The 2015 Toyota Camry features a new design. It’s longer and wider, has a large, aggressive grille and chiseled sides. The change is the result of sportier rivals providing increased competition for the best-selling car in the United States.
The Camry, the top-seller for the last 12 years, has plenty of loyal buyers. But Toyota representatives stressed at the car’s debut at the recent New York International Auto Show that buyers’ tastes have changed.
Known for it reliability, the 2015 Toyota Camry will be available in the fall of 2014. It will now also emphasize style, comfort and performance.
Bill Fay, the U.S. Toyota division chief, said the carmaker began to redesign the Camry in 2011. It was influenced by the more striking style of rivals from Hyundai and Ford.
The interior of the new Camry has also been upgraded. Softer materials and a wireless charging system will been featured. The suspension and steering were re-tuned for more responsive driving and the carpet and side mirrors were upgraded for a quieter ride.
Despite its longstanding perch at the top of the sales charts, the gap to other strong sellers is shrinking. The Camry outsold the Honda Accord by 73,000 units in 2012, but only 41,000 in 2013.
The Nissan Altima and Ford Fusion had substantial sales increases in 2013. The Mazda6 now has better gas mileage that the Camry.
The increased popularity of the Hyundai Sonata, which debuted in 2009, has also cut into the Camry’s sales numbers.
According to Kelley Blue Book, the average Toyota Camry sells for about $900 less than the average midsize car.
Article Last Updated: April 23, 2014.