The 2022 Toyota Camry continues to take the midsize sedan and evolve it for the better. Whether it’s giving adventures a confidence boost with AWD, enhancing daily commutes with the efficient and dynamic hybrid or the pulse raising TRD, there’s a Camry fit for every lifestyle. With its most diverse lineup ever, Camry is on track to retain America’s No. 1 Selling Passenger Car title for the 20th consecutive year. Customers can take their style further in the new SE Hybrid Nightshade, featuring 18-inch black wheels, black shark fin antenna, window trim, badging, door handles and mirror caps. All Camry models for 2022 also get a dose of tech and luxury with a floating multimedia screen in 7-inch or 9-inch sizes, plus a herringbone seat pattern on the XLE grade. Distinctive front ends lend unique looks among the various Camry grades. All told, the 2022 Camry offers 18 different choices in the midsize sedan segment today. Those choices include: Three V6 grades – XLE, XSE and TRD, Five 4-cyl. FWD grades – LE, XLE, SE, SE Nightshade and XSE, Five 4-cyl. AWD grades – LE, XLE, SE, SE Nightshade and XSE, Five hybrid grades – LE, XLE, SE, SE Nightshade (new) and XSE. The wide array of choices plus Camry’s alluring, coupe-inspired design and renowned Toyota quality and value are reasons why Camry maintains leadership in the midsize sedan category. Camry holds its status as America’s favorite midsize sedan for 20 years running and is one of the longest-running nameplates in the auto industry.
A bold look up front distinguishes the comfort-oriented LE and XLE grades from the sport-oriented SE and XSE for 2022. The front fascia for the Camry LE and XLE grades shows a more defined lower intake area. The gas version of the LE grade also features a 17-inch alloy wheel design, while the XLE features an 18-inch alloy wheel. The SE and XSE grades show off a bolder lower fascia shape featuring a honeycomb style grille and side vent inserts, plus side vent accents. On hybrid models, the Toyota Hybrid badging will be included on trunk lid only. The performance-tuned Camry TRD, which debuted for 2020, keeps its exclusive, aero-enhanced design. The 2022 Camry TRD comes standard with Blind Spot Monitor and Rear Cross Traffic Alert, plus heated exterior mirrors. Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Cross Traffic Alert remain standalone options on LE, SE and SE Nightshade grades. XSE and XLE grades already have those features as standard. Accentuating the design, the 2022 Camry augments its exterior paint palette with previous TRD exclusive Ice Edge, replacing Galactic Aqua, and a new exclusive color for the Camry TRD, two-tone Cavalry Blue with Midnight Black Metallic roof. The XSE grades continue to offer the two-tone body and roof color combinations of Supersonic Red, Wind Chill Pearl or Celestial Silver Metallic paired with a Midnight Black Metallic roof and rear spoiler.
The 2022 Camry offers a choice of three powertrains: 2.5-liter Dynamic Force four-cylinder, 3.5-liter V-6 and next-generation Toyota Hybrid System (THS II). The Dynamic Force 2.5-liter engine is a strong but smooth operator, yielding an impressive 203 hp at 6,600 rpm and 184 lb.-ft. of peak torque at 5,000 rpm (206 hp and 186 lb.-ft. for XSE grade, which uses a dual-outlet exhaust). Most AWD grades have 202 hp, while the Camry XSE AWD grade has 205 hp with dual exhaust. The Camry’s four-cylinder engine uses a very high compression ratio (13:1) and Toyota’s innovative D-4S fuel injection, which employs both direct injection and additional port injectors. The engine is chock-full of Toyota’s most advanced technologies, including Dual VVT-i with VVT-iE (Variable Valve Timing intelligent system by Electric motor) and laser-clad valve seats. A variable cooling system, variable oil pump and a cooled exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) system all contribute to the engine’s high thermal efficiency and outstanding fuel economy. The 2022 Toyota Camry is one of the few midsize sedans to still offer a V-6 engine, and this one is a gem. The 24-valve, DOHC 3.5-liter engine is equipped with the D-4S direct injection system, along with a specially-developed VVT-iW (Variable Valve Timing-intelligent Wide) variable valve timing system for the intake, with VVT-i on the exhaust. The VVT-iW system can switch the engine to the Atkinson cycle, which reduces pumping losses by delayed closing of the intake valves. The bottom line: it goes fast but sips gas. Output is outstanding, with 301 horsepower at 6,600 rpm and 267 lb.-ft. of peak torque at 4,700 rpm.
In all Camry gas grades, both the 2.5-liter engine and the 3.5-liter V-6 are teamed with the Direct Shift eight-speed automatic transmission that delivers satisfyingly crisp-yet-smooth, quick-shifting to deliver an exemplary blend of performance and refinement. Close mid-range ratios improve passing performance, while the wide range of torque converter lock-up yields for a more direct driving feel while contributing to enhanced fuel efficiency. Control logic optimizes precise matching of engine torque on downshifts for smoother transitions.The Camry Hybrid powertrain is the most efficient and powerful offered since the Hybrid debuted for 2007. The super-efficient Toyota Hybrid System (THS II) combines the output of the 2.5-liter Dynamic Force four-cylinder engine and an electric motor (MG1), while using that motor and a second motor (MG2) for hybrid battery charging. In the Hybrid, the gas engine employs an even higher 14:1 compression ratio and is tuned to produce 176 hp and 163 lb.-ft. of torque. Paired with the 118 hp electric motor, the total Hybrid system net output is 208 hp.
The hybrid system, however, gives the Camry Hybrid performance similar to the four-cylinder gas version. Sequential Shiftmatic technology allows the driver to “shift” the electronically controlled continuously variable transmission (ECVT). It mimics a quick-shifting 6-speed automatic transmission via paddle shifters (on SE and XSE grades) or with the console-mounted shift lever. The Lithium-ion (Li-ion) hybrid battery pack is installed beneath the rear seat and does not reduce passenger room or trunk capacity. The battery’s position also contributes to a lower center of gravity. Along with the traditional Camry Hybrid NORMAL, ECO and EV drive system modes, a SPORT mode allows for an increase in power from the hybrid system for improved acceleration response relative to throttle pedal input.The clever Auto Glide Control (AGC) feature helps to enhance fuel efficiency by calculating efficient coasting logic. AGC can be activated only when the vehicle is being operated in the ECO drive mode. When activated, AGC limits the loss of vehicle speed through engine braking, acting more like a neutral gear to allow longer coasting. An AGC indicator light illuminates on the multi-information display when AGC is in operation to alert the driver of reduced engine braking.
