Toyota Camry: The majority rules

What is it?

The mid-size Toyota sedan could be relied upon to serve the average family well with uninspiring looks, perky yet economical, performance. Even so, it became Australia’s favourite mid-size sedan.

Five generations later the new hybrid-only Camry has cast off its comfy cardigan character, morphing into a sleek chic catwalk star, but still with the bones of a versatile form of ‘mass’ transport.

What’s it cost?

The new Camry range starts at $39,990, plus on-road costs, for the entry-level Ascent, packed with standard equipment and features including 17-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights, daytime running lights and rear combination lights.

The mid-range Ascent Sport is available from $42,990 plus ORCs, and adds high-grade LED headlights and tail lights, plus LED fog lights.

Priced from $53,990, the flagship SL (the test vehicle) boasts new-design 18-inch alloy wheels, automatic rain-sensing wipers, rear side and back privacy glass, and heated side mirrors with reverse and memory function.

While the new Camry sits on the same platform as its predecessor, with a 2825mm wheelbase, the car’s new model looks have resulted in a longer front overhang extending the vehicle’s overall length by 35mm.

Complementing new powertrain, a sleek exterior adopts Toyota’s Hammer Head design language with its functional and stylish aerodynamic features. In profile, character lines converging at the rear, along with a new tapered roofline, give the Camry a distinctively dynamic appearance.

Eight exterior colours complete the Camry Hybrid range, with an exotic palette of Glacier or Frosted White, Silver Pearl, Liquid Mercury, Eclipse Black, Jasper Red, Precious Bronze and Saturn Blue.

As well as premium audio the Camry SL features a flash selection of multimedia functions including satellite navigation, Bluetooth connectivity compatible with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto via a 12.3-inch touchscreen.

Safety is in the hands of Toyota’s latest Safety Sense suite of systems.

Upgrades include road user detection, and active cruise control, plus the addition of new functions including blind spot monitor, rear cross-traffic alert, emergency driver support and safe exit alert.

Camry is covered by Toyota Warranty Advantage that includes a five-year unlimited coverage period. Toyota Service Advantage provides capped price servicing over the same period.

What’s it go like?

The modern sophistication moves ‘indoors’ with a premium cabin environment including a sculpted dashboard and door trims combining seamlessly with quality materials all round.

Digital instrumentation is displayed on 7.0- or 12-inch screens, depending on vehicle grade.

The latter sets out info in a clear and concise fashion in the SL test car.

Customisable driving and vehicle system info is complemented by climate and nine-speaker JBL audio.

The flagship features leather-accented upholstery, eight-way power adjustable front passenger seat, with heating and ventilation, plus panoramic sunroof and boot space for 524 litres of gear and temporary spare wheel.

The combined Hybrid Electric system power has been upped by 10kW to 170kW through a combination of the 138kW/221Nm petrol engine and 100kW/208Nm permanent magnet synchronous motor mounted on the front axle.

The system drives the front wheels via a continuous variable transmission, with Normal, Eco and Sport modes, along with solely EV allowing the Camry to haul under electric power for short distances at low speeds.

The new Camry debuts Toyota’s new fifth generation 2.5-litre hybrid electric powertrain in its Australian line-up for the first time recording a miserly fuel consumption of 4.0L/100km on the combined urban/highway cycle.

The test Camry SL recorded 5.0L/100km over a range of driving conditions.

Switching between power sources is seamless, the only distinction is the noise of the petrol engine when in operation.

Typically, on electric power alone silence is replaced by tyre noise intruding into the cabin on course road surfaces.

In line with the improved smooth, linear operation of the powertrain, Toyota engineers have re-tuned the front MacPherson strut and rear multi-link rear suspension providing better handling without disturbing ride comfort.

Power steering has been the centre of attention too with speed sensitive assistance providing lighter, more responsive feel.

A new active hydraulic brake booster has been added to enhance brake feel and improve energy recovery for regenerative braking.

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What we like?

Sleek new exterior styling that sheds the old “cardigan” image
Strong hybrid performance with very low fuel consumption
Premium, well-equipped cabin in SL with quality materials and JBL audio
Comprehensive Toyota Safety Sense package and warranty/service support

What we don’t like?

Tyre noise can intrude on coarse road surfaces when in near-silent EV mode
CVT and hybrid system can still feel a bit remote to keen drivers
Styling and tech uplift inevitably push pricing higher than old-school Camry expectations
Temporary spare wheel only, not a full-size spare

The bottom line?

With a modern makeover, higher tech and slim running costs, the Camry Hybrid has every reason to continue to take its place as a family favourite, but this time with a far more stylish and sophisticated image.

It’s better than the sum of its parts in day-to-day use, combining efficiency, comfort and equipment in a way that will suit most buyers.

Keen drivers may still wish for more involvement, and some traditionalists may baulk at the higher pricing and hybrid-only line-up, but in the real world the new Camry Hybrid makes a compelling case as a versatile family sedan.