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Consumer Reviews for the Toyota Camry
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The 2019 SXE V6 Version is Wonderful But Pricey
Jagness, 07/22/2019
2019 Toyota Camry XSE 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 8A)
This is my 3rd Camry (along with '09 LE and '13 SE). I tested every trim level of '19 Camry and was forced to go with the 6-cylinder model (only available on the XSE and XLE trim) simply due to the lack of acceleration on the 4-cylinder models.
My subdivision exits to a busy roadway, especially congested during rush hour. A car that can accelerate quickly into a left and/or right turn … from a full stop is mandatory to take advantage of small openings in traffic and basic safety. Therefore, for me, the first and most important test of any car is how fast it can accelerate into a turn.
The entrance/exit to my local Toyota dealer is similar. If a car cannot zip into traffic with at least a moderate level of acceleration, I simply end the test drive right then and there. The 4 cylinder LE, SE, and XSE models hesitated and took way too long turning into the intersection from a full stop. Acceleration kicks in after the engine revs up to about 3K RPM, but it takes a scary long time to get there when you make the decision to jump into traffic.
I tried all three trim levels in normal mode and sports mode. While sports mode does feel more responsive, acceleration with the 4 cylinder engine was severely lacking.
Both my '09 and '13 Camrys (with standard 4-cylinder engines) have no problem passing this test, so it was a shock that a brand new 4-cylinder '19, especially XSE trim, failed miserably.
The salesperson then brought out a two-tone silver XSE with the 6-cylinder engine. I always liked the look of the XSE trim. Outside it is sporty and modern. Inside, it is sharp looking and comfortable. The double sun-roof was impressive.
With the 6-cylnder in ECO mode, acceleration was perfect from a standing stop, both into turns and straight ahead. Engine was quiet and smooth throughout, and never felt overburdened. Passing acceleration at highway speeds was willing and strong. The cabin is quiet inside and all seats are comfortable.
In ECO mode, I get about 26 MPG driving mostly city traffic. In Sport mode, acceleration is brisk and ready at all speeds - neck snapping most of the time. I prefer "normal" mode which is a nice balance of Sport and ECO.
All trim levels come with Apple Play which is great. The car came with three complementary Apple Lightning/USB plugs - a nice touch. I'm an iPhone user and the phone rests nicely in the wireless inductive charge pad. Unfortunately, Apple play only works with the USB plug connected. Apple Play doesn't work while the phone is wirelessly charging on the inductive pad even if the phone is connected via Bluetooth. While in Bluetooth mode, you have to use Toyota EnTune to get access to similar (but lower quality) apps.
The car doesn't have a standalone GPS system. You have to use a smartphone and connect it via USB or Bluetooth. If you connect your phone via Apple Play, the Apple Maps app becomes your GPS. If you connect via Bluetooth, you have to run EnTune and download an app called ScoutGPS.
The car comes with a built in Wi-Fi access point that uses Verizon cell service. You get a 90-day/2 GB complementary data plan for the Wi-Fi access point. My son loves it. He plays his Nintendo DS in the car and has Internet access through the car.
The V6 engine ballooned the cost of the car to over $34K, infringing on Toyota Avalon territory. For comparison, I also test drove a '19 Avalon XLE, but it wasn't as fast and didn't look as cool. It felt a bit dated. Also test drove a '19 Avalon Touring Edition which was very niiiice. Really considered moving up to the Avalon Touring but it was well above $45K. As much as I like Toyotas, it's hard to spend $45K for a sedan without a luxury-brand badge on it.
The two-tone XSE models look super sharp compared to every other Camry. The white/black exterior was my favorite but the dealer only had them with red interior which I found gaudy and tacky. My wife called it Pimp-Suit Red. I chose one with silver/black exterior and a nice gray/black leather interior. The 19" rims and low-profile tires are really sharp too. I fear they will cost a pretty penny when it comes time to replace them.
Was the V6 worth the almost $10K more it takes to get there? For me, yes it does. Sure, I'm driving a $30K+ Camry, but the car is beautiful, comfortable, and fast. It's a stealth rocket that doesn't back down in traffic when driving aggressively, and is pleasant to drive on long road trips.
UPDATE: After putting 10K miles on the car, it's still a joy to drive. My wife looks for any reason to "borrow" the car. The only issue I have with it is that the heater is very slow to warm up the car. When temperature drops below 40 degrees, it takes several minutes (more than 10) to heat up the car. In the low 30's the heater eventually warms the car, but never to the point where it is nice and toasty inside. Thankfully, the care came with heated front seats and they work great. While the heater is weak, the air conditioner works perfectly.
FAQ
What is a good price for a used 2019 Toyota Camry?
- According to Edmunds.com's True Market Value calculations, the retail price of a used 2019 Toyota Camry's most popular trim, the SE, in great condition with 48,000 miles on its odometer, is $25,154. Prices vary by trim, region and options included. Learn more
What engine is standard on all 2019 Toyota Camry models?
- All 2019 Toyota Camry models come standard with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that generates 203 hp and 184 pound-feet of torque (add 3 hp and 2 lb-ft for XSE models). Learn more
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