Past models of the Toyota Camry won’t necessarily win a beauty contest. Or a race in the quarter mile, for that matter. But it’s hard to beat its reliability, especially when you’ve got a family to take care of. The latest edition of the Camry continues the tradition of a vehicle that scores well in fuel efficiency, safety ratings, affordability, and overall value. Toyota’s upped the ante this year with all-wheel drive and a competent V6. The 2020 Camry will have you wondering why you didn’t check out this solid sedan before.

Performance Specifications

The 2020 Camry rockets across town via three different powertrains. The first is a small four-cylinder engine, typical of the segment. These 2.5-liters make just over 200 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque. The larger 3.5-liter V6 engine produces 301 horsepower and 267 lb-ft of torque. Finally, Toyota serves up the greener, hybrid alternative. There’s an electric motor paired to the 2.5-liter four-cylinder, which makes a combined 208 horsepower total.

Each of these engines is paired to an eight-speed automatic transmission. While front-wheel drive is standard, all-wheel drive can be added to select trims. See our trim section below for more details. While Toyota does offer three powertrains, only the 2.5-liter four-cylinder is compatible with the AWD option. Performance models with the V6 are front-wheel drive only.

Available Colors

Toyota offers the 2020 Camry in the following colors:

  • Supersonic Red
  • Wind Chill Pearl
  • Ruby Flare Pearl
  • Midnight Black Metallic
  • Super White
  • Celestial Silver Metallic
  • Predawn Gray Mica
  • Galactic Aqua Mica
  • Brownstone
  • Blue Streak Metallic

On select models, you can purchase a Midnight Black Metallic roof. This two-tone setup is available with Celestial Silver Metallic, Wind Chill Pearl, Supersonic Red, and Blue Streak Metallic.

Available Trims and Prices

If it’s trim levels you’re undecided about, take a look at the wide array below. You have plenty of choices and price points.

L Model

With a starting price of $24,425, the base 2020 Camry includes a variety of standard features. You’ll find Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, along with a seven-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth, and a six-speaker sound system. Base models ride on 16-inch steel wheels. Besides the V6 versions, the L model is the only four-cylinder not available with AWD. Manual fabric seats pair to power windows and locks. A standard rearview camera accompanies the standard safety features, which we’ll discuss more below.

LE Model

Unless you live a spartan life, you might as well consider the LE model the entry-level Camry. It adds back equipment such as a powered driver’s seat, lighter 17-inch wheels, and a folding back seat. You can add the Cold Weather package and all-wheel drive to this model, unlocking heated seats and mirrors. The Convenience package brings you blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, along with creature comforts such as keyless entry and push-button start. Base price for the LE model starts around $25,795. It’s well worth the extra $1,400 compared to the L model.

SE Model

For Camrys that aren’t as ho-hum, choose the sporty SE model. Just a hair over $1,000 more than the LE, it’s worth the upgrade to add options such as “a sporty exterior trim, a sport-tuned suspension, revised steering calibration, automatic climate control, simulated-leather upholstery seats, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel with paddle shifters.” If you like the black-out look, there’s the SE Nightshade Edition. It’s the perfect choice for a stealth ride. Both the SE and the LE are available as a hybrid as well.

XLE Model

Tipping the bank account into just over $30,000 is the XLE version. Complete with the option to upgrade to the V6 engine, the XLE mirrors the LE in features but adds more to the mix when it comes to the interior. You’ll get upgrades such as a heated steering wheel, leather seating, push button start, and a JBL audio system. All-wheel drive is available on this model, for $1,400, and you can also choose to order the XLE in hybrid as well.

XSE Model

Offering just a bit more than the XLE version, the XSE nears the $31,000 mark in price. On top of what the XLE offers, you’ll also enjoy the 10-inch heads-up display (HUD), keyless entry, and eight-inch touchscreen infotainment center. Chrome exhaust tips highlight the V6 engine out back. A panoramic glass roof keeps the sun shining on you as much as you like.

TRD Model

An acronym for “Toyota Racing Development,” the TRD Camry model steals a bit of the Civic’s spunk. Powered by the V6 engine, the TRD model emphasizes sportiness over utility. However, this Camry is still plenty capable of carrying its promised five passengers in comfort and style. Riding on 19-inch rims, TRD models include standard features such as upgraded suspension and brakes, extra bracing, and an aerodynamic body kit.

A JBL audio system pairs with navigation and a heads-up display. Keyless entry and push-button start bring the technology of the TRD Camry into the future, where performance tires won’t cost you a penny extra—at least the first time you buy them. The TRD starts around $32,000. As for exterior colors, the TRD comes in Wind Chill Pearl, Midnight Black Metallic, Celestial Silver Metallic, and Supersonic Red. Each of these colors is topped by a Midnight Black Metallic roof and blacked-out mirror caps.

Safety Features

The 2020 Camry scores stellar ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). With 5 out of 5 stars from the first organization and a top-rated “Good” from the latter, it’s important to know that Toyota equips the Camry with its famous Safety Sense P system of features.

Technology in that package includes Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection, Full-Speed Range Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist, Automatic High Beams, and adaptive cruise control. For a premium price, you can add Blind Spot Monitoring with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert and a surround-view camera system. When it comes to standard safety technology, Toyota sets the bar high.

Fuel Efficiency

There are many factors affecting the fuel efficiency ratings on the 2020 Camry. From the choice of engines to the driving configurations available, numbers can get thrown about without much detail. Here’s a comprehensive list of the fuel efficiency ratings you’re likely to see on the 2020 Toyota Camry.

The base four-cylinder engine performs respectably well, offering 29 city and 41 highway EPA-estimated miles-per-gallon (MPG) on L versions. LE and SE versions post up 28 MPG city and 39 MPG highway. Finally, the last of the front-wheel drive versions, the XLE and XSE, achieve 27 city and 38 highway MPG. All-wheel drive versions of the base engine — found in the LE, SE, XLE, and XSE — achieve 25 city and 34 highway MPG.

New 2020 Camry models equipped with the V6 will see 22 city MPG across the board. XLE models achieve 33 MPG on the highway, while the XSE and TRD drop down to 32 and 31 MPG respectively. Remember, these models are FWD only.

Last but not least, the hybrid powertrain achieves 51 city and 53 highway MPG in the LE trim, while SE and XLE trims dip down to 44 city and 47 highway MPG. Again, plenty of options if you are someone trying to save at the pumps.

Competitors

Expert reviewers had a bevy of feedback for Toyota when it comes to the 2020 Camry. U.S. News named the 2020 Camry their 2020 Best Midsize Car for Families. They also called it the 2020 Best Midsize Car for the Money. The Camry impressed their expert crew for “its mix of quality and value” that “hits all the marks.”

Another award for this home-run family car comes from Edmunds. “We picked the 2020 Toyota Camry as one of Edmunds’ Best Gas Mileage Cars for 2020.” Beyond pointing out all the features that make Camry models of many years past a staple for any family, Edmunds also noted that the addition of all-wheel drive really launches the 2020 Camry ahead of the pack.

Despite the solid offerings of the 2020 Camry, reviewers did find Toyota lacking in some aspects. For example, TheCarConnection.com could take or leave the base engine. The rear seat also didn’t impress them in terms of entrance and outward visibility. CarandDriver pointed out that while there is an array of options available across the 2020 Camry trims, the “serious gap in material quality between the entry-level models and the more expensive versions” left them wanting more.

The Last Word

It would be difficult to contain the heritage of the 2020 Toyota Camry within the confines of this page. However, if you’re looking for a reliable, affordable, dependable, and efficient family sedan, the Camry should be near the top of your list. We encourage you to stop by your local Toyota dealer and test drive the newest Camry. If you’re unsure about switching over from your turbo machine to a four-door sedan, give the TRD a chance. It may not push 20 psi boost but it will still make grocery-getting a jaunty adventure.

Source: Toyota.com

Rebecca Henderson has a Master's in German and a Bachelor's in Creative Writing. She alternates her time between writing and working on a variety of motorized projects. Most recently, she and her boyfriend have been building a custom drift trike. Rebecca believes that language, love, and a life worth living are only the first ingredients to happiness.