Next-Gen Toyota Camry Goes Hybrid-Only In The US

The ninth-gen Toyota Camry has officially made its global debut in the US today

The Toyota Camry is one of the most instantly recognisable nameplates in the automotive world, often regarded as the definitive midsize (D-segment) sedan of the world. In spite of the sudden surge of demands for SUVs in recent years, the Camry soldiers on in certain markets, as it enters a next-gen phase in the US today.

The new Camry is offered exclusively as a hybrid-powered vehicle (HEV)

Codenamed XV80, the ninth-gen Camry is now available exclusively as a hybrid (HEV), which is mated to either a front- (FWD) and all-wheel drive (AWD) options. Said hybrid powertrain comprises of a 2.5-litre 4-cyl nat-asp Dynamic Force engine that is mated to hybrid electric motors, with the FWD version getting two motors to deliver a total system output of 225 HP. Meanwhile, the AWD Camry gets a third motor-generator at its rear axle, resulting in a peppier total system output of 232 HP.

Said electric motors are juiced by a small lithium ion battery pack with an undisclosed capacity, while both powertrains use an electronically-controlled CVT (eCVT) automatic gearbox as standard.

Similar to the previous-gen (XV70) model, the ninth-gen Camry underpins the same TNGA-K platform. Now featuring a reworked suspension setup with new shock absorbers and revised tuning, the new Camry promises an "enhanced responsiveness and agile handling” compared to its predecessor.

On the visual front, the new Camry sedan looks like a cross between the Crown and the Prius, featuring familiar design cues derived from both said models. Up front, the new Camry gets a similar front bumper design as the former, while its C-shaped LED headlights look like it’s been borrowed directly from the latter. Moreover, this new model adds two new exterior colour options in the US market, namely the Ocean Gem and Heavy Metal.

From the side, you’ll notice that the Camry retains the traditional three-box sedan body style, thus debunking the rumours suggesting that it’ll boast some crossover-esque styling like the US-spec Crown. For the US market, the new Camry is offered with a slew of wheel options which can go up to 19-inch in sizes, depending on the trim level.

While its front end looks like a morph between the Crown and Prius, the new Camry’s rear part looks pretty similar to its predecessor. Some notable changes from the older model include the C-shaped LED taillights, more sculpted rear bumper design, plus the absence of dual tailpipes since this new model is a hybrid. Other details like the ducktail rear spoiler and the Camry lettering that runs across its tailgate are both derived from its predecessor.

The next-gen Camry's cabin is a pretty well-equipped one, especially for the top-specced variant

More Crown resemblance can be seen as we get on board the new Camry. For starters, this new sedan model comes with a familiar front dash layout, featuring dual display layout consisting of a fully-digital instrument cluster and a central touch infotainment display – both measuring 12.3-inch in the top-specced variant.

Aside from that, the new Camry also gets several top-notch cabin equipment like aluminium foot pedals, full leather upholstery in multiple colour options, powered front seats with heated and memory functions, acoustic glass windows, multi-colour ambient lighting system, smart-key access, panoramic sunroof, and many more. While we don’t get its exact measurements, we’d reckon the new Camry boasts similar spacious cabin and cargo spaces, as expected in any D-segment sedans nowadays.

Arriving in the US market first, the ninth-gen Toyota Camry is set to begin its mass production later in 2024, with deliveries set to commence as early as Spring 2024. As of writing, Toyota USA has yet to reveal the exact pricings for the new Camry, though we can expect it to be slightly heftier than the previous model’s $26,420 (RM123,275) starting price in the US.

For now, the next-gen Toyota Camry will be a US-exclusive model, with the Japanese automaker has yet to reveal plans of bringing this sedan model into other international markets. With Toyota Japan recently axing the previous-gen Camry from its domestic market, plus the plummeting demands for sedans globally, perhaps it might take a while before we see the new Camry make its way to other countries.