2019 Toyota Camry: top sedan gets better in soft market

James Raia

March 14, 2019

For nearly 20 years, the Toyota Camry has been the country’s top-selling sedan. But for the past several years including 2018, there’s been a caveat to the numbers. And it hasn’t been good.

Despite the debut of the enduring sedan’s eighth generation, Camry sales were down 11.3 percent last year from 2017. Toyota and other top sedan-makers continue to ponder the public’s mass exit from sedans toward the versatile range of sport utility vehicles and trucks. Ford and Chevrolet have abandoned their midsize segments.

The 2019 Toyota Camry XSE has a sporty new look, inside and outside.
The 2019 Toyota Camry XSE has a sporty new look, inside and outside.

Statistically, the Toyota Camry was at its peak for four straight years beginning in 2012 with more than 400,000 sales annually. Sales have fallen since with 343,000 units sold last year, but the Camry is still the most popular sedan after two pick-ups and two SUVs.

Key Takeaways

  • Still the sedan sales leader, but barely: The Camry sold 343,000 units in 2018, down 11.3 percent from 2017, as buyers shift to SUVs and trucks. It still outsells every midsize sedan rival.
  • XSE and XLE V6 trims pack 301 horsepower: The 3.5-liter V6 pairs with a new 8-speed automatic and four exhaust pipes, a meaningful step up from the 203-hp 2.5-liter four-cylinder in lower trims.
  • Hybrid variant leads the segment at 53 mpg combined: The Camry Hybrid is the only midsize sedan rated above 50 mpg, pairing a 2.5-liter four-cylinder with a battery-powered electric motor.
  • Apple CarPlay and Entune 3.0 are standard: Built-in Wi-Fi, Siri Eyes Free, Google voice control, blind-spot monitoring, and a panoramic glass roof come without option-package upcharges.
  • XSE tested at about $39,000 as-equipped: Base MSRP is $34,600, and Driver Assist plus Navigation packages lift the total just below $39,000 before taxes.

It’s unlikely the Camry will surpass the top-four in the foreseeable future. But the 2019 Toyota Camry has improvements that further take the familiar out the family vehicle. Its gradual upgrades push the once staid sedan into the modern age.

There’s more technology standard, like Apple CarPlay. The exterior looks for more athletic with edgy angles and a gargantuan front grille that makes the Lexus approach seem subtle. The XSE and XLE, among five trims, offer 301 horsepower, a V6 engine and a new 8-speed automatic. The XSE trim has four exhaust pipes.

The Camry Hybrid option matches a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder gasoline engine and a battery-powered electric motor. It’s the only midsize sedan to achieve more than 50 miles per gallon; it’s rated at 53 mpg.
Lower levels gas trims have 2.5-liter, 4-cylinder engines and about 100 horsepower less. Those offerings are ideal for many buyers. And it’s why the Camry has been an evergreen top-seller. It’s comfortable and has few weaknesses. Its best known for its longevity and infrequently required repairs.

But it’s the XSE and XLE models that launch the Camry a far haul down the road from yesteryear’s reliable yet bland offerings. The upscale trims feature dual-zone climate control, 7-inch configurable instrument display and 8-inch central touch screen, leather seats and selectable drive modes (Eco, Normal, Sport).

Blind-spot monitoring, a panoramic glass roof with moonroof and electric parking brake are standard. And there is also the Entune 3.0 infotainment system. It has built-in Wi-Fi, Apple CarPlay, Siri Eyes Free and Google voice control.

A JBL premium audio system with navigation, bird’s-eye camera, Qi-compatible wireless phone-charging cradle and head-up display are among options.

Despite its new sporty look, the Camry shouldn’t be mistaken for anything but a spirited sedan. The transmission shifts smoothly and the drive is steady and provides a good grip on the road. Occupants ride in comfort and there’s plenty of trunk space.

The Camry is quiet enough, but bumps and divots feel like bumps and divots. No distractions go unnoticed.

Gas mileage averages are 26 miles per gallon in city driving, 32 miles per gallon on the highway. Acceleration from 0-60 miles per hour takes 7.9 seconds. The manufacturer’s suggested retail price is $34,600 and the total price is just under $39,000 with the Driver Assist and Navigation packages and taxes.

The Camry’s upgrades also mean it joins the Honda Accord, Kia Optima and Nissan Altima among the segment’s offerings with desirable makeovers. It’s a further crowded market when considering the worthy sedans of Hyundai, Chevrolet, Ford, Mazda and Subaru.

The attractive group was once all considered compliant, comfortable and painstakingly common. But midsize sedans have adopted an attitude.

Lots of folks are driving SUVs or trucks. Purchase a Camry and you won’t be a trend follower. And you’ll be happy about it.

What We Like

  • 301-hp V6 with 8-speed automatic gives XSE and XLE trims real pace
  • Hybrid version rated 53 mpg combined, unique in the midsize segment
  • Apple CarPlay, Wi-Fi, and blind-spot monitoring are standard
  • Panoramic moonroof, leather, and dual-zone climate control in upper trims
  • Longevity and low repair frequency remain segment benchmarks

What We Don’t

  • Bumps and divots transmit clearly to the cabin
  • Oversized front grille divides design opinion
  • 0-60 in 7.9 seconds trails sportier V6 rivals
  • Base four-cylinder trims give up nearly 100 horsepower to the V6
  • Clumsy infotainment interface slows routine tasks

Facts & Figures: 2019 Toyota Camry

SpecificationDetails
Engine6-cylinder, 3.5L
TransmissionAutomatic (S8)
DrivetrainFront-Wheel Drive
Fuel Economy22 city / 33 hwy / 26 combined mpg
Fuel TypeRegular Gasoline

How It Compares

VehicleStarting Price
2019 Honda Accord
2019 Nissan Altima
2019 Hyundai Sonata
2019 Kia Optima
2019 Mazda Mazda6

Frequently Asked Questions

How much horsepower does the 2019 Toyota Camry V6 have?

The 3.5-liter V6 in the XSE and XLE trims produces 301 horsepower paired with a new 8-speed automatic. Lower four-cylinder trims use a 2.5-liter engine rated at 203 horsepower.

What is the fuel economy of the 2019 Camry V6?

EPA ratings for the 3.5-liter V6 are 22 mpg city, 33 mpg highway, and 26 mpg combined on regular gasoline.

How fuel efficient is the 2019 Camry Hybrid?

The Camry Hybrid is rated at 53 mpg combined, the only midsize sedan to achieve more than 50 mpg. It pairs a 2.5-liter four-cylinder with a battery-powered electric motor.

How fast is the 2019 Camry V6?

The V6 Camry reaches 60 mph from a standstill in 7.9 seconds using its 301-hp 3.5-liter engine and 8-speed automatic transmission.

How much does the 2019 Toyota Camry XSE cost?

Base MSRP is $34,600. As-tested pricing with the Driver Assist and Navigation packages comes to just under $39,000 before taxes.

What standard features come on the 2019 Camry?

Standard equipment includes Apple CarPlay, built-in Wi-Fi, Siri Eyes Free, Google voice control, blind-spot monitoring, a panoramic glass roof with moonroof, and an electric parking brake.

Is the Camry still the best-selling sedan in America?

Yes. Roughly 343,000 units sold in 2018 kept the Camry atop the sedan charts despite an 11.3 percent year-over-year drop as buyers migrated to SUVs and trucks.

What are the main rivals to the 2019 Toyota Camry?

Primary competitors include the Honda Accord, Nissan Altima, Hyundai Sonata, Kia Optima, and Mazda6. The segment has shrunk as Ford and Chevrolet exited midsize sedans.

Article Last Updated: April 17, 2026.

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