belonging to the LE and the latter to the XLE V6. Hybrid models sit somewhere in the middle.

The available color palette for the new Toyota Camry is quite broad, but is confusingly dictated by both trims levels and interior fabric choices. The palette has been cut from ten to nine colors; Galactic Aqua Mica is no longer on this year's palette. At the base level, the LE model comes in six of the nine shades; these are Midnight Black Metallic, Super White, Celestial Silver Metallic, Ice Edge, Predawn Gray Mica, or Blueprint at no cost, with Ruby Flare Pearl costing $425.

SE cars lose out on Ruby Flare, but get Supersonic Red for the same price, instead. Nightshade Edition models are only available in three colors, namely Celestial Silver, Super White, or Midnight Black. For XLE models, a $425 Wind Chill Pearl scheme is available along with Ruby Flare for the same cost, along with Midnight Black, Celestial Silver, Predawn Gray Mica, and Blueprint.

The XSE gets the most color options, with Midnight Black, Celestial Silver, Predawn Grat Mica, Blueprint, and the two added-cost colors Supersonic Red and Wind Chill Pearl. For $500 you can opt for three two-tone schemes featuring a Midnight Black metallic roof with Supersonic Red, Wind Chill Pearl, or Celestial Silver. The TRD models can only be had in three exterior options - either solid Midnight Black, or two two-tone combinations: Midnight Black roof with either Wind Chill Pearl at $925 or Cavalry Blue at $500.

The Camry ranges from unenthusiastic commuter to genuine thrill ride depending on which model you pick, as well as having hybrid options for those who are more eco-conscious. In the gas lineup, LE models boast a soft, well-mannered demeanor with a 2.5-liter delivering a class-competitive 203 horsepower. At 7.3-seconds to 60 mph, the Camry keeps up with the Honda Accord's turbocharged 1.5-liter engine and bests the naturally-aspirated four-pot in the Mazda 6.

Honda and Mazda both have more powerful engine options that will outshine the Camry's base engine, but none of them offer enough power to take on Toyota's mighty V6. The 3.5-liter unit launches the TRD sedan from 0 to 60 mph in around 5.8 seconds according to independent testing, and the XLE gets the job done in around six seconds. The TRD also has a top speed of 135 mph. The base engine performs with more than enough dedication for the daily commute to work and back, or as a runaround. But if you're after something more exciting, the V6 takes the cake. Passing in traffic is far more rewarding, though you'll pay a penalty at the pumps. And if a fuel budget is your main concern, the hybrid lineup brings some fuel economy savings to the table. It brings a combined 208 hp to the table and still managed similar sprint times to the base LE, but with vastly improved gas mileage as the trade-off.

When you're choosing your Camry, you have the choice between three powertrains. LE, SE, and XLE models all get a 2.5-liter four-cylinder gas engine, though horsepower and torque figures vary slightly according to drivetrain choice. LE and SE models produce 203 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque when FWD-equipped, and 202 hp and 182 lb-ft when AWD-equipped. The same concept applies to the XSE, but figures vary slightly. In FWD guise, the XSE makes 206 hp and 186 lb-ft of torque. In AWD guise, it produces 205 hp and 185 lb-ft. These figures are better than the Accord's base engine, which manages 192 hp and 192 lb-ft of torque, and the Mazda 6's least powerful offering which delivers 187 hp and 186 lb-ft.

The larger 3.5-liter V6 affords the Camry significantly more power and torque, delivering outputs of 301 horsepower and 267 lb-ft. Both the base gas engine and the more powerful V6 are coupled with an eight-speed automatic transmission that delivers intuitive and smooth shifts, though we have found the V6 to be better suited to the transmission's ratios.

Hybrid models feature a 2.5-liter four-cylinder hybrid setup that makes a combined 208 hp, regulated by an electronically controlled continuously variable transmission, and sent to the front wheels, only.

Compared to the last Camry you may have driven, this latest model is a breath of fresh air. The Camry, even in its base configuration, is more fun to drive than ever with tighter and more accurate steering feel, a compliant ride, and less body roll than before. It makes for a comfortable daily driving experience, though the road noise is higher than most competitors and the ride comfort is far from class-leading. The Hybrid feels equally pleasant, although not overly eager off-the-line.

For those who want a dose of excitement in their life, the TRD model adds tremendous flair to the Camry experience. While no additional power is available, TRD's handling improvements help the Camry whip around corners with minimal body roll and greater composure. Is it a track car? No. But it's certainly the most dynamic Camry we've ever piloted. Getting traction can be tricky with over 300 hp going to the front wheels, but once the tires hook up, the Camry TRD feels genuinely fast. The eight-speed transmission does a commendable job letting the V6 rev out, though we wish Toyota would have included a full manual mode that doesn't shift automatically and default to the highest selected gear. At high rpm, the TRD's cat-back exhaust provides a nice howl that reminds you that this isn't your dad's old Camry.

The fuel economy of your Camry depends on whether you opt for the base engine, hybrid, or the V6. There's plenty of variation in terms of gas mileage throughout the Camry range, but the most frugal choice would be the hybrid in base guise. The Camry Hybrid LE earns brilliant 51/53/52 mpg, while the other hybrid models manage 44/47/46 mpg.

Gas models are naturally heavier on juice. The LE trim with the 2.5-liter engine returns EPA estimates of 28/39/32 mpg city/highway/combined. The Honda Accord's 1.5-liter turbo only just beats these figures with EPA estimates of 30/38/33 mpg. Returning the heaviest EPA estimates of the lot is the TRD, with figures of 22/31/25 mpg, which are still impressive for such a potent engine.

Fuel tank capacity on FWD models is 15.8 gallons, while AWD models have 14.4 gallons. Hybrids get only 13.2 gallons. On a full tank, lower gas trims with FWD can manage around 500 miles of range on the combined cycle while the V6 allows for around 395 miles. Hybrids will get 686 miles in the base trim.

The inside of the Camry is modern and funky, but the gap in materials used between lower and higher trims is very obvious. Lower trim levels utilize a plethora of hard plastics to cut costs, but the tech components are well put together. Higher trim levels like the XSE are more luxurious and boast soft-touch bits and leather upholstery. We're particularly fond of the cabins found on premium models, but the lower models leave some room for improvement in this area. Standard features at base level are decent in comparison to rivals, but higher trims come fully stocked with the latest technology and convenience features. Ingress and egress are fine, although the sloping roofline can mean taller passengers in the rear have to hunch over a bit more than usual.

The Camry does well as a five-seater but doesn't offer as much space in the front as the Accord or the Mazda 6. Still, six-footers won't struggle to find a comfortable position. The Camry improves things in the rear and offers more space for passengers in the back than the Mazda 6, but still falls behind the Accord when we consider seating space as a whole. Front seats are comfortable but lack sufficient bolstering, and the driver's seat is eight-way power-adjustable, even on lower trims, gaining the same adjustment on higher trims' passenger seats. Seats in the front and the back are supportive enough to be comfortable on longer journeys.

When one sits inside of the Camry, it's rather obvious whether you're in a lower or higher trim. Lower trims come with plenty of hard plastic material for the dash and consoles. The LE comes standard with linear dark interior trim and Ash, Black, or Macadamia cloth upholstery. The SE comes standard with either Black or Ash SofTex leatherette upholstery with fabric inserts. Nightshade Editions get Black SofTex only.

Vastly improved is the TRD, which gets black fabric upholstery with red contrast stitching and red seatbelts, giving the feisty trim a sportier feel on the inside. The XSE gets genuine leather upholstery in either Black, Ash, or Cockpit Red with textured metal interior trim. The XLE gets Ash, Black, or Macadamia perforated leather and wood trim. Some interior colors are limited to exterior paint options chosen, so be sure to keep this in mind.

When you're up against a Honda of any kind, it's quite difficult to come out on top in terms of trunk space. This is true for the Camry's 15.1 cubic feet of trunk space that pales in comparison to the Honda Accord's class-leading 16.7 cubes. The Camry does manage to best the Mazda 6's offering of 14.7 cubic feet, and allows for a luggage set and the typical debris associated with taking two kids to school and back on a daily basis. As a consequence of the TRD's rear structure brace, you lose the ability to fold the rear seats into the cabin.

In-cabin storage is impressive, thanks to a large storage bin in the center console and a cavernous glovebox, but the Camry is let down slightly by the small door pockets that will manage a water bottle at a push, but not much else.

Toyota bestowed a respectable number of features upon lower trim levels, but higher trim levels boast lots of standard creature comforts and tech. At base level, the LE comes standard with remote keyless entry, radar cruise control, a tilt-and-telescopic multifunction steering wheel, eight-way power-adjustable driver's seat, two USB ports, one standard 12V power output, and dual-zone climate control - a big improvement over last year's simple air-conditioning. The SE adds leatherette upholstery, an electric parking brake, and a leather-clad steering wheel. Hybrid models get a few extra goodies

Added to the TRD are red-illuminated instrumentation, aluminum sport pedals, patterned metal trim, sports seats, and a leather gearshift. The XSE and XLE get upgraded with push-button start, full-speed dynamic radar cruise control, wireless smartphone charging, and a three-mode switch for Eco, Normal, or Sport. Hybrid versions get EV mode additionally.

Standard safety features on all models include ten airbags, a rearview camera, stability control and brake assist, along with tire-pressure monitoring and Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+, which includes a pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, auto high beams, lane-tracing assist, lane-departure alert (including steering assist), dynamic radar cruise control, and road-sign assist. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic-alert are reserved for the XSE and XLE as standard features, but are additionally available for the LE and SE as part of a package. Also exclusively available for the top two trims are the intelligence clearance sonar and rear cross-traffic braking under a package.

One of the things that Toyota did right with the Camry is its infotainment setup, from the layout to the tech. The LE, SE, and TRD come with 4.2-inch information display and the TRD gets a special start-up animation. All the other trims receive a seven-inch version. The LE, SE, and TRD share the same infotainment specs and come standard with an infotainment setup that has a seven-inch touchscreen and is compatible with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa. Bluetooth streaming is standard and a three-month SiriusXM trial is included too. A Wi-Fi hotspot is standard, as is one USB media port, and all models get two USB charging ports. Your favorite songs are brought to life by a six-speaker sound system. The XSE and XLE get a nine-inch infotainment screen, and the XLE and XSE V6 models get a premium JBL nine-speaker sound system and advanced voice recognition, as well as a ten-inch color head-up display.

No recalls have so far been issued for the 2022 model and there were none last year. J.D. Power has not yet rated the 2022 Camry and there's no 2021 rating either, but it should not differ much from their 2020 rating of 82 out of 100 both overall and for quality and reliability. This result is right on par with the Accord's. Toyota offers a three-year or 36,000-mile basic warranty, and the corrosion and drivetrain warranties are both valid for five years, but the drivetrain warranty has a 60,000-mile limit.

The Toyota Camry's ratings in terms of safety are excellent, and it has managed to bag a Top Safety Pick+ award from the IIHS in both 2020 and 2021, the highest honor available in terms of safety. The 2022 model should yield similar results. The NHTSA's review of the 2022 Toyota Camry resulted in a five-out-of-five-stars rating, making the Camry a great choice if you're particularly concerned about safety.

All Toyota Camry models come impressively stacked with safety features, and this is probably why it earned such a high rating in terms of safety. The whole lineup comes with the same features, except for XSE and XLE models. Each Camry is fitted with ten airbags, including seat-mounted driver and passenger, knee, side, side curtain and rear airbags. The run-of-the-mill list includes a rearview camera, brake assist and smart stop technology, and a tire pressure monitor. Driver assist features are inclusive of a pre-collision system (including pedestrian detection), lane-departure alert (including steering assist), lane-tracing assist, road-sign assist, dynamic radar cruise control, and automatic high beams. XSE and XLE models get blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. The advanced driver-assists can be a little over-sensitive at times, but they're definitely nice to have.

With sedan sales shrinking, it is more difficult than ever to stand out in this segment. While the Camry may not be class-leading in a few areas, it still represents a well-balanced package with one of the strongest names in the business. The availability of AWD should cater to cold-weather climates, though we think this option might be too little too late now that consumers are rushing to buy crossovers in droves. The addition of a TRD variant has been a sneakier success that helps make the Camry feel cooler than most humdrum crossovers. Toyota's decision to position the TRD as the least-expensive V6 Camry seems particularly inspired, showing a recognition of customers who value performance on a budget.

The Camry is certainly a strong contender in the midsize sedan segment in the USA, and this is backed by the Top Safety Pick+ award from the IIHS. Excellent safety aside, the Camry is well-priced, and the exterior styling is undeniably eye-catching. We're especially fond of the performance-focused TRD model that brings sporty style and power to the table in a way that few other mainstream sedans manage. Sure, at a lower level, we're left a little underwhelmed by obvious cost-cutting methods like smaller screens and hard plastics, but higher trim levels are truly pleasant and luxurious. One thing that the Camry has going for it is that it offers a smooth V6 engine for those wanting extra power, while rivals have moved to turbo-fours. It may not be the largest or most comfortable sedan in its class, but we can still easily recommend the Camry based on its all-around achievement.

When jumping between lower models,the Toyota Camry's prices only increase incrementally, but if you're shopping on the higher level, be prepared to fork out some extra cash. The base-level LE has an MSRP of $25,295, and if you fancy adding AWD to the latter, it'll cost an extra $1,400. An SE model will cost $26,835, while the special SE Nightshade Edition has a sticker price of $27,535. The XLE increases its asking price to $30,045. The XSE has an MSRP of $30,595 and opting for the sporty TRD will cost you $32,360. An XLE equipped with the V6 engine bears a $35,170 price tag, and the top of the range XSE V6 has a final asking price of $35,720. All prices exclude the $1,025 destination fee.

The 2022 Camry lineup comprises eight trims, namely the LE, SE, SE Nightshade Edition, XLE, XSE, TRD, XLE V6, and XSE V6. The latter three come standard with a 3.5-liter V6 engine and the others have a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine. All engines transmit their power through an eight-speed automatic transmission but models with the base engine are available with all-wheel drive. Each trim has LED headlights and wheel sizes vary from 17 to 19 inches.

The base model LE runs on 17-inch alloy wheels and standard equipment includes remote keyless entry, an eight-way powered driver's seat, dual-zone climate control, a tilting and telescoping steering wheel, two USB ports, and a 12-volt power outlet. The driver-information display measures 4.2 inches and the infotainment touchscreen, seven inches. The latter comes standard with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth streaming, and an available Wi-Fi hotspot. Safety features include ten airbags, a backup camera, stability control, brake assist, a pre-collision system that includes pedestrian detection, tire-pressure monitoring, radar cruise control, lane-departure warning with steering assistance and lane-tracing, and automatic high beams.

The SE additionally gets 18-inch alloy wheels, a color-coded rear spoiler, a leather-trimmed steering wheel, and leatherette seat upholstery. The SE Nightshade Edition gets blacked-out exterior trim items such as door handles, mirrors, and the shark-fin antenna, as well as a black rear spoiler and bespoke wheels.

The TRD upgrades to 19-inch alloy wheels and gets a TRD exhaust system and bading, as well as a TRD-specific start-up animation in the driver-information display. The interior gets red stitching, a leather gearshift, and aluminum sports pedals.

The XLE and XSE models add to these features a dual-exhaust system and tinted head- and taillights. Inside, they get a seven-inch driver-information display, a drive-mode selector, and wireless smartphone charging. The infotainment system is upgraded to a nine-inch touchscreen. The XLE and XSE V6 models additionally get a ten-inch color head-up display and a premium nine-speaker JBL audio system.

A host of additional packages are available for the Camry lineup. The LE gets access to the $1,280 BSM with Options package that includes blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert - and automatically includes the Convenience Package with its Smart Key System, HomeLink, and auto-dimming mirror. Two different Cold Weather packages are offered; for $1,890 the Convenience Package is once again included, as well as heated seats, mirrors, and steering wheel. Alternatively, for $2,760, a powered tilt/sliding moonroof is added too. The Audio Upgrade Package with Options adds the Convenience Package, an upgraded nine-speaker sound system, wireless charging, and a powered tilting/sliding moonroof for $3,140. For the XLE, a panoramic moonroof is available for $1,360. Adding Navigation costs $1,760 and with the panoramic sunroof, it will cost $3,120. The Navigation Upgrade Package with options costs $4,550 and adds the Driver Assist Package (head-up display, a bird's eye-view camera, and rear cross-traffic braking, as well as ventilated front seats). It also adds the JBL sound system and a panoramic sunroof.

If you are still buying sedans, it's likely because they offer more fun than the average crossover can provide. For this type of shopper, we highly recommend the Camry TRD, which rings in as the least-expensive option with a V6 engine. The TRD skimps on a few safety and luxury features like blind-spot monitoring or a sunroof, but makes up for these shortcomings with handling improvements, a cat-back exhaust, and sporty appearance package. It is by far the coolest of the Camry models, and at just over $32,000, it is the best value.

The sedan market has gotten tougher over the years thanks to affordable and practical crossovers leading the market, so the ones that are out there have to fight extra hard for the attention of the modern shopper. The Camry and the Accord aren't struggling for attention as the leaders of the segment, but which one is worthy of your hard-earned thousands? For starters, they're both safety-conscious sedans and boast safety awards from the IIHS, with both scoring a Top Safety Pick+ award in 2021. The interior of the Camry pales slightly in comparison to the cabin of the Accord, and the latter offers more space and comfort both in seating and trunk space. While this long-lasting rivalry lives on, the Accord wins the battle with better fuel economy from its base engine, a more refined interior, and more practicality.

Another battle between esteemed sedans, it's a close one between the Mazda 6 and the Toyota Camry. In terms of space and comfort, the Camry offers a little more of each and along with that, offers a more powerful engine even at base level. The Toyota beats the Mazda in terms of fuel economy, but the Mazda arguably feels a little more nimble thanks to its smaller turning circle. In terms of actual figures, the Camry offers a higher horsepower figure but falls behind in terms of torque. That said, the Mazda is devoid of a potent engine offering and the Camry allows for a powerful V6 engine, so those who value performance may find themselves leaning towards the latter. Both are excellent options, so the better car will come down to personal preference.