PORTLAND, Ore. _ The all-new 2018 Toyota Camry will hit the road with class-leading fuel economy, a long list of safety features and prices starting at $23,495 when it goes on sale in July.
The '18 Camry proved quiet and comfortable in a day driving through the countryside.
Toyota achieved its fuel economy without resorting to a couple of new technologies competitors like the Chevrolet Malibu and Ford Fusion use: a small-displacement turbocharged engine and auto-stop to turn the engine on and off when idling.
The Camry's 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine is all new. It will account for about 85 percent of sales.
An optional V-6 will power about 10 percent of Camrys, with a hybrid accounting for the remaining 5 percent.
Pure gasoline models get a new eight-speed automatic transmission. The hybrid has a continuously variable automatic transmission.
The 2018 Camry uses the same architecture as the Toyota Prius and C-HR SUV. The new Camry is 1.3 inches longer and 0.7 inches wider than the 2017. Its wheelbase grew wheelbase is 1.9 inches. The well-equipped SE, XLE and XSE models are heavier than last year.
The four-cylinder engine has 25 horsepower more than its predecessor. It delivers plenty of power for everyday driving but revs loudly under acceleration and climbing steep hills. The suspension absorbs bumps well and is composed in curves.
The V-6 is an anachronism in midsize sedans. When the new Honda Accord debuts with a lineup of all turbocharged four-cylinder engines this fall, the Camry and Nissan Altima will be the only mainstream midsize sedans offering V-6s.
That's likely to give the Camry V-6 an edge in performance versus its key competitors. That's a minor selling point for midsize family sedans, but it complements the new car's long, low hood, scooped sides, bold black grille and rakish looks.
The eight-speed transmission is smooth and quick, delivering nearly imperceptible shifts. I experienced no hunting among gears while driving through towns, countryside and hills.
Available safety features include pedestrian detection, lane departure alert and assist, automatic high beams, adaptive cruise control, blind spot and cross traffic alerts, low speed automatic braking, hill start assist.
