Functional luxury is not a common term, but the 2015 Toyota Camry XLE gives it definitive value. Few cars deliver as much luxury and premium feel with an understated exterior which stays away from an impractically large body. The designers and engineers at Toyota have worked hard to make the newest Camry as sleek and contemporary as they could, while still packing all the essential luxury creature comforts you would expect into a car in this segment.
Exterior Styling
The 2015 Toyota Camry XLE shows that Toyota is keen on keeping one of North America’s favorite cars fresh. The Camry now bears a sleeker profile with a sportier front grill accented by a chrome slat. The finned lower air-dam adds to the razor like front appearance and, together with the grille, are complemented well by the sharp in-set fog-lamps and the lean headlamp clusters on either side. Speaking of which, there is also a choice of LED low- and high-beam headlamps if the projector beam halogens aren’t enough.
The side profile is what actually gives away how large the Camry really is. The proportions are just as generous as before and the longer roof-line and thick C-pillar clearly indicate that head-room is plentiful. The rising shoulder-line ends in the wraparound tail-lamp clusters which end at the trunk lid. Overall, apart from the restyled front-end, the rest of the styling is conservative; many would say, as it should be.
Interior Styling
Inside, the 2015 Toyota Camry XLE is typically high quality. The sporty intent is evident, but function takes precedence over form. Fit-and-finish on every panel and element is good and is just as functional. Knobs and buttons where they should be let you easily control all the vehicle functions. Toyota has spared no spoils here, with everything from Bluetooth connectivity to Qi wireless charging for compatible devices, and Entune Audio Plus with a 6.1” touch-screen on the center console. The driver information module is housed between the analog speedometer and tachometer and displays key information without any distractions to the driver.
The front sports seats in the new Camry are very supportive, have quality contrast-stitching and offer good bolster support. The 8-way power adjusters help achieve a good driving position for when you’re feeling particularly competitive. However, even the rear seats draw attention to themselves with the excellent support they offer; little wonder then that the Camry is chauffeur-driven in so many countries world-wide. Even when travelling a great distance, the comfort and ergonomics are excellent and you can emerge fresh from your drive. The large 15.4 cu ft trunk is large enough to hold luggage for five for a quick getaway too. A very sensible car it is indeed.
Safety Features
Toyota is not known to compromise and the new 2015 Toyota Camry gets the important boxes ticked on the spec sheet. The Star Safety System packs enhanced Vehicle Stability Control, traction control, four-wheel ABS with EBD and Brake Assist, while also including Smart Stop Technology to simultaneously prevent pedal crossover and accidental throttle input, while also saving precious fuel. Advanced seat-belt primary restraints are supported by 10 airbags, with the driver and front passenger advanced airbag system.
On the options list are the Pre-Collision System with radar-based adaptive cruise control, as well as the lane departure alert system and automatic high beam system.
Powertrain, Drivetrain & Performance
Downsizing may be prevalent, but the 2015 Camry doesn’t fall prey becuase of the three drivetrains available, the 2.5L in-line four cylinder gasoline engine delivers on power and efficiency. With 178 hp at 6,000 rpm and 170 lb-ft at 4,100 rpm going through a 6-speed automatic transmission, the front-wheel-drive Camry puts the power down in a very linear and well-controlled manner allowing for good traction and easy driving characteristics. The steering feels nicely weighted and on the heavy side, for more assured direction changes, even at speed.
The sprint to 60 mph takes 7.9 seconds and the Camry continues to steadily raise its pace. Eventually, it will go on to a governed top speed of 115 mph. Which brings us to another important highlight. Even at highway speeds, the cabin is extremely quiet and the ride is very composed. That speaks volumes about the build quality and attention to noise insulation in all the right areas. As a car to drive it’s not one which gets your pulse racing, rather, it’s one which soothes and lets you enjoy the drive above all. On the efficiency front, up to 35 mpg on the highway and 25 mpg in the city mean a combined figure of 28 mpg. Together with the 17-gallon tank, it translates to a range of close to 500 miles. If, however, efficiency is the key criteria, you would be better off with the Camry Hybrid, which comes at a premium of $3,830. Or, if it’s the contrary and you want more power, there’s always the 3.5-litre V6 with 268 hp, at a $5,220 premium.
Warranty
The 2015 Toyota Camry XLE comes backed with a 3-year/36,000 mile basic warranty, with an additional 5-year/60,000 mile powertrain warranty and 5-year/unlimited mile rust warranty. Reliability, of course, is one of the keys to the success of every Toyota vehicle.
Conclusion
There aren’t many cars which deliver the goods and stay cool while doing it, but the 2015 Toyota Camry XLE manages it all with ease. It’s an incredibly flexible and versatile car and its reliability is legendary. The engine is as refined as it is powerful, and the ride quality is so good, it’s even relaxing. Creature comforts, technology, gizmos and space, it’s got it all. If a convenient, safe and dependable ride is what you’re looking for, there are few alternatives to the Toyota Camry.
Specific Make/Model & Trim Package: 2015 Toyota Camry XLE
Base Price for this model: $26,150
Body style: Four-door, sedan
Engine & Torque: 2.5L in-line four, naturally-aspirated, gasoline, 178 hp @ 6,000 rpm, 170 lb-ft @ 4,100 rpm
Transmission: 6-speed automatic, FWD
Curb weight: 3,340 lbs
Wheels & Tires sizes/specs: 17” Super Chrome wheels, 215/55 R17 all-season tires
Warranty: 3-year/36,000 mile basic; 5-year/60,000 mile powertrain; 5-year/unlimited mile rust and perforation
Fuel economy EPA: City/Hwy MPG: 25 City / 35 Hway / 28 Combined
0-60 MPH, Quarter Mile: 7.9 seconds, 16.2 seconds
Top Speed: 115 mph