2016 Toyota Camry: Fresh Car Review
Fresh Car Review
Car Comparison
Fresh off a comprehensive update last year, the two thousand sixteen Toyota Camry seems to be at the top of its game. Exterior styling was significantly enhanced last year compared to the two thousand fourteen model, with more modern lines and a bolder look. The interior was fresh last year, too, with better materials and a nicer look. And Toyota even tweaked the Camry’s suspension for extra driving enjoyment. The result has been strong sales that have helped the Camry retain its position as America’s best-selling car.
For 2016, the Camry adds only one switch: a fresh, limited-production Special Edition model exposed earlier this year at the Chicago Auto Display. Suggested in just two colors (blue or white) with sporty interior accents and blue stitching, the fresh Special Edition model adds a little extra flair to the Camry’s excellent lineup.
What’s Fresh for 2016?
After major switches last year, the Camry’s only update for two thousand sixteen is a fresh Special Edition model with sporty styling revisions.
What We Like
Roomy interior; slick and quiet rail; remarkably capable treating; plentiful standard features; optional V6 is excellent
What We Don’t
Polarizing styling; gas mileage increasingly trumped by rivals
How Much?
Fuel Economy
The front-wheel-drive Camry offers three engines: a 178-horsepower Two.5-liter 4-cylinder, a 268-hp Three.5-liter V6, and a hybrid 4-cylinder that we’ve covered in a separate review. EPA fuel economy ratings for the regular 4-cylinder Camry are twenty five miles per gallon in the city and thirty five mpg on the highway, while the V6 checks in at a still-respectable twenty one mpg city/30 mpg hwy.
Standard Features & Options
The Camry is suggested in four basic trim levels: LE, SE, XSE and XLE. In 2016, those models are joined by a fresh Special Edition trim, which slots inbetween the SE and XSE.
The base LE ($23,900) takes the place of last year’s Camry L. Standard features include 16-inch steel wheels with hubcaps, a backup camera, keyless entry, automatic headlights, air conditioning, a USB music interface, a power driver’s seat and a 6.1-in Entune infotainment system.
Next up is the SE ($24,800), which adds some sport to the lineup, boasting a leather-wrapped steering wheel, sporty gauges, firmer suspension for better treating and alloy wheels.
Fresh for two thousand sixteen is the Special Edition ($26,700), which boasts cosmetic updates like 18-in alloy wheels, a unique interior with blue contrast stitching, smoked taillights and wireless cell phone charging.
Topping the range are the XLE and XSE (both $27,200) trims, which are suggested in 4-cylinder or V6 guise. Standard features include alloy wheels, a power passenger seat, dual-zone automatic climate control, heated front seats, and satellite radio. The XSE model offers a sportier character, boasting 18-in alloy wheels and leather and suede upholstery, while the XLE touts more comfy 17-in alloys and utter leather upholstery.
As for options, the Camry offers a broad multiplicity: extras include a keyless ignition, a power sunroof, a navigation system, a larger 7-in Entune interface, and a broad range of modern safety gadgets like adaptive cruise control, automatic high slats, rear cross-traffic alert, blind spot monitoring and a precollision braking system.
Safety
The Camry offers the usual array of standard safety equipment, including 4-wheel anti-lock brakes, side-curtain airbags, a backup camera and front and rear side airbags. High-tech safety options include rear cross-traffic alert, blind spot monitoring, a forward-collision alert system and adaptive high rafter headlights.
In crash testing carried out by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the Camry earned a flawless 5-star overall rating. It also earned the IIHS’s “Top Safety Pick+” score, which is the highest possible safety rating given out by the stiff.
Behind the Wheel
In terms of driveability, the two thousand sixteen Toyota Camry retains much of what has always made it so popular: it’s convenient, it’s sleek and it’s roomy enough for four adults — and all their belongings. It also boasts a ordinary control layout, predictable treating and a broad range of features — from elementary to high-tech. In other words: this car hits home for the broad majority of drivers.
Extra upgrades last year enhance the sedan even more. The latest Camry now offers a smoother rail than it did before, and its interior boasts better materials for a more luxurious look and feel. We also think the latest Camry is a little quieter than the two thousand fourteen model.
Other updates relate to spectacle: SE and XSE models boast a sportier rail — and while the latest Camry can’t fairly go toe-to-toe with performance-oriented rivals like the Mazda6, we think Toyota’s midsizer is now one of the more spry models in the segment. That’s big news for a car frequently criticized for its notoriously bland driving practice.
Other Cars to Consider
2016 Ford Fusion — The Fusion is one of our dearest midsize sedans, suggesting excellent fuel economy, a roomy interior, a long list of technology, and stunning styling.
2015 Honda Accord — The Camry’s perennial rival boasts a hybrid version, a plug-in model, a broad range of features and improved interior materials compared to previous generations. It’s hard to say which is better.
2016 Mazda6 — The Mazda6 was recently redesigned to suggest a more attractive exterior and a better driving practice — just like the Camry. We’re amazed with the midsize Mazda — and we think it’s worth a look for just about any sedan shopper who wants to stand out from the “traditional” pack.
2016 Lexus ES — If it’s luxury you’re after, consider a pre-owned version of Lexus’s popular ES sedan, which was based on the Camry until the two thousand twelve model year. Fresh versions are more expensive than the Camry, but a well-maintained used ES should suggest high-end luxury and excellent reliability.
Autotrader’s Advice
It’s hard to find a bad apple in this barrel. The 4-cylinder LE is certainly the value leader, but if you want extra fuel economy or spectacle, you can’t go wrong with the Hybrid or V6, respectively. The Camry lineup is exceptionally well-rounded — and last year’s switches only improve things.