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2016 Toyota Camry: New Car Review

CR
by Colin Ryan
October 24, 2015
3 min. Reading Time
Toyota Camry

Toyota Camry

There’s every reason why the 2016 Toyota Camry should continue to be one of the best-selling midsize sedans in the United States. As far as this country is concerned, this current generation of Camry is the seventh, improving and evolving so it can remain a serious contender in a segment packed with talented and tempting cars. The fact that the Camry is one of the top players shows how capable it is in so many areas. It’s also priced quite keenly, starting at $23,905 (including $835 destination charge).

What's New For 2016

Following an extensive mid-life refresh for the previous model year, where cabin materials saw a notable improvement, the 2016 Camry is virtually unchanged. Although there is a Special Edition that offers wireless smartphone charging and an upgraded infotainment system along with cosmetic differences.

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Exterior Design

After decades of being the poster child for anonymous styling, the current Camry now shows a little attitude. Sharp-looking headlights flank a large grille, connected by a line of chrome. There’s more chrome around the windows and adorning the trunk lid. Overall, it’s just the right side of conservative to compete with some stylish rivals but not so wild that it would deter Camry loyalists. That’s quite a clever trick to pull off.

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Interior Features

It’s a fairly fuss-free and user-friendly cabin. Rear passenger space is generous. You might want to read the manual to get a smartphone linked to the standard Bluetooth system, but it’s pretty much plain sailing, just like everything else in this car. A 6.1-inch touchscreen is standard, but higher trim levels upgrade to a seven-inch version.

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Trim Levels

The range starts with LE. Despite cheapo 16-inch steel wheels, there’s still some good standard equipment, such as heated door mirrors, keyless entry, Bluetooth, USB socket and automatic headlights. Next is SE, with 17-inch alloys, leather-wrapped steering wheel, paddle shifters for the automatic transmission and a sportier suspension tune. The 2016 Camry also offers a Special Edition based on the SE that has 18-inch alloys, smoked tail lights, bespoke gauges, wireless phone charging, blue trim accents and a sunroof. The XLE takes things to a more luxurious level with leather upholstery, heated front seats, auto-dimming rearview mirror, and 17-inch alloys. The XSE, meanwhile, retains the sporty suspension and 18-inch wheels as well as raising equipment levels. The Camry Hybrid comes in SE and XLE trims, so buyers can skew sporty or comfy according to their wishes.

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Comfort & Cargo Capacity

Not only is there a lot of occupant space, those sitting in the seats will find plenty of support and cushioning. Finding a suitable driving position is simple, even in the basic LE, with a useful of range of adjustability. Trunk space is 15.4 cubic feet, which is about average for the class but still able to hold a heck of a lot. It’s also a practical shape and access is via a wide-opening trunk lid. For those odd occasions when even more space is required, the rear seatbacks can fold down.

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Safety

The Camry scored a maximum five stars overall in the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) crash test program, as well as a top “Good” in the tricky small-overlap frontal impact test carried out by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), going on to become a Top Safety Pick Plus. The airbag count (10) includes front knee and side-curtain protection, while a rearview camera is standard in the whole range. An option package of blind spot warning and rear cross-traffic alerts is available in the XLE and XSE; the optional Technology package includes lane departure warning, adaptive cruise control, collision mitigation and automatic emergency braking.

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Engines

The basic four-cylinder offering is a 2.4-liter unit making 178 hp and 170 lb-ft of torque. This is sufficient for most purposes. Hit a steep incline on the freeway and the six-speed automatic transmission will kick down a couple of gears to keep the momentum going. It feels like it’s expending some effort, but doesn’t get coarse. The EPA puts fuel consumption at 25 mpg city, 35 mpg highway and 28 mpg combined. In the higher trims comes a hushed and silky 3.5-liter V6, developing 268 hp and 248 lb-ft. Mileage figures are 21 mpg city, 31 mpg highway and 25 mpg combined. The 2016 Toyota Camry Hybrid is EPA-estimated at 43 mpg city, 39 mpg highway and 41 mpg combined.

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Performance

Think of the 2.4 engine as workmanlike; it does its job. The V6 is more of a star performer, bringing a degree of effortless pace to the Camry that really dispels the ho-hum reputation the badge has been stuck with for many years. The sprint from standstill to 60 mph can be dispatched in 6.2 seconds, which is pretty quick for the class. The SE and XSE enjoy a suspension tune that, although still comfortable, edges more toward the sporty. The LE and XLE, on the other hand, favor a more luxurious demeanor.

 Photo by Toyota

Photo by Toyota

Pros & Cons

: This sounds like a “con” but it’s not — the Camry is a car you don’t have to think about, it provides supremely competent service day in and day out; reasonable to buy and cheap to run; lots of space for people and things; hybrid version available; Toyota quality and reliability. : Some wind and road noises tend to creep in; still not particularly a driver’s machine (if that matters).

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