The 2018 Toyota Camry Is More Popular Than Ever

Though Americans prefer SUVs over mid-size sedans, mid-sized models like the Toyota Camry still account for millions of annual sales – no other model tops this particular class!

The 2018 Camry is an inspiring sedan that provides both comfortable driving dynamics and excellent fuel economy. Depending on trim level, it offers various comfort and tech features like memory seats, wireless phone charging, and dual-zone climate control for added peace of mind.

Comfort and Convenience

In addition to its sleeker sheet metal, the 2018 Camry is also more spacious than previous generations. Up front, there’s ample space for two adults with class-leading 42.1 inches of headroom. In the back, there’s almost as much legroom, plus there is more cargo capacity than many rival sedans.

The 2019 Camry is more enjoyable to drive than any iteration before it, thanks to a stiffer platform and more sophisticated double-wishbone rear suspension than was found in prior iterations. This move marks an improvement over past Camrys with simpler strut designs that resulted in poor ride comfort and a dull steering feel.

Toyota has managed to find an optimal balance of rigidity for this Camry chassis so it floats down the road while holding corners nicely. Even in its sportier SE and XSE variants, its handling remains surprisingly engaging, though, at its stiffest setting, it might feel more jarring on bumpy roads.

Subtle differences that distinguish the SE and XSE Camrys from lesser models include their distinct front grille and hood ornament, part of Toyota’s “Keen Look” design scheme, and giving their vehicles more aggressive appeal. Furthermore, hybrid versions now boast increased trunk capacity thanks to battery packs no longer taking up trunk space, making this model suitable for carrying more cargo than before.

Though the Camry’s infotainment system has significantly improved from before, it still lacks certain key features found in competitors like Apple CarPlay or Android Auto smartphone integration. Bluetooth hands-free calling and audio streaming do feature.

The base L model comes standard with a 4.2-inch display between the instruments; for the XLE and XSE upgrades, a color touchscreen monitor displays more operating information. Overall, it’s easier than before, while other systems may provide more functionality.

Safety

Toyota’s Camry offers cutting-edge safety features and driving aids, making it one of the premier midsize sedan options available today. Riding on Toyota’s TNGA architecture – also used by Prius and C-HR – its more aggressive design ensures better handling and performance for improved driving experiences.

Toyota Safety Sense-P is a comprehensive suite of driver assistance systems that includes forward-collision warnings with pedestrian detection, adaptive cruise control, lane departure alert with steering assist, automatic high beams, and forward collision warnings that have earned this standard its first-ever “Superior” rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.

On top of these advanced driver assistance technologies, the Camry is also equipped with a standard backup camera and power-adjustable driver’s seat for added convenience. Furthermore, both XLE and XSE trim levels of the Camry come equipped with back guide monitor alert technology that assists with parallel parking and navigating tight parking spots more easily.

A double-wishbone rear suspension enhances both ride comfort and fuel economy on the newly redesigned Camry. Furthermore, several driving modes allow drivers to tailor throttle response and engine sound – with ECO mode optimizing throttle operation for optimal fuel economy – while Hybrid models feature an EV mode that enables short-distance travel using only electric motor power.

The newly designed Camry offers two complete sets of LATCH connectors to anchor child safety seats securely. However, some owners report difficulty lowering and raising rear seat headrests – though most issues resolve themselves after 15,000 miles have been driven. Other common complaints include Bluetooth connectivity issues that can be addressed by resetting the system, as well as squeaky brake pads, which should be changed out before their wear and tear causes damage to rotors.

Although it lacks Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration, the Camry’s infotainment system is simple to use and includes some of the industry’s top apps like iHeart Radio, Pandora, Stitcher, Slacker, Yelp and Yelp. A built-in navigation system offers turn-by-turn directions. Unfortunately there’s no wireless mobile-phone charging; an aftermarket accessory would need to be purchased separately in this instance.

Technology

Toyota has significantly upgraded the Camry’s infotainment system, creating something more sophisticated and refined than previous generations of this car’s infotainment system. While still not near best-in-class, Toyota’s latest improvement stands out with features like a reversing camera, JBL premium sound system, Qi wireless device charging capability, as well as embedded navigation apps compatible with smartphone data plans running off smartphone data plans – plus standard safety suite Toyota Safety Sense P. This suite bundles pre-collision system with pedestrian detection and automatic emergency braking, dynamic radar cruise control, lane departure alert with steering assist and automatic high beam headlights compared with prior models’ standard Toyota Safety Sense P suite; previous models only offered pre-collision system with pedestrian detection and emergency emergency braking alongside dynamic radar cruise control, dynamic radar cruise control dynamic radar cruise control dynamic radar cruise control dynamic radar cruise control dynamic radar cruise control dynamic radar cruise control dynamic radar cruise control dynamic radar cruise control dynamic radar cruise control dynamic radar cruise control dynamic radar cruise control dynamic radar cruise control dynamic radar cruise control dynamic radar cruise control dynamic radar cruise control dynamic radar cruise control dynamic radar cruise control dynamic radar cruise control dynamic radar cruise control dynamic radar cruise control dynamic radar cruise control dynamic radar cruise control dynamic radar cruise control with steering assist as well as automatic high beam headlights.

The 2018 Camry utilizes Toyota’s Dynamic Force Engine, taking advantage of TNGA’s enhanced designs, packaging and rigidity to offer more power with superior thermal efficiency. This engine also features multi-hole direct fuel injection, variable cooling, and the latest version of Variable Valve Timing-intelligent Electric (VVT-iE).

One significant improvement to the Camry is its new EV drive mode that optimizes throttle response to maximize electrical driving performance and boost fuel economy, reduce noise levels and emissions considerably while providing powerful acceleration when necessary. Furthermore, this vehicle features auto-glide control to limit aggressive engine braking by analyzing current vehicle speed, determining optimal coasting logic and selecting gears that maximize deceleration torque.

Thick rear roof pillars can limit forward visibility, making reversing cameras invaluable tools when parking or driving into a slanted spot. In addition, other driver assistance technology includes holding down the brake pedal to switch into reverse without using gear selector lever, an integrated rear-view camera in cargo area to view objects behind while driving reverse, as well as blind spot monitoring with cross traffic alert on certain trim levels.

Toyota’s Entune 3.0 app suite connects all trim levels of the 2018 Camry with smartphones via apps on its infotainment touchscreens, offering faster loading and response than its predecessor. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are absent; available Remote Connect allows owners to start/lock/unlock their vehicle remotely as well as receive status updates while serving as mobile hotspots for up to five devices simultaneously.

Value

Even as Americans become more drawn to SUVs and hatchbacks that masquerade as SUVs, mid-size sedans still account for millions of sales annually. Toyota’s Camry remains one of the most popular models on the market, so its redesign gave an edge against rival models such as Honda Accord and Hyundai Sonata.

The new Camry offers an engaging drive, an impressive fuel economy rating and an expansive list of standard features. Plus, it is one of the safest cars in its class; these combined factors make it an appealing option for families or individuals looking for an affordable vehicle that provides plenty of room and comfort.

Toyota’s designers gave this Camry an aggressive appearance, as well as more athletic handling and power than its predecessors. It features fastback design for the first time; longer wheelbase length and reduced ride height provide sportier driving dynamics; unique taillights, sculpted hood and flared fenders make for an aggressive profile – further distinguishing it from previous generations of this vehicle.

All versions of the Camry feature an upscale interior crafted with quality materials, complete with Entune 3.0 infotainment system that connects to apps on smartphone users’ phones as well as navigation options depending on trim level. Furthermore, Entune can help drivers locate their car quickly in parking lots, remotely start and unlock doors of their vehicle and even provide parking lot tracking information – features which have become essential features of modern driving experience. Unfortunately, it doesn’t include Android Auto, which many buyers now consider crucial.

The Camry Hybrid offers superior fuel efficiency, boasting an estimated 51 city/53 highway/52 combined rating on the LE model. Furthermore, this model improves on previous Camry hybrids, which were limited by battery placement issues and reduced trunk space.

Its newly designed transmission feels smoother than its predecessors and has far fewer reported problems overall than rival mid-size sedans. Some owners may experience rare shift-for-shift issues; otherwise the Camry boasts improved rear suspension performance as well as an enjoyable and refined ride experience.