The XV70 series Toyota Camry sedan has been with us for six years, it debuted in 2017 and underwent a facelift in 2020. It’s time to replace, and the new, ninth generation was shown today in the main market — in the USA, where the development of the machine was carried out.
However, this Camry cannot be called a completely new model. The GA-K platform has remained the same, and the power structure of the body has not changed much. Take a look at the sidewalls: the only difference between the new car was a slightly tweaked shape of the rear door opening. The exact dimensions of the sedan have not yet been reported.
Top — 2020 Camry, bottom — 2023
However, the design of the front and stern is completely new, in the current corporate style of the Toyota brand, already known from the Prius and Crown models. Among the characteristic features are body—colored overlays that dissect lighting equipment, relief bumpers with contrasting details, new hood and trunk lid. The range of body colors has been replenished with two new shades of Ocean Gem and Heavy Metal, and a two-tone color is available for the contested XSE configuration. The image is complemented by new wheels with a diameter of 18 or 19 inches.
In the cabin, the main change was a completely redesigned front panel. From now on, no protruding screens! The display of an enlarged multimedia system (8 or 12.3 inches, depending on the configuration) is neatly integrated into the interior architecture. The devices are now only virtual — on a screen with a diagonal of 7.0 or 12.3 inches, a 10-inch projection display is also provided.
Finishing materials and the overall comfort level have been improved, and perforated leather upholstery has appeared in expensive trim levels. For the “sports” version of the XSE, this is a catchy red version of the Cockpit Red, and for the first time for the Camry, the “luxury” XLE offers a combined leather and Dinamica microfiber seat trim, decorative inserts on the doors and front panel are made of the same material. The profile and stuffing of the seats, which can be equipped with heating, ventilation, position memory and advanced electrical adjustments, have undergone a complete revision. Laminated glass also contributes to increased comfort, there is a panoramic roof with a motorized curtain.
Toyota Camry has gained an expanded arsenal of advanced technologies. The multimedia system can be updated “over the air”, distribute Wi-Fi and boasts support for Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and Bluetooth wireless protocols. The Drive Connect voice assistant is available only for a surcharge. There is also an advanced JBL audio system with nine speakers and an electronic key in the smartphone for ordering. The Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 branded complex includes a collision warning system with pedestrian detection function, adaptive radar cruise control (works in the entire speed range) with a lane keeping function.
The most interesting thing is that from now on Camry offers only hybrid powerplants! No more V6, and the four-cylinder atmospheric 2.5 now works exclusively as part of the proprietary fifth-generation THS system with an electromechanical variator. This system has more compact, lightweight and powerful electric motors. The Camry with front-wheel drive has two electric motors, and the peak power of the power plant reaches 228 hp. There is also an all-wheel drive version with a separate electric motor on the rear axle, and in this case the total power is 235 hp (previously hybrids with all-wheel drive were only for the Japanese market).
It is possible that pure gasoline versions will appear later for a number of markets (for example, for the Middle East or Southeast Asia). In the meantime, only the timing of entering the US market has been announced — there the Toyota Camry of the new generation will arrive at dealers in the spring of 2024. Prices will be known closer to the start of sales. Now the hybrid version of the outgoing generation costs from $ 28,855 in the United States, so the basic configuration of the new Camry has every chance to overcome the $ 30,000 mark. In addition to the States, sedans will be produced in Japan, but only for export (for example, for the Australian market), and the Camry will no longer appear on the domestic market.