Test Drive Review : 2018 Toyota Camry

New Car Toyota Camry 2018

“It's no secret that I like to involve myself in the design process,” said Toyoda, who made the show presentation of the new Camry himself. “My team might call it something else.”

And so arrives this Camry gone wild, with an only somewhat more toned-down version of the seemingly sci-fi-inspired look that makes the styling of the current Prius so polarizing, and some of the sculpting that invites a double-take of the upcoming C-HR crossover. The 2018 Camry is within an inch of the 2017 model in length and width, but Toyota hasn’t yielded to the crossover crowd by making the new Camry taller or more upright. It has actually gone the other way; the hood is 1.6 inches lower, and the roofline is lower by 1.2 inches. That let the automaker drop the occupants’ seating heights an inch in front and 1.2 inches in back. The front seats have been resculpted, while the cowl, beltline, and dash have been lowered, adding to a more open feel inside the cabin.

The Camry’s new dashboard does away with the former segmented T shape in favor of a more sweeping design, drawing inspiration from home furnishings while aiming for a more sculptural interior combined with warmer detailing. Mixed hues and tones on the interior move away from the former monotone themes.

Vehicle Summary

Toyota redesigns the popular Camry for 2018, aiming to give the car more style and improved driving dynamics while expanding availability of safety technology and introducing next-generation infotainment systems.

Built on Toyota’s new global vehicle architecture, the 2018 Camry is a bit smaller inside than it used to be, and it sits lower to the ground. The result is a car that is more fun to drive and wrapped in sleeker sheet metal.

Three powertrains are available on the new Camry. The L, LE, SE, XLE, and XSE are equipped with a new 4-cylinder engine and 8-speed automatic transmission. An upgraded V-6 engine is optional in the XLE and XSE. A more powerful and efficient gas-electric hybrid is offered in LE, SE, and XLE trim.

Overview

The SE and XSE have a racy appearance, complete with what Toyota says is “catamaran-inspired” front styling. Oversized fake front air intakes lead the way, a body kit dresses up the rocker panels, and a rear diffuser panel is bracketed by up to four exhaust outlets when the maximum number required is two.

These versions look just a tad bit silly, advertising far more performance than they actually supply. Choose the XSE and you can get a custom black painted roof, along with red leather seats that are just a hue or two too bright.

My preference is the more conservative styling of the L, LE, and especially the XLE. Though the lower grille is somewhat overdone, the rest of the Camry XLE looks exactly right, from its tautly tapered headlights and lace-spoke 18-in. wheels to its Lexus-like rear end. Notably, aside from discreet badges, the efficient Camry Hybrid variants looks exactly like their 4-cylinder and V-6 counterparts.

Safety and Technology

A new addition to the Toyota Camry spec sheet, standard Toyota Safety Sense collision-prevention technology promises improved safety ratings when you get behind the wheel. All 2018 Toyota Camry models will feature a Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection, Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist and Automatic High Beams. Select models will add Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Cross Traffic Alert to further upgrade safety.

Driving Impressions

During a full day of driving on relatively short loops, I sampled each of the Camry’s trim levels and powertrains. At the end of the day, I had a favorite, and it was the Camry Hybrid in XLE trim.

You should know that all varieties of the 2018 Camry are enjoyable to drive, even if some are far more athletic (XSE V6) than others (LE Hybrid). From the steering to the braking to the ride and handling, Toyota has transformed the Camry into a car you actually want to drive (or at least don’t mind driving).

As was true before, the SE and XSE are stiffer than other trim levels, but since the L, LE, and XLE are competently dynamic in their own right, people who like to drive are less compelled to upgrade.

The standard 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine makes 203 horsepower and 184 lb.-ft. of torque (206 and 186 in XSE trim), which is plenty for a car weighing about 3,300 lbs. Plus, it saves a couple hundred pounds of weight over the front tires when compared with the 301-horsepower 3.5-liter V-6, helping to contribute to sharp steering and crisp cornering.