When you think of a Toyota vehicle, the first words that probably come to mind are high-quality, long-lasting, and reliable—traits that most car owners would wholeheartedly agree with. In India, Toyota is often synonymous with the Innova, and for good reason. It’s the undisputed king of the MPV segment. But now, Toyota is setting its sights on the luxury sedan market with the ninth-generation Camry, a car that demands attention with its bold front fascia, sleek silhouette, and a cabin packed with cutting-edge features.
The Camry first made its debut in India in 2002, with a hybrid variant following in 2013. Over the years, it has weathered the storm of competitors entering and exiting the market, continuously evolving and staying strong. With the sedan market shrinking, the Camry now faces just one main rival—the pricier, direct-import Skoda Superb. Unlike its competitor, the Camry enters India via the SKD route. Enough with the history; let’s take the luxury hybrid sedan for a spin and see if Toyota truly refines luxury with the new Camry.
Toyota Camry: Stunner Exteriors
Who would’ve imagined that ‘Toyota Camry’ and ‘smashing looks’ would ever be mentioned in the same breath? Well, it’s time to eat a little humble pie and raise a glass to Toyota for taking a bold leap with the new Camry’s design. Sure, you’ll notice Lexus-inspired touches throughout, but let’s face it, that’s a win for Toyota.
Built on the TNGA-K platform from the previous generation, the new Camry has undergone serious tweaks and reinforcements. Why fix what isn’t broken, right? Gone are the days of Toyota’s traditional, understated design. The new Camry is all about bold road presence. The Hammer Head design brings a whole new attitude that’s been missing from the sedan for years.
The front now features a muscular clamshell bonnet, flanked by sleek, all-LED headlights and wing-shaped LED DRLs, giving it a sharp, aggressive look. The air dam area on the bumper feels like a combative version of Lexus’ Spindle Grille, further ramping up the attitude.
Moving to the side, the sculpted shoulder lines, swooping roofline, and 18-inch alloy wheels make a powerful statement. At the rear, the elevated boot hood, C-shaped LED tail lamps, and bold Camry badging on the trunk lid complete the striking look. It’s busy, it’s bold, and it’s anything but understated.
Toyota Camry: Classy Interiors
Step inside the Toyota Camry, and you’ll immediately notice its minimalist approach—fewer buttons and a cleaner dashboard, with only the essential controls for the three-zone climate system and front seat ventilation speed. The cabin is elevated with two 12.3-inch displays — one for the infotainment system and the other for the driver’s digital console.
As expected, the Camry is loaded with features like a wireless phone charger, three Type-C ports, a generous under-armrest storage area, a 9-speaker JBL sound system, and a single-panel sunroof. Upgrades include a 10-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, the ability for rear passengers to slide or recline the front passenger seat, and a 10-inch head-up display. The front seats are spacious, comfortable, and equipped with lumbar support for added comfort.
Rear passengers are treated to a luxurious experience with reclinable seats and a touchscreen in the armrest that controls the seats, infotainment, and climate settings. In addition to rear air vents, two Type-C charging ports ensure the devices stay charged.
Toyota Camry: Engine
The Toyota Camry continues to be powered by its trusty 2.5-litre engine, now producing 227 bhp—an increase of around 12 horses—while retaining the 221 Nm of torque. What’s more impressive is the new, lighter, and more compact lithium-ion battery, which boosts fuel efficiency over the previous generation. The hybrid system excels in city driving, where it runs predominantly on the electric motor rather than the petrol engine, offering a smooth, silent experience. However, floor the pedal, and the e-CVT gearbox will make a whiny sound, giving you a sudden wake-up call.
As always, the Camry offers one of the best ride qualities in its class. After a long, tiring day, it’s a perfect vehicle to lounge in and catch up on some much-needed rest. Just be cautious over speed bumps, as the sedan’s low stance can make navigating them a bit tricky. The Camry is all about comfort, not about charging through tight corners and conquering them.
Toyota Camry: Should you buy it?
The Toyota Camry is a class act, blending contemporary looks with a Level 2 ADAS suite, a 360-degree camera, front and rear parking sensors, and nine airbags—because safety is a priority. At Rs 48 lakh ex-showroom, it serves up everything from comfort and space to linear power delivery and an impressive over 25 kmpl mileage (Toyota’s claim). It’s more affordable than the Skoda Superb (starting at Rs 54 lakh) and definitely roomier than any luxury German executive sedan. The Camry isn’t about flashing bling, it’s the sensible choice for those who would rather have class than chaos. Confident, comfortable, and probably the smartest move in this segment—because sometimes, being understated is the ultimate flex.
