2021 Toyota Camry Model Review - San Antonio, TX

What's New For the 2021 Toyota Camry?

Even with the passage of time and an onslaught of competition, the Toyota Camry arguably remains the golden standard for midsize sedans. The 2021 model year finds the Camry in its eighth generation of production, with several changes that include some exterior and interior tweaks, the discontinuation of the base L trim, and the optional 8-inch touchscreen's replacement with a larger 9-inch.

Which Features Are Available for 2021?

With the L trim gone, the remaining 2021 Camry trims are, in ascending order, the LE, SE, XLE, XSE, and TRD. Two rows of cloth-trimmed seats include an eight-way power-adjustable driver's seat. The vehicle includes a six-speaker AM/FM stereo system, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration, Amazon Alexa voice-command ability, two USB ports, Bluetooth, and a 7-inch touchscreen for comfort and convenience.

The SE is elevated with synthetic leather seat trim, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and automatic climate control. The XLE approaches luxury with features such as leather seats and eight-way power extended to the front passenger seat. Reverting to SE-level standard features, the TRD is nevertheless the performance-maximized model, with unique features such as a track-tuned suspension, aluminum sport pedals, and larger disc brakes.

A Perfect Blend of Power and Fuel Efficiency

The base engine on the 2021 Toyota Camry is a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 203 horsepower on the LE, SE, XLE, and 205 horsepower on the XSE. Standard on the range-topping TRD and optional on the upper-level XLE and XSE is a larger and more powerful, 301-horsepower 3.5-liter V6. Both engines are pinned to eight-speed automatic transmissions. All-wheel drive is available with the four-cylinder engine for better road grip, although the standard front-wheel drive is ideal for maximizing fuel economy (up to 28/39 mpg). The TRD is the obvious choice for optimal acceleration: with a 0-60 mph time of 5.7 seconds.

Packed With Safety Features

Driver assistance on the 2021 Toyota Camry is robust, thanks to a plethora of technologies that comprise a rearview camera, automatic high beams, adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, lane-trace assist, lane departure warning, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, and traffic sign recognition. Ten airbags are present to prevent injury when there's a crash.

At the XLE trim level, adaptive cruise control is enhanced, and the XSE and TRD get an additional blind-spot monitoring system with rear cross-traffic alert. If you go with the TRD or an XLE or XSE with the V6, Toyota adds a head-up display to reduce on-the-road distraction.