2020 Toyota Camry Review

　　

2020 Toyota Camry Review

byCameron RogersManager, News

　　Cameron Rogers has worked in the automotive industry since 2013. He has tested and reviewed hundreds of vehicles over the course of his career. Today, he leads the news team in developing cutting-edge news articles, opinion pieces and sneak peeks at upcoming vehicles. Favorite cars that he's driven during his tenure at zzdcar include the 991-era Porsche 911 Turbo S, Rolls-Royce Ghost and several generations of Honda Odyssey (really).

　　The 2020 Toyota Camry provides the basic qualities you expect from this popular sedan: a roomy cabin, plenty of trunk space, a comfortable ride and high crash test safety scores. So far, so Camry. But some noteworthy additions make this year's model more desirable than others. The first is all-wheel drive, which has been absent from the Camry lineup since 1991 and should have particular appeal for those in cold-weather regions.

　　

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2020 Toyota Camry L 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl 8A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.04 per gallon for regular unleaded in North Dakota.

Monthly estimates based on costs in North Dakota

　　$110/mo  for Camry L

　　Camry L

　　L 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl 8A) - $24,425 MSRPLE 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl 8A) - $24,970 MSRPLE 4dr Sedan AWD (2.5L 4cyl 8A) - $26,370 MSRPSE 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl 8A) (Most Popular) - $26,170 MSRPSE 4dr Sedan AWD (2.5L 4cyl 8A) - $27,570 MSRPSE Nightshade Edition 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl 8A) - $26,870 MSRPSE Nightshade Edition 4dr Sedan AWD (2.5L 4cyl 8A) - $28,270 MSRPXLE 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl 8A) - $29,455 MSRPXLE 4dr Sedan AWD (2.5L 4cyl 8A) - $30,855 MSRPXLE 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 8A) - $34,580 MSRPXSE 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl 8A) - $30,005 MSRPXSE 4dr Sedan AWD (2.5L 4cyl 8A) - $31,405 MSRPXSE 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 8A) - $35,130 MSRPTRD 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 8A) - $31,170 MSRP

　　vs

　　$164/mo

　　Avg. Midsize Car

　　The second is standard Android Auto integration. Toyota has been slow to incorporate third-party smartphone integration, finally adding Apple CarPlay just last year. Now the Camry comes standard with both pieces of software plus Amazon Alexa for a truly complete smartphone experience.

　　The third big upgrade is the new TRD trim. While Toyota continues to offer the sport-themed SE and XSE trims, the TRD bumps up the Camry's performance abilities considerably. The Toyota Racing Development team has upgraded the Camry's suspension components and customers have the option of adding summer performance tires at no cost. The Camry TRD loses a little practicality — a V-brace that stiffens the chassis extends across behind the rear seats, eliminating the ability to fold them — but gains an appreciable amount of street cred. As a sweetener, the TRD comes standard with the Camry's smooth-revving and powerful V6 engine.

　　In a broader sense, it's true that the Camry isn't the best midsize sedan out there. Other top picks such as the Honda Accord, Hyundai Sonata and Mazda 6 offer various combinations of nicer interior materials, more enjoyable base-model performance or simply greater value. But the Camry's continuous improvements, history of reliability, and fiercely loyal customer base ensure this family-friendly four-door remains popular with shoppers.

　　Notably, we picked the 2020 Toyota Camry as one of zzdcar' Best Gas Mileage Cars for 2020.

　　

What's it like to live with the Camry?

Because of its thoroughly overhauled cabin and redesigned exterior, the eighth-generation Toyota Camry was an interesting addition to our long-term vehicle testing program. We bought a 2018 Camry in the sporty SE trim and tested it for more than a year. To learn what it was like to live with, read our Best Gas Mileage Cars, where we covered everything from seat comfort to fuel economy. Note that the 2020 Camry differs slightly from that 2018 model, which did not have Apple CarPlay or Android Auto smartphone integration, but our coverage is otherwise applicable.

　　zzdcar Expert Rating

　　Our VerdictThe zzdcar Vehicle Testing Team evaluates a fresh batch of vehicles every week, pairing objective assessments at our test track with real-world driving on city streets, freeways and winding roads. The data we gather results in our Expert Ratings. They’re based on 30-plus scores that cover every aspect of the automotive experience.

　　Average

　　7.6

　　out of 10

　　zzdcar TESTED

　　Rated for you by America's best test team.

　　

Performance

7.5/10

　　How does the Camry drive? We tested the four-cylinder Camry SE. Toyota has optimized it to get high fuel economy, but the trade-off is rather sluggish acceleration off the line. Our test car accelerated from 0 to 60 mph in an unimpressive 8.2 seconds, though it feels a little zestier than that in the real world. The transmission helps make up for this a bit with reasonably good response and quick shifting. With eight speeds, there's always a gear for the occasion, but expect two-gear downshifts when you dip into gas as it tries to make do with available engine power.

　　The Camry SE benefits from a slightly sportier suspension, which lends a more hunkered-down feel. It's not set up for truly aggressive driving, but it'll handle anything the average driver is bound to throw at it on a daily basis. The brakes are also easy to control with a light and responsive pedal, and the Camry's stopping performance is about average for the segment.

　　

Comfort

7.5/10

　　How comfortable is the Camry? Big, comfortable seats and a smooth ride mean the Camry will suit a wide range of drivers even on long trips. Add in a powerful, easy-to-use climate control system that can cool the cabin effectively, even in triple-digit temperatures, and the Camry provides a pleasant cabin environment for any occupant along for the ride.

　　Its biggest flaw here is that the Camry lets in too much outside noise. You'll hear a prominent engine buzz when accelerating and noticeable wind and road noise at freeway speeds. The Camry is definitely noisier than average for a midsize sedan.

　　

Interior

8.0/10

　　How’s the interior? The Camry's cabin won't wow you with its opulence but instead nails the fundamentals across the board. Highlights include an airy cabin that is easy to get in and out of. It's also spacious for both front and rear occupants and has great outward visibility. An optional 360-degree camera system makes it even easier to navigate cramped parking lots.

　　The user interface presents no mysteries, with large, clear gauges and simple, well-labeled buttons. They are relatively intuitive even for tech-averse drivers. The radio volume and tuning knobs are easy for the driver to reach, but they're a bit of a stretch for the front passenger. That could be a plus or minus depending on your passenger.

　　

Technology

7.5/10

　　How’s the tech? The Camry's smartphone integration has improved with the addition of Android Auto for 2020. Apple CarPlay and Amazon Alexa were brought on board the previous year. The 7-inch infotainment system touchscreen is easy to read, and built-in navigation is offered on higher trims if you want it. Three USB ports and the option to add a wireless charger should provide plenty of charge for all occupants on the road.

　　All Camrys come with an impressive suite of standard driver assistance features such as adaptive cruise, automatic emergency braking and lane keeping assist. We found some aids too sensitive at times to prove really useful, but others, such as the optional surround-view camera system, are excellent accident-avoidance systems.

　　

Storage

8.0/10

　　How’s the storage? As midsize sedans go, the Camry's stuff-hauling credentials are pretty solid. The 15.1-cubic-foot trunk area is large for the class. It also has a wide opening with a low liftover height. The 60/40-split back seat is easy to fold down via trunk-mounter release handles if you need to fit longer items.

　　There is a good amount of concealed cabin storage too. There's a sliding compartment underneath the wireless charger, a moderately sized center armrest bin, and a small storage cubby on the far left-hand side of the dash. Camry buyers with kids will appreciate the ample rear-seat room for car seat access and the easily accessible anchors.

　　

Fuel Economy

8.0/10

　　How’s the fuel economy? The four-cylinder Camry's EPA fuel economy rating is among the best in its class at 32 mpg combined (28 city/39 highway). We measured 33.7 mpg on our standardized 115-mile evaluation drive route that provides a mix of city and highway driving. zzdcar also tested a Camry SE of this generation for more than 33,000 miles and observed an average of 29.8 mpg.

　　

Value

7.5/10

　　Is the Camry a good value? The Camry is an easy-to-use, dependable and fuel-efficient vehicle at the expense of some excitement. It isn't as feature-driven as the Hyundai Sonata or as luxurious as the Mazda 6, but its design and variety of textures manage to be attractive without sacrificing functionality.

　　Toyota's warranties and after-care support are pretty typical, with a three-year/36,000-mile basic and five-year/60,000-mile powertrain coverage. That's nowhere near what Hyundai and Kia offer, but most other brands are in the same boat.

　　

Wildcard

7.5/10

　　The Camry doesn't disappoint, especially in SE trim. It won't replace a real sport sedan, but its pleasing driving dynamics are certainly welcome in this class of car. And with relatively aggressive styling, the Camry at least tries to shrug off the image that midsize sedans don't have to be boring.

　　

Which Camry does zzdcar recommend?

The L and LE prioritize value over all else, but the Camry is at its best in its SE and XSE trims. The SE is a cost-effective way to give the Camry some pizazz, with eye-catching styling upgrades and a sport-tuned (but still comfortable) suspension setup. If you're considering the Audio Upgrade package — which is bundled with the Convenience package — it doesn't cost much more to upgrade to the XSE. It includes that package plus niceties such as heated front seats and leather upholstery.

　　

2020 Toyota Camry models

The 2020 Toyota Camry is a midsize sedan available in six different trim levels: L, LE, SE, XSE, XLE and TRD. Most trims come standard with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that generates 203 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque (add 3 hp and 2 lb-ft for XSE models). Optional on the XLE and the XSE is a 3.5-liter V6 (301 hp, 267 lb-ft). Every Camry comes with an eight-speed automatic transmission that sends power to the front wheels. For 2020, all-wheel drive is available but only with the four-cylinder engine in LE trim and above.

　　The Camry L is the base trim. It comes with a relatively light load of features that includes 16-inch steel wheels, LED headlights, a 7-inch touchscreen, a USB port, a Wi-Fi hotspot, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, and a six-speaker sound system. Standard on every Camry is Toyota Safety Sense, a suite of driver assistance features.

　　On the next rung up the ladder is the LE. It adds a power-adjustable driver's seat, alloy wheels, a 60/40-split folding back seat, and two charge-only USB ports. For a sporty feel, check out the SE. It's equipped with a sporty exterior trim, a sport-tuned suspension, revised steering calibration, automatic climate control, simulated-leather upholstery seats, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel with paddle shifters. There's also an SE Nightshade model that includes additional black-painted exterior trim for a stealthy look.

　　A few optional features are available for the LE and the SE. The Convenience package adds extras such as keyless entry and ignition, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, and a blind-spot monitor with rear cross-traffic alert. The Audio Upgrade package includes the Convenience package plus dual-zone automatic climate control, a wireless charging pad and an 8-inch touchscreen. A sunroof is also available.

　　You can think of the XLE and the XSE trim levels as versions of the LE and the SE, respectively, with a variety of additional comfort and convenience items. Highlights include the Audio Upgrade package, leather upholstery, a larger driver information display, heated front seats, and a more advanced adaptive cruise control system. Further upgrades are available for these trims and include navigation, a nine-speaker JBL premium audio system and additional driver safety features.

　　Adding all-wheel drive will make the new Cold Weather package available. This package includes heated seats and mirrors on the LE; heated seats, mirrors and steering wheel on the SE; and a heated steering wheel on the XLE and the XSE.

　　Finally, this year's new TRD starts with the SE's content and adds the V6, 19-inch black-painted wheels, an aerodynamic body kit, upgraded brakes, a TRD-tuned suspension and extra chassis bracing. It also gets keyless entry and ignition, the more advanced cruise control system, and driver-selectable driving modes. Performance tires are a no-cost option.

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2020 Camry Highlights

Trim: LLESESE Nightshade EditionXLEXSETRDL

　　

Base MSRP	$24,425
Engine Type	Gas
Combined MPG	34 MPG
Cost to Drive	$110/month
Seating	5 seats
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place	14.1 cu.ft.
Drivetrain	front wheel drive
Warranty	3 years / 36,000 miles