2021 Toyota Camry

The stalwart Toyota Camry has evolved over the years, the current eighth-generation model morphing into a sporty-but-comfortable family sedan with actual performance available from some of its powertrains and configurations. The 2020 model year brought an exciting Camry TRD model hopped up by Toyota Racing Development, but changes for 2021 are more subtle. 

The 2021 Camry gets a handful of meaningful improvements, including new infotainment touchscreens, the inclusion of a hybrid powertrain option for XSE models, an upgrade to the XLE model’s leather upholstery and the addition of advanced driver assists across the Camry line. 

Several trims are available, both for the standard Camry and Camry Hybrid. Gas models are available in LE, SE, XLE, XSE and TRD trims, while Hybrid models come in LE, SE, XLE and XSE trims. The base LE models get niceties such as bi-LED headlights, fabric upholstery, adaptive cruise control, a 7-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capability, Amazon Alexa integration, satellite radio, forward collision warning with pedestrian detection, lane departure warning, automatic high beams and hill start assist. SE models add a color-keyed rear spoiler, single-zone automatic climate controls, Sport Softex upholstery and an eight-way power driver’s seat. 

The XLE model builds on the SE trim with LED daytime running lights, LED taillights, a chrome exhaust finisher, dual-zone climate controls, a Qi-compatible smartphone charger, leather upholstery, a power-adjustable passenger’s seat, full-speed dynamic adaptive cruise control, and wood interior trim. Stepping up to the XSE trim brings patterned metal interior trim and sporty exterior trim pieces. TRD models get exclusive bodywork and badging, a TRD cat-back exhaust, a TRD rear spoiler and Sport Softex upholstery with red seatbelts and TRD stitching. Pricing for the Camry line is equally as vast, ranging from $24,970 for the base LE to $35,545 for the XSE V6 model. Hybrid pricing lives right in the middle, starting at $27,270 for the Hybrid LE. All models see a $995 destination charge on top.

Three powertrains are on tap for the 2021 Camry line. Most models come standard with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that produces between 202 and 206 horsepower, depending on the trim. A 3.5-liter V6 is available for the XLE, XSE and TRD models, rated at a sturdy 301 horsepower and 267 pound-feet of torque. Both gas powertrains get an eight-speed automatic transmission, but only four-cylinder models can be paired with all-wheel drive. The Camry Hybrid is powered by a 2.5-liter four-cylinder paired with a permanent magnet synchronous motor that produce a combined total system output of 208 horsepower. These cars get a continuously variable transmission.

The standard four-cylinder engine is just fine, which is to say that its fuel economy and driving demeanor won’t ruffle any feathers, but it won’t raise any pulses, either. Power output in the low-200s means that there’s enough juice to move around town without trouble and plenty of power to reach highway speeds, but not much more than that. The available V6 is a much more engaging engine, and it pairs nicely with the smooth-shifting eight-speed automatic gearbox. In the TRD variant, the sport exhaust system lets the V6 roar with a throaty sound that is not only surprising from a Camry but is also quite exciting at full throttle.

Even in its sportier iterations, the Camry remains the primarily docile, family-friendly ride that built its reputation. The ride remains comfortable over bumpy roads and poor pavement conditions, even in post-winter New England, where the plows seem to have removed more of the road surface than snow over the months. Even with that comfort, the Camry can be reasonably agile when asked and turns in accurately with direct steering and predictable braking. The Hybrid model manages a decent braking feel, but like many hybrids, the pedal can end up being too grabby and sensitive in stop-and-go traffic.

With a model line as extensive as the Camry’s, it’s inevitable that there will be a couple of disappointing models. Here, it’s the LE trim that leaves much to be desired with its interior finishes. Yes, it’s the base model, but the quality of materials falls short of the rest of the car’s feel and performance. Most other trims more than makeup for those shortcomings, however, especially in the XLE model, where plush leather and excellent materials push the Camry toward a Lexus-level interior. The seats are supportive and comfortable and interior noise is kept at a pleasant minimum by the Toyota’s sound deadening. Interior storage is plentiful, as is trunk space. The Camry manages 15.1 cubic feet of cargo space, the rear seatbacks folding forward to provide extra space when needed. 

Toyota’s latest Entune infotainment system runs smoothly on both the 7.0- and 9.0-inch touchscreen units, though it could make better use of the extra real estate on the larger screen. The automaker’s software isn’t as intuitive or smooth as the systems found in others, but this latest version is improved with better menus and smoother transitions. The ability to use Apple CarPlay and Android Auto in all models is welcome and brings navigation and voice commands to every Camry.

Safety is a big focus with the car, which is evident both in crash-test scores and on the standard equipment list. The 2021 Camry earned a Top Safety Pick + award from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety and five stars overall from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). That’s on top of a full suite of standard driver-assist systems, including a pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, lane departure alerts, automatic high beams, full-speed range dynamic adaptive cruise control, road sign assist and lane keep assist.

The Camry remains a compelling choice in the midsize sedan market, but it’s got more and fiercer competition in 2021 than ever before. Honda hasn’t been resting on its laurels with the Accord, but it’s hard to ignore Mazda and Kia on the outskirts. Still, Toyota has done enough to keep the Camry competitive, and it’d be silly to argue that the available V6 powertrain isn’t a tempting option.