2015 Toyota Camry

Though it isn’t the most engaging midsize car, automotive journalists agree that the refreshed 2015 Toyota Camry handles with poise and rides comfortably. While some critics think the four-cylinder engine delivers adequate power, others wish it was more potent.

• "In total, the 2015 Toyota Camry doesn't provide what we would consider an engaging driving experience, nor are the SE and XSE really sport models. Rather, they collectively feel like a family sedan should: buttoned-down and confidence-inspiring in varying degrees." -- Edmunds
• "Camry faithful have no fear: The rethought Camry still qualifies as one of the most comfortable, easy-to-drive midsize sedans you can buy. But it's also a little livelier now, thanks in large part to revised steering, braking and suspension tuning." -- Kelley Blue Book
• "No, it's not more fun-to-drive than other midsize sedans, but it's certainly just as good as some of our favorites." -- AutoTrader
• "The LE, with its 4-cylinder engine, 16-inch steel wheels with wheelcovers, and cloth interior, is the least glamorous Camry, but it still delivers smooth, adequate (if sometimes labored) acceleration and an exceptionally calm, absorbent ride." -- Consumer Guide

Acceleration and Power

The 2015 Toyota Camry comes standard with a 178-horsepower, 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine. A 268-horsepower, 3.5-liter V6 is available. Both engines are paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. According to the EPA, the 2015 Toyota Camry gets up to 25/35 mpg city/highway, which is a bit lower than most competitors’ estimates, including the Honda Accord and Mazda6. The V6 model gets 21/31, which pretty good for a V6-powered midsize car.

Some reviewers are satisfied with the power output of the four-cylinder engine and say the V6 is potent. However, others note that neither engine provides very lively performance, adding that you have to push the four-cylinder to get respectable acceleration from it. A few also say that the automatic transmission isn’t very responsive.

• "The Camry's V6 makes a muscular 268 horsepower, and even the 4-cylinder puts out a respectable 175 hp. Indeed, we suspect few Camry buyers are clamoring for more power, and we certainly aren't either." -- AutoTrader
• "We'd complain that Toyota seems to be hanging on to these long-in-the-tooth engines, but darn it if they aren't still laudable and competitive in terms of smoothness, power delivery, and fuel efficiency." -- Consumer Guide
• "The 2015 Camry's engines are both elder statesmen at this point. The 178-hp 2.5-liter 4-cylinder and 268-hp 3.5-liter V6 have earned their retirement several times over. Neither offer much in the way of spirited performance." -- Road and Track
• "The standard 2.5-liter inline four-cylinder makes decent power - 178 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 170 pound-feet of torque at 4,100 rpm - though it requires one to wind it out pretty good to get to it, and the six-speed automatic is none too playful a dance partner, even using the SE's manual shift paddles." -- Autoblog

Handling and Braking

Automotive journalists think that the 2015 Toyota Camry LE and XLE have a very comfortable ride, while the sport-tuned SE and XSE provide a firmer ride. However, many prefer the SE and XSE because they have more composed handling and sharper steering. The Camry XSE’s brakes are also very responsive, according to critics.

• "In the LE and LSE, the responses are relaxed without being flaccid. The SE and XSE are alert without being hyper, firm without jostling. Steering responses also correspond." -- Automobile Magazine
• "Naturally, the XSE V6 is the most dynamically engaging Camry (yes, I just strung those three words together). In terms of cornering ability and sporty driving demeanor, the XSE feels like it can hang with most any mainstream midsize sedan. The trade-off for the XSE's crisper moves are a stiffer ride and noticeably more road noise from its standard 18-inch tires." -- Consumer Guide
• "The Camry rides as smoothly as ever, but now feels more buttoned down and confident over bumps and in curves. No more wallowing and undulating body motions in curves or over rough pavement. For my money, the ‘sportier’ suspension on the SE and XSE is the way to go, as the LE and XLE are a little more floaty and allow a bit more body motion over the bumps." -- Motor Trend 
• "One particular revelation involves the Camry's XSE's brakes, which are remarkably well tuned, thanks in part to a new two-stage master cylinder. Initial bite is crisp and response is linear all the way down the pedal travel." -- Autoblog