Toyota has pared back its Camry range for 2021, putting the spotlight firmly on hybrid power in its strong-selling sedan.
The updated Camry will touch down in April.
Gone is the range-topping petrol V6 engine, and gone is the entry-level four-cylinder petrol from all but the base model.
Prices have risen across most of the range. The entry-level Ascent is now $3300 more expensive than before, while the range-topping SL Hybrid has been hit with a $6000 price hike.
The 2.5-litre petrol engine has been treated to an update, with up to 19kW more power. It now makes 152kW, and has claimed fuel consumption of 6.8L/100km on the combined cycle.
The focus is squarely on hybrid power in the new range. The Toyota Camry sold in Australia has had a lithium-ion battery pack since September 2020, which means the facelift doesn’t bring changes to the existing 2.5-litre petrol hybrid system.
Beyond the rejigged range, the 2021 Camry features a new 9.0-inch infotainment touchscreen sitting atop the dashboard in Ascent Sport models and above.
There have also been updates to the Safety Sense suite of driver assists, which packs road sign assist, emergency steering assist, and intersection turn assist across the range.
UPDATE, 11:30am 15/05/21: Toyota Australia has released local images and more detail about specifications. We’ve updated our initial price and specs story with the new information.
Pricing
- 2021 Toyota Camry Ascent petrol: $30,990 (+$3300)
- 2021 Toyota Camry Ascent hybrid: $33,490 (+$3500)
- 2021 Toyota Camry Ascent Sport hybrid: $36,290 (+$5100)
- 2021 Toyota Camry SX hybrid: $39,190 (new)
- 2021 Toyota Camry SL hybrid: $46,990 (+$6000)
All prices exclude on-road costs
Engines
The 2021 Toyota Camry is available with a 2.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine with 152kW of power and 243Nm of torque in the base Ascent.
An eight-speed automatic transmission is standard with this engine.
Moving to the hybrid gets you a 2.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine running the more efficient Atkinson Cycle, mated with two electric motors.
Peak power is 160kW, and Toyota doesn’t quote a peak torque figure.
The front wheels are driven by an e-CVT.
Fuel Economy
The entry-level 2021 Toyota Camry Ascent petrol uses a claimed 6.8L/100km on the combined cycle.
The hybrid Camry Ascent and Ascent Sport use a claimed 4.2L/100km, the SL uses a claimed 4.5L/100km on the combined cycle, and the SX uses 4.7L/100km.
The non-hybrid requires 91RON regular unleaded fuel, while the hybrid takes 95RON premium unleaded.
Dimensions
The 2021 Toyota Camry’s measurements haven’t yet been released, but they’re unlikely to deviate far from those of the 2020 model.
It measures 4885mm long, 1445mm tall and 1840mm wide, and has a 2825mm wheelbase.
Boot space is 524L with the rear seats in place and a space saver spare wheel, or 493L with a full-sized spare.
Safety
The 2020 Toyota Camry has an ANCAP rating of five stars based on testing carried out in 2017.
It scored 15.16 out of 16 for the frontal impact test, 16 out of 16 for the side impact test, and two out of two for the pole test.
Standard active safety equipment across the range includes:
- Autonomous emergency braking with pedestrian and cyclist detection
- Lane-departure warning
- Adaptive cruise control
- Reversing camera
- Traffic sign monitoring
- Emergency steering assist
- Intersection turn assist
Higher-end models gain:
- Blind-spot monitoring
- Rear cross-traffic alert
- Parking sensors
Servicing and Warranty
The Toyota range is backed by a five-year, unlimited-kilometre warranty.
The Toyota Camry requires maintenance every 12 months or 15,000km, and the first five services are capped at $200 each.
Standard Equipment
The 2021 Toyota Camry Ascent comes with the following standard features:
- LED headlights
- 7.0-inch touchscreen
- Android Auto and Apple CarPlay
- Reversing camera
- Six-speaker sound system
The 2021 Toyota Camry Ascent Hybrid adds:
- Keyless entry and start
- Dual-zone climate control
Moving to the Camry Ascent Sport brings:
- Dual-zone climate control
- 9.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system with satellite navigation
- Leather-accented steering wheel
- Keyless entry and start
- Blind-spot monitor
- Rear cross-traffic alert
- Parking sensors
- Surround-view camera
The Camry SX gains:
- 19-inch alloy wheels
- Sport suspension
- Leather-accented sport seats
- Paddle shifters
The range-topping Camry SL also has:
- Powered boot lid
- Head-up display
- Auto-dimming interior mirror
- Surround-view camera
- Nine-speaker JBL sound system
- Panoramic sunroof
- Heated, ventilated front seats
