Vehicle: 2010 Toyota Camry LE with Touring Pkg
Price as tested: CDN$26970

Performance: The single biggest highlight of Camry’s revision is the 4-cylinder powertrain. While Camry’s 3.5 liter V6 is as sweet as a nut and as smooth as anything else wearing a Lexus badge, the previous 2.4 liter was a bit letdown when it comes to Camry’s hallmark refinement. With the introduction of the 2.5 liter 4-cylinder, which is loosely based on previous 2.4 liter’s engine block, has claimed to address the criticisms we had in the past. This new 2.5 liter 4-cylinder comes with all sorts of advacements like dual VVT-i variable valve timing and is able to meet tier-2/Bin-5 emission standards. That promises to be much greener and more fuel economy motor than the outgoing motor. As for performance goes, its good for 169hp and 167 lb/ft of torque. If you aren’t going for all-out V6 refinement, this is the engine of choice for the Camry. It finally got the refinement and smoothness that Camry used to known for, without having to upgrade to a more expensive V6. Toyota is able to improve the performance and flexability without losing fuel economy. One of the primary reasons is, for 2010, 4-cylinder Camry is upgraded from a 5-speed auto to 6-speed automatic. While our base LE doesn’t come with manumatic as with its SE sillibings. It doesn’t need to consider Camry’s status as an appliance. Thanks to the extra gear and additional hp, Camry’s highway cruising ability is much improved over the earlier car. On the other hand, with low 1st gear and 167 lb/ft of torque available at 4100rpm. It makes this 4 banger Camry a much swifter car off-the-line. With more gears spaced in between these 2, it can use this 169hp more efficiently and effectively with refinement, quietness and smoothness to boot. During on testing, this Camry has an average of 9 liters per 100km, which is pretty good consider its a 3307 lb family sedan.

Handling: While Camry remains based on a solid and sound platform, that has proved to be rattles and flex-free. You won’t expect Porsche-like handling. Camry, first and foremost, is engineered as a comfort-oriented family sedan with luxury intentions right from the start. What is really surprising is how Camry finally comes with a more confidence-inspiring dynamic package than overly softly sprung sedan it used to be. While it remains a very soft and comfortably riding car, Toyota engineers have finally given a touch to better suspension caliberations for slightly less floaty highway ride. The floaty sensation remains on our base LE or luxurious XLE trim but sportier SE, at least, feels a little more sporting. As you would expect from a Toyota, the steering is dead and numb, without any remote driver feedback. There are plenty of understeer and body rolls when pushed. Latter can be describe as pronounced.

Brakes: With 4-wheel discs and standard ABS, Camry provides decent enough brake feel and modulation. While there remain plenty of nose dive during heavy braking, given its softness, its much better than expected. The stopping distance is short and ABS only steps in necessarily.

Interior: As you would expect from a Camry, it got all the necessary items. Everything else from a clear and analog instrumentation gauges, a logically placed stereo to climate control with large knobs are all very ergonomically designed. Those velour seats are very comfortable. Typical with Camry, those velour hides are thick and very well-made. The 8-way power adjustable driver’s seat combined with tilt/telescope also makes for an easily adjustable driving position.

When it comes to versatility, Camry got 60/40 split fold-down rear seats and a large trunk. Unfortuntely, it still uses instrusive trunk hinges that cut into everything put inside.

Conclusion: It used to be when you are buying a Camry, you have to opt for V6 to get the best of refinement and performance. With the introduction of the new 2.5 liter, one can finally get those merits with the advantage of better fuel economy and lower price. All have done without have to upgrade to more expensive V6 or even Hybrid.

OVERALL VERDICT FOR 2010 Toyota Camry
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Performance: 4/5
Handling and ride/fun-to-drive: 2/5
Interior/ergonomics/user-friendliness: 4/5
Fit-and-finish/build quality: 4/5
Cargo/accessibility/layout: 4/5
Value-for-money: 4/5

Overall rating: 4/5