Toyota Camry review | Auto-Express

The new Camry replaces the old Avensis in the Toyota program and brings a pure hybrid engine range and the associated low company car tax costs, reasonable economy and a smooth, relaxed drive. Toyota’s large sedan scores with comfort and driving characteristics, while the standard equipment is so good that you don’t have to venture beyond the entry-level model. However, poor infotainment holds it back in this department.

Those who value an exciting driving experience should look elsewhere: The Camry is pretty boring and doesn’t do anything to include its driver. Rivals are more fun to drive while an entry-level BMW 3 Series is better in almost every way other than standard kit and overall size.

Overall, the Camry remains relevant in its class with its good quality, reasonable value and hybrid drive. It’s a sensible – if not exciting – choice.

With a nameplate that was last seen in Great Britain around 15 years ago, the Toyota Camry is the Japanese manufacturer’s answer to large family cars such as the Skoda Superb, Vauxhall Insignia Grand Sport and Volkswagen Passat, but also to the territory of the BMW 3 Series, Mercedes C-Class, Audi A4 and Lexus IS. The Camry sits somewhere in the middle of the Toyota family car range, priced higher than the Corolla sedan and Prius Hybrid, but from a similar level to the latest RAV4 SUV.

The Camry is a traditional sedan with four doors and a large trunk under a separate trunk lid – a first in a class occupied mainly by large hatchbacks. It feels like a setback in that regard; a car from a time before the SUV revolution had happened. It’s big, spacious, and very comfortable – but not overly exciting.

There are two Camry models to choose from: Design and Excel. Both are powered by the same 2.5-liter gasoline-electric hybrid engine with a CVT transmission; The output is a useful 215 hp. The performance is fine for a car of this type: 0-100 km / h takes 8.3 seconds.

Design models come with impressive standard equipment, including leather upholstery and pretty much every gadget you could want, including adaptive cruise control, sat nav, and front and rear parking sensors. Excel trim adds cross traffic warning, blind spot monitoring, wireless phone charging, and an electrically adjustable steering wheel – but we recommend sticking to the standard car and saving around £ 1,300.

Toyota gave the Camry a small styling and trim update for 2021, although the pictures you’ll see in this review were taken before the model update. The exterior and interior look almost identical to the previous model, but the biggest change is the new nine-inch infotainment system that is mounted on top of the dash. It replaces the centrally mounted seven-inch screen and offers support for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.