The eighth-generation Camry is now in its third year after a successful debut. Power stems from a 2.5L four or a 3.5L V6, both of which mate to an eight-speed conventional automatic transmission. Also available is a hybrid model using a 2.5L four hooked up to a CVT. The Camry is about the last volume midsize passenger car to technically offer a V6 engine but getting one released from a dealer is unlikely.

The all-wheel drive Camry uses the multi-link rear suspension and drive system from the conventionally-powered RAV4. The sole engine available is the normally-aspirated 2.5L four. An “on demand” system, the all-wheel driveline defaults to front-wheel drive until it detects wheelspin, when it will send up to 50 percent of available torque to the rear wheels. The drive to the rear wheels will cease once wheelspin has been eliminated.

Toyota’s Safety Sense-P, with pre-collision with pedestrian detection, dynamic cruise control and lane departure warning and assists, is standard, with blind spot and rear cross traffic warnings optional.

With an expressive dash centre stack and some wild shapes, Toyota pulled out all the stops when they designed the new Camry’s cabin. Clear instrumentation and logical controls are a snap to use. Substantial seats and good room welcome riders. The front seat headrests tilt forward more than some drivers will be comfortable with and could be a deal breaker. Large windows lend an airiness to the cabin and deliver visibility which is exceptionally good in an era plagued by limited glazing.

Driven briefly, the large capacity normally-aspirated 2.5L four delivers a smooth, linear flow of power and strong acceleration. The conventional eight-speed automatic transmission impresses by its ability to function totally unnoticed. Once a very soft riding car with slightly nautical handling, the Camry, with nicely weighted steering, a good ride-handling balance and solid-feeling brakes, now mimics the performance parameters of the Honda Accord. Tne Camry hybrid is a strong performer and very economical. The normally-aspirated 2.5L model is very abstemious with fuel in steady-state cruising in the 80 to 100 kilometre per hour speed range.

Toyota only offers the S (sport) trims of the Camry for 2023 and there is greater emphasis on all-wheel drive for 2023. A V6 engine is technically still offered on the TRD trim, but the car is essentially a showroom unicorn and not really available. The base trim, the front-wheel drive SE, includes auto climate control, a power driver’s seats and a heated steering wheel. The SE Upgrade adds a power sunroof, blind spot and rear cross traffic monitors, wireless phone charging, auto dimming rear view mirror and a remote garage door opener, and is good value. All-wheel drive costs $1800 over the equivalent front-wheel drive model. Compared with the AWD SE Upgrade, the Nightshade variant is spectacularly overpriced. With leather seating, a panoramic sunroof, and an eight-way power passenger seat, the XSE AWD model is worth taking if you like the equipment. The front-wheel drive 2.5L and the hybrid only intersect on the SE Upgrade trim, which generates a $2000 price bump for the hybrid.

Predicted reliability is Above Average as the engine is normally-aspirated and the automatic transmission is a conventional, hydraulic design. The previous Camry hybrids have been reliable and durable.