The market has been increasingly dominated by crossovers and SUVs, with sedans seem to have faded into the background. Yet, the Toyota Camry stands tall, representing the resilience of the classic four-door sedan.
Enter the XV70-generation Camry, the lone survivor of the midsize sedan segment in the Philippines. Now electrified, it comes with hybrid technology that promises impressive fuel economy without sacrificing the luxury and performance expected of a Camry. But with the next-generation XV80 already debuting in nearby markets, is this current iteration still worth considering?
You might think the Camry’s design is “safe” or “boring,” but I beg to differ. In fact, I find it quite the opposite. The XV70 exudes a classy, mature vibe that’s perfect for the discerning driver. Its sleek silhouette hints at a level of sophistication that’s rare these days, especially in the midsize sedan category. Its unassuming lines and smooth contours, combined with a touch of elegance, make it an appealing car for everyday drives.
The LED lighting system is a nice touch, illuminating the road with sharp precision, and the automatic function is a convenient bonus. The car’s proportions? Well, it’s big—so big, in fact, that it’s comparable in length to midsize SUVs. That gives the Camry a silky smooth profile that’s easy on the eyes. The classy wheels complement the overall aesthetic, blending seamlessly into the car’s refined look. Sure, some might argue that the front end is a little busy, but I think it works. It’s part of the Camry’s unique charm, and it’s all in the details.
Step inside, and you’re greeted by a cabin that feels like an entry-level Lexus—quite fitting, given that the XV70 Camry shares its underpinnings with the seventh-generation Lexus ES. The materials used in the interior look and feel premium, though there are a few hard plastics scattered here and there. But trust me, you won’t even notice them because they’re few and far between. The layout? Simple and intuitive, just what you’d expect from a Japanese carmaker. Everything’s within reach, and you won’t spend hours fumbling through the controls trying to figure things out.
As for space, the Camry is exceptionally generous. In the front seats, both the driver and passenger will enjoy ample legroom and headroom. Unless you’re an NBA player, you won’t have any complaints about space. And the second row? That’s where the magic happens. The rear seats are arguably the best place to be in the Camry, with plenty of legroom and even controls for the air conditioning. Long road trips are a breeze when you’re seated in the back. The trunk space is equally impressive. You can easily fit a month’s worth of groceries without any trouble, making the Camry as practical as it is stylish.
The Camry’s tech is a bit of a mixed bag. The 9-inch display could use an update—especially with those thick bezels that make it feel dated—but the interface is seamless and easy to use, which I appreciate. The 9-speaker JBL audio system, though, is where it really shines. The sound quality is superb, especially when you take the time to tweak the settings just right. It’s the kind of setup that makes you want to stay in the car a little longer, just to listen to your favorite tracks.
As for smartphone connectivity, you don’t get wireless Apple CarPlay, but you do have wireless charging. It’s a fair trade-off, though I’m hoping that upcoming XV80 addresses this.
On the safety front, the Camry delivers everything you could want and more. It comes with all the basic safety features you’d expect, plus some advanced driver-assist systems courtesy of Toyota Safety Sense. You’ve got Pre-Collision System (PCS), Automatic High Beam (AHB), Lane Tracing Assist (LTA), Lane Departure Alert (LDA), and Dynamic Radar Cruise Control (DRCC). These systems work flawlessly, particularly on highways, where they help make long drives more relaxing by taking some of the workload off the driver. However, the PCS can sometimes be a little too sensitive, causing phantom braking in tight situations—a minor hiccup in an otherwise excellent setup. Also, the camera resolution isn’t the best, so that’s another area for improvement.
Under the hood, the Camry HEV packs a 2.5-liter engine paired with an electric motor. Together, they deliver a total system output of 208 horsepower and 221 Nm of torque, which, let me tell you, is more than enough to get you moving with ease. Don’t let the car’s sedate appearance fool you—it’s quick, and the acceleration feels brisk. Whether you’re cruising in the city or speeding down the highway, the Camry has no problem keeping up. The braking system is equally impressive, offering just the right amount of stopping power without feeling overly aggressive.
Steering is another area where the Camry excels. It’s power-assisted but has a certain heaviness to it, which I appreciate, especially during high-speed driving. It gives the car a stable, planted feel, and that’s something I value in a vehicle of this size. Speaking of size, while the Camry is as long as some midsize SUVs, it doesn’t feel cumbersome to drive. It’s surprisingly nimble, whether you’re navigating through tight city streets or cruising on the highway.
The suspension is, without a doubt, one of the Camry’s best features. It’s as if the car has an adaptive suspension system, absorbing bumps and rough patches with ease while maintaining a low level of body roll. The ride comfort is top-notch, living up to the Camry’s long-standing reputation as a comfortable, easygoing vehicle.
And let’s not forget fuel efficiency. The hybrid powertrain delivers a combined fuel economy of 16 km/L in both city and highway driving. For a car this size, that’s mighty impressive and just one more reason why the Camry HEV stands out.
The Toyota Camry HEV is priced at P2,442,000 for the standard model, with an additional cost if you opt for the Platinum White color. Now, if you compare that price to midsize SUVs, it might seem a bit steep, and it’s no secret that sedans have been losing ground to SUVs in recent years. But the price tag is justified when you consider what you’re getting.
For those who love sedans, the Camry HEV is a dream come true. It offers all the comfort, luxury, and driving dynamics you could ask for in a midsize car, and it does so without gulping down too much fuel, thanks to its hybrid system. It’s a car that makes you appreciate sedans again—a car that’s not only practical but also fun to drive.
With the XV80 on the horizon, you might be tempted to wait for the latest model. But don’t be too quick to dismiss the XV70. It’s still a compelling choice, and if I had the budget for it, I’d certainly give it serious consideration. The Camry HEV proves that sedans can still be great, even in a world obsessed with SUVs.
