Perhaps the most persistent misconception about cars, among those who consider themselves enthusiasts, is that Boring Sells.
The kinds of cars that appeal to those who love driving – sports cars, off-roaders, convertibles – don’t really seem to do very well in the sales charts.
On the other hand, crossovers and sedans and regular old pickup trucks all seem to put cash in the bank. None of them are particularly exciting, but they all seem to sell strongly, no matter the apparent lack of emotional appeal.
In the case of the Toyota Camry, the recipe has historically been to whip up the automotive equivalent of oatmeal. Unlike the Corolla, which had a few hotter variants, the Camry has always been a pretty middle-of-the-road proposition. Again, it sold well, but it never set any trousers on fire.
Not so with this new one, which is designed to inject a little passion into the mid-size segment. Of course, that’s what everyone is looking to do, from the Honda Accord to the Mazda6.
So here’s the question. With the midsize sedan market shrinking, does Toyota making the Camry more aggressive help their mainstay car in the sales charts? Or should they have stuck with safe, reliable, and boring?
Design
Before turning a single wrench in the engineering department, any automotive company can add a little personality into their car with a surface redesign. Toyota are past masters at this technique, with the current Toyota and Lexus range all looking like robots that have invaded Earth with the intention of harvesting us for our internal organs.
Keeping in that same vein, the new Camry is anything but laid back. The styling is very aggressive, with XSE models getting a floating roof and 19-inch alloy wheels.
Based on some measurements, the front area of even a base Camry is now 90 per cent grille, which seems useful for an electric shaver, less-so for a sedan. However, the side profile is a little more cohesive, and the quad rear tailpipes of the V-6 models are vaguely Audi-ish.
One thing no-one will ever say is that this generation of Camry is boring to look at. Let’s climb inside for a closer look.
Environment
Judged in a vacuum, the Camry’s interior holds up well. Everything you’d expect is here, feature-wise, and the dashboard has a pleasingly complex design. The stylists have stretched beyond the ordinary here.
Even better, from a comfort perspective, is that the Camry hasn’t lost its touring chops. This is a car designed to make its name on long highway slogs, and the cushy front seats are worth particular mention. The rear seats are just a tad more snug than last year’s model, but still very spacious.
But, as previously mentioned, the midsize sedan market has increased in viciousness as sales figures have waned. The Camry’s up against some fierce competition here, and some of the interior finish isn’t quite up to snuff.
Even in the better-equipped models, the plastics used aren’t quite as nice as elsewhere. Further, the overall look of the dash is already slightly dated by the graphics of the display screen. Perhaps worst of all, shutting the door doesn’t give the satisfying thump you’ll find elsewhere.
As exciting as it is on the outside, the Camry has played it safe on the inside, asking buyers to look to Toyota’s proven strengths in the powertrain department. We shall see.
Performance
Ask any other manufacturer, and they’ll tell you the V-6 is dead. Honda killed off the six-cylinder model this year, and most of the competition has also moved to a 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo. Turbo-fours are easier to get past emissions targets, though they do tend to lack the refinement of a V-6.
Toyota has bucked the trend here, eschewing turbocharged power for either a 3.5-litre V-6 or a 2.5-litre naturally-aspirated four-cylinder engine. The latter isn’t as quick as some of the small-displacement turbo engines now on the market, but should be tough in the long run.
The 3.5-litre V-6, however, is shocking. It makes 301 horsepower at 6,600 r.p.m., 267 foot-pounds of torque at 4,700 r.p.m., and is paired with an eight-speed automatic that shifts with as much speed as you’d want.
If you’re paying attention, that’s a V-6 family sedan that makes the same power as a Subaru STI. What a world we live in.
Even better, the Camry’s new underpinnings are much stiffer than the previous car, and the handling is surprisingly good. Base model four-cylinder cars aren’t exactly corner-carvers, but basic competence is there.
For the XSE, the performance is ample for the street. Combined with the powerful engine, this is a Camry which can’t be described as anything other than fast. It doesn’t roll in the corners, it grips more than you’d expect, and it’s got enough power to make a VW GTI look slow.
It’s a genuine surprise. You expect Toyota to make their cars look fierce on the outside, but not since the days of the Supra Twin Turbo have they really put a Toyota badge on something that punched above its weight. The V-6 Camry isn’t exactly a sports sedan, but it’s got serious performance for this part of the market.
Features
Starting at $26,390, the base Camry offers comfort, resale, and a few niceties like heated seats as standard. The full suite of driver aids, including adaptive cruise control, are also standard.
The XSE model gets powerful nine-speaker audio and the easy-to-use Entune system, as well as a panoramic sunroof. V-6 models are mostly in the higher trims, but essentially offer the same equipment as the volume-selling four-cylinder models.
Fuel economy figures for the V-6 are 10.7 (litres/100 kilometres) in the city and 7.4 on the highway. Being naturally aspirated rather than turbocharged, the Camry hits its targets well.
Green light
Aggressive styling (if you’re into it); excellent chassis; still very comfortable.
Stop sign
So-so interior quality; aggressive styling (if you’re not into it); infotainment behind the times.
The checkered flag
No longer boring, still good overall, should sell strongly as long as there are sedan buyers out there.
Competition
Honda Accord: Also new this year, the Accord ($26,490) takes the fight to the Camry with styling that’s not quite as aggressive, and engines that are a little down on power. Don’t let that fool you.
On the inside, especially, the Accord is a very cohesive choice, looking upscale enough to make Acura dealers frustrated. Further, it’s light on its feet and fun to drive in the way all good Hondas are.
True, there’s no V-6 option, but the 2.0-litre turbocharged engine is lively, and Honda’s kept it quiet. It’s a tough choice, but hearty competition is good for buyers.
