Model tested: 2024 Toyota Camry SE Hybrid Nightshade Edition
Engine: 2.4-liter I-4
Transmission: CVT (continuously variable) automatic, front-wheel drive
Horsepower: 208 combined
Torque: 163 lb.-ft.
EPA ratings: 51/city, 53/highway, 52/combined
Base price: $30,615
As tested: $32,839
Overview: The 2024 Toyota Camry SE Hybrid is an excellent midsize, five-passenger sedan with a strong track record for performance, comfort, safety and reliability, but it hasn’t always been the flashiest sedan on the road. The Nightshade Edition remedies that situation with black window trim, black side mirror caps, black badging and a black rear spoiler. The Nightshade Edition is only available in three colors: Ice Cap White, Reservoir Blue and Midnight Black Metallic. The 2024 Toyota Camry SE Hybrid is essentially unchanged from 2023 and that means the fuel economy is still outstanding, as are all its other characteristics.
Walkaround: The Nightshade Edition trim elevates the Camry’s look from conservative to distinctive without being over the top with tall rear wings, wheel arches or too many air scoops. The Camry size is a good compromise between big enough for a roomy interior and small enough to fit into ever-shrinking parking spaces.
Interior: The Camry interior is a homerun right up there with the car’s impressive fuel economy. Front-seat room is stretch-out spacious, with supportive power lumbar support for the driver. The steering wheel is relatively thick with a nice contour, excellent tilt/telescopic column and good auxiliary controls. The front passenger seat has manual adjustments, including a seat-height pump. Rear-seat comfort is great and knee room is good if the front seats are up slightly. The floor tunnel is tall, which affects the middle position. The quality of interior materials is very good and the nice infotainment screen has control buttons. The trunk is spacious, with a flat floor and a big pass-through to the foldable rear seats that release from the trunk. The rear door bins are small and the fronts are narrow, so small item storage is subpar.
Behind the wheel: The Camry SE ride favors comfort over harshness, which is what most midsize hybrid sedan owners want. The hybrid system offers strong acceleration, especially in the sport mode, which is one of four options: eco, normal, sport and EV. The hybrid boost is ideal for today’s crowded freeways. On ramps, merging and lane changes can be done quickly and safely. The Camry’s handling is confident and the brakes are excellent.
Bottom line: The Toyota Camry midsize family sedan has always been a winner in terms of dependable, economical, competent, safe and comfortable transportation with a strong value proposition. The addition of a highly efficient hybrid drivetrain and the stylish, contemporary Nightshade Edition trim makes it a practical sedan that visually passes for a more upscale sports sedan.
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