The 2017 Toyota Camry fulfills all of the expectations placed on midsize sedans, which is likely why it’s been such a huge sales success. With an emphasis on comfort and ease of use, combined with a solid reputation for durability and reliability, it’s easy to see why. Some rival sedans might be a little flashier or sportier, but the Camry remains an honest and worthy pick.

For 2017, the Camry soldiers on mostly unchanged. You have four trim levels ranging from basic to sporty or more luxurious, and two engine choices: an adequate four-cylinder or a potent V6. The top two trims are eligible for the V6 as well as some optional advanced safety features, which is one of the reasons we recommend upgrading to these levels.

There’s of course no shortage of competition for the 2017 Toyota Camry, and you’d do well to check them out. Each represents a slightly different take on the midsize sedan, emphasizing their brand of performance, value and personality. Deciding between them may very well come down to an intangible preference, but almost all of them will satisfy your core needs.

Pros

  • Interior is comfortable and spacious; all seats are roomy
  • Outward visibility is better than average
  • Trim levels have distinct luxury and sport characteristics
  • Interior controls are easy to read and operate

Cons

  • Middling four-cylinder fuel economy

what’s new

For 2017, the Toyota Camry’s top trim levels get more standard features that include an upgraded infotainment system and a wireless device-charging pad.

we recommend

The 2017 Toyota Camry, in XSE trim, represents an agreeable middle ground between the base LE and top-of-the-line XLE, both in terms of price and feature content. We recommend it over the SE trim because it is eligible for the optional Technology package and its advanced safety features. If you can’t decide on an engine, the standard four-cylinder will be adequate for the majority of drivers. We like the optional V6’s more confident acceleration, but the price premium may be a deal-breaker.

trim levels & features

The 2017 Toyota Camry is a midsize sedan that seats five and is available in four trim levels: LE, SE, XSE and XLE. All models come standard with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine (178 horsepower, 170 pound-feet of torque) that is paired with a six-speed automatic transmission driving the front wheels. XSE and XLE models are eligible for an optional 3.5-liter V6 (268 hp, 248 lb-ft).

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Standard feature highlights for the base LE trim include 16-inch steel wheels, automatic headlights, heated mirrors, a sunroof, keyless remote entry, power front seats, 60/40-split folding rear seats, a rearview camera, Bluetooth, a 6.1-inch Entune touchscreen interface and a six-speaker sound system.

The SE adds 17-inch alloy wheels, a sport-tuned suspension, paddle shifters, upgraded cloth and simulated-leather upholstery, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel.

We like what you get with the XSE, though. It steps up with 18-inch wheels, LED running lights, dual-zone automatic climate control, leather and simulated-suede upholstery, a wireless charging pad, an upgraded Entune system with 7-inch display, a smartphone app-based navigation system and a 10-speaker premium audio system with satellite and HD radio. V6 models also get LED headlights, a sunroof, a noise-reducing windshield and an auto-dimming rearview mirror.

The range-topping XLE trim tops it off with 17-inch wheels, leather upholstery and heated front seats. V6 models add keyless entry and ignition.

Many of these features are available on supporting trims as options. An integrated navigation system is also offered on all models. Additionally, the Technology package for the XSE trim  adds adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning and mitigation, lane departure warning,  blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, and automatic high beams. Adding this package to the XLE trim also includes Toyota’s Safety Connect emergency telematics features.

driving

The 2017 Toyota Camry is a strong performer for the class. Its smooth and powerful engine makes it just as quick as other V6 competitors. The brakes are up to the task, handling is confident, and overall drivability is among the best.

acceleration
The Camry V6 is plenty strong in a straight line, posting a 6.2-second dash to 60 mph. This sedan accelerates effortlessly with this engine combined with a smooth, manually shiftable six-speed automatic.
braking
Though the 129 feet it took for the Camry to stop from 60 mph at our test track is on the long side for the class, pedal feel was very good with intuitive around-town operation. We also noted good resistance to pedal fade even with repeated use.
steering
We still wouldn’t say the Camry’s steering gives a great feel of the road, but it has some life to it and provides more feedback than previous generations. This is an easy car to steer, and you can place it in corners with confidence.
handling
Even if ultimate tire grip is modest, the Camry’s poise and ability to go from corner to corner with confidence are good for this class. The electronic stability control system is effective and unobtrusive when it’s needed and engaged.
drivability
With its effortless acceleration, intuitive brake response, confident handling and excellent highway manners, the Camry is easy to drive on all manner of roads. Light steering and a manageable size make it easy to park as well.

comfort

The 2017 Camry’s front seats have ample adjustability and are adequately supportive. Rear accommodations are also very generous. Highway ride and overall quietness are among the best in the class.

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seat comfort

The XLE’s heated leather front seats offer good comfort and adequate support. The rear seat can actually accommodate three across, thanks to exceptionally generous proportions and good contours.

ride comfort

One of the Camry’s best qualities is its plush and sophisticated ride. It’s able to soak up small bumps without a fuss and without the secondary body motions that plague some cars in this class.
One of the Camry’s best qualities is its plush and sophisticated ride. It’s able to soak up small bumps without a fuss and without the secondary body motions that plague some cars in this class.
noise & vibration
With excellent isolation from road, engine and wind noise, the Camry is among the quietest cars in its class. Whether idling, accelerating at full-throttle up to speed or just cruising on the highway, only true luxury cars are quieter.

interior

Camry’s top-trim XLE interior is well-designed with excellent ergonomics, from a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel to a responsive touchscreen. Entry into and exit from the cavernous interior is a snap, storage and cargo capacity are generous, and numerous aids for visibility are available.

ease of use

Large buttons and knobs dominate common functions (audio, climate control), and the XLE’s standard 7-inch touchscreen has large icons and responds quickly.

getting in/getting out

The doors are large yet light, and reasonable seat and doorsill heights make for easy access. The rear headliner-mounted grab handles further aid exit when faced with tight parking situations.
driving position
The Camry is within fractions of an inch in terms of interior space/room versus its closest rivals, with a few measurements exceeding theirs. It might be classified as a midsize car, but the Camry looks and feels larger inside.
roominess
The thin windshield pillars and low side glass give an airy feeling. The rear view is aided by a large, standard backup camera. The shape of the hood can make it difficult to gauge the front corners, though, and blind-spot monitoring and lane departure warning are optional.
quality
Among its peers, the Camry has better than average build quality, with tight seams, solid-closing doors, good paint, and not a single misaligned or squeaky panel inside. It feels more substantial than most at this price.

utility

Cargo capacity is about average compared to that of other midsize sedans, but the Camry’s thoughtful interior storage solutions ensure a place for all of your personal items.

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small item storage

There are plenty of places to store your personal items thanks to the Camry’s large door pockets with bottleholders, a generous glovebox, a deep console bin and numerous cubbies (one with a wireless charging pad).

cargo space

The Camry’s 15.4-cubic-foot trunk is about average for the class, but it gets points for having a wide and low opening and remote releases for the 60/40-split folding rear seats.

child safety seat accomodation

A rear-facing child seat will fit in back with ease, but the fixed rear headrests make it difficult to properly secure a front-facing child seat.

technology

he Camry’s Entune infotainment system is beginning to show its age in terms of appearance, but when it comes to operation it meets all expectations.

audio & navigation

The infotainment screen isn’t as sharp or modern as other systems, but navigation input is reasonably easy. The menu structure is intuitive, and operation is as easy as that of competitors.

voice control

Voice recognition is accurate, rarely requiring you to repeat commands. Return prompts from the system offer helpful assistance, too.