Our coverage of the 2023 LA Auto Show is sponsored by Emporia.
At a press event held in advance of the 2023 Los Angeles Auto Show, Toyota pulled the sheet off the new Camry sedan. Aside from some design changes, one of the biggest new things is the powertrain.
Gone is the gasoline-powered versions of old, and in its place is Toyota’s 5-generation hybrid 4-cylinder. In fact, the only option is the hybrid. But for the first time on Camry hybrid, all-wheel drive is available.
Toyota’s hybrid-only Camry makes 225 combined horsepower on front-wheel drive variants. Opting for what Toyota calls “Electronic On-Demand All-Wheel Drive” increases that power output to 232 horsepower.
Like other modern Toyota products, the real axle is powered exclusively by an electric motor. This packaging reduces complexity and has the added benefit of increasing power output. We’ve seen it on the new Prius (and like the implementation there), so we expect the system to be pretty seamless in the Camry.
The front end is noticeably different from previous Camrys, adopting a bit of an Avalon / Crown motif with the front grill, but bringing over the C-clamp style daytime running lights from the Prius. It’s still obviously a Camry, but looks like its also something new and fresh.
A nice red interior makes its return, but all owners will get a new digital instrument cluster and Toyota’s latest infotainment system. That system features wireless Android Auto and Apple Car Play, and there’s an available JBL premium audio upgrade.
Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 is on tap providing lane centering, adaptive cruise control, rear emergency braking, and more. We’ve been fans of the 3.0 version of this system, and applaud Toyota for continuing to not charge extra for what we feel is essential safety technology.
Pricing is, of course, not yet know. Toyota tells us to expect to see the updated Camry in showrooms in the Spring of 2024.
