The eighth-generation Toyota Camry is praised for having a low center of gravity and assertive character lines. It boasts bizarre-looking back lights that resemble boomerangs, is broader, and rides lower. At the 2017 Detroit auto show, Toyota’s best-selling sedan finally came into its own.
The newly redesigned Camry is offered for 2018 in four trim levels: LE, XLE, SE, and XSE. There are three different engines available for it: a 3.5-liter V-6, a hybrid version, or a 2.5-liter four-cylinder (CVT). Older gas models get a brand-new platform and an all-new 8-speed automatic transmission.
According to Toyota Senior VP Bob Carter, the all-new 2018 Camry is without a doubt the most alluring mid-size vehicle the company has ever created.
It provides everything Camry customers have come to expect from the country’s top-selling vehicle in addition to jaw-dropping design, more cutting-edge technology, cutting-edge safety systems, and stirring performance that elevates it to an unmatched degree of exhilaration.
The all-new design is still up for debate, but the Kentucky-built Camry appears to have a low center of gravity and a wider stance.
Masato Katsumata, the chief engineer of the Camry, said, “We’ve put out the notion of a new sedan that gives joy and excitement behind the wheel in order to produce something that stirs people’s souls.
“We were able to start from scratch when creating the next-generation Toyota Camry, which allowed us to construct a true driver’s car,” said the manufacturer.
The newest Camry receives an exterior update that is “aggressive,” with a two-piece grille and a “sharp” lower hood.
With a 10-inch, eight-inch, and seven-inch display in the instrument cluster and control panel, the Camry is said to have a lot going on inside. Just so you know, thinking about all those little screens hurts our eyes.
According to Toyota, the roof was reduced by an inch and the wheelbase was increased by two inches over the previous version. Additionally, the new hood was lowered by 1.5 inches.
All Camrys come equipped with ten airbags as standard, and Toyota’s Star Safety System also features a backup camera, brake aid, traction control, and enhanced vehicle stability control.
The newest Camry should be in dealerships by the end of the summer, according to Toyota.
In This Article...
Are there CVT transmissions in 2018 Camrys?
In terms of its mechanical components, the 2018 Camry features the same well-known 3.5-liter V6 and 2.5-liter four-cylinder engines. Both will be connected to a brand-new eight-speed automatic transmission, just like the ones we just drove in our test Sienna and Highlander SUVs.
Additionally, a four-cylinder hybrid with the most recent fuel-saving technology from Toyota will be offered. It will be paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT). Estimates for horsepower and fuel efficiency were not provided.
Four well-known trim levels of the Camry will be available: LE, XLE, SE, and XSE. The sportier variants set themselves apart from the base LE and upmarket XLE trims with a few noticeable body tweaks and distinctive 19-inch wheels.
Compared to the previous generation, the inside now has soft-touch materials and other changes that look more expensive. The front seats, according to the manufacturer, have been “totally reengineered to be more accessible and pleasant. Also rumored to be more spacious is the back seat. Other interior highlights include a 10-inch color head-up display that is an option, a seven-inch screen in the instrument cluster, and an additional eight-inch screen in the center console that shows audio, navigation, and climate control displays.
The new Entune infotainment system from Toyota debuts in the 2018 Camry for the first time. Entune 3.0 adds a number of new functions, such as the ability to remotely start and unlock doors, messages about the status of the vehicle, a guest driver monitor, and a vehicle locator. Additionally, you can receive reminders about other maintenance updates as well as the vehicle’s fuel level. Up to five mobile devices can connect via 4G LTE with the new Entune system’s WiFi Connect feature.
Toyota Safety Sense P (TSS-P), which features adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning with lane-keeping assist, and forward-collision warning with automatic braking and pedestrian recognition, is included as standard safety equipment. On some models, you can also receive rear cross-traffic alert and blind-spot monitoring. A standard backup camera is installed in every Camry.
Has Toyota put a lot of stock in this vehicle? Oh, yes. The Camry is the most well-liked midsize sedan in the world, according to Toyota, and is marketed in more than 100 nations.
In the summer of 2017, the Kentucky-built Camry will go on sale. Prices weren’t disclosed.
Even though it hasn’t often, if ever, set the hearts of car enthusiasts on fire, the Camry has regularly delivered high levels of competence, including a big interior, a quiet cabin, efficient powertrains, a smooth ride, and good handling. The well-regarded model’s reputation is further enhanced by high owner satisfaction and reliability ratings in our surveys. Although time and testing will tell, it appears that Toyota prudently didn’t veer too far from its proven recipe.
In a 2018 Camry, what transmission is used?
Our expert offers his opinions regarding how the Toyota Camry compares in each of the 10 areas that make up the 2017 APEAL Study in the sections that follow.
Exterior
The 2018 Camry is available in two trim levels: moderate and wild. Select the L, LE, or XLE trim levels for a more traditional appearance. The SE and XSE are available for more expressive appearance.
The XLE trim level of Toyota’s 2018 Camry range is my personal preference. It sports a nice set of aluminum wheels along with more traditional appearance. However, the test vehicle had SE trim. It sports a gaping black maw of a mesh grille, enormous simulated air intakes up front and slivers of false air vents on the rear fascia, bloated rocker panel extensions, a rear spoiler, a rear diffuser panel, and fake twin exhaust tips to make sure everyone knows it is the sporty Camry.
Will this be able to increase Camry sales, or will it turn off customers looking for a more subdued experience? The information will be available before the conclusion of the 2018 summer.
Interior
Owners adored the spacious and airy environment in the old Camry, so it is rather surprising that Toyota made such a big departure from it.
The new Camry uses materials that are not very innovative. Cheaper lower surfaces balance out nicer top surfaces.
The new Camry has a significantly redesigned design. Toyota uses more contemporary trim and decoration, as well as a flush infotainment surface, in many of its models, and the dashboard is designed with the driver in mind.
The new Camry’s layout makes it simple to utilize the controls and refer to the instrumentation. Wherever you anticipate to find it, you’ll find it there, and everything will go according to plan.
The new Camry feels smaller inside, despite really being slightly bigger than the one it replaces. I’m not really sure how to explain the difference in perception, other than to state that it was there for me.
People are likely to find the interior of the new Camry to be more aesthetically pleasant overall than the outgoing model, meaning Toyota improved on a good thing.
Seats
Owners of Camry vehicles claim that the seating might use some upgrading. I’m not sure that this front has made any progress.
Each of the front seats has a height adjuster as standard equipment, and they are cozy. However, in any Camry model, you cannot get heated or ventilated front seats. Furthermore, a heated steering wheel is not offered.
Even the official measures do not reflect this, the back seats lack support, and there does not seem to be as much legroom as in the previous Camry. Additionally, the backrest is tilted to encourage slouching.
Entry and departure are challenging. First, the seats also sit lower to the ground than before because of how the Camry is positioned. You are more prone to slump into the automobile and grunt when getting out of it because of the decreased seating hip point.
Additionally, the flared rocker panel trim is a feature of the SE and XSE. When getting into and out of the automobile, it is simple to pull your leg through this trim. Your garments will become soiled if the trim is dirty, which it usually is.
Climate Control System
There must have been complaints about the functionality of the original Camry’s climate control system given how clear and uncomplicated it was. Unfortunately, the low to mid-seventies in the testing week meant that neither the heating nor the air conditioning systems had to work extra hard.
Toyota hasn’t, however, taken advantage of options to increase climate comfort, such as heated rear seats, vented front seats, or a heated steering wheel. The climate settings on the new Camry also need to be operated with more accuracy. In addition, my kids complained about being too hot because my roughly $34,000 test car lacked back air vents.
I do not foresee any increases in satisfaction on this front due to these oversights.
Infotainment System
Depending on the trim level, engine choice, and other prerequisites, the 2017 Camry offers a number of alternative infotainment systems as either standard or optional equipment. The technology in my test vehicle, an Entune 3.0 set up with a flush-mounted screen and dual-zone automatic climate control, is probably present in the majority of models of the vehicle in dealership stock.
Although I rarely have difficulties with systems like this, I had trouble figuring out how to couple my phone with the Bluetooth connection (hint: you don’t choose “Phone”). The system is really straightforward to grasp and operate.
The radio’s volume and tuning knobs, which are stacked and situated in the upper left corner of the display screen, also took some getting used to. I initially continued to regulate the temperature using the climate system.
The 2018 Camry can be crossed off your list if you want Apple CarPlay and Android Auto in your next new vehicle. It’s not accessible. In its place, Entune App Suite gives you access to a number of well-known smartphone apps directly from the display panel. Before you buy anything, give it a try to see whether you like it.
Most Entune versions also come with a connected navigation app. Simply plug your smartphone into the USB connector, and the navigation app will use your data plan to guide you to your destination.
A JBL premium sound system, Qi-compatible wireless device charging, and an inbuilt navigation systemthe latter of which is only available in vehicles with a V6 engine and is free for three yearsare all upgrades.
In the end, the Camry’s infotainment system is serviceable if not best in class. In comparison to earlier, it loads and reacts more quickly and has a more upscale and contemporary appearance. However, it doesn’t have as many features as many of its rivals’ products.
Storage and Space
The amount of space and storage the previous Camry supplied to its owners received mixed reviews. The 2017 Camry’s enormous center console storage bin is its only redeeming feature.
The remaining locations fall short of expectations if you’re seeking for a place to store your belongings. The door panel bins are not very huge, and although the dashboard’s lower left side has a coin box and a tray for the wireless charger, neither is particularly roomy or lined to dampen noise and vibration. Additionally, the glove compartment is really small.
The trunk of the new Camry is also smaller than it was. In actuality, it has fewer cubic feet than the majority of midsize sedans at 15.1. The Camry Hybrid is an exception. This version of the automobile improves on this front since the hybrid drivetrain’s components no longer obstruct trunk room due to revised battery packaging.
Toyota also misses a chance by not including a handle or a slot that would allow a driver to swing the trunk closed without resting their hands on the outside of the lid. Typically, trunk lids are filthy. Nobody wants to approach them. To make this easier, the Camry needs a handle or slot.
Visibility and Safety
When reversing from slanted parking places, thick rear roof pillars impair view. Other than that, the Camry’s driver’s seat offers good outside view thanks to big door-mounted mirrors and a typical reversing camera.
Numerous driver aid and accident prevention systems are also included as standard equipment by Toyota. They consist of automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning with lane keeping assist, front collision warning with pedestrian recognition, and automatic high beam headlights.
For some automobile models, a blind-spot monitoring system with rear cross-traffic alert is available, along with Safety Connect services like automated collision notification and emergency help. Another choice is a 360-degree perimeter scanning system.
The 2018 Camry performs to the highest standards in all collision tests, as well as in examinations of rollover resistance, headlight effectiveness, and simplicity of LATCH anchor use.
Engine/Transmission
The 2018 Camry is available with three different engines. For 2018, a brand-new 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine with an 8-speed automated transmission is standard. It is a significant upgrade over the 2.5-liter 4-cylinder of the previous Camry and provides a good balance of power, performance, and efficiency. This transmission and engine are fantastic.
The Camry XSE and XLE have a 3.5-liter V6 engine with an output of over 300 horsepower as an option. A 2018 Camry is really speedy with all of its equipment. The Camry is now one of the only vehicles in its class to still have a V6 engine thanks to this engine option. The V6 uses an 8-speed automatic transmission, just like the regular 4-cylinder.
The gas-electric hybrid drivetrain was in my test car. It has a more advanced lithium-ion battery installed in a Camry LE. It makes use of a tried-and-true nickel metal hydride battery in the SE and XLE. Camry Hybrid consumers no longer have to give up utility in return for higher fuel economy thanks to packaging advancements.
I considered the 208 horsepower of the hybrid engine to be enough, and the additional power from the torque-rich electric assist motor made the car lively while accelerating from a stop and when passing slower moving traffic. The Camry Hybrid drove incredibly responsively in Sport mode.
For Camry Hybrid models, a continuously variable gearbox is standard. It is fairly polished, just occasionally droning as it speeds up to join interstate traffic moving quickly. The paddle shifters on the SE trim are useless.
The Normal, Eco, and EV driving modes are also available to owners. My testing was primarily done in Normal mode, which may be why my fuel efficiency score was disappointing.
Fuel Economy
A 2018 Toyota Camry SE Hybrid should achieve 46 mpg in combined driving, according to the EPA. On my testing loop, my test car returned 38.3 mpg, and after a week and more than 600 miles of driving, I had only averaged 39.9 mpg.
On the one hand, getting 40 mpg out of a family car with ease is astounding. Toyota, on the other hand, charges an extra $4,300 for a Camry SE with a hybrid engine. Even in a market where gas is as inexpensive as it is right now, it starts to make sense at 46 mpg.
Driving Dynamics
The Camry’s dynamic tuning enhancements have been a success, which is wonderful news. The 2018 model is the best Camry to drive in history, from the steering and the hybrid variant’s regenerative braking system to the car’s ride and handling characteristics.
My SE Hybrid test vehicle wasn’t overly stiff, but it also wasn’t sloppy either. The perfect balance of motion control and ride compliance has been achieved by Toyota to keep drivers interested and keep passengers comfortable. As a result, the vehicle drives smoothly, has excellent cornering traction, and is enjoyable to steer.
It’s improbable that you would enter a Camry in a weekend track competition, but it’s also unusual that you would doze off while driving.