Toyota Camry prices rise as V6 axed

The facelifted 2021 Toyota Camry reaches showrooms in April and, in a sign of the times, will be a more expensive and smaller range that sees V6 power eliminated and a greater emphasis placed on its hybrid models.

We already knew Toyota was planning to kill off the Camry V6 with the 2021 update, but the deletion of two mid-series normally-aspirated four-cylinder models (SX and SL) cuts the entire range down to five variants – and all bar one are hybrids.

That sole petrol model is the entry-level 2021 Toyota Camry Ascent, which is $2000 more expensive at $30,990 plus on-road costs.

However, as carsales reported last month, the Ascent petrol gains a new ‘Dynamic Force’ 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine that delivers 152kW (+19kW) and combines with a new eight-speed torque-converter automatic transmission.

The latter replaces the previous six-speed unit and, according to initial specs provided by Toyota, returns fuel economy on the combined cycle of 6.8L/100km. The current Ascent is much thirstier at 7.8L/100km.

That leaves hybrid power across the remainder of the range, where the model mix has changed and prices have risen by up to $4200.

The hybrid variants have a carryover 2.5-litre Atkinson-cycle petrol-electric powertrain that produces the same 160kW and fuel economy that remains at 4.2L/100km in the Ascent Hybrid that’s priced from $33,490 plus ORCs (+$1700).

The mid-spec Toyota Camry Ascent Sport Hybrid is priced from $36,290 plus ORCs (+$2500) and similarly delivers 4.2L/100km, while the new $39,190 SX Hybrid returns 4.7L/100km.

The top-spec Camry SL Hybrid – now priced $4200 higher at $46,990 plus ORCs – manages 4.5L/100km, according to the car-maker.

The price hikes reflect far more than powertrain, with every 2021 Toyota Camry featuring a revised front-end design that includes a new grille and bumper, while the cabin in all models other than the base-spec Ascent has a larger 9.0-inch infotainment unit. The Ascent sticks with a 7.0-inch screen.

New safety features fitted standard across the range include road sign assist, emergency steering assist and intersection turn assistance, along with the addition of Toyota Connected Services.

Other driver assist tech such as autonomous emergency braking (AEB) with pedestrian and cyclist detection, adaptive cruise control, lane trace assist and auto high beam is carried over.

Standard equipment on entry-level Camry Ascent grades includes LED headlights and tail-lights, a reversing camera and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto smartphone connectivity.

Camry Ascent Sport adds dual-zone climate control, smart entry and push-button start, navigation, blind spot monitoring, rear cross traffic alert and parking sensors.

Moving into the sportier Camry SX brings 19-inch alloy wheels, sports suspension, shift paddles and leather-appointed sports seats with leather-accented trim throughout the cabin.

The range-topping Camry SL comes with heated and cooled front seats, electric boot opening, head-up display, electro-chromatic interior mirror, panoramic roof, panoramic view monitor and a nine-speaker JBL audio system.

Only two options are available: premium paint ($575) and, for Ascent, satellite navigation ($1000).

Toyota Australia’s sales and marketing boss, Sean Hanley, said the facelifted Camry line-up epitomises the brand’s drive towards an electrified future.

“When we launched the first Camry Hybrid 10 years ago, it was only the second hybrid model after Prius,” he said.

“Today, we offer the hybrid powertrain in seven model lines and with over 70 per cent of current Camry buyers opting for the hybrid version, it is our biggest seller.

“Customers have come to appreciate the significant benefits to their bottom line and their environmental footprint, and now with this facelifted model we are further improving the proposition with a more stylish aesthetic inside and out and more advanced safety and comfort technology.”

Toyota sold 13,727 examples of the Camry in Australia last year, which marked an 18.1 per cent downturn over 2019 but still handed it a dominant 68.3 per cent share of the mid-size passenger car segment.

How much does the 2021 Toyota Camry cost?
Ascent 2.5 Petrol automatic – $30,990 (+$2000)
Ascent 2.5 Hybrid CVT – $33,490 (+$1700)
Ascent Sport 2.5 Hybrid CVT – $36,290 (+$2500)
SX 2.5 Hybrid CVT – $39,190 (new)
SL 2.5 Hybrid CVT – $46,990 (+$4200
*Prices exclude on-road costs