New for 2015

The 2015 Toyota Camry has been completely redesigned from the ground up.

Art in Motion  

It’s unquestionable to think anyone would ever have asked artists like Michelangelo to repaint the Sistine Chapel every three to five years, or for Ludwig Von Beethoven to tinker with his 5^th Symphony. And yet, automotive designers – who we humbly consider to be equally brilliant in their own right – are asked to do just that. So when Toyota’s design team were tasked with revamping America’s best-selling car for more than a decade, we can’t say we envied them.

We’re talking, of course, about the Camry. It’s one of the most iconic cars ever built. Its popularity and ubiquity across North America is unprecedented. The Camry has always polled strongly with consumers for doing the big (and little) things just right. It’s always been reliable, comfortable, and incredibly efficient.

If there was one area where the Camry lacked that “je ne sais quoi” it was style. While previous Camry models could lay claim to many qualities, excitement – specifically its design – was never one of them. Of course, that never stopped people from seeing the true beauty underneath, and Toyota, being the sticklers for perfection that they are, wanted to rectify that in a major way.

Sporty and Camry are two words rarely uttered in the same sentence, but in an effort to breathe some excitement into the latest model, Toyota redesigned America’s sweetheart to help captivate buyer’s sense of value and adventure. And it’s not just the exterior that has received a boost. The Camry’s cabin, materials, technologies, braking, and suspension have all been revised. Making the 2015 Toyota Camry unlike anything before it.

Powertrains and Performance

The 2015 Toyota Camry is equipped with a standard 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 178 horsepower and 170 pound-feet of torque. Power is routed to the front wheels via a six-speed automatic transmission. Acceleration is satisfying to say the least, with plenty of power on tap when merging or entering the freeway.

Of course, drivers in search of more power can select a 3.5-liter V6 that produces 268 horsepower and 248 pound-feet of torque. It too sports front-wheel drive and a six-speed automatic. It’s also surprisingly quick, and can get up to speed in a pinch or whenever you’re feeling particularly squirrelly.

As you’d expect from the automaker that brought us the Prius, both engine options offer incredible fuel efficiency. The 2.5-liter earns and EPA-estimated 28 mpg combined (25 city/35 highway).* Meanwhile, the V6 doesn’t suffer too much in terms of fuel economy. It get an EPA-estimated 25 mpg combined (21 city/31 highway).*

With enhancements made to its body, structure, suspension, and steering, the 2015 Camry is markedly more exciting to drive than ever before. Steering inputs are received with computer-like precision, and the overall weight and handling of the car have been improved to help deliver a more compelling, dare we say, exciting ride. It’s no sport sedan, but the Camry is no longer the double dose of Nyquil on wheels it once was.

Feature and Trims

You don’t get to be the top-selling car by catering to a narrow strip of customers, which is why the 2015 Camry carries on the tradition of offering a little something for everyone. With a starting MSRP of just $22, 970,* the 2015 Camry is available in LE, SE, XSE, and XLE trim levels. There is also a Toyota Camry Hybrid, which we have reviewed separately.

As the entry point into the Camry family, the LE offers plenty of goodies for new and returning drivers. Riding on 16-inch steel wheels, the LE comes with standard automatic headlights, heated mirrors, air-conditioning, keyless entry, and a rearview camera. Bluetooth® phone and audio connectivity join the Camry’s standard 6.1-inch Entune touchscreen infotainment setup, complete with six-speaker sound system and CD player.

The SE builds upon the LE’s exceptional value by adding 17-inch alloy wheels, a sport-tuned suspension, unique sporty exterior styling and interior touches, and a leather-trimmed steering wheel. SE models also sub out the LE’s standard cloth upholstery for simulated leather and upgraded gauges.

The XSE adds its own touches, including 18-inch alloy wheels, LED running lamps, leather and simulated suede upholstery, heated front seats with additional side bolstering, and dual-zone automatic climate control.

Finally, the range-topping XLE is equipped similarly to the XSE, but replaces the sport-tuned suspension with a softer, more comfort-oriented version. It comes with full leather upholstery and 17-inch alloy wheels.

The Camry can also be outfitted with additional safety features such as blind-spot monitoring and a rear cross-traffic alert system, along with other advanced technologies such as lane-departure warning, adaptive cruise control, and pre-collision warning, to name a few.

Exterior/Interior

Often automakers make the mistake of restyling a model with little concern for buyer reaction but we’re happy to report that the Camry’s sleek new looks are stylish enough to attract new buyers but not outlandish enough to scare away longtime fans—and there are a lot of you.

That balance is struck with an eye-catching front end and equally detailed rear. The Camry’s profile brandishes a more athletic loo too, with plenty of character lines to compliment that dapper new grille. It’s still the same great Camry inside and out, but with a greater appeal to style-hungry buyers that don’t want to compromise on quality.

Step inside and the changes are slightly more understated but still noticeable. New technologies such as a standard 6.1 touchscreen add to the Camry’s modern vibe, while soft touch surfaces compliment a cabin that caters to both driver and passengers. Seating is a particular high note, with additional bolstering on XSE models that dramatically increases that models sportier character.

Safety

The 2015 Toyota Camry was built to keep you and those you love as safe as possible. Every Camry model comes with a robust list of standard equipment that includes antilock disc brakes, stability and traction control, front and rear side airbags, front and rear side curtain airbags, front knee airbags, and a rearview camera.

Bottom Line

If you’ve never been a big Camry fan, prepare to fall head over heels for the 2015 model. If you’ve always loved the Camry, prepare to rekindle that romance all over again. Toyota has taken everything that has made the Camry the consummate midsize sedan and dialed up the awesome to unheard of levels. It’s better, sleeker, and smarter in virtually every way possible.

Schedule a test drive today by visiting or contacting 3 Birds Marketing.

*2015 EPA-estimated mileage. Actual mileage will vary

**Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price, excludes the Delivery, Processing and Handling Fee of $825 for Cars, $885 for Small/Light Trucks (Sienna, RAV4, RAV4 EV, Highlander Gas, Highlander HV, FJ Cruiser, 4Runner, Tacoma and Venza), $1100 for Large Trucks (Tundra), and $925 for Large SUVs (Sequoia and Land Cruiser). (Historically, vehicle manufacturers and distributors have charged a separate fee for processing, handling and delivering vehicles to dealerships. Toyota's charge for these services is called the "Delivery, Processing and Handling Fee" and is based on the value of the processing, handling and delivery services Toyota provides as well as Toyota's overall pricing structure. Toyota may make a profit on the Delivery, Processing and Handling Fee.) Excludes taxes, license, title and available or regionally required equipment. The Delivery, Processing and Handling Fee in AL, AR, FL, GA, LA, MS, NC, OK, SC and TX will be higher.

Image: Toyota