Midsize sedans might not have the same strength as trucks or the same storage capacity as SUVs, but for people who just need to get where they’re going, a comfortable and reliable sedan is the perfect vehicle. For years the Toyota Camry has been one of the top-selling sedans on the market, and even though the car is already iconic, Toyota has continued to update and improve on their designs. Spanning eight generations and too many models to count, the Camry has been a blessing for families and college students alike. The 2019 Toyota Camry hasn’t changed too much from the 2018 model, but it’s got a few key improvements that are sure to make this year’s Camry the best one yet.
Performance
It’s fair to say that most drivers probably don’t bother much with the in-depth specifications of their vehicles, but it’s a critically important aspect of every car on the road, and it never hurts to be informed. The 2019 Toyota Camry offers a choice between 2.5-liter 4-cylinder or 3.5-liter V6 engines, the 2.5 delivering 203 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque, and the 3.5-liter with an output of 301 horsepower and 267 lb-ft of torque. The standard 4-cylinder is enough for most drivers, with an impressive acceleration that’s great for highway driving. The brakes are strong without feeling too firm, and smooth without feeling too soft. Steering is balanced and easily manageable, and with minimum body roll, the Camry is well-suited for winding backroads. Tire grip is perfectly sufficient, and responsive handling provides a sense of confidence on the road that drivers both old and new will appreciate.
The eight-speed automatic transmission doesn’t waste any time hunting for the right gear, and transitions are calm and direct without any lurching. Three drive modes are available to switch between (Normal, Sport, and ECO). The Sport mode focuses its attention on performance, providing more acute acceleration, while the ECO mode aims to maximize fuel efficiency. Of course, the normal mode is a combination of the two. Fuel economy is a major highlight for the 2019 Toyota Camry, and the base trim has a combined gas mileage of 34 MPG. Not only that, but the Camry offers a hybrid 2.5-liter as well, with a massive boost to efficiency. The hybrid engine has a reduced output compared to the other options, delivering 176 horsepower and 163 lb-ft of torque, but with a combined fuel economy of 52 MPG, the minor sacrifice in strength is negligible.
Comfort & Interior
When it comes to midsize sedans, comfort is key. When someone uses their vehicle for some kind of utility, it makes sense for comfort to be a minor focus, but for anyone who just needs to get where they’re going, comfort is second only to safety. Toyota knows this, which is why they’ve made it a priority to improve the interior of the Camry wherever they can. There’s plenty of room for taller drivers or passengers in the cabin of the 2019 Toyota Camry, and folding rear seats allow for quick and easy expansion of the cargo space provided by the trunk. Small-item storage is handled well, with an incredibly deep center console and plenty of smaller compartments dispersed throughout the car’s interior. The quality of the materials used in the cabin’s design is much higher than that of many other brands, and while it might not reach the standards of a high-end luxury vehicle, it still looks and feels excellent.
The seats are large and comfortable, delivering adequate support and padding as well as a high level of adjustability, coming together to create a pleasant and relaxed driving experience. The suspension on the Camry cushions well against bumpy roads and potholes, supplementing its already smooth handling to produce a remarkably calm ride. Sound-proofing materials line the hood and the exterior of the cabin, and the resulting silence helps make driving even more serene.
Entertainment Technology
Almost as important as comfort is of course entertainment. Sure, there might be people out there who enjoy the quiet and thoughtful solitude of a long, lonely drive, but in most cases, people are probably more interested in listening to some of their favorite music or a podcast when they’re on the road. A seven-inch touchscreen display comes standard, with an eight-inch version available as an upgrade. The infotainment system features Apple CarPlay compatibility and advanced voice recognition. For anyone out of the loop, that means you can access all of your iPhone’s media and contacts without ever needing to take your hands off the wheel or your eyes off the road. It also comes complete with a wireless hotspot capable of supporting up to five connections at once, so you and your passengers can stay connected wherever you go. It even has the ability to use your phone’s GPS software for the best possible navigation experience.
Compatibility with Amazon Alexa allows drivers without Apple smartphones to utilize the same level of functionality, while also providing connectivity between your car and whatever smart-home devices you may have. A USB port is placed conveniently underneath the infotainment system in the front, and two more are available in the rear of the vehicle so your passengers won’t have to fight over who can charge their device. A wireless charging pad is also available for people with newer phones. With wireless internet, easy charging, and iPhone integration, there should be plenty to keep you occupied on long journeys.
Safety & Driver Assistance
When you’re on the road, safety is always the most important thing, especially when you’re driving with passengers. That’s why manufacturers never stop working to innovate the safety technology in their vehicles, and why we have so many helpful driver assistance features today. The 2019 Toyota Camry benefits greatly from these modern advancements, with a host of available features dedicated to maintaining full situational awareness and preventing accidents.
Cameras mounted discretely around the exterior of the vehicle provide a bird’s-eye view that helps when navigating in tight traffic or parking in narrow spaces. When backing out of spaces, sensors on both ends of the car detect and warn of obstacles or oncoming traffic. Sensors also detect and notify you of any vehicles driving in your blind spots, using indicator lights on the side-view mirrors. Whether you leave your car at the airport for your vacation or you lend it to a friend for the weekend, you won’t have to worry about your Camry thanks to Toyota Remote Connect, an app that allows you to access and monitor your vehicle wherever you are.
In Summary…
Midsize sedans are the quintessential consumer vehicle, and the Toyota Camry has been the quintessential midsize sedan for decades— often the first car people picture when they think of the class. With the improvements to performance and technology that each generation undergoes, Toyota only further cements their reputation, satisfying customers the world over. Now, with incredible fuel economy, next-level comfort, and a plethora of entertainment and safety options, the 2019 Toyota Camry surely is the best model in the series so far. Plus, with how long Toyota’s last, we’re bound to be seeing them for quite a few years to come.
