2024 Toyota Camry REVIEW : Toyota's Comfortable Family Sedan Still Great
By William Ratcliff
Posted: 7-31-2024
The Camry has been a staple in the American automotive industry since the 80s, when the fuel crisis brought small economic hatches to the market. It's grown since, now a full length sedan. But the concept has always been the same: reliable, comfortable, and affordable. And the 2024 Camry doesn't stray from that philosophy. Our test car was a non-hybrid.
Source: Team Toyota
Performance
The 2024 Camry packs 2.5L under the hood, naturally aspirated with 184lb-ft and 200+ hp. Max power is made at 6600 rpm, but the 8-speed automatic never gets you there. EPA rated for 39 miles per gallon combined, it reached 41 mpg in a 150 mile test.
Power at speed is sufficient but not flying. In sweeping two-lane country roads, the car felt safe and planted. However, the steering was not as pointy as previous generations and lacks sporty confidence. The light steering does give it a more luxurious feel, though.
Source: RatcliffReviews
Interior
The interior of the Camry is larger than previous generations. With a smaller arm rest in the door, it's a bit of a stretch to relax your arm. But that does give a very spacious feeling to the interior.
The steering wheel is in a good position, and the seat is very adjustable. The seat is stiff but comfortable. The gear shift has a pull trigger on the opposite side of the driver. If you didn't know it was there, you might be confused trying to pull away from the dealership. The shifter also feels more plastic than before.
The dash has an upsetting amount of piano black, which is already covered in dust just after 1500 miles. Analog gauges fit aside a small screen for the tach information. The tech readouts are small but visible on the screen, and the digital speed readout doesn't show all the time.
Source: RatcliffReviews
Tech and Infotainment
Toyota is not at the fore front of interior tech. Unlike GM, Kia, or BMW the dash and infotainment is utilitarian. But that's exactly what the Camry is known for! A simple menu with 6 tabs gets to Bluetooth Audio, settings, etc. An optional map program can be downloaded, but is not as well integrated by default like others in its class. The screen is responsive, but not snappy. The white clean design is a modernization over the 2000s styled blue and black in previous generations.
Cruise control has improved, with more stability and spunk. Previously, the engine would lug or explode when not at cruise speed and would freak out on hills. The Camry responds quickly and smoothly when setting the cruise up or down quickly. The controls have moved to the steering wheel, which is not an improvement. What used to be on a low stalk at 4 o' clock is now a stretch of the hand across the steering wheel. There is no lane centering, but there is lane keep alarms if you get too close to the edge.
Summary
The 2024 Camry is exactly as much Camry as you would like. It's simple, easy, and comfortable. There have been some good design improvements like the cruise control and infotainment. But simple ergonomic differences from the older generations make it less geared to sporty luxury and more highway cruiser. If you want a mpg machine with reliability, ease of use, and comfort, this is the car.
