Toyota has done an extremely incredible thing: designed a Camry that this time isn't a barge when it comes time to dance. After 16 years of riding on the venerable K platform, the 2018 Toyota Camry is transitioning its family sedan to the massive Toyota New Global Architecture (TNGA), which also underpins the Prius hatchback and C-HR crossover, which will serve as the basis for the next generation Avalon, Corolla and Highlander.
+ Sturdy chassis, comfortable ride, incredible fuel economy.
- The Camry SE is slapstick, lacking some entertainment features.
Lower and wider than its predecessor, the new Camry boasts a 30 percent stiffness improvement over the previous car. While the previous Camry SE thrashed against bumps, the eighth-generation model glides quietly over bumps in the road. Remarkably, it does so without sacrificing stiffness.
With its predictable and coherent suspension and sensitive electric power steering, the Camry SE's handling encourages the driver to use, out-of-the-box
Powertrain
The Camry SE comes with a standard 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission. Armed with 203 horsepower and 252 N*m of torque.
The four-cylinder Camry is also significantly more fuel-efficient than the previous-generation car, with EPA fuel economy ratings that show city-8.5L and highway-5L per 100km/h. We tested this combination for 2,000 miles, and were pleasantly surprised as the results were almost identical.
The straight-line performance with four cylinders was less exhilarating. It takes 7.9 seconds from zero to a hundred, just 0.1 seconds better than the old car.
Like its predecessor, the 2018 Camry SE is also available with a 2.5-liter engine and variator or a 3.5-liter V-6. The former option gives a total of 206 horsepower and allows you to drop from zero to 100kph in 7.9 seconds.We have yet to test the V-6 car, but we expect the 301-hp engine to accelerate the Camry to 100kph in less than 6.0 seconds.
It's a cruiser, not a fighter.
Although the wheelbase has been stretched by 5 cm, overall passenger volume has decreased and rear legroom has decreased by 2 cm. However, only very tall passengers will notice the difference, as the aft portions of the Camry remain quite spacious. The auxiliary and well-padded rear bench has a 60/40 folding backrest (except for the base L). But the passage is relatively small.
At the front, the driver is greeted by a dashboard with clearly marked gauges, easy-to-access controls and rich materials. However, cost-cutting is evident on the center console and door panels, which have harder plastics. Closing these Camry SE doors resulted in a disappointing hollow sound, unworthy of a car of established fame. Other shortcomings include Toyota's decision to equip the Camry SE with a single USB port, and the lack of compatibility with Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, which are not available on any Toyota.
The SE includes automatic climate control, driver-adjustable cloth and faux-leather seats, and a steering wheel with leather trim and various switches. SE models also include their own special trim, 18-inch wheels, bright exterior colors, with a decorative spoiler and fake air vents, under the taillights, and a striped pattern on the seat inserts that doesn't fit the upscale atmosphere.
Although family sedan buyers will be better served by the Honda Accord or Mazda 6, choosing the Camry no longer means giving up dynamic driving and comfort.
