2019 Toyota Camry Review: A Premium Mid-Size Sedan

Introduction

The 2019 Toyota Camry continues to impress as a top contender in the mid-size sedan segment. Fresh off its 2018 redesign, the Camry introduces incremental improvements for 2019, solidifying its position as a premium choice for sedan enthusiasts. Despite the growing popularity of SUVs, the Camry remains Toyota’s second-best-selling vehicle, trailing only the RAV4. This review delves into the Camry’s design, performance, safety, and value, comparing it to rivals like the Honda Accord and Nissan Altima.

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Design and Trim Levels

The 2019 Toyota Camry is available in five trim levels: L, LE, SE, XSE, and XLE. Each trim offers a unique blend of features, catering to a wide range of preferences and budgets. The base L trim starts at $25,050, while the top-tier XLE can approach $40,000 when fully loaded. Notable for 2019 is the addition of Apple CarPlay, a feature now standard across all trims. However, Android Auto remains absent, which may deter some shoppers.

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• L Trim: Basic features, ideal for budget-conscious buyers.
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• LE Trim: Adds alloy wheels, a power driver’s seat, and minor upgrades.
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• SE and XSE Trims: Sport-tuned suspension, larger wheels, and a more aggressive design.
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• XLE Trim: Premium features like leather upholstery, a panoramic moonroof, and advanced safety tech.
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Performance and Engine Options

The 2019 Camry offers two engine options: a 2.5-liter four-cylinder and a 3.5-liter V-6. Both engines are naturally aspirated, a departure from the turbocharged trend seen in many competitors. The base four-cylinder produces 203 horsepower, delivering smooth acceleration and lively revving off the line. However, some drivers may notice a delay in responsiveness during passing maneuvers, a common complaint noted by both reviewers and consumers.

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The optional 3.5-liter V-6, available on the XSE and XLE trims, generates an impressive 301 horsepower. This engine transforms the Camry into one of the quickest sedans in its class, with fierce acceleration and quick revving. Despite its power, the V-6 also suffers from drivetrain lag, though the extra surge after downshifting helps compensate.

• 2.5L Four-Cylinder: 203 hp, smooth acceleration, slight noise at higher RPMs.
• 3.5L V-6: 301 hp, rapid acceleration, ideal for performance enthusiasts.
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Ride Comfort and Handling

The Camry’s ride comfort varies depending on the trim and wheel size. Models with 18-inch wheels, the smallest available, offer a firmer ride than some may prefer. However, shock absorption and body control are well-tuned, ensuring a polished driving experience. Lower trims with 16- or 17-inch wheels provide a more comfortable ride, while SE and XSE trims feature a sport-tuned suspension for sharper handling.

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Steering is higher-effort than some rivals but remains precise and assertive. The Camry’s dynamics are impressive, with minimal understeer and a degree of neutrality rare among front-drive cars. While few drivers will push the Camry to its limits, its handling capabilities are a testament to Toyota’s engineering prowess.

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Interior Design and Features

The Camry’s interior features a high dashboard with intertwining layers, a design that sets it apart from rivals with lower dashboards and high-mounted touchscreens. The 7- or 8-inch touchscreen, depending on the trim, is surrounded by conventional buttons that lack organization. However, other controls are straightforward and user-friendly.

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Higher trims like the XSE and XLE elevate the interior with soft-touch surfaces, leather upholstery, and additional features like a panoramic moonroof and heated front seats. However, the Camry lacks some premium features available in competitors, such as a heated steering wheel, heated rear seats, and cooled front seats.

• Pros: Premium materials in higher trims, intuitive controls, spacious cabin.
• Cons: Lack of Android Auto, some cost-cutting in lower trims.
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Space and Practicality

The Camry offers ample space for passengers and cargo, though taller drivers may find headroom limited with the optional moonroof. Rear-seat passengers enjoy decent headroom but may find the seating position low, leading to elevated knees. Trunk space is competitive, with 15.1 cubic feet in most trims, though the base L trim offers slightly less at 14.1 cubic feet.

In-cabin storage is sufficient, though moonroof-equipped models lose the standard sunglasses holder. The Camry’s pass-through for oversized cargo is narrow, which may limit its utility for certain tasks. Despite these minor drawbacks, the Camry excels in child-safety seat accommodations, earning top marks in this category.

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Safety and Autonomy

The 2019 Camry boasts excellent crash-test scores from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). However, only the Camry Hybrid earns the Top Safety Pick Plus designation due to its superior headlights. The non-hybrid Camry’s headlights are rated as acceptable, which disqualifies it from the award.

Standard safety features include automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane departure warning with steering assist, and automatic high-beam lights. Adaptive cruise control is also standard, though higher trims offer a more advanced version that works at lower speeds. Blind-spot warning is optional, but lane-centering steering is not available.

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• Standard Safety Features: Automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, adaptive cruise control.
• Optional Features: Blind-spot warning, advanced adaptive cruise control.

Pricing and Value

The Camry’s base L trim is rarely available, making the LE trim the de facto starting point at $25,555. While the Camry offers excellent value in its lower trims, fully loaded models can approach $40,000, which may deter some buyers. Compared to rivals like the Honda Accord and Nissan Altima, the Camry holds its own but may fall short in terms of overall value.

Despite its higher price point, the Camry’s combination of performance, safety, and premium features makes it a compelling choice in the mid-size sedan segment. Shoppers are encouraged to test-drive the Camry alongside its competitors to fully appreciate its strengths.

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Conclusion

The 2019 Toyota Camry remains a standout in the mid-size sedan category, offering a blend of performance, comfort, and safety that few rivals can match. While its higher trims can be pricey, the Camry’s overall value and reliability make it a top choice for sedan buyers. Whether you prioritize power, luxury, or practicality, the Camry delivers on all fronts, cementing its status as one of the best mid-size sedans on the market.

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