2021 Toyota Camry Review

Name: 2021 Toyota Camry Review
Brand: Toyota
Price: 18229 USD

2021 Toyota Camry XLE Sedan Exterior Shown

+196

Thanks to strong fuel economy, a comfortable interior and good value, the Toyota Camry is one of our higher-ranked midsize sedans. It's an easy go-to choice. But a lackluster four-cylinder engine and excessive wind and engine noise keep it from being best-in-class.

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2021 Toyota Camry Review

byKurt Niebuhr^{Senior Vehicle Test Editor
Kurt Niebuhr has worked in the automotive industry since 2005. A automotive photographer by trade, Kurt is now one of Edmunds' high-performance test drivers. He's driven and photographed hundreds, if not thousands, of vehicles all over the world, so Kurt's library of automotive experiences would certainly make for a good book. When not dreaming about getting his racing license or trying to buy out-of-date film for his cameras, Kurt can usually be found cursing at his 1966 Mustang.}

Pros

High fuel economy from four-cylinder engine
Plenty of cabin and cargo space
Good seats, steering and visibility make it easy to drive
Comprehensive suite of driver safety aids comes standard

Cons

Four-cylinder engine is loud and sounds unrefined
Elevated levels of wind and road noise at highway speeds

What's new

Minor tweaks to interior and exterior styling
New optional 9-inch infotainment display
Driver safety aids have been refined
L trim level has been dropped
Part of the eighth Camry generation introduced for 2018

Overview

The Toyota Camry is a midsize family sedan that slots between Toyota's smaller Corolla and the larger, more luxurious Avalon. This latest Camry generation came out for the 2018 model year. In many ways, it's the safe choice in this class, and many shoppers are drawn to Toyota's reputation for reliability.

Cost to Drive^{Cost to drive estimates for the 2021 Toyota Camry LE 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl 8A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.64 per gallon for regular unleaded in Ohio.}

Monthly estimates based on costs in Ohio

$138/mo

$187/mo

Avg. Midsize Car

Calculate my fuel costs

For 2021, the Camry gets some minor styling updates inside and out. Toyota has restyled the front bumper and grille, and there's a newly optional 9-inch touchscreen display that's positioned higher on the dash than the standard 7-inch screen. We're pleased with the changes, though they're ultimately not quite enough to elevate the Camry past higher-ranked sedans such as the Kia K5, Honda Accord and Mazda 6. Check our Expert Rating for our in-depth take on the 2021 Camry.

What's it like to live with?

We bought a 2018 Camry in the sporty SE trim and tested it for more than a year. To learn what it was like to live with, read our long-term test, where we covered everything from seat comfort to fuel economy. Note that the 2021 Camry differs slightly from that 2018 model, which did not have Apple CarPlay or Android Auto smartphone integration, but our coverage is otherwise applicable.

Edmunds Expert Rating

Our Verdict^{The Edmunds Vehicle Testing Team evaluates a fresh batch of vehicles every week, pairing objective assessments at our test track with real-world driving on city streets, freeways and winding roads. The data we gather results in our Expert Ratings. They’re based on 30-plus scores that cover every aspect of the automotive experience.}

Good

7.7

out of 10

edmunds TESTED

Rated for you by America's best test team.

Performance

7.5/10

How does the Camry drive? We tested the four-cylinder Camry SE. Toyota has optimized it to get high fuel economy, but the trade-off is rather sluggish acceleration off the line. Our test car accelerated from 0 to 60 mph in an unimpressive 8.2 seconds, though it feels a little zestier than that in the real world. The transmission helps make up for this a bit with reasonably good response and quick shifting. With eight speeds, there's always a gear for the occasion, but expect two-gear downshifts when you dip into gas as it tries to make do with available engine power.

The Camry SE benefits from a slightly sportier suspension, which lends a more hunkered-down feel. It's not set up for truly aggressive driving, but it'll handle anything the average driver is bound to throw at it on a daily basis. The brakes are also easy to control with a light and responsive pedal, and the Camry's stopping performance is about average for the segment.

Comfort

7.5/10

How comfortable is the Camry? Big, comfortable seats and a smooth ride mean the Camry will suit a wide range of drivers even on long trips. Add in a powerful, easy-to-use climate control system that can cool the cabin effectively, even in triple-digit temperatures, and the Camry provides a pleasant cabin environment for any occupant along for the ride.

Its biggest flaw here is that the Camry lets in too much outside noise. You'll hear a prominent engine buzz when accelerating and noticeable wind and road noise at freeway speeds. The Camry is definitely noisier than average for a midsize sedan.

Interior

8.0/10

How’s the interior? The Camry's cabin won't wow you with its opulence but instead nails the fundamentals across the board. Highlights include an airy cabin that is easy to get in and out of. It's also spacious for both front and rear occupants and has great outward visibility. An optional 360-degree camera system makes it even easier to navigate cramped parking lots.

The user interface presents no mysteries, with large, clear gauges and simple, well-labeled buttons. They are relatively intuitive even for tech-averse drivers. The radio volume and tuning knobs are small but easy for the driver to reach, though the passenger might have to stretch a bit to use them.

Technology

8.0/10

How’s the tech? The Camry's smartphone integration includes standard Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and Amazon Alexa. Both the standard 7-inch and optional 9-inch infotainment touchscreens are easy to read and operate. Built-in navigation is offered on higher trims if you want it. Three USB ports and the option to add a wireless charger should provide plenty of charge for all occupants on the road.

All 2021 Camrys come with Toyota's Safety Sense 2.5+. It's an impressive suite of standard driver assistance features such as adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking and lane keeping assist. Previously, some of these systems have been too sensitive for our liking, but they've been refined for 2021 and work much better.

Storage

8.0/10

How’s the storage? As midsize sedans go, the Camry's stuff-hauling credentials are pretty solid. The 15.1-cubic-foot trunk area is large for the class. It also has a wide opening with a low liftover height. The 60/40-split back seat is easy to fold down via trunk-mounted release handles if you need to fit longer items.

There is a good amount of concealed cabin storage too. There's a sliding compartment underneath the wireless charger, a moderately sized center armrest bin, and a small storage cubby on the far left-hand side of the dash. Camry buyers with kids will appreciate the ample rear-seat room for car seat access and the easily accessible anchors.

Fuel Economy

8.0/10

How’s the fuel economy? The four-cylinder Camry SE's EPA fuel economy rating is among the best in its class at 32 mpg combined (28 city/39 highway). We measured 33.7 mpg on our standardized 115-mile evaluation drive route that provides a mix of city and highway driving. Edmunds also tested a Camry SE of this generation for more than 33,000 miles and observed an average of 29.8 mpg.

Value

7.5/10

Is the Camry a good value? The Camry is an easy-to-use, dependable and fuel-efficient vehicle at the expense of some excitement. It isn't as feature-driven as the Hyundai Sonata or as luxurious as the Mazda 6, but its design and variety of textures manage to be attractive without sacrificing functionality.

Toyota's warranties and after-care support are pretty typical, with a three-year/36,000-mile basic and five-year/60,000-mile powertrain coverage. That's nowhere near what Hyundai and Kia offer, but most other brands are in the same boat.

Wildcard

7.5/10

The Camry doesn't disappoint, especially in SE trim. It won't replace a real sport sedan, but its pleasing driving dynamics are certainly welcome in this class of car. And with relatively aggressive styling, the Camry at least tries to shrug off the image that midsize sedans don't have to be boring.

Which Camry does Edmunds recommend?

There's no shortage of Camrys to choose from. We suggest going with the XSE because of its wealth of standard features, attractive styling touches and its sport-tuned (yet still comfortable) suspension. Opting for the XSE gets you desirable equipment such as standard blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert and leather upholstery. It also opens up nice-to-have options including a panoramic sunroof and heated seats.

2021 Toyota Camry models

The 2021 Toyota Camry is a midsize sedan available in six trim levels: LE, SE, SE Nightshade, XSE, XLE and TRD. A four-cylinder and an available V6 engine are offered. You can also get all-wheel drive with the four-cylinder. Standard feature highlights include:

LE
Starts you off with:

203-horsepower four-cylinder engine
Eight-speed automatic transmission
17-inch wheels
Power-adjustable driver's seat
7-inch infotainment touchscreen
60/40-split folding rear seats
Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and Amazon Alexa compatibility

All Camrys also come standard with a suite of driver aids that include:

Forward collision mitigation (warns you of an impending collision and applies the brakes in certain scenarios)
Lane keeping assist (steers the Camry back into its lane if it begins to drift over the lane marker)
Adaptive cruise control (maintains a driver-set distance between the Camry and the car in front)
Automatic high-beam headlights
Road sign recognition

SE
Adds sporty touches and extra features, such as:

Unique exterior trim
18-inch wheels
Simulated leather upholstery
Leather-wrapped steering wheel with paddle shifters
Sport-tuned suspension
Automatic climate control

SE Nightshade
Includes a stealthy look, adding:

Distinctive 18-inch wheels
Black exterior trim
Trunk-mounted spoiler

XLE
Adds more upscale features to the LE, such as:

Full-speed adaptive cruise control (adjusts speed to maintain a constant distance between the vehicle and the car in front, down to a stop)
Blind-spot monitor (alerts you if a vehicle in the next lane over is in your blind spot)
LED headlights
Chrome exterior trim
Keyless entry and ignition
Leather upholstery
Power-adjustable front passenger seat
Upgraded driver information display
9-inch information touchscreen
Wireless charging pad
Dual-zone climate control

XSE
Similar to the XLE but adds a more sporty look and feel with:

206 hp for the four-cylinder engine
Sport-tuned suspension
19-inch wheels
Gloss black grille
Dual exhaust
Metallic interior trim

TRD
The most athletic of Camrys, with:

301-hp V6 engine
Black-painted outside mirrors and exterior trim
Unique 19-inch wheels
Aerodynamic body trim
TRD-specific simulated leather upholstery and red seat belts
Sport exhaust
Special sport-tuned suspension

Some features on the XLE and XLE are available on the LE and SE as options. Toyota also offers the 301-hp V6 engine as an option for the XSE and XLE trims. Other notable optional features include:

Driver Assist package

360-degree camera system (gives you a top-down view of the Camry and its surroundings for tight parking situations)
Head-up display (standard with V6)
Rear automatic braking (brakes if sensors detect an imminent collision with an object behind the vehicle)
Ventilated front seats

Cold Weather package (heated front seats, heated mirrors, heated steering wheel)
Integrated navigation system with nine-speaker JBL sound system
Panoramic sunroof (standard with the V6)
Performance tires (TRD only)

Reliability Ratings by RepairPal

4.5/5Excellent

#2 out of 28 among Midsize Cars

RepairPal Reliability Ratings are based on the actual cost, frequency, and severity of unscheduled repairs and maintenance on make/model data for select 2008-2022 vehicles. The reliability of a specific vehicle may vary depending on its maintenance and driving history, model year, trim, and features.

Cost

^{The average total annual cost for unscheduled repairs and maintenance across all model years of the Toyota Camry from 2008-2022.}

$327/yr

vs. $415/yr
for Average Midsize Car

Frequency

^{The average number of times this model is brought into the shop for unscheduled repairs and maintenance in a single year. RepairPal calculates this metric by tracking millions of unique vehicles over multiple years to determine an average number of visits per year (omitting small routine visits, e.g., oil changes).}

0.57x/yr

vs. 0.87x/yr
for Average Midsize Car

Severity

^{The probability that a repair will be a major issue, meaning the repair costs 3x the average annual repair cost for all models. This threshold will be higher for vehicles that have higher labor rates and parts costs (such as a premium brand).}

7.6%

vs. 10.2%
for Average Midsize Car

powered by RepairPal ^{Based on RepairPal reliability data as of 8/23/2023. Ratings are provided by RepairPal and Edmunds is not responsible for their accuracy.}

Consumer reviews

Read what other owners think about the Used 2021 Toyota Camry.

5 (49%)

4 (13%)

3 (11%)

2 (10%)

1 (17%)

3.7

53 reviews

Write a vehicle review See all 53 reviews

Most helpful consumer reviews

Best bang for the buck non-hybrid, excellent MPGs

JBIZZ, 02/05/2021

2021 Toyota Camry LE 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl 8A)

I bought my 2021 Camry LE one week ago. So far I've driven @ 400 miles. This car handles excellent & is very smooth over bumps. I'm still in the break-in process but can tell this car will get 40+MPG easily on the highway going 80MPH. This car also has plenty of power for a 4-cylinder. I'm 6'2" & there's plenty of leg room in the front & back seats. Seats are very comfortable for long …

Does Everything Well

Joe Six Pack, 08/17/2021

2021 Toyota Camry SE 4dr Sedan AWD (2.5L 4cyl 8A)

Have only had the car 4 months, but it’s quickly becoming an all time favorite. Mine is very smooth and quiet around town, comfortable on long trips, and consistently gets 40+ mpg on the highway! We have two young children (in car seats) and went on three, 5+ hour road trips w/out any complaints. (Internet subscription helped keep kids occupied w/ iPads) It’s not a sports car by any …

Luxury and performance in one

Adabella, 03/16/2021

2021 Toyota Camry XSE 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 8A)

I purchased the 2021 Toyota Camry XSE V6 with the red interior. Listen to me when I tell you that car is BEAUTIFUL. It has so many cameras and sensors that if I crash into something I’d be literally blind. *knock on wood* And the power? Oh man. I haven’t even fully stepped on it in fear of not being able to control it. 301hp is it for me. Over it drives amazing, and isn’t as gas …

Quality and trust

EllicottM, 05/16/2021

2021 Toyota Camry LE 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl 8A)

It's my 2nd Camry, and my 4th Toyota vehicle in past 10 years. Never had major issues with any of the cars. That's the main reason of my #1 pick on the 2021 Camry when I need a new car. As always, it's smooth and easy to drive. Oh, like the multimedia system in the new car. It's easy to connect to either an iPhone or Android phone.

See all 53 reviews of the Toyota Camry

Write a vehicle review

2021 Camry Highlights

Trim:

Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee	$25,045
Engine Type	Gas
Combined MPG	32 MPG
Cost to Drive	$138/month
Seating	5 seats
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place	15.1 cu.ft.
Drivetrain	front wheel drive
Warranty	3 years / 36,000 miles

See all features & specs

Safety

Our experts like the Camry models:

Pre-Collision System: Mitigates or helps avoid a potential crash via audio and visual alerts and brake assistance.
Lane Departure Alert: Sounds an audio alert when it thinks the car is going to drift out of its lane.
Automatic High Beams: Switches the headlights' high beams on and off when the system deems appropriate.

NHTSA Overall Rating

The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.

Frontal Barrier Crash Rating
Overall5 / 5
Driver5 / 5
Passenger5 / 5
Side Crash Rating
Overall5 / 5
Side Barrier Rating
Overall5 / 5
Driver5 / 5
Passenger5 / 5
Combined Side Barrier & Pole Ratings
Front Seat5 / 5
Back Seat5 / 5
Rollover
Rollover5 / 5
Dynamic Test ResultNo Tip
Risk Of Rollover9.9%

IIHS Rating

The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.

Small Overlap Front Driver-Side Test
Good
Small Overlap Front Passenger-Side Test
Good
Moderate Overlap Front Test – Original
Good
Moderate Overlap Front Test – Updated
Not Tested
Side Impact Test – Original
Good
Side Impact Test – Updated
Poor
Roof Strength Test
Good
Rear Crash Protection / Head Restraint
Good

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2021 Toyota Camry Review

2021 Toyota Camry Review

Pros

Cons

What's new

Overview

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2021 Toyota Camry LE 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl 8A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.64 per gallon for regular unleaded in Ohio.

What's it like to live with?

Performance

Comfort

Interior

Technology

Storage

Fuel Economy

Value

Wildcard

Which Camry does Edmunds recommend?

2021 Toyota Camry models

Reliability Ratings by RepairPal

Cost

Frequency

Severity

Most helpful consumer reviews

Best bang for the buck non-hybrid, excellent MPGs

Does Everything Well

Luxury and performance in one

Quality and trust

2021 Camry Highlights

Safety

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Cost to Drive^{Cost to drive estimates for the 2021 Toyota Camry LE 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl 8A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.64 per gallon for regular unleaded in Ohio.}