Few cars have been as consistent in their message and in their execution, for as long a time, as the Toyota Camry.
Though the nameplate is hardy one associated with reinventing the wheel it’s nevertheless one of the most loved by fleet buyers … and of course taxi drivers.
In spite of the market moving away from three-box sedans and towards SUVs, the Camry continues to soldier on.
The latest iteration of the breed is the most advanced and compelling entry yet and gives plenty of reasons to consider it ahead of rivals from the crossover segment.
This latest update saw Toyota slash the Camry line-up to a simple three-trim format: GX, SX, and ZR.
All share the same 2.5-litre fourcylinder hybrid petrol powertrain, ditching the V6 of old. Though it was popular among private buyers, the V6 was much thirstier than the hybrid, without providing a huge amount of extra performance or character.
Like numerous other Toyotas, the Camry was recently subject to price increases across the board. Each model is now $2000 more than it was in late 2021, with the GX, SX, and ZR now priced at $45,990, $50,490, and $54,990 respectively.
We got our hands on the SX, a midspec trim that doesn’t feel mid-spec at all. Huge 19-inch wheels, a body kit, and leather upholstery make the SX feel like it could be a flagship.
It doesn’t miss out on many features relative to the more expensive ZR, only things like the JBL sound system, headup display, heated and cooled seats, and panoramic glass roof. They’re all nice things to have, but not vital.
The shift from championing a V6 to going solely hybrid is a smart move, and one that should excite fleet managers.
It mightn’t be as silky smooth as the old six-pack, but the electrified 2.5 is the more logical choice, and adds more kudos to the Camry’s workhorse vibe.
For anyone still equating the word “hybrid” with “slow”, know that this Camry is fairly quick. It executes slick lane manoeuvres on the motorway with ease, thanks to the fairly obedient CVT. However, it’s a little loud and strained when operating on the petrol engine alone.
Should a twisty road present itself, it’s even a little bit fun. The Camry packs a reasonable level of mechanical grip, and the lighter powertrain means there’s less weight across the front wheels. Its sweet spot isn’t backroad blats, however.
It’s in urban environments that the hybrid powertrain comes into its own. Here, it does most of its commuting in almost total silence, aided no doubt by Toyota’s decades of refinement in the hybrid arena. The hushed engine is backed up by superb noise deadening.
A quiet ride might not sound like too big a deal, but it almost always means that those behind the wheel arrive at their destination in a more revitalised state.
Toyota claims a combined economy of 5.2 litres/100km for the Camry, and we matched that. Curiously, even though it’s heavier and less slippery in shape, I’ve achieved even better economy figures out of the RAV4 hybrid with a its similar, but less powerful 2.5-litre engine.
Inevitably, the Camry is a fairly comfy, roomy car inside.
A tall transmission tunnel compromises legroom for the fifth passenger, but everyone else is well catered for. Adults will find the flanking seats in the back to be more than accommodating for legroom and headroom.
Up front, it’s starting to show its age in some areas. The layout is attractive, and the way the design envelops the driver gives the Camry a sportier feel.
However, an update to the touchscreen can’t come soon enough. The nine-inch unit has gained an inch in diameter as part of the Camry’s update, and now proudly extends out of the dashboard’s centre stack more.
But its grainy, pixelated display makes it feel dated to use. Unfortunately, much like its Corolla and RAV4 hybrid stablemates, local Camry deliveries are currently delayed significantly.
Toyota New Zealand says the next batch of GX models isn’t going to arrive until October this year. The wait is even longer for SX and ZR orders, with the first landing in January 2023.
But, for people wanting tried and true motoring with a hint of electrification, the updated Camry is worth the wait.
