[Auto] Test Toyota Camry Hybrid Luxury 220H e-CVT

[Dr.Drako]

The saloon segment is going through a very difficult time, even more when we talk about general brands. However, this has not slowed Toyota, which has finally brought to the Spanish market one of its most iconic mid-size sedans globally. Its name is Toyota Camry and it is a hybrid model that is available for 32,300 euros.

 

Although many of you may think that this hybrid sedan arrives to replace the discontinued Toyota Avensis, the truth is that it is not quite like that. The Toyota Camry wants a step further, especially in the section of quality and elegant image as well as technological. In this test I tell you all the details of the eighth generation Toyota Camry. Will it be enough to rival the Volkswagen Passat, Peugeot 508 and company?

 

Differentiated and elegant

As always, we start with a review of its exterior design. The Toyota Camry shows an aesthetic very unrelated to the usual European sedans. Bet on a more Asian image, with straight and angular lines, but maintaining a certain level of elegance. As standard we have LED headlights with headlight washers, adding in this Luxury finish 18-inch wheels and LED rear lights, among others.

 

It has a very distinctive front, boasting ecology with the Toyota logo in blue, as in all the hybrid models of the company. But even more remarkable is the main grille, finished in gray and with multiple horizontal slats. The fog lights are very small, going virtually unnoticed.
The side view, even having the typical sedan silhouette, with its three well-marked volumes, is simple. Seeing the car in this way we realize that it has a low body and long overhangs, so be careful with the curbs when parking on battery and with the garage ramps. On the other hand, both the

headlights and the rear lights partially lengthen on the side. Ah, of course, there is no shortage of “hybrid” inscriptions on the front wings.

In the back, there was also no desire to abuse an overly loaded design. We have a trunk lid that divides the rear lights, which have a red and white casing, while the bumper is quite bulky. As a curiosity, this model does have a visible exhaust outlet, which is located in the left corner.

To finish off with the exterior, let's talk about its dimensions. The Toyota Camry measures 4,885 mm long, 1,840 wide and 1,445 high, while its wheelbase is 2,825 mm. I do not want to forget that, due to its shapes, it achieves a Cx of 0.27, that is, it is a fairly aerodynamic car.

 

Lights and shadows for the interior

If we move to the cabin, we find an interior with lights and shadows. The overall appearance of the dashboard, door panels, and center console is good. It has a very Japanese-style design, without as much completely straight and horizontal structure as manufacturers from the old continent usually present. Of course, in this Camry we do not see a very innovative and technological interior, which is something in high demand lately.

We have a somewhat dated general design, at least in my opinion. The instrument cluster has two needle dials (power and battery recharge, as well as a speedometer), while a screen with different submenus appears between the two.

This screen, although it does its job, does not look too modern. In it we can consult travel data, view navigation information, the instantaneous operation of the hybrid system or modify some parameters of the car, such as driving assistants.

Regarding the main infotainment screen, it is not what is expected in a car launched in the year 2019. Toyota - like many Japanese brands - should work more in this regard. The infotainment system is not fast and its characters are outdated. From my point of view, it is not what is expected in a saloon with an elegant aesthetic and a certain “technological image”. Mind you, it is not that I love the rooms full of screens and touch surfaces.

As for qualities, materials and prints, the appearance it presents is quite correct. If we touch the upper part of the dashboard we find a nice padded material, as well as in the central and door rests. It is true that there is a lot of hard plastic finish in lower parts, but its appearance is good and there is no strange creaking, which is a positive point. In the end, to offer a low price, you have to save on some details.

 

Is the Toyota Camry a spacious car?

Leaving aesthetics and focusing on habitability, the Toyota Camry has good front seats. The seats are spacious and have electric regulation although, yes, they may be too soft and not fully support in the curves. In any case, it is not a big problem either because it is not a car designed for dynamic driving. The steering wheel settings are also electric and it is very easy to find a comfortable position.

Meanwhile, the rear seats have a clear configuration to use only the two sides. There is a central plaza, but it is very narrow and uncomfortable, the sides being quite wide. The legroom is very good and unless we exceed 1.90 in height we will not have problems with rubbing on the ceiling.

One detail is that in this Luxury finish we have a screen in the center armrest. With it we can manage the audio equipment, the air conditioning of these rear seats, fold or unfold the rear electric curtain and vary the inclination of the rear backrests independently and fully electric. A good point. In addition, the part of the armrest is very padded and we can deploy two cup holders. In the central tunnel there are two practical USB sockets to recharge our smartphone.