2022 Toyota Camry

Compared to the last Camry you may have driven, this latest model is a breath of fresh air. The Camry, even in its base configuration, is more fun to drive than ever with tighter and more accurate steering feel, a compliant ride, and less body roll than before. It makes for a comfortable daily driving experience, though the road noise is higher than most competitors and the ride comfort is far from class-leading. The Hybrid feels equally pleasant, although not overly eager off-the-line.

For those who want a dose of excitement in their life, the TRD model adds tremendous flair to the Camry experience. While no additional power is available, TRD's handling improvements help the Camry whip around corners with minimal body roll and greater composure. Is it a track car? No. But it's certainly the most dynamic Camry we've ever piloted. Getting traction can be tricky with over 300 hp going to the front wheels, but once the tires hook up, the Camry TRD feels genuinely fast. The eight-speed transmission does a commendable job letting the V6 rev out, though we wish Toyota would have included a full manual mode that doesn't shift automatically and default to the highest selected gear. At high rpm, the TRD's cat-back exhaust provides a nice howl that reminds you that this isn't your dad's old Camry.

With sedan sales shrinking, it is more difficult than ever to stand out in this segment. While the Camry may not be class-leading in a few areas, it still represents a well-balanced package with one of the strongest names in the business. The availability of AWD should cater to cold-weather climates, though we think this option might be too little too late now that consumers are rushing to buy crossovers in droves. The addition of a TRD variant has been a sneakier success that helps make the Camry feel cooler than most humdrum crossovers. Toyota's decision to position the TRD as the least-expensive V6 Camry seems particularly inspired, showing a recognition of customers who value performance on a budget.

The Camry is certainly a strong contender in the midsize sedan segment in the USA, and this is backed by the Top Safety Pick+ award from the IIHS. Excellent safety aside, the Camry is well-priced, and the exterior styling is undeniably eye-catching. We're especially fond of the performance-focused TRD model that brings sporty style and power to the table in a way that few other mainstream sedans manage. Sure, at a lower level, we're left a little underwhelmed by obvious cost-cutting methods like smaller screens and hard plastics, but higher trim levels are truly pleasant and luxurious. One thing that the Camry has going for it is that it offers a smooth V6 engine for those wanting extra power, while rivals have moved to turbo-fours. It may not be the largest or most comfortable sedan in its class, but we can still easily recommend the Camry based on its all-around achievement.

The sedan market has gotten tougher over the years thanks to affordable and practical crossovers leading the market, so the ones that are out there have to fight extra hard for the attention of the modern shopper. The Camry and the Accord aren't struggling for attention as the leaders of the segment, but which one is worthy of your hard-earned thousands? For starters, they're both safety-conscious sedans and boast safety awards from the IIHS, with both scoring a Top Safety Pick+ award in 2021. The interior of the Camry pales slightly in comparison to the cabin of the Accord, and the latter offers more space and comfort both in seating and trunk space. While this long-lasting rivalry lives on, the Accord wins the battle with better fuel economy from its base engine, a more refined interior, and more practicality.

Another battle between esteemed sedans, it's a close one between the Mazda 6 and the Toyota Camry. In terms of space and comfort, the Camry offers a little more of each and along with that, offers a more powerful engine even at base level. The Toyota beats the Mazda in terms of fuel economy, but the Mazda arguably feels a little more nimble thanks to its smaller turning circle. In terms of actual figures, the Camry offers a higher horsepower figure but falls behind in terms of torque. That said, the Mazda is devoid of a potent engine offering and the Camry allows for a powerful V6 engine, so those who value performance may find themselves leaning towards the latter. Both are excellent options, so the better car will come down to personal preference.