When it comes to the Camry, Toyota has been pulling rabbits out of its hat for 40 years now. Since 1982, the Toyota Camry has been providing drivers solid performance and an excellent array of practical features that has left some thinking it must be magic. This is because the Camry has historically given drivers like you a midsize sedan that has so much to offer at an amazingly affordable price. The 2023 Toyota Camry continues this tradition, while offering a few new wrinkles to keep things fun and interesting.
This is the eighth generation of the Camry, with the 2023 model building on the improvements and changes introduced during the 2021 model year. This version of the Camry has a bolder and sportier look, with clean lines making this midsize sedan more aerodynamic than ever. Nevertheless, the 2023 Camry continues the tradition of maximizing space, safety, and affordability that has always been a hallmark of this model. In addition, drivers can choose between eight different trim levels, which seems fitting since this model is part of the eighth generation.
Three Magical Powertrains
As with any vehicle, the magic of the 2023 Toyota Camry starts with its powertrain. Toyota gives you a choice of three different options. The first is a 2.5L I-4 gas engine that is exceptionally efficient. It comes paired with a Direct Shift eight-speed automatic transmission. It utilizes direct injection to deliver from 203 to 206 horsepower and 182 to 186 lb-ft of torque. The differences in output depend on which trim level you choose, and whether you get your Camry with front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. The efficiency of this model of the 2023 Camry is shown by its 32 miles per gallon in combined city and highway driving with front-wheel drive. All-wheel drive models are also quite fuel efficient, giving drivers 29 miles per gallon combined.
The second powertrain option is a 3.5L V6, which also comes with an eight-speed automatic transmission. This is featured on the Camry TRD model. TRD stands for Toyota Racing Development, and the contribution of these performance engineers shows in this model. The V6 engine has greater output, giving you 301 horsepower and 267 lb-ft of torque. As a result, the Camry TRD can go from 0 to 60 miles per hour in just 5.6 seconds, with a top speed of 134 miles per hour. The real magic that it gives you this sports car performance while still providing a respectable 26 miles per gallon in combined fuel economy.
The third engine option is a hybrid. The 2023 Camry Hybrid combines the performance of a 2.5L I-4 gas engine with an 88 kW permanent magnet synchronous AC motor. While the I-4 engine runs on gasoline, the AC motor is powered by a 1.6-kWh lithium-ion battery pack. Toyota replaces the eight-speed automatic transmission of the other Camry models with an electronically controlled continuously variable transmission (eCVT). This eCVT blends the performance of the two engines to deliver efficient performance under all driving conditions. The combined output from this gives you 208 horsepower and 149 lb-ft of torque, which can take the Camry Hybrid from 0 to 60 miles per hour in a respectable 7.8 seconds. However, the key benefit is its exceptional fuel economy. The Toyota Camry Hybrid LE model gives you an eye popping 52 miles per gallon in combined fuel economy. The other hybrid models have a slightly lower 46 miles per gallon in combined fuel economy, which is still quite exceptional. Driving the Camry Hybrid reduces your dependence on gasoline, as well as your car’s greenhouse gas emissions.
A Spacious Interior That Seems Like Smoke and Mirrors
The Camry has a tight 111.2-inch wheelbase, making it maneuverable, especially in tight turns. Looking at the vehicle from its exterior, you’d be forgiven if you thought the interior would be a little cramped. This is because the doors on the Camry open into an exceptionally spacious passenger compartment. Gas powered models have up to 100.4 cubic feet of space, depending on which trim level you choose. The Camry Hybrid is almost as voluminous, with 99.9 cubic feet of passenger space.
Toyota has done an exceptional job of apportioning the space between the Camry’s two rows of seats. For example, front row passengers will enjoy 42.1 inches of legroom and 55.4 inches of hip room. Still, your rear row passengers won’t complain, with 38 inches of legroom and 54.7 inches of hip room. This shows that the Camry is truly a five-passenger midsize sedan.
The interior of the Camry is a study in space maximization to yield both comfort and convenience. There are at least two front cup holders and two rear cup holders and bottle holders in every model. Some of the higher trims add an additional pair of bottle holders in the front row. There is also at least one USB-C charging port on the Camry, so you can stay charged and connected.
A heated steering wheel and heated front seats are available on every 2023 Camry model. Drivers get a choice of fabric, Sports SofTex, and leather-trimmed seats, depending on the model you choose. All Camry models also come with a standard eight-way power adjustable driver’s seat with a power lumbar support to make driving easier and more comfortable. The trunk in the Camry opens to 15.1 cubic feet of cargo space, plenty of room for everyone’s luggage.
Standard Safety Features Make Driving Magical
Every 2023 Toyota Camry comes with a set of standard driver assistance features as part of the Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+ suite. This includes two new standard features for 2023. Automatic high beams will turn your high beam headlights on automatically when you reach an area of low light. They will then turn them off when the lighting improves, or when the system detects another motorist. This helps you in two ways. First, it reduces the distraction of constantly turning your high beams on and off at night, allowing you to focus more of your attention on your driving. Second, it reduces the chances of distracting another driver, which will make it less likely that you will have an accident.
The second new standard safety feature is Road Sign Assist. This uses a forward-facing camera that reads the current speed limit sign, and then displays on your Camry’s screen. This will not only help you from getting speeding tickets, but will also help you maintain a safe cruising speed. Those speed limits are not set just to annoy you. They are there because highway experts have judged the safest speed to travel on each road.
There are other standard safety features on the Camry that have been carried over from the prior year’s model. Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection will let you know if there is an imminent collision with a vehicle or pedestrian in front of your Camry. This will send an audible alarm, and also engage the brakes to bring your Camry to a safe stop or to reduce the damages caused by an unavoidable accident.
One of the most common causes of highway accidents is driver distraction. You get distracted for only a moment, taking your eyes off the road, and the next thing you know your car has drifted into the next lane, colliding with another vehicle. The Camry helps you avoid this. Lane Tracing Assist helps you stay in lane on the highway. If you do get distracted, Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist will sound an alert and use slight steering adjustments to get you back in your lane before you have a collision.
The 2023 Camry also features Dynamic Radar Cruise Control. This is a form of advanced cruise control that adjusts the speed of your Camry to match a slower vehicle in front of you. As soon as the vehicle has left your lane, the system will restore you to the speed that you pre-selected.
Each year, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) names the safest vehicles in each model size. The 2023 Toyota Camry has once again been named a Top Safety Pick+ by the IIHS for midsize cars. This means that the Camry is one of the safest midsize sedans on the road today.
Make Some Practical Magic in a 2023 Toyota Camry
The 2023 Toyota Camry has much to offer, from a choice of three fuel efficient powertrains to a spacious and well appointed interior. You also get a set of standard driver assistance features that will make driving your Camry safer and easier than ever. Best of all, the 2023 Toyota Camry has a very affordable base MSRP of $26,320. This number might sound like a lot of hocus pocus, but it is all real.
