2015 Toyota Camry – Test Drive, Spec, Ratings

The Toyota Camry XSE Heightens the Thrill in Driving

For 2015, Toyota brings an entirely new design concept into reality with their mid-sized Camry sedan. With a complete style overhaul from ground level up, the all-new re-designed Camry delivers a new sense of visual awe.

Although a direct carry-over of its existing 2.5L, Toyota adds the freshly squeezed XSE model with an optional V6 to its lineup. In addition to bigger horsepower, the XSE also offers firmer shocks, finer steering precision and larger 18″ wheels that promises a more fun and engaging driving experience while staying within the boundaries of family functionality.

Exterior overhaul for the all new 2015 Camry is significant. Design cues borrowed from the Lexus IS can be identified mainly in the front grille and chiseled side panels. Overall stance is boxier with a wider stance, showing off a mixed inspiration of bold aggression and styling.

Powertrain options are offered in two flavors of either a 2.5L four cylinder producing 178 horsepower, or the more fiesty 3.5L V6 producing 268 horsepower available only in the XSE trim. Both options are coupled to a basic 6 speed automatic transmission. Driving experience remains numb until you actually get to drive the XSE V6. At 268 horsepower, it’s not jaw dropping numbers, but acceleration feels very capable. Handling also deserves respect thanks to its stiffer tuned suspensions, but return rate of steering feedback can be sharper. While some might not mind it, but there is a fair bit of road and mechanical acoustics leaking into the cabin space.

Other new features introduced in the 2015 lineup, particularly with the XSE model is the added leather suede seating material, added 4.2″ LCD screen on its instrument panel and a unique wireless charging pad for your smart phone device.

Basic LE and SE Camry models come equipped with a standard 6.1″ LCD infotainment screen while the higher XSE and XLE trims receive upgraded 7″ infotainment displays with other added goodies including navigation, USB connection and bluetoothe wireless connectivity.

The Camry genetic pool has always been an impression of bare-bone mid-sized people mover. But the XSE proves itself to be a divergent in a fun and exciting way. It’s a car you look forward to hopping in on your morning commute. Performance and fuel economy generally don’t mix, but in the case of the Camry XSE V6, I achieved a very respectable 26 MPG for both city and highway driving.

For the more conservative and environmentally conscious minded, the Camry SE Hybrid is also available. In terms of pricing, the Camry XSE V6 priced in at $33,650 and the Camry Hybrid SE at $29,635.

Specifications

Vehicle : 2015 Toyota Camry
Model : Camry XSE V6
Price as Tested : $33,650
Vehicle Type : 4 Door Sedan
Seating Capacity : 2+3
Powertrain Configuration : FWD
Engine : 3.5L 6 Cylinder
Transmission : 6 Speed Automatic
Horsepower : 268 Hp
Torque: 248 lb.ft
Fuel Economy: 21/31 MPG City/Highway
Additional Features : Technology Package, 7.0″ Infotainment touch screen, Leather Suede Seats, 10 speaker JBL Audio system, Technology package including blind spot detection, rear view camera, rear cross traffic detection, anti-theft detection system.