Ride & Drive: The 2015 Toyota Camry
The best-selling car in America has been completely redesigned for the 2015 model year delivering the boldest design in Camry history.
Slightly long, the new Camry also delivers a smoother, quieter ride, as well as a long list of safety features.
The five-passenger, front-wheel drive midsize sedan is available in LE, XLE, SE and XSE trim levels — as well as the Camry Hybrid SE and Hybrid XLE.
Consumers also have their choice of two engines. The base powerplant is Toyota's 2.5-liter I-4 delivering 178 horsepower and 170 lbs.-ft. torque. Mated to a six-speed automatic transmission, it requires regular unleaded gasoline and has an EPA fuel economy rating of 25 mpg city, 35 mpg highway.
For those wanting a little more performance in their ride, the Camry XSE and SLE are also available with the 3.5-liter V-6 engine. Delivering 268 horsepower and 248 lbs.-ft. torque, it is mated to a six-speed automatic transmission. Also requiring regular unleaded gasoline, it has an EPA fuel economy rating of 21 mpg city, 31 mpg highway. Both engines allow the Camry to receive the EPA's ultra-low emissions vehicle rating.
When it comes to safety features, the new Camry is absolutely loaded. Standard features include 10 standard airbags, vehicle stability control, traction control, anti-lock braking system, electronic brake force distribution and brake assist with Smart Stop Technology brake-override system.
Available systems include pre-collision, adaptive cruise control, lane departure alert with auto high beam lane departure alert, blind spot monitoring with rear cross traffic alert. Camry XLE models also offer the Safety Connect telematics system, which includes automatic collision notification, stolen vehicle location, emergency assist button and roadside assistance.
And yes, the new Camry is highly connected, featuring a number of new multimedia systems. Depending on the trim level, Camry offers a variety of audio and navigation packages with either a 6.1- or 7-inch display screen, which serves as a portal for Entune, Toyota's multi-media system with access to the subscription-free app suite. The HD radio system includes iTunes tagging and SiriusXM Satellite Radio.
All models include standard Bluetooth wireless connection for hands-free phone calls, and a phone with available phone book transfer function.
The new Camry also comes with complimentary scheduled maintenance and 24-hour roadside assistance for the first two years or 25,000-miles.
With a base price starting at $23,000, the 2015 Camry is rock solid. For those in the market for a mid-size sedan, it should be on the test drive list.
Neal White has been covering the automotive industry for more than 20 years, and is affiliated with the Texas Auto Writers Association.
THE NUTS & BOLTS
MODEL: 2015 Toyota Camry 5-seat mid-size sedan Front-wheel drive Trim packages: LE, XLE, SE, XSE (Does not include specifications for hybrid model)
PRICE RANGE: $23,000-$35,000
ENGINE: 2.5L I4 (178 hp/170 T) 3.5L V6 (268 hp/248 T)
TRANSMISSION: 6-speed automatic EPA: 25/21 mpg city, 35/31 mpg highway (I4/V6) FUEL: Regular unleaded
STABILITY CONTROL: Vehicle stability control with traction control
BRAKES: ABS
LENGTH: 190.9 inches
WHEELBASE: 109.3 inches
WIDTH: 71.7 inches
HEIGHT: 57.9 inches
WEIGHT: 3,240-3,460 lbs.
TRACK: 62.8/62.4 (front/rear)
FUEL TANK: 17 gallons
TIRES: 16-, 17- or 18-in.
CARGO: 15.4 cubic feet.