by Larry Lark
Herald Special Sections Writer
The Toyota Camry is America’s top-selling passenger car.
To earn that recognition, you’ve got to be doing something right. In the case of the Camry, it’s a lot of things. And that runs across all trim levels: LE, SE, XLE, XSE, XSE V6 and Hybrid.
My tester was the XSE, which sports a new chiseled exterior with wind-cheating lines and a “Blue Streak Metallic” coat of paint. It was powered by a 2.5-liter, four-cylinder, 16-valve engine paired with a six-speed automatic transmission.
Adding to the car’s stunning visual are smoked taillight accents and 18-inch alloy wheels with exclusive machine finish and gloss-black paint.
The XSE engine delivers 178-horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 170 lb-ft of torque at 4,100 rpm. The mid-size sedan seats up to five adults without a squeeze, and achieves a 35 miles per gallon down the highway rating by the EPA. And the trunk is not chintzy.
It delivers a quiet, comfortable cabin, plenty of power, loads of creature comforts and all the latest technology. Basically it does everything well. What a surprise.
What is a surprise is the Camry’s new-found agility and handling characteristics. The XSE is actually fun-to-drive, which is one of the reasons the car is getting younger. The SE model, which accounts for 45 percent of Camry sales, has drivers 12 years younger than other trim levels. Toyota upped the ante in the redesign by adding an even more sport-focused, specially-tuned suspension on SE, XSE and Special Edition models.
There’s performance DNA deeper down, too. Both SE and XSE models include sport front seats with more supportive side bolsters and a leather-trimmed, three-spoke steering wheel. Both feature a multi-mode console shifter and steering wheel paddle shifters. And both feature a transmission with faster shift times when in “S” mode, along with downshift blipping control to heighten the performance-driving feel.
The XSE goodie bag is extensive – and is even bigger thanks to optional “Convenience,” “Etune” and “Advanced Technology Packages.”
Creature comforts include leather seats, navigation system with rear-view camera, dual-zone climate control, remote keyless entry, push-button start, JBL audio system with 10 speakers, power tilt/slide moonroof, Bluetooth and more.
The Camry’s console tray offers plenty of storage and a convenient power source in the storage box. The enclosed bin in front of the shifter offers a 12v power port, USB port and an available wireless charging system for select smart phones.
The Camry is a top Insurance Institute for Highway Safety safety pick and comes with standard vehicle stability control, traction control, anti-lock braking system, electronic brake-force distribution and brake assist. The technology package adds a pre-collision system, adaptive cruise control and lane departure alert with auto high beam. A blind-spot monitor with rear cross-traffic Alert is also included.
All things considered, the Camry delivers almost something for everyone – which is another reason why more people buy this passenger car than any other.
2016 Toyota Camry XSE
Base Price: $26,310
As Tested: 31,560
Base price includes destination charge. Vehicles are provided by the manufacturer. Prices may vary at local dealerships.
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