Toyota Camry

Model Overview

The Camry is GAC Toyota’s flagship D-segment sedan. Since its debut in 1982, spanning nine generations, its cumulative global sales have exceeded 23 million units, making it a hallmark of Toyota's "balanced car-making philosophy" and a benchmark in China's executive sedan segment. The current ninth-generation Camry originally debuted in March 2024. On 29 July 2026, the 2026 Camry was officially rolled out as an annual facelift, offering 15 variants across three distinct powertrain line-ups: 2.0L Petrol, 2.0L Intelligent Dual-Engine Hybrid, and 2.5L Intelligent Dual-Engine Hybrid. The official retail price across the entire range spans from RM171,800 to RM259,800. With newly introduced sports variants, upgraded smart connectivity, and premium comfort features trickling down to lower specs, the new model broadens its appeal to both younger buyers and family-oriented motorists. Key rivals in the segment include the Honda Accord, Volkswagen Passat, and BYD Han.

Design Language

The 2026 Camry retains the signature styling of the ninth-generation model, engineered around the TNGA platform's low centre-of-gravity design philosophy. The front fascia comes in two distinct styling packages: "Cyber Elegant" and "Sporty Luxury"—the "Cyber Elegant" treatment features a wide diamond-pattern lower intake for an executive, business-like look, whereas the "Sporty Luxury" version adopts a prominent blacked-out grille with a honeycomb mesh design for a sharper, more aggressive visual stance. Along the sides, it features conventional mechanical door handles and a strong character line, leading to a rear end fitted with standalone C-shaped LED taillight assemblies and a concealed exhaust layout. The 2026 model year introduces a new "Dark Cosmos" deep blue paintwork alongside two-tone exterior choices (black roof paired with Ice Cap White or Supersonic Red), while sport variants gain 18-inch darkened alloy rims and a subtle ducktail bootlid spoiler. The Nightshade Edition blacks out the front grille, brand emblems, and side mirror housings, exuding a sleek "Dark Knight" aesthetic. In terms of dimensions, the car measures 4,915 mm (4,950 mm for selected variants) in length, 1,840 mm (1,850 mm for selected variants) in width, and 1,450 mm in height, with a wheelbase of 2,825 mm.

Inside, the ninth-generation cabin departs from the eighth-gen model’s asymmetrical Y-shaped dashboard in favour of a cleaner, horizontally layered layout. Mid-to-high-spec variants are equipped with a dual-screen cockpit comprising a 12.3-inch fully digital instrument cluster and a 12.3-inch floating infotainment touchscreen. Interior colour schemes include Starry Night Black, Amber Brown, Ivory White, and Aurora Red. Higher variants also benefit from the newly added "Rhythm Ambient Package", which bundles 64-colour adjustable ambient lighting, an intelligent in-cabin fragrance system (with voice-controlled scent selection and intensity), and premium textured dashboard trim.

Powertrain & Performance

The 2026 Camry is offered with three powertrain options:

• 2.0L Petrol: Powered by an M20C naturally aspirated petrol engine delivering a maximum output of 127 kW (approx. 173 PS) and 206 Nm of peak torque. Paired with a Direct Shift-CVT (simulating 10 speeds), it returns a WLTC combined fuel consumption of 5.81–6.06 L/100 km.

• 2.0L Intelligent Dual-Engine Hybrid: Featuring Toyota’s 5th-generation THS hybrid system, pairing a 2.0L petrol engine with an electric motor for a total system output of 145 kW (approx. 197 PS). Mated to an E-CVT, it achieves an impressive WLTC combined fuel economy of just 4.2 L/100 km.

• 2.5L Intelligent Dual-Engine Hybrid: Powered by an A25D engine setup with a combined system output of 169 kW (approx. 230 PS). Driving through an E-CVT, it completes the 0–100 km/h sprint in 7.5 seconds, with a WLTC rated fuel consumption of 4.55 L/100 km.

The top speed across the range is capped at 180 km/h. The 2.0L hybrid variant delivers an extensive total cruising range of over 1,000 km.

Chassis & Handling

Underpinned by the TNGA-K platform, the Camry features front MacPherson struts and a rear double-wishbone independent suspension setup. The inherent low centre of gravity from the TNGA architecture substantially enhances cornering stability and body control. Top-spec variants are equipped with the same swing-valve shock absorbers found on the flagship Lexus LM, further refining ride composure and NVH levels. The steering system uses electric power steering (EPS) tuned for accurate feedback. Braking is handled by ventilated front and solid rear discs, paired with an electronic parking brake (EPB) with Auto Hold. Wheel options include 17-inch (215/55 R17) and 18-inch (235/45 R18) tyre setups. Overall, the chassis tuning maintains the Camry's signature plush ride, striking a fine balance between everyday cruising comfort and high-speed highway stability.

Cabin & Equipment

The intelligent cockpit serves as a standout highlight on the 2026 Camry. Mid-to-high-spec variants receive the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8155 chipset as standard, backed by 12GB of RAM and 128GB of internal storage; infotainment boot-up takes just 3 seconds, delivering four times the processing power of its predecessor. The system offers seamless connectivity via wireless Apple CarPlay, Baidu CarLife, and Huawei HiCar. A Head-Up Display (HUD) is also fitted on mid-to-high-grade trims.

On the comfort front, leather upholstery is standard across the 2026 line-up. Premium variants add heated and ventilated front seats, steering wheel memory, a 360-degree Panoramic View Monitor (PVM), transparent chassis view, and a digital key. The Premium spec and above gain the Rhythm Ambient Package (64-colour ambient lighting + intelligent fragrance + Ivory White cabin finish). Acoustic dual-layer laminated glass is standard on both front and rear windows across all variants except the entry-level Elite spec. Boot capacity remains thoroughly practical for daily family hauling.

Safety & Driver Assistance

Safety remains a cornerstone of the Camry. The 2026 range comes standard with 10 SRS airbags across all variants, built within Toyota’s rigid GOA body structure. On the active safety front, the TSS 3.0 PRO (Toyota Safety Sense) suite is fitted as standard across the entire range. It bundles Pre-Collision System (PCS with intersection turn assist and pedestrian detection), Dynamic Radar Cruise Control (DRCC with full-speed range stop-and-go), Lane Departure Alert (LDA), Lane Tracing Assist (LTA), Automatic High Beam (AHB), Road Sign Assist (RSA), Emergency Driving Stop System (EDSS), Proactive Driving Assist (PDA), Lane Change Assist (LCA), and Front Cross Traffic Alert (FCTA).

For 2026, the 360-degree Panoramic View Monitor (PVM) and transparent chassis display have been trickled down to more variants, automatically engaging the surround-view feed when tackling narrow alleys. The Parking Support Brake (PKSB) system has also been enhanced to monitor stationary obstacles, approaching vehicles, and pedestrians in blind spots in real time, executing autonomous emergency braking if an imminent collision is detected. The ADAS suite delivers full Level 2 semi-autonomous driving capabilities.

Market Performance & Verdict

The Camry continues to reign as a dominant sales leader in China's executive sedan segment. Full-year sales in 2025 reached 188,997 units, marking a 19.5% year-on-year growth and firmly cementing its spot among the top three joint-venture D-segment sedans. Monthly sales in December 2025 peaked at 19,653 units, followed by 17,426 units delivered in January 2026, up 17% YoY. In North America, the nameplate remains equally formidable—posting 316,185 deliveries in 2025 as one of the best-selling passenger cars in the region.

Motoring reviewers highlight that the Camry's core appeal lies in the stellar fuel efficiency of Toyota’s 5th-generation THS hybrid powertrain (delivering as low as 4.2 L/100 km), the peace of mind provided by standard TSS 3.0 PRO ADAS and 10 airbags, as well as Toyota’s rock-solid reputation for bulletproof reliability and strong resale value. By adopting a "more kit at no extra cost" strategy—trickling down high-value items like the Snapdragon 8155 processor, 360-degree camera, and transparent chassis to accessible trims—the 2026 Camry significantly sharpens its value proposition. Minor criticisms point to the infotainment system's somewhat limited third-party local app ecosystem, and an ADAS capability that still leaves room to match the high-end intelligent driving suites of new-age EV contenders. Nonetheless, as a globally acclaimed executive sedan spanning nine generations with over 23 million units sold worldwide, the Camry continues to defend its joint-venture stronghold through pragmatic, well-calibrated evolution in the era of electrification and smart mobility.