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2024 Volkswagen Taos Review2020 Toyota Camry: Moving the Needle on Excitement
The 2020 Toyota Camry banishes boring along with a tan exterior. But the reliable, quality bones are still there, spiced up with some Supersonic Red paint.
What’s New for the 2020 Toyota Camry
When the Toyota Camry was redesigned in 2018, it dropped auto industry jaws. Long known as a dowdy transportation device, Toyota stepped way outside the box. Built on the Toyota New Global Architecture (TNGA) and deleting a tan paint option, the best-selling passenger car for the last decade has been receiving plenty of positive attention. The 2020 Toyota Camry continues to strut that stuff with some key changes.
An exciting one is the addition of a Toyota Racing Development (TRD) model that is far more than badges and wheels. The Hybrid model is now more efficient thanks to its updated Toyota Hybrid System II. And for those without an iPhone, Android Auto capability is now standard equipment. Toyota CEO Akio Toyoda has made it clear he is not interested in making boring cars. The new Camry proves that out.
2020 Toyota Camry – pressroom.toyota.com | Shop 2020 Toyota Camry on Carsforsale.com
The Breakdown
TRD edition looks exciting
Android Auto now included
Tremendous list of standard safety features
V6 motor still available
Some warranty coverage could be better
2020 Toyota Camry Specs
- 203 horsepower from base engine
- 184 lb-ft of torque from base engine
- 7 available trims
- 15.1 cu-ft. of cargo capacity
- Onboard 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot
- 10 airbags standard across lineup
- 10 year/150,000 mile Hybrid battery coverage
2020 Toyota Camry Powertrain
The 2020 Toyota Camry offers a power plant and drivetrain for just about any driver. The naturally aspirated 4-cylinder puts an ample 203 horsepower to the wheels via an 8-speed automatic. That same transmission can also be paired with a 301 horsepower V6, which is a dying breed of engine in the sedan world. Those seeking maximum efficiency should have a look at the hybrid setup, one that Toyota has been perfecting for decades. It combines the 2.5-liter inline-4 with an electric motor and continuously variable transmission.
Regardless of what’s under the hood, all 2020 Camry’s benefit from their TNGA bones. The stiffened structure with modern welding techniques and adhesives offers a more controlled ride. The MacPherson strut front and multi-link rear suspension layout mean crisper dynamics and an overall better handling Camry. And if you’re living in the Snow Belt, check out the available all-wheel drive.
2020 Toyota Camry Fuel Economy & MPG
Whether you’re a lead foot eyeing the TRD or a fuel-sipping Hybrid kind of buyer, the 2020 Toyota Camry will be easy on the gas budget. The Hybrid headlines efficiency with 51 mpg in the city and 53 mpg on the highway. The 2.5-liter four-cylinder is not slouch with over 40 mpg on the highway and just under 30 mph in the city. While the V6 only achieves 22 mpg in the city, and 33 mpg on the open road, keep in mind it does produce 300 horses and 267 lb-ft of torque.
Interior, Comfort, & Cargo Space
You can step into the base Camry L with cloth seats and benefit from all the noise, vibration, and harshness countermeasures employed by the TNGA. Or you can move up the trim ladder to swaddle yourself in leather with heat and ventilation. In either case, the new architecture brings a quieter cabin with more insulation from the outside world. Oh, and don’t miss the Cockpit Red layout if you’re shopping an XSE with the V6, it’s really something.
Entertainment & Technology
Even the most discerning techie will find something to like in the new Toyota Camry. The entire lineup has integration with Apple, Android, and Amazon. Available Qi wireless charging keeps the cabin tidy and the 4G LTE network keeps everyone happily connected. Toyota’s Entune 3.0 runs all this through a touchscreen interface from seven or eight inches in size. A premium JBL audio system will entertain the music junkies and services like Remote Connect make finding your Camry in a crowded lot straightforward.
Safety Features
Under the Supersonic Red skin and 19” rims of the 2020 Toyota Camry is a slew of standard safety features. The STAR Safety System includes stability control, traction control, ABS, Smart Stop tech, and more. Ten airbags are waiting in the wings up front, on the sides, in the curtains, plus around front occupant knees. Pre-collision braking with pedestrian detection, lane departure alert, and dynamic radar-based cruise control are wrapped in the Toyota Safety Sense P package. Last but not least, the new generation of Camry has a NHTSA 5-star crash test rating and is an IIHS top safety pick.
2020 Toyota Camry Trims & Pricing
L – $24,425
While much attention is given to the relatively wild looking sporty Camry’s, Toyota has not left their core customers in the lurch. The base model L forgoes an aggressive front fascia for a more muted look. It also does not offer the Cockpit Red interior. What it does offer is loads of standard features on a solid platform at a low cost.
LED lighting front and back are not your average equipment at this price point. While it is only available in FWD with the 4-cylinder, this base Camry can achieve up to 41 mpg on the highway. Radar-based cruise control, lane departure alert, and a pre-collision braking system are all included under the Toyota Safety Sense P umbrella. And the Entune 3.0 infotainment system is run through six speakers and a 7-inch touchscreen interface with a USB or 12V plug to charge devices.
LE – $24,970
From the LE on up, you can tack on AWD for $1400 – except for the TRD. The hybrid power plant is an option at this level as well, along with the SE trim for around $3500. 16-inch steelies are replaced with 17-inch alloys outside. Inside, the driver receives a power adjustable seat and the rear row can fold down in a 60/40 split. Like the base L, Camry LE’s have a softer suspension tune than the higher-level options.
SE – $26,170
As the first step into Camry’s new world of aggressive looks, the SE comes with 18” black rims, a sport-tuned suspension, and rear spoiler. Automatic climate control and SofTex sport seats dress up the inside while an optional moonroof adds a premium feel. Like all Camry’s, the SE has built-in Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, and Amazon Alexa functionality. The Wi-Fi hotspot, Bluetooth connectivity, and SiriusXM radio feature fill out a robust list of standard tech.
Nightshade – $26,870
For $700 more than an SE, buyers of the Nightshade Camry receive the fully murdered-out treatment and a cool name to boot. Black runs across the door handles, side mirrors, and window trim. It graces the Camry with 18-inch wheels, a rear spoiler, and shark-fin antenna. You get the idea. Like the SE, Nightshade models include paddle shifters to channel your inner Andretti with the 8-speed automatic.
XLE – $29,455
As you approach thirty grand, the XLE Camry can be had with any of the three powertrains – 4-cylinder, V6, or hybrid. The luxury meter turns up with Tiger Eye interior wood trim, heated leather front seats, and the option for ventilation. An available package offers a head-up display, bird’s eye view camera, and blind spot monitoring with rear-cross traffic alert.
XSE – $30,005
The XSE also offers V6 power for a $5000 premium over the 4-pot. 19-inch black wheels with smoked headlights and tail lamps give it a sporting flair, while a panoramic roof (on the V6), dual-zone automatic climate control, and textured metal trim pushes into luxury territory. An available JBL stereo system packs nine speakers and a 10-inch subwoofer. This, plus the Entune system, is managed via an 8-inch centrally mounted touchscreen interface.
TRD – $31,170
Although the new 2020 Toyota Camry TRD will never be classified as an introvert, at least it has the dynamic chops to back up the looks. Along with a 0.6-inch lower ride height, the TRD has meatier underbody bracing, stiffer springs, 19-inch summer tires, and larger front rotors. Not to mention the 301 horsepower V6 motor. Those aforementioned looks include a front-splitter, side skirts, rear diffuser, and pedestal-style spoiler…oh my. A cat-back exhaust, red stitching throughout, and an exclusive Supersonic Red color bring home the TRD bacon.
Warranties
The 2020 Toyota Camry has a 3 year/36,000-mile comprehensive warranty and a 5 year or 60,000-mile period covering the powertrain. On hybrid models, the battery pack is backed by warranty for 10 years or up to 150,000 miles. In addition, any new Camry comes with complimentary, factory-scheduled maintenance for 2 years/25,000 miles.
What we think
2020 Toyota Camry – pressroom.toyota.com | Shop 2020 Toyota Camry on Carsforsale.com
The 2020 Toyota Camry continues the drive away from bland and towards exciting. Tan paint may be gone and yet the basic Camry is still available for traditionalists. But for those looking to combine Toyota’s reputation for reliability and quality with a bit of adrenaline, the TRD model is rather enticing.
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