Toyota Camry Review 2026: Practical Never Looked So Good

from the experts at Invoice Pricing

2026

Toyota

Camry

Enhanced | Sedan | Toyota

In this Toyota Camry Review, we look at a midsize sedan that continues to win people over with what matters most in daily life: efficiency, space, comfort, and a price that still feels reasonable for what you get. The 2026 Toyota Camry remains hybrid-only, with 225 net combined horsepower in front-wheel-drive trims and up to 232 net combined horsepower with the available all-wheel-drive option. It is not built to thrill like some sportier sedans.

Many awards have been given to the Toyota Camry for its unique mix of cost, space, and fuel efficiency, but none for its ability to delight the senses. The 2026 Camry is available only as a hybrid, but it offers two engine options to improve performance.

A typical front-wheel-drive system with 225 horsepower uses the least gas. An all-wheel-drive system with 232 horsepower, on the other hand, boosts output without decreasing efficiency. The Camry makes an excellent family car thanks to its spacious, comfortable interior and an affordable starting price.

What's New?

A new trim level called Nightshade will be added to the Camry range in 2026. It will probably fall between the XLE and XSE trim levels. The Nightshade, as its name suggests, has a dark theme with gloss-black badges, special 19-inch wheels, and midnight-black exterior accents. In addition, it has the same sportier chassis setup as the SE and XSE models. Along with the new trim, the SE, XLE, and XSE grades now come in a new color called Dark Cosmos.

Infotainment and Connectivity

The XLE and XSE models come with a 12.3-inch infotainment screen, while the SE has one as an extra. The standard entertainment screen measures 8 inches. In any case, both screens use Toyota’s latest software layout, which we found quick and easy to use. Every car comes with a digital gauge panel, but the larger, fully digital 12.3-inch version is available only on the top two trim levels. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come standard on all trim levels and don’t require a cord. A nine-speaker JBL sound system is available only on the XLE and XSE trim levels.

Engine and Performance

There are two types of hybrid powertrains for the Camry Hybrid: one that powers only the front wheels and one that powers all four wheels. In front-wheel-drive models, a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine and two electric motors deliver 225 horsepower. In all-wheel-drive models, a third motor powers the rear axle, bringing the total output to 232 horsepower. A continuously variable automatic gear is used in both versions. With a 2.5-liter gas engine instead of the Prius’ 2.0-liter four, these powertrains are the same as the Prius. During our first test drive, we noticed that the hybrid setup was responsive in the city, thanks to the strong torque from the electric motors. The SE, XSE, and Nightshade models all have sportier damper settings. In the corners, our XSE test car had better body control, but we didn’t like the way it drove because it didn’t feel right.

On our test track, the Camry XSE AWD accelerated from 0 to 60 mph in 6.8 seconds. According to MotorTrend, at 60 mph, the Camry Hybrid is just 0.1 seconds slower than the Accord Hybrid and a second quicker than the Hyundai Sonata Hybrid. MotorTrend also notes that last year’s LE trim with front-wheel drive was rated at 53 mpg in the city and 50 mpg on the highway. With all-wheel drive, it delivered 51 mpg in the city and 49 mpg on the highway. The 2026 Camry is expected to achieve 44-51 mpg combined in city and highway driving, depending on the trim and configuration. EPA fuel economy figures have not yet been released. A 2025 Camry XSE AWD got 43 mpg, which matched our expectations on our 75-mph highway fuel-efficiency test route. We will make changes to this area as soon as the EPA’s 2026 predictions and our testing results are available.

Safety Features

The new Camry Hybrids will all have adaptive cruise control, automatic high beams, automatic emergency braking with pedestrian and bike detection, and even a feature that gently applies the brakes to help the driver prepare for corners. Important safety features are:

Automatic emergency stopping that looks for people on foot and bikes.
Standard lane-departure warning and lane-keeping assistance are included.
Standard features include adaptive cruise control, which can help keep the car in its lane.

Cargo Capacity

The Camry Hybrid’s trunk is roomy enough for adults to sit comfortably in both the front and back seats. A large piece of trim stretches from the passenger side to the navigation screen, making the dashboard look good. Standard features include automatic climate control for two zones, rear air vents, and cloth seats. Moving up to the XLE and XSE trims adds features such as heated seats, a heated steering wheel, ambient lighting, acoustic-laminated glass, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, and trunk-stowable, adjustable headrests.

Price and How to Choose

Different grades and features can make the 2026 Toyota Camry cost between $30,000 and $38,000. The SE trim level is presented as the top choice in the Camry lineup. The sporty appearance and value for the price are appealing to many buyers. A larger touchscreen and a more powerful all-wheel-drive system are among the most popular upgrades. It also comes with more basic features and a stronger suspension.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

Excellent fuel economy makes it easy to justify as a daily driver.
Hybrid power is standard across the lineup, which simplifies the buying decision.
Cabin space and ride comfort make it a strong family sedan.
Available all-wheel drive adds extra confidence without a major efficiency penalty.
Pricing stays competitive for a well-equipped midsize hybrid sedan.

Cons:

Driving experience is competent, but not especially exciting.
SE and XSE trims ride a bit firmer than some buyers may want.
Styling changes are evolutionary rather than dramatic.
Upper trims can get expensive for a non-luxury sedan.

Fuel Economy

The LE grade with front-wheel drive got 53 mpg in the city and 50 mpg on the highway last year. With all-wheel drive, it delivered 51 mpg in the city and 49 mpg on the highway. However, the EPA has not yet released fuel economy figures for the 2026 Camry. The least efficient Camry was the high-end XSE all-wheel-drive, which achieved just 43 mpg on the highway and 44 mpg in the city. A 2025 Camry XSE AWD got 43 mpg, which matched what we expected on our 75-mph highway fuel-efficiency test route. We will make changes to this area as soon as the EPA’s 2026 predictions and our own testing results come in.