8th-generation Camry ups ante in comfort, design cues
The Toyota Camry has long held the distinction as a thoroughly competent family car but a real snooze-fest on the road. To be fair, we said the last one was pleasant and capable, with sound handling. This eighth-generation Camry has more spirit, in the way it drives and looks.
It is based on an all-new global platform shared with the C-HR, Prius, and the upcoming Avalon, lower and wider than the outgoing model, with about a 2-inch-longer wheelbase, and features more sophisticated rear suspension.
That new suspension, along with tight, well-weighted steering, translates into better handling, while on motion, the Camry feels light on its feet and takes turns easily.
From generation to generation, a smooth and comfortable ride has always been Camry strength, and this remains true even with the car’s improved agility. The suspension of the LE model easily soaks up and endure bumps easily, even when the going got rough, delivering a smooth and refined ride.
Depending on the market, it will be offered in SE model, with bigger wheels, heavier steering, and firmer suspension tuning. Road and wind noise are kept to quiet levels inside the cabin, although, again, the SE’s bigger tyres give off more vibration.
Under the hood is a new 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine which produces a healthy 203 horsepower that moves the car pretty well.
The vast majority of the model will be brought into the market with four-cylinders, even as four-cylinder hybrid will arrive in dealerships about a month after the new Camry goes on sale in late July.
Slide into the Camry’s redesigned cabin and you’re greeted with decent visibility, thanks to slim pillars and ample side glass. The driving position is roomy, with good headroom and nicely padded, spacious front seats that deliver ample support for long drives.
But according to some industry critics, the new Camry is less upright than the outgoing car, as getting into the rear seat requires a little more stooping, and headroom is a bit tight for taller folks, especially if the car is fitted with the optional sunroof.
The interior has a modern ambiance, thanks to the angular center stack layout nourished with Toyota’s Entune 3.0 infotainment system. This latest system taps the users’ phone for navigation and other features, via Toyota’s app suite.
Controls are easy to use, and we appreciate the knobs for audio volume and tuning placed on the driver’s side. Overall material quality has been upgraded, with more soft-touch surfaces, although some hard plastic bits remain scattered throughout.
All Camrys come standard with Toyota Safety Sense-P, which includes forward-collision warning and automatic emergency braking system.
In an unusual move, the system doesn’t support Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. Built-in navigation is also available. A 7-inch touch screen is standard, and an 8-inch version is optional (but isn’t available in the base version).
Pedestrian detection and lane-departure warning with steering assist are also included. Blind-spot warning and rear cross-traffic warning come standard on the top XSE and XLE trims, and they are optional on all others, except the base L.
For decades, the Camry has long been known for its tremendous reliability and strong resale value, and it is a good bet this new model will uphold that legacy of solidity.
MIKE OCHONMA