Toyota Camry Hybrid saloon - Interior & comfort (2019-2022)
Sturdy and well equipped, but in need of much better infotainment system
One of the biggest advantages of Toyota's hybrid setup is refinement, and the Camry is whisper quiet while driving around town and in traffic, boosting relaxation. It's hard to hear the engine on the motorway too; although this has the side effect of making wind and tyre noise more prominent.
Careful attention has also been paid to ride comfort, with a new suspension design for Toyota that's been engineered to reduce vibration and shocks being passed to the interior without resulting in sloppy handling. On the evidence of our first drive, it works well, even on the UK's neglected road surfaces.
Toyota Camry dashboard
Toyota has a reputation for sturdy, well made interiors, and the Camry is no exception. It boasts enough quality to beat the likes of the Ford Mondeo Hybrid, while falling just behind German interiors like that found in the Passat. You also sit higher and feel less ensconced than in the Mazda6, so the Camry doesn't feel particularly sporty.
Equipment
It shouldn't take long to choose your ideal Camry because along with the single powertrain, there are only two trim levels at launch. Neither are lacking in kit, with Design serving up 17-inch alloys, leather upholstery, LED headlights, dual-zone climate control, a rear-view camera and heated seats.
Plump for the range-topping Camry Excel and 18-inch wheels, upgraded 'dual-beam' LED headlights and extra safety kit is fitted. Both versions come with a seven-inch infotainment screen, but this is one of the Toyota's weakest attributes, with muddy graphics, a fussy user interface and poor touch response. Toyota is working on adding Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, but it's not expected at launch, and for some tech fans that could be enough reason to head elsewhere.
Options
Unlike an Audi A4 or BMW 3 Series, the specification of your Camry is based almost entirely on its trim level, with almost no options that need further investigation. You can choose from five body colours, including Platinum White Pearl and Graphite Shadow shades that are new to Toyota.