Yes, that bland sedan is entering its eighth generation, but the only bland thing about it now is the feeling associated with the name. The Camry is already sold well as a good-for-price product, but the latest 2018 Camry looks like Toyota’s best effort yet at raising the bar from ordinary to truly impressive. Our CarTell.tv presenters will likely get one to review late in the year. But for now, let’s discuss what we know so far based on the Camry’s reveal at the Detroit Motor Show.
First of all, the design moves away from the โsafe-bet-letโs-not-upset-anyoneโ philosophy, and this is a very good thing. The looks are far sportier with more aggressive lines all over. The rear might be one of the best solutions, as the roofline descends and makes an appealing whole with the boot featuring a small spoiler and a diffuser underneath. The front is angular with aggressive headlights and possibly too big grille under the badge. The most hardcore design additions are reserved for the sportier trim levels โ in this case SE and XSE, the latter even getting 19โ alloys.
However, itโs not all in the looks. The chassis is completely new, and Toyota claims that driving the 2018 Camry will be far more interesting than the current one. The power will also rise. Toyota hasnโt given us any straightforward info on the power rating, but they did say that the new 2.5 l will better the previous unit which boasted 178 hp. And this is the base option. The beefier one will come with a 3.5 V6. And, yes, there will be a hybrid also, and it is said to rival the Prius regarding fuel efficiency.
The inside was more of a challenge, since the designers needed to complement the aggressiveness of the outside, but also keep the practicality of a common car. Design-wise the solutions work, but they also improved the quality of materials and fit and finish. The new Camry is a lot better in every respect.
The Entune 3.0 infotainment comes with navigation as standard, while optional features include JBL audio, 10โ display and 4G LTE WiFi.
In terms of safety the Camry is great again. It comes with pedestrian detection, radar cruise control, automated high beams and lane departure alert with steering assist.
