The eighth-generation 2018 Camry sedan is tranformed from dependable and safe car to a more emotional sporty performance and style vehicle. The Toyota Camry with specific headlight is one of 15 vehicles to receive the IIHS TOP SAFETY PICK+ winner.
The new Camry is based on the TNGA (Toyota New Global Architecture) which starts a completely new way the company designs, engineers, and packages its vehicles. TNGA keeps all of Toyota’s traditional values of build quality and safety while adding a fun driving emtional experience that plays on all the senses.
The new Camry features Toyota’s latest in-vehicle information technology whose next-generation displays offer a new level of integrated information with minimal distraction. It relays information through three available displays: a 10-inch color Head-Up Display (HUD); a seven-inch multi-information display within the instrument cluster, and an eight-inch audio/navigation/HVAC (heating, ventilation and air conditioning) control panel that’s seamlessly integrated into the center console in a modern, flush-surface design. Convenient and highly intuitive operation is assured through customizable features and smart phone-like touch screen icons that create a seamless connection and user workflow between the in-vehicle information technology and other digital media.
The next-generation Camry has a sleeker profile that offers improved aerodynamics, a lower center of gravity, and a more rigid body, allowing for a more comfortable and stable ride. In addition, engineers incorporated a number of new noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) countermeasures that were previously found exclusively on luxury models such as sound-absorbing insulation in the hood and upper and lower fender separator, as well as foam/vibration dampening materials throughout the vehicle. The driver-focused design also features the highest grade of soft touch and premium materials on all surfaces of the cabin – dashboard, instrument panel, center console, door trim, etc. Vehicles will begin arriving at dealers in late summer.
Safety First
Among the many features on the 2018 Camry is the standard Toyota Safety Sense™ P (TSS-P) suite of safety systems and technologies that is helping to make gradual progress towards Toyota Motor Corporation’s ultimate goal of “zero casualties from accidents.” This multi-feature advanced active safety suite bundles cutting edge active safety technologies including Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection (PCS w/PD), Dynamic Radar Cruise Control (DRCC), Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist (LDA w/SA); and Automatic High Beams (AHB). Select models will also come with standard Blind Spot Monitor (BSM) with Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA). The available Intelligent Clearance Sonar (ICS) also includes a new Rear Cross Traffic Braking (RCTB) system.
All 2018 Camry’s have 10 standard airbags and Toyota’s Star Safety System™, which includes Enhanced Vehicle Stability Control, Traction Control, Electronic Brake-force Distribution, Brake Assist, Anti-lock Braking System, and Smart Stop Technology®. All Camry’s also come equipped with a standard backup camera.
Improved Entune 3.0
Camry drivers will be the first to enjoy enhanced connectivity and entertainment through the new Toyota Entune™ 3.0 multimedia system. The new 2018 Camry will feature Entune 3.0 on all models, offering an enhanced set of connected vehicle technologies.
The Entune 3.0 system will feature navigation and App Suite Connect for everyone. All Camry four-cylinder and hybrid models will come standard with the Connected Navigation Scout GPS Link with Moving Maps. Camry V6 models will offer the new Dynamic Navigation system, providing improved map accuracy. The wireless map updates provide over-the-air map downloads of recently added roads and point-of-interest not contained in the existing head unit map.
Entune 3.0 delivers several new technologies including available Remote Connect, which provides remote start and door unlock capability, vehicle status notifications, a guest driver monitor, and vehicle finder. Keeping up with your vehicle’s health status has never been easier. Available Service Connect will provide up-to-date vehicle information on fuel level, maintenance alerts, and more. Entune 3.0 will also offer available WiFi Connect, allowing up to five mobile devices to connect using 4G LTE.
The new 2018 Camry will also offers a JBL premium audio system that features new advancements in sound quality. Sound enhancements include Sound Staging, which positions speakers directly in front of the listener to help emulate a live concert venue; Low Frequency Sounds, made possible by an added 10.1-inch subwoofer; Clari-Fi, a technology that “un-compresses” music to help restore an audio track’s dynamic range; and nine speakers that are specifically tuned to the Camry’s cabin dimensions and materials.
Camry will again be available in four grades: LE, XLE, SE and XSE. The new Camry’s “Sport” SE and XSE grades wear a noticeably different body style than the entry level LE and premium XLE grades, highlighted by a sculpted rocker panel, new 19-inch black machined-finish alloy wheels (XSE only) a subtle rear spoiler lip, aggressive front bumper, and rear bumper with an integrated lower diffuser. The face is much more distinctive with large side intakes flanking the lower bumper’s unique “Catamaran” accents, a high and slim upper intake.
Three new colors join an expanded exterior palette for the new Camry. New colors include Wind Chill Pearl, Brownstone, and Galactic Aqua Mica. They join holdovers, Super White, Celestial
Silver Metallic, Predawn Gray Mica, Midnight Black Metallic, Ruby Flare Pearl, Blue Streak Metallic, and Blue Crush Metallic. Camry XSE models will also offer a Midnight Black Metallic roof option mated to a choice of Blue Streak Metallic, Celestial Silver, or Wind Chill Pearl body colors.
The exterior palette will be mated to interior colors in either Ash, Macadamia or Black. A sporty Cockpit Red interior is available on the XSE.
For nearly three decades, Camry’s American manufacturing home has been Toyota Motor Manufacturing, Kentucky (TMMK) in Georgetown, Ky. Most Camrys sold in America are assembled in Georgetown by more than 7,700 proud American team members. This pride has been reflected by the fact Camry is the best-selling car in America and has held this sales crown for 15 consecutive years! Overall Camry sales in the U.S. since it first launched back in 1983.
Toyota has lost me as a customer over their refusal to support smartphone integration (Apple CarPlay / Android Auto). One of the reasons I want a new car is so I can have Google Maps on the dashboard display, but you can’t do this with the new Camry. Most all manufacturers, including Mercedes-Benz, BMW, Volvo, Audi, Honda, Ford, GM, Chrysler, et al. support Apple CarPlay for navigation, but not Toyota. In addition, Toyota only lets you use their inferior Scout GPS navigation system (read the horrible reviews) for the first three years – then they want you to pay to use it.