We like
More powerful and efficient hybrid driveline; spacious interior and boot; improved roadholding; thoughtful HMI and ADAS calibration; comfortable seating position

Room for improvement
Significant price increases highlighted by removal of SX grade; steering feel falls short of Euro rivals; requires 95RON or higher premium unleaded petrol

Overview

 

TOYOTA launched its seventh-generation Camry into Australian dealerships late last year, the three-variant and all-hybrid mid-sized sedan arriving as a major facelift of the outgoing model with Toyota’s fifth-generation hybrid driveline technology joining freshened looks, a refined chassis, revised technology, and the latest safety equipment.

 

Pricing increases reflect the changes now beginning from $39,990 plus on-road costs in base Ascent form, rising through $42,990 + ORC for the Ascent Sport and $53,990 + ORC for the flagship SL (as tested). The Camry SX Hybrid is deleted from the range.

 

Powering the range, Toyota’s 2.5-litre petrol-electric driveline delivers what Toyota claims are improvements in driveability and fuel efficiency, shaving up to 11 per cent from the fuel bill of the outgoing model. The official Combined cycle number is listed at 4.0 litres per 100km with CO2 emissions of 91 grams per kilometre.

 

Total system power increases by 10kW to 170kW when compared with the outgoing Camry, generated through the combination of a 138kW/221Nm four-cylinder petrol engine and 100kW/208Nm permanent magnet synchronous motor – both driving the front wheels via a continuously variable transmission.

 

Ride and handling improvements arrive courtesy of retuned Macpherson strut front and multi-link rear suspension to provide what Toyota says are “more engaging handling characteristics, without affecting ride comfort”.

 

The electric steering rack has likewise been retuned with speed-sensitive assistance providing a “lighter and more direct steering feel and responsiveness”, says Toyota. The set-up is accompanied by a newly developed electric brake control system that employs an active hydraulic booster to enhance brake feel and optimise kinetic energy recovery.

 

While the new Camry sits on the same TNGA-K platform as its predecessor, with an identical 2825mm wheelbase, the car’s exterior makeover has resulted in a longer front overhang, extending the car’s overall length by 35mm when compared with its predecessor.

 

The front and rear styling is defined by Toyota’s bold Hammer Head design concept with its functional and stylish aerodynamic elements, while in profile the character lines that converge at the rear, along with a more tapered rear roofline, give the new Camry a “distinctively dynamic appearance”.

 

The new-look design continues inside, with what the importer says is a “sophisticated cabin featuring a sculpted dash and door trims that create a seamless flow”.

 

Interior highlights include digital instrumentation displayed on either 7.0-inch or 12.3-inch screens, depending on the grade, Toyota’s latest-generation multimedia system, featuring cloud-based satellite navigation, Bluetooth connectivity, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with either 8.0-inch or 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment displays, again depending on grade.

 

Feature and equipment highlights for the entry-grade Ascent include 17-inch alloy wheels, cloth upholstery, dual-zone climate control and LED daytime running, head- and tail-lights.

 

The mid-range Ascent Sport adds high-grade LED lighting and LED fog lights, an eight-way power adjustable driver’s seat with lumbar support, wireless smartphone charger and a larger 12.3-inch multimedia touchscreen display.

 

Finally, the flagship SL is differentiated by 18-inch alloy wheels, rain-sensing wipers, rear side and back privacy glass and heated side mirrors with reverse and memory function.

 

Inside, Camry SL features leather-accented upholstery, a panoramic sunroof, eight-way power adjustable front passenger seat, front seat heating and ventilation, a heated steering wheel with power adjustment and a nine-speaker JBL audio system.

 

Across the range we also find the latest safety kit applied with the new Camry boasting the full suite of Toyota’s Safety Sense active safety technologies.

 

Upgrades for the new Camry include improved road user detection and active cruise control parameters and the addition of new functionality across the range including blind spot monitor, rear cross traffic alert, emergency driver support system and safe exit assist.

 

The new Camry is offered with a 12-month complimentary subscription to Toyota Connected Services providing what Toyota says is a “range of welcome benefits to customers through the Camry’s inbuilt data communication module”.

 

Toyota backs the Camry range with a five-year/unlimited-kilometre guarantee including five years of capped-price servicing, spread over 12-month or 15,000km intervals at a price of $255 per service.

 

Driving Impressions

 

It’s a shame many of us are so sedan adverse. SUVs might have a lot going for them, but in many ways are not a match for the refinement, handling, comfort, and efficiency offered in a well-made mid-sized sedan.

 

And the Toyota Camry is an excellent example of its kind.

 

It is a terrific drive that offers the quietness and sensible packaging we’ve come to forget. Separating the cargo area from the cabin makes a sedan far quieter than an all-in-one SUV body, the lower roofline and streamline body further hushing wind noise out on the open road.

 

The Camry is also a remarkably spacious vehicle with generous (almost large car) rear legroom and a large boot. It’s very easy to use and understand, and surprisingly simple to park. We also appreciated the sensible calibration of the car’s ADAS systems, which work cohesively and just as they should.

 

Under the bonnet, the 2.5-litre engine is refined and powerful, while also being frugal. In the bustling stop-start grind that is a Melbourne work week, we managed just 4.0 litres per 100km, all the while running the climate control and with the vehicle in Normal mode.

 

The stepped transition from petrol to electric motivation is a thing of the past, the transmission action likewise smooth and efficient. We never caught the Camry in the wrong gear, finding acceleration linear whether from standstill or at pace.

 

It is also pleasing to find a regenerative system that functions cooperatively with the service brake. Whether using the friction brakes, regenerative feature, or a combination of both, the Camry stops swifty and smoothly, feeling rather Lexus-like and entirely predictable.

 

Likewise, the improved suspension package shines over unkept city streets, soaking up potholes and tram lines with very little fuss. It delivers a predictable level of feedback that gives the Camry an enjoyable edge, handling fast freeway on ramps with a sense of eagerness that seems, well, very un-Camry-like.

 

As is typical of Toyota models, the Camry’s HVAC system did well to manage a stable cabin temperature while the seating offered excellent support for those times we found ourselves stuck fast in peak-hour gridlock. Here, the nine-speaker JBL audio system is a treat, offering clear mid-range and decent bass when coupled with a high-resolution streaming service and wireless connection.

 

OK, the top-spec Camry might be a little pricey, but it’s still good value for money when viewed against its thirstier mainstream rivals.

 

Given the efficiency on offer, the strong aftersales and resale value available, the roomy cabin, and the sophisticated simplicity of the driving experience we think there’s very little here not to like – and would strongly recommend a test drive.