The Camry LE now uses Toyota’s 4-cylinder, 2.5-litre mill. It generates 169 hp and 167 ft-lb of torque, 11 hp and 8 ft-lb more than its 2009 counterpart.
Note that the Camry SE, one notch above in the lineup hierarchy, receives an even more potent version of the engine that churns out 179 hp and 171 ft-lb. In addition, of the five versions of the Camry listed in the catalogue (LE, SE, LE V6, SE V6 and XLE V6), the SE is the only one that can be coupled with a 6-speed manual transmission.
The Camry LE automatically receives a 6-speed automatic tranny, the same one available on request on the SE. It stands out by its extreme smoothness, and it also features a sequential mode that enables the driver to make better use of available power.
The new powertrain improves the Camry LE’s fuel efficiency. This translates into a 6% increase compared to the previous model’s engine. An improvement that doesn’t sacrifice performance. Quite the opposite: the humblest Camry treats you to snappy acceleration and steady throttle response. During our test drive we clocked in at 8.7 seconds on the 0-100 dash. The 2009 model needed a whole second more.
Greyish handling
In normal conditions the power steering commits the sin of limpness. This also incidentally contributes to making the torque effect seem more obvious, more awkward even, when pushing the engine.
On the other hand, the brakes are easy to measure out. Here we’re dealing with four disc brakes and a non-intrusive ABS system. What’s more, all Camrys now inherit both stability and traction control.
The suspension efficiently absorbs the road’s imperfections, contributing to the smooth ride, as do the 16-inch tires reserved for the Camry LE. A “reasonable” tire size that will be much-appreciated when shopping for winter tires.
Visibility is satisfying in all directions, except for the rear. The high trunk impairs your view when backing up. Quick! Order the backup camera with satellite guiding system! Sorry, no can do. Toyota only offers it on the upscale models powered by the 3.5-litre V6.
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| The suspension efficiently absorbs the road’s imperfections, contributing to the smooth ride. |
Note that the Camry SE, one notch above in the lineup hierarchy, receives an even more potent version of the engine that churns out 179 hp and 171 ft-lb. In addition, of the five versions of the Camry listed in the catalogue (LE, SE, LE V6, SE V6 and XLE V6), the SE is the only one that can be coupled with a 6-speed manual transmission.
The Camry LE automatically receives a 6-speed automatic tranny, the same one available on request on the SE. It stands out by its extreme smoothness, and it also features a sequential mode that enables the driver to make better use of available power.
The new powertrain improves the Camry LE’s fuel efficiency. This translates into a 6% increase compared to the previous model’s engine. An improvement that doesn’t sacrifice performance. Quite the opposite: the humblest Camry treats you to snappy acceleration and steady throttle response. During our test drive we clocked in at 8.7 seconds on the 0-100 dash. The 2009 model needed a whole second more.
Greyish handling
In normal conditions the power steering commits the sin of limpness. This also incidentally contributes to making the torque effect seem more obvious, more awkward even, when pushing the engine.
On the other hand, the brakes are easy to measure out. Here we’re dealing with four disc brakes and a non-intrusive ABS system. What’s more, all Camrys now inherit both stability and traction control.
The suspension efficiently absorbs the road’s imperfections, contributing to the smooth ride, as do the 16-inch tires reserved for the Camry LE. A “reasonable” tire size that will be much-appreciated when shopping for winter tires.
Visibility is satisfying in all directions, except for the rear. The high trunk impairs your view when backing up. Quick! Order the backup camera with satellite guiding system! Sorry, no can do. Toyota only offers it on the upscale models powered by the 3.5-litre V6.
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| Note that the Camry SE, one notch above in the lineup hierarchy, receives an even more potent version of the engine that churns out 179 hp and 171 ft-lb. |