2015 Toyota Camry Review

Pictured: 2015 Toyota Camry XSE 2.5 & 3.5

 2015 Toyota Camry Review

          When you’re TRULY the best, you don’t have to constantly proclaim it. Your history, your accomplishments, and reputation will do all the talking for you. Hold your course and make continuous improvements. And that is precisely the strategy Toyota uses with their best-selling Camry sedan. A top contender for decades, the Camry was refreshed for the 2015 model year, receiving updates to the exterior and interior. While these changes may only look skin deep, a refresh usually includes some other tweaks that make the car more solid overall. And in a segment as competitive as the midsized one that Camry competes in, keeping pace is crucial. Today: Let’s see if the Camry is still reigning supreme, on Adam’s Autos!

            My test drive of the 2015 Toyota Camry took place at Draper Chevrolet Toyota in Saginaw, Michigan, where Mr. Charles Dawson gave me the utmost assistance and attention while completing my test drives. He also knows a thing or two about Florida's various sports teams, and the dealership itself was recently renovated. So head his way, or check out www.DraperAuto.com if you are curious about the newest Toyota models or other inventory! They will take great care of you! Tell them Adam from Adam's Autos at www.adamsautos.org sent you!

Other notable interior features: JBL GreenEdge premium audio/w HD Radio, XM Radio & Gracenote, navigation, Bluetooth calling/streaming audio, paddle shifters, heated seats, push button start, & a power sunroof.

            I drove one trim level of the Camry, the XSE, or in Toyota speak, the sporty model. Now, I know what you’re thinking: “Sporty and Camry in the same sentence? No way.” But it did feel somewhat livelier than past Camry models or non-XSE models. You even get paddle shifters on the XSE’s steering wheel if you aren’t yet convinced this Camry is trying to air on the more adventurous side. Other trim levels include the base LE, SE, XSE, XLE, and hybrid variants that come in LE, SE, and XLE as well. SE and XSE trims feature sportier exterior styling. Three different engines are available: a 2.5 4-cylinder, 3.5 6-cylinder, and a 2.5 4-cylinder in the hybrid variant paired to an ECVT (electronic continuously variable) transmission. The gas engines are paired to a 6-speed automatic. I test drove the non-hybrid 2.5 and 3.5 engines, and both had adequate power and were quiet while driving, although the 4-cylinder’s noises do intrude slightly more into the cabin. The 3.5 V6 is the engine that REALLY stood out, having ample power in every situation and being surprisingly fast too! Many testers have found the newer Camrys with the 3.5 can go from 0-60 in roughly 6 seconds, while still achieving solid fuel economy ratings.

            As I mentioned earlier, the Toyota Camry XSE I drove does feel sportier than past versions of the car. Handling is more than competent enough for daily driving. However, the brakes are quite soft, and given that the XSE is supposed to be the “sporty” model, I was expecting the brakes to grab a little harder. But hey, we’re talking about a Camry here. Toyota is very careful to not mess with a winning formula when it comes to the best-selling models in their lineup. And when you command a significant share of a particular market segment, why would you? Therefore, don’t expect to be swept off your feet as if this is some sort of automotive revolution. All other things considered, the ride is very smooth and the interior is quiet even at higher speeds. The seats are comfortable, although they offer no lateral support in turns (not like you’ll need it in this type of car), and there is ample room in the front and back for passengers. Interior storage is average and the driver’s armrest slides for comfort, but trunk space is truly ample, making this a great car for road trips and general transportation. The interior materials and design got an upgrade with the 2015 refresh, and I really liked the two-tone grey and black color scheme with suede inserts on the interior of one of my testers. It really did make the Camry feel more upscale! Coupled with the standard assortment of today’s luxury features (heated seats, blind spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, navigation/Entune infotainment system, etc.), you might think you’re driving a Toyota Avalon instead of a Camry.

            So if you’re in the market for a new car, few would fault you for choosing the Camry. It’s proven to be reliable, safe, affordable, comfortable transportation for multiple decades now. In fact, my uncle owned a 1998 Camry up until a couple years ago that had over 200,000 miles on it and still got over 30 miles per gallon! A 1998! The 2015 refresh of the Camry has just positioned it to continue to remain a dominant force within the midsized car segment. If you’re a loyal Toyota Camry driver, you will be pleased with the upgrades and I feel it is worth it. If you’re simply shopping around: Don’t forget to put this car on your list!

Until next time: ROLL ON!

Grading

Engine Power/Economy: A-, 9 points (2.5 4-cylinder), A+, 10 points (3.5 V6)

Quietness: A, 10 points

Interior Quality & Comfort: A-, 9 points

Driving Dynamics: B, 7 points (2.5), B+, 8 points (3.5)

Cargo Capacity: B, 7 points

Overall: 42/50 (B, 2.5 4-cylinder), 44/50 (B+, 3.5 V6)

On ARich’s “Should You Buy It?” scale of Drool, Cool, Meh, or Bleh: It’s “Cool”

Other Specs

Engines Available: 2.5 4-cylinder (178 hp), 3.5 V6 (268 hp), 2.5 4-cylinder Hybrid (200 hp)

Fuel Economy Ratings: 25 city/35 highway (2.5), 21 city/31 highway (3.5), 40 city/38 highway (Hybrid)

Transmissions Available: 6-speed automatic, ECVT (Electronic Continuously Variable Transmission; Hybrid only)

Model Pricing (2016): $23,070 (LE 2.5) - $31,370 (XLE 3.5 V6)

Trim Levels: LE, SE, XSE, XLE, Hybrid LE, Hybrid SE, Hybrid XLE

Available Safety Systems: Blind Spot Monitoring, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Lane Departure Warning, Adaptive Cruise Control, Automatic Braking, Rear View Camera, All Airbags (Front, Side, Curtain, Knees)

Crash Test Results: IIHS 2015 Top Safety Pick+

IIHS Offset: Good

IIHS Small Overlap: Good

IIHS Side: Good

Roof Strength: Good

Head Restraints & Seats: Good

Star Ratings: Frontal Driver- 4 Stars  Frontal Passenger- 5 Stars  Front Side Crash- 5 Stars  Rear Side Crash- 5 Stars  Rollover- 4 Stars

Key Competitors: All vehicles in the midsized car segment, which includes the: Chevrolet Malibu, Toyota Camry, Ford Fusion Honda Accord, Kia Optima, Hyundai Sonata, Volkswagen Passat, Subaru Legacy, & Nissan Altima

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