2026 Toyota Camry

 

Test Vehicle: 2026 Toyota Camry XSE AWD

Powertrain: 2.5L 4-cylinder Hybrid

Exterior Color: Dark Cosmos

Interior Color:  Red Leather

Notable Options: Premium Plug Package ($4,760), Premium Paint ($475), Black Badge Overlays ($89), Illuminated trunk Sill ($450),  Mudguards ($160), Front Accent Lights ($390), Rear Bumper Applique ($69), Black Lower Rocker Applique ($80), Dashcam ($375), Floor/Trunk Mats ($319)

Price as tested: $45,096 (with destination charge)

 

Pros: Hybrid powertrain is efficient and powerful, comfortable interior, standard features, proven reliability

Cons: Less cargo than competitors, complacent handling, coarse engine sound at hard acceleration

 

The Camry name dates to 1982 and is one of the longest-running nameplates in the industry. It has seen eight generations and for 20 straight years has been America's #1 selling midsize sedan. For 2026 it generally carries over in its 9th generation with a new Dark Cosmos exterior color and new Nightshade Edition. There are no significant changes after a big overhaul in 2025. It’s available in five different trims that include the LE, SE, Nightshade, XLE, and XSE. All models get the same 2.5L 4-cylinder gas/electric hybrid with either front or all-wheel drive. FWD models will combine with two electric motors to produce 225 horsepower while AWD utilizes three electric motors to deliver a combined 232 horsepower. 

 

The Camry is a five-passenger midsize sedan in all trims and has grown significantly in size since its original debut back in the early eighties.  Base FWD LE models start at $30,895 and climb to a $39,795 starting price for the XSE AWD. Competition includes models such as the Honda Accord, Hyundai Sonata, Nissan Altima,  Kia K5, and Volkswagen Jetta. I spent time in a 2026 Camry XSE AWD that checked in at $45,096 and here’s what stood out. 

 

Exterior Style: 

The latest model is still very identifiable as a Camry, but it adopts the new “hammerhead” front fascia stylings we’ve seen on other new Toyota models like the Prius and Crown. It loses some of the hard edges seen in the previous generation in favor of a sleeker, more athletic looking profile. All grades feature LED headlights and daytime running lights.  Comfort models (LE & XLE) feature a horizontal bar front grille in black on LE or finished in dark metallic grey on the XLE. LE now comes standard with 16-in. alloy wheels while the XLE comes standard with 18-in. black and machine-finished alloy wheels. XLE further stands out from the lineup with chrome-finished window trim accompanying the chrome-finished Camry name badge found on both comfort grades.

 

SE and XSE grades add a sporty flare to the Camry lineup with sport-mesh front grilles, side sport rockers and black finishes. Functional front side air ducts, rear spoiler and rear diffuser add to the racing inspired design helping performance. The rear also has an exposed dual-tip exhaust and the Camry name badge is styled in gloss black. The XSE leans further into the sporty styling with a color-matched front grille, front side canards, and rear diffuser. When it comes to the wheels, the SE features 18-in. black-finished alloys and XSE comes well equipped with range topping 19-in. black and smoke gray-finished alloy wheels. There are eight color options available including a two tone option for XSE models.

Performance:

The 2026 Camry pairs the fifth-generation Toyota Hybrid System with a 2.5-liter, 4-cylinder engine and has a standard 225 net-combined horsepower on Front-Wheel Drive models. Not only is this the most standard horsepower offered on a Camry, but it also features outstanding fuel efficiency with a manufacturer-estimated 51 MPG combined on the LE FWD. The system uses lighter and more compact electric motor generators to produce more power and enhanced performance compared to the previous system. AWD models get a little more power with an additional electric motor on the rear axle resulting in 232 net horsepower, 30 more than the outgoing model.  It uses an electronic on-demand all-wheel drive system that kicks in when needed, and is available on all grades of the Camry. 

 

Off the line the Camry gets from 0-60 in as quick as 6.8 seconds in the XSE AWD model. It's quicker than before with smooth acceleration. Once cruising at highway speeds, the engine offers sufficient mid range acceleration for passing. It’s no sports sedan, but it does deliver ample power for a comfortable ride. This new model is also quiet and loses some of the powerful sounds that came from the old V6 model. Along with the traditional NORMAL, ECO and EV drive system modes, a SPORT mode allows for an increase in power from the hybrid system for improved acceleration response relative to throttle pedal input.

 

The Camry is not tuned to deliver an overly engaging or dynamic driving experience, which it doesn't. However, it does provide a well-balanced and comfortable ride. Road imperfections are well-absorbed to deliver a smooth ride. It takes corners smoothly and remains grounded to the pavement. Steering is pleasantly weighted and controlled. Braking is responsive and not too soft. The regenerative braking is a little harsher as it captures the braking energy to store it in the battery.

 

Fuel Economy:

When it arrived with a full 13-gallon tank, it offered a driving range of around 600 miles. EPA estimates are best in the FWD where it gets an estimated 53/50/51 MPG city/highway/combined. AWD models get an estimated 46 MPG combined. After a week of primarily suburban driving, I garnered 45 MPG. Overall fuel economy is good and among the best in class for the midsize segment.

 

 

Interior:

Hopping inside, the Camry now has a more traditional layout than the previous generation. The layout feels more open and continues to use high-quality, soft touch materials. Behind the steering wheel is a 7" digital gauge cluster that comes standard LE & SE or a 12.3” fully digital cluster on the XLE & XSE models.  It can be configured to personal settings and will change its look with each drive mode. Also available is a 10” head-up display which integrates speed, warning indicators, and turn-by-turn navigation instructions. My XSE model also included aluminum sport pedals, paddle shifters and a leather-wrapped steering wheel. 

 

The multimedia touchscreen system is now better integrated into the elongated dash in one of two sizes. It blends into the air vents that stretch in front of the passenger seats. A small row of climate controls are tucked underneath and utilize traditional buttons. The center stack consists of a traditional gear selector, cup holders, heated seat controls, and a wireless charging pad tucked deep behind the gear selector. Overall, it is more functional and aesthetically pleasing than the old layout. 

 

Technology:

Camry models are equipped with either an 8 or 12.3-inch central touch screen that sits at the center of the dashboard. The screen features phone-like icons for navigating the screens and includes some menu buttons and volume dials on either side of the screen. It integrates wirelessly with Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, and Apple CarPlay through a cord. Connectivity was easy and intuitive to operate. There are a total of five USB ports available, three in the front (2 USB-C and 1 USB-A) and two in the rear.

 

Integrated Streaming is also available, providing the ability to link your separate Apple Music and Amazon Music subscriptions to the vehicle for onboard control. Audio plus is also offered with a JBL 800-watt, 9-speaker premium audio system with a subwoofer on higher trims. The Camry delivers all the basics in terms of tech, but nothing overly complicated or advanced.

 

Seating:

Once inside, drivers and passengers will appreciate the roominess all around that includes plenty of head, leg, and shoulder room for all five passengers. Cloth upholstery and manually adjustable front seats come standard. Partial cloth and synthetic leather upholstery, genuine leather upholstery, eight-way power-adjustable front seats, heated and ventilated front seats and a heated steering wheel are available. The seats are comfortable with good support. It's easy to find a good driving position for drivers of all sizes. The back seats easily accommodated my three kids and also offers sufficient room for any adults that need to sit in the back. Legroom is especially impressive in all positions making this a comfortable sedan for short and long road trips. 

 

Inside my XSE model was leather upholstery can be paired with Cockpit Red or black with blue-accented perforations, giving the cabin a considerably sportier appearance than the XLE. Mine was equipped with the red interior which actually worked really well on this car.

 

Cargo:

The trunk offers 15.1 cubic feet which is average for the class. Its biggest rival, the Honda Accord offers 16.7 cubic feet. That said, the Camry's space is large enough for most purposes. It also has 60/40 folding rear seat backs that add versatility and space into the car. The trunk opening is wide and easy to load in and out of.

 

Safety:

The Camry has been a repeat IIHS TOP SAFETY PICK+ recipient. This is the organization's highest rating, and one that acknowledges the standard Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 system that includes:

 

* Pre-collision System with Pedestrian Detection with Intersection Support

* Road Sign Assist 

* Dynamic Radar Cruise Control standard on LE and SE gas grades

* Full-Speed Range Dynamic Radar Cruise Control 

* Lane Keeping Technology: Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist, Lane Tracing Assist and Sway Warning System

* Automatic High Beams 

*Proactive Driving Assist

 

In addition to the standard list there is a Premium Plus Package available on the XLE and XSE that include Traffic Jam Assist, Front Cross-Traffic Alert, Lane Change Assist, Panoramic View Monitor, and Front & Rear Parking Assist with automatic braking.  All Camry models have 10 standard airbags and Toyota's Star Safety System, which includes Enhanced Vehicle Stability Control, Traction Control, Electronic Brake-force Distribution, Brake Assist, Anti-lock Braking System and Smart Stop Technology. All Camrys also come equipped with a standard backup camera.

 

Final Statement:

The Camry has always been an all-around great vehicle with a proven record of reliability. The latest iteration expands on the Camry’s best qualities and improves where it was needed. The exclusive hybrid powertrain offers impressive range and fuel economy without losing power or performance. Improvements inside have a much broader appeal and the exterior is subtle, but effective. This long-running sedan should have many years left in it as the sedan segment shrinks. Opt for the XSE trim if you want one of the sportiest looking Camrys ever built, especially with the red interior.