Camry is an automobile symbol of success for Russians. They dream about it, they save for it, they buy it and enjoy it. And it doesn’t matter what kind of engine is under the hood. Even if this is a basic unit, which in the updated model has perhaps become the best option.
“If in 100 years they ask me what is happening in Russia, I will answer: they are madly in love with the Toyota Camry.” If Saltykov-Shchedrin were an auto journalist, this might be his catchphrase. In which, if there is a joke, it is only a part. This model has truly become a cult for thousands of car enthusiasts. No one is afraid of the status of a hired driver of an official or a business class taxi driver. Everyone wants a Camry. Few people can clearly explain why they need this particular Toyota, but everyone wants it. The editors of CarsWeek and I tried to understand this phenomenon.
What she looks like
The latest restyling did not significantly affect the recognizable appearance. Only a trained eye will notice the adjusted bumpers and new wheel design. Okay, what else should I change? Moving into the eighth generation, Camry has already become quite prettier, acquired a dynamic profile with a smoothly sloping roofline, an intricately curved window sill line, and overall began to look quite energetic. Narrow LED headlights, an aggressive bumper and a raised hood look impressive – and the sides are no longer flat, but with emphasized relief. And seductive rear wings.
What's inside her
There are more changes in the cabin. No, progressive design and modern technologies were still not brought to the Camry, but the multimedia screen was moved to the top of the center console. It may stick out, but you can immediately see that the model is updated. The multimedia system has acquired the Apple CarPlay and Android Auto protocols, so the general backwardness of electronics can be partially compensated by the capabilities of your smartphone. From a mobile device, you can monitor the condition of the car using the proprietary Toyota Connected application, and an expanded list of electronic driver assistants in the Safety Sense package makes the car safer. The complex does not lay claim to the autopilot laurels – its task is to help minimize the negative consequences for the driver and passengers in an emergency.
Or reduce the likelihood of getting into it. Otherwise, no revelations. If you've ever driven or sat in the back seat of a Camry, you won't find anything new for yourself. Except, perhaps, for matte decorative trim panels, which are better resistant to scratches and collect less dust, enhancing the overall impression of a virtually unchanged interior. High-quality assembly, although the materials are not top-level. Good equipment, although lagging behind competitors. The ergonomics, proven over millions of kilometers in corporate fleets, have not gone away, which is appreciated by both drivers and passengers in the second row of seats. But this is not the main thing in the updated Toyota.
What is it made of
The main thing is hidden under the hood. Camry received a new 2-liter engine from the Dynamic Force family, which instead of a 6-speed automatic transmission was given a Direct Shift-CVT with a manual first gear. Yes, the Toyota RAV4 and Toyota C-HR, familiar from the crossovers, appeared for the first time in the sedan. Thus, the engineers combined healthy conservatism and new developments together, which could not but affect the character of the model. Of course, for the better! The innovative transmission in combination with the new engine made the sedan more dynamic.
How she rides
Toyota Camry not only began to accelerate more vigorously, but also felt much more confident when accelerating on the move. It became much easier to overtake. And don’t let the power of 150 horsepower scare you – this “livestock” is quite enough. You just have to get used to the specific behavior of the variator. And besides, the ability to select a sports engine operating mode is available only for the already powerful top-end engine. But still, the pleasant dynamics of the base unit harmoniously combine with the previous suspension, which had minimal complaints.
She is quite collected, but not rigid. Very comfortable, but not sticky. Feeling confident on straight lines and not giving up in turns. The Camry did not become a sports car, but it never was, although in this generation the model acquired such handling that previous generations of the car could not even dream of. But these days, maintaining existing character strengths while updating and supplementing them with new advantages is already a huge achievement. The dynamics have improved, the smoothness of the ride has not been affected, gasoline is allowed 92, everything in the cabin is recognizable, and on the back seat it is as comfortable as it was. This is how an update of a bestseller should be, in which spot modifications were made and the values loved by a loyal audience were carefully preserved.
Summary
With the new 2-liter engine, the updated Camry behaves the same, if not better, than the pre-restyling sedan with a more powerful 2.5-liter engine. And even despite the “pack of juice” under the hood, the owners of the modernized Toyota will not feel like whipping boys on the road. And if someone is confused by the numbers, then you can simply remain silent and not tell others about the volume and power of the engine. Who cares what's hidden in the bowels of a sedan as long as it drives as it should, right?
And there is absolutely no reason to choose this Toyota with more powerful engines if you are buying a sedan for driving, and not for showing off. A 150-horsepower unit is enough for everyday use, and the transport tax will be lower. There are also minimal questions regarding equipment, so two liters is the optimal volume for those who don’t want to do checkers, but go on the road. True, with the current price chaos and shortages, a restyled Toyota Camry can really become a dream.