Midsize sedans have continued to be a powerhouse in the auto industry as of late. While there are plenty of buyers who want the power of a truck or the cargo room of an SUV or minivan, there are still many drivers who just want a comfortable way to get from point A to point B and sedans excel at doing just that. One of the best midsize sedans happens to come from one of the most revered and trustworthy car makers on the planet, Toyota. With its commitment to crafting superb, reliable automobiles, Toyota has earned every bit of the stellar reputation it now holds. And one of the most iconic members of Toyota’s celebrated lineup of unparalleled cars, trucks, and SUV’s is the Toyota Camry. What makes the Camry so impressive is that it seems Toyota never settles for “good enough” and continues to tweak and improve the Camry every year. The 2020 Toyota Camry is no exception and is a uniquely versatile ride built around optimal performance. So continue reading to learn more about the Camry’s long list of incredible features.
A Trim Breakdown
While many cars these days are released in anywhere from three to five trims, the Camry comes in a wide variety of trims and editions. And with various engine configurations and the ability to choose between front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive, the possibilities are nearly endless. You could almost say there is a Camry for everyone.
The base model, or Camry L, starts at $24,425—not bad for a car that is as loaded as the L. For starters, the Camry L comes with a 2.5L 4-cylinder engine capable of generating 203 hp. The L also rides very smoothly with its 8-speed automatic transmission. In terms of fuel efficiency, the L is a SULEV (Super Ultra Low Emission Vehicle) and gets 29 MPG in the city and 41 MPG on the highway for a combined fuel rating of 34 MPG. While all of that performance is fantastic, things get even more exciting as you climb the ladder of trims.
Up one rung from the L is the Toyota LE, which has the option of coming with FWD or AWD. The FWD trim starts at $24,970 and the AWD at $26,370. Aside from the two different trims, the main difference between the L and the LE comes down to a few more available options on the L, such as an available power sunroof and a few standard features such as the 60/40 fold-down rear seat. The LE also has a Hybrid option, which starts at $28,430 but gets a ridiculous 51 MPG in the city and 53 MPG on the highway. These trims and options are impressive, but it only gets more so as we continue upward.
After the LE comes the SE, which starts at $26,170 and comes equipped with a stylish black front grille, 18” alloy wheels, and Toyota’s popular safety suite known as Toyota Safety Sense (which we’ll look at in more detail in a minute). The SE has the option to come with AWD for a slightly higher price and also has a stunning Nightshade Edition, which includes a completely black exterior—emblem and all. There is also a Hybrid SE that has similar performance and fuel ratings to the other Hybrid models. And if you spring for the XSE, you can get the wheel size up to 19” and include Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and an 8” touch-screen starting right around $30,000.
The Camry XLE has the same technological goodies on the inside as the XSE has and also has a power sunroof. And of course, there is also a Hybrid XLE with its unbelievable fuel efficiency. Starting at $31,170, the Camry TRD (and the XLE V6) is where things really get exciting. With a 3.5L V6 engine capable of generating over 300 hp, the TRD can really move. The dual exhaust also creates quite a stir and spices things up a bit. And last but not least is the XSE V6, which starts at $35,130 and, as the top trim, is fully loaded.
Staying Safe
While it is readily apparent that the 2020 Toyota Camry comes in many shapes and sizes with a variety of engines capable of generating some serious power, the advanced safety features of the Camry should not be overlooked. For example, the pre-collision system with pedestrian detection provides an audio and visual alert when pedestrians are nearby and can even warn of a possible collision under certain circumstances.
Using a radar located on the front grille of the Camry, the full-speed range dynamic radar cruise control keeps you a preset distance away from the car in front of you even if they are traveling slower than traffic. And in addition to those great features, lane departure alert with steering assist lets you know when you are drifting out of your lane and, in some cases, can even move the car back in the direction of the lane where you are driving.
Finally, with its automatic high beam technology, the Camry toggles between low beam and high beam when it senses oncoming traffic in certain situations. And in addition to creating a truly safe driving experience, these technologies add to the overall convenience factor offered by the Camry. While these features aren’t standard on every trim, they really do take the Camry to the next level and are worthy of serious consideration when deciding which Camry to buy.
Inside the Camry
While we have already taken a closer look under the Camry’s hood and know implicitly that it has a stylish, athletic exterior, the interior of this great midsize car should not be overlooked. In addition to the already mentioned Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and 8” touch-screen available on some trims, the interior has a spacious, elegant feel and comes with available leather-trimmed seats. What’s more, is that just beyond the steering wheel is an available 7” multi-information center with everything you need to know right at your fingertips.
The inside also has a slew of technologies that allow you to connect wherever you are. The Camry’s available WiFi connection keeps you and your passengers in touch with the world even when on the road, and the Smart Key System lets you start the car with the push of a button. Lastly, the Camry has ample cargo room in the trunk, and the already mentioned 60/40 fold-down rear seats allow you to bring even more with you. With all of these interior features, spending time inside your Camry will never be uncomfortable or boring.
Roadside Assistance
Though there are many more highlights we could look at, one last item worth noting is Toyota’s unique 2-year/25,000-mile roadside assistance. This outstanding coverage comes with a Camry at no extra charge and gives you the peace of mind to wander boldly, knowing that Toyota will be there if you need them. Not every new car on the market comes with such a tremendous feature, and it should not be taken for granted. Not only does it provide more security, but it also speaks to the confidence Toyota has in the Camry.
Check It Out Yourself!
With a nearly endless lineup of Camry models and trims, a number of high-powered, efficient engines, and plenty of safety features and interior and exterior extras, the 2020 Toyota Camry really is one of the best midsize sedans available today. If you haven’t had the opportunity to test drive one yet, you really should. Head on over to your local Toyota dealer to experience firsthand the unparalleled performance and versatility of this amazing car. Happy driving.
