Toyota Camry SX 2018 Review

Identity crisis

A self-confessed fashion victim, I swore (black and blue) that I’d never wear Birkenstocks. The epitome of pedestrian style, the German shoe brand was built for comfort and practicality, and that alone.

For some time the Toyota Camry has been my Birkenstock of the automotive world. Nonetheless I proceed with an open mind. The Camry deserves it – longevity, nostalgia, sales dominance and so on.

The subject of widespread discrimination and the butt of all cardigan-related jokes, the all-new, eighth-generation Camry appears well positioned to turn the tables.

New Lexus-like lines see this Camry looking better than ever, particularly in SX guise that adds 19-inch alloys and a sports body kit.

“Jesus, hun… it looks like a Commodore is outside your house. We don’t do Holdens around here!!! LOL xx” was the text from a witty one-eyed Audi-driving neighbour.

Just when you think you’re onto something…

Something old, something new

The new Camry brings a four-model line-up with engines old and new. The entry-level Ascent maintains a carry-over 2.5-litre petrol engine and the Ascent Sport is the hybrid, petrol-electric. Our Camry SX test vehicle (and the higher spec SL) gets the all-new 3.5-litre V6.

The new powertrain delivers 224kW/362Nm, to challenge most segment rivals for outright power. It’s matched exclusively to an eight-speed automatic transmission and at this level features paddle-shifters.

That V6 now requires 95 RON premium unleaded fuel and returns a claimed average consumption of 8.7L/100km. In real life, we saw closer to 11.0.

Despite riding on 19-inch alloys (SX & SL only), the cabin refinement remains intact – there’s minimal road noise – and you can hardly hear the engine to be honest. It’s a very comfortable ride. There’s something to be said for cars that exist without fuss.

Drive modes (Eco, Normal, Sport) allow you moderate input, ‘Sport’ mode sharpening things up a little, while steering-wheel mounted paddle-shifts take that involvement one step further. Left to its own devices however, the Camry’s transmission was both decisive and smooth – and that V6 is a ripper engine that offers plenty of pull from low revs.

The longer (4885mm), wider (1840mm) and lower (1455mm) Camry feels every bit its size around the suburbs. Its greater dimensions see an increase in its turning circle, too, now 12.2m (up from 11.0m).

It’s just as well the steering is light enough to tackle the multiple thirty-three-point turns I would endure during my week’s road test. Feedback is good, although far from crisp – but point and you shall go.

Weekends away

On paper, the Camry’s 524-litre boot is close to best in class, beaten only by the likes of the lift-back Mondeo (557-litres). But in reality, you’re not getting anywhere the amount of gear inside the Camry.

The hinged boot lid (no electric tailgate) takes some of your load space, while a small opening for your 60:40 through loading hinders larger items. Surfboards and skis are welcome, bulky items are not.

You can engage the seat release from the boot, but it doesn’t automatically flip the seats, you then have to manually pull them flat from the second row. Picky, I know. Six plastic bag hooks are good, but metal would be better.

The V6 Camry can tow up to 1600kg (braked).

Crowd pleaser

Comfort and amenity in the Camry SX is evenly spread across all five seating positions.

Driver and front passenger are treated to space, comfort and modern tech conveniences. The large centre stack is easy to navigate, the 8.0-inch touch screen flanked by clearly labelled buttons and dials. Piano black finishes, soft leather touch points throughout and exposed stitching are features commonly associated with prestige vehicles, not a sub $30k Camry. A flat bottom steering wheel would add some sporting illusion.

One USB, one auxiliary and one 12-volt outlet and a wireless phone charge pad will keep you connected at any cost. At the other end of the tech spectrum, it’s even got a CD-player… Apple CarPlay/Android Auto a noted omission.

In the second row the big and comfortable seats easily accommodate three occupants, with good head, leg and foot room. There are two seat back pockets, two directional air vents and a centre arm rest contains two cup holders. Importantly (for many), there are also two USB charge points located in the centre. A panoramic glass retractable sun roof brightens an already airy cabin.

In-door storage is small, with large speakers taking pride of position.

Young families will make use of two ISOFIX seating positions and three child seat tether points.

My only real gripe about the Camry’s second row is the floor mat (singular). One mat spreads across three foot-well positions, much like a heavy-duty hallway runner your nanna had.

Dollars and sense

Priced from $27,690 the new Camry easily undercuts its most direct rivals, including the Mazda 6 (from $32,490), Ford Mondeo (from $33,190), Hyundai Sonata ($30,990), Kia Optima (from $34,490) and Subaru Liberty (from $30,240).

Price, however, is not always the deciding factor and several of the Camry’s rivals deliver a more engaging drive in a more refined package.

The Camry comes with a three-year/100,000km warranty with service intervals of 12-months/15,000km.

The Camry gains a five-star ANCAP safety rating and features seven airbags (including driver’s knee), autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist and lane departure warning as standard.

Baby steps in the right direction

There are some words that may never be spoken in a sentence with the new Camry… exciting, sexy or dynamic. Instead you’ll hear words like practical, functional, spacious, solid and comfortable – without these words, in this segment, that other stuff feels irrelevant

The more refined Camry is a definite win for Toyota… and the pragmatic motorist who favours comfort, practicality and sensible shoes.