Yahoo Autos 2022 Toyota Camry Review | Something for everyone (but get the hybrid)
The 2022 Toyota Camry stays the course as an all-around excellent family sedan. Few changes have been made for this model year, but there didn't need to be many. It remains distinctive looking, offers a plethora of powertrain and trim options and is comfortable without being dull to drive.
Overall, we think the 2022 Camry Hybrid is the best bet of the bunch, as it not only returns exceptional fuel economy, but it offers benefits to handling and is more powerful than the base four-cylinder. Still, if you're on a tighter budget or want all-wheel drive, the four-cylinder is affordable and still punchy enough to be pleasant. We especially like that Toyota uses a traditional automatic transmission rather than the CVTs found in most competitors. The Camry also stands out by still offering a V6, a jewel of an engine with excellent power and refinement. It gets even better in the sporty TRD variant. Basically, there's a Toyota Camry for just about everyone, and they're all very good.
Interior & Technology | Passenger & Cargo Space | Performance & Fuel Economy
What it's like to drive | Pricing & Features | Crash Ratings & Safety Features
What's new for 2022?
The Toyota Camry gets very minor styling and equipment changes for 2022. The regular LE and XLE models as well as the sportier looking SE and XSE models get revised grilles. Otherwise, they look the same as last year. The XLE gets a different standard interior upholstery with a herringbone pattern. The SE Hybrid is also now available with the Nightshade package, which adds black-painted window trim, door handles, wheels, badging and mirrors. Visual changes aside, all Camrys now get standard dual-zone automatic climate control, as well as heated side mirrors. The one exception to the climate control upgrade is the TRD, which continues to feature just a single-zone automatic climate system. The TRD does get some additional standard features in blind-spot and rear cross-traffic warning.
What are the Camry interior and in-car technology like?
The Camry interior is perhaps a little over-styled, but you can't call it boring, and we like that Toyota shies away from large swaths of tacked-on fake wood or metal to carry the look. Quality is also above average, as there really isn't much of drop-off in look, feel and general ambiance from a fancy XLE to the more entry-level LE. We also like the abundance of storage space in the doors, under the center armrest and in a voluminous two-tier smartphone bin.
After last year's updates, the infotainment screen grows out from the dash rather than being embedded within it. It’s not as clean looking as the previous version, but it does bring the screen closer to the driver’s line of vision, so it’s easier to check while driving. Both the standard 7-inch screen and available 9-inch unit share a common user interface, so you're really only getting extra inches rather than different functionality. As such, what's on either is a love-it-or-hate-it affair. Some will appreciate its simple layout, especially for the audio controls. Others find it a bit slow and aesthetically behind the times. The infotainment systems in the Hyundai Sonata, Nissan Altima and Honda Accord (in that order) are superior.
How big is the Camry?
If it weren't for the colossal Honda Accord, the Toyota Camry would stand out for its interior space. The lowered roof of the latest generation may make some folks feel like they're oddly close to the ceiling (especially with a sunroof), but headroom's still OK, and legroom is abundant. Someone 6-foot-3 can even sit behind another without knees grazing the seatback. We also like that the latest Camry has a lower driver seating position than before, making it feel like you're sitting in the car rather than on it. It's just one of the many things done to this generation to make it feel more immersive and driver-focused.
The trunk offers 15.1 cubic-feet of space, which is less than an Accord, a Sonata or VW Passat. In comparison to the Accord in particular, the trunk is a bit narrower and not as deep. However, that says more about those other sedans than the Camry. The trunk's still really big, with enough room for four roller bags and plenty left over. We can get a better feel for how much stuff the trunk can hold in our Camry luggage test cargo review.
It should also be noted that the all-wheel-drive and hybrid Camry models have the same trunk space as the regular front-drive versions, but the hybrid’s back seat is a smidgen higher since the battery resides underneath. This difference is unlikely to be noticed, however.
What are the Camry fuel economy and performance specs?
The 2022 Camry is available with the widest variety of powertrain options in the midsize sedan segment.
Things start with the 2.5-liter inline-four that produces 203 horsepower (best in class) and 184 pound-feet of torque when paired with front-wheel drive (206 hp and 186 lb-ft in the XSE). The optional all-wheel-drive system (AWD) reduces output by a tiny amount. An eight-speed automatic is standard.
Fuel economy with this engine varies depending on trim level and drivetrain. The volume-selling LE and SE with front-wheel drive achieve an excellent 28 mpg city, 39 mpg highway and 32 mpg combined. The XLE and XSE take a minor hit at 31 mpg combined. All-wheel drive takes a further dive, especially on the highway, to 25 mpg city, 34 mpg highway and 29 mpg combined in the LE and SE (25/34/28 for the XLE and XSE AWD).
The optional 3.5-liter V6 is paired exclusively with front-wheel drive and the eight-speed automatic. It produces a whopping 301 horsepower and 267 pound-feet of torque. Unlike some turbocharged engines that require premium fuel to achieve max performance, the Camry's V6 runs on regular. Fuel economy is still strong at 22 mpg city, 33 mpg highway and 26 mpg combined for the XLE. The XSE gets 22/32/26, and the TRD trim brings up the rear at 22/31/25.
Finally, the Camry Hybrid uses a pair of electric motors in conjunction with a four-cylinder engine. Together, they produce a combined 208 hp. By comparison, a Prius produces a mere 121 hp, yet the Camry achieves nearly the same fuel economy. The Camry Hybrid LE trim level returns 51 mpg city, 53 mpg highway and 52 mpg combined. The other trims are 44/47/46, a difference that isn't as significant as the mpg figures make it seem.
