Toyota Camry

autocar.india

•12m

The Lexus ES and Toyota Camry do share the same basic platform and hybrid powertrain, but the ownership experience is very different. The ES, being positioned as a more premium product, has a more luxurious interior with higher-quality materials, and better sound insulation and refined levels. Lexus also offers a stronger brand image and a more exclusive ownership experience, which is a big part of what you are paying for.The Toyota car, on the other hand, is the more rational choice. It offers the same hybrid powertrain, it is still very luxurious, and has a very comfortable ride at a much lower price point.Just a quick clarification: Toyota has been assembling the Camry at its Bidadi plant in Karnataka since 2013, and like other gens, even this one is brought to India as a CKD, not a full import.

Lexus ES

Toyota Camry

autocar.india

•2w

Yes, the Camry Hybrid suits daily Kozhikode city runs and short trips around, mainly because it’s smooth and very efficient in stop-go traffic. The hybrid glides on battery at low speeds, the automatic keeps revs low, and you’ll use far less fuel than a big petrol sedan normally would in town. It’s also quiet and very comfortable, so commutes and family rides feel easy.Since you’re coming from a Creta, remember the Camry is longer and lower. In old-city lanes and tight parking, you’ll need more care, and very tall speed breakers or deep monsoon water can be a worry compared to your SUV. Drive it a bit diagonally over big humps and you’ll be fine most days.Toyota support in Kerala is strong, parts are easy, and running costs are sensible for a Rs. 50 lakh-class car. If you want a Japanese upgrade that feels premium yet stress-free in traffic, the Camry fits well.

Toyota Camry

autocar.india

•3w

Ground clearance is a valid concern, but we don't think it should be a deal-breaker. The new Toyota Camry has a quoted 145mm ground clearance, which doesn't sound like much on paper. However, in our road test, we found that it cleared most speed breakers without scraping, and its suspension does an excellent job of absorbing sharp potholes and broken roads.That said, you'll still need to exercise some caution on Bengaluru's larger speed breakers and deep potholes, particularly when the car is fully loaded. Approaching such obstacles at an angle and at low speeds will help avoid scraping the underbody.

Toyota Camry

autocar.india

•3w

Both your shortlisted cars are excellent options, but given your requirements, the Toyota Camry is the better bet. The main consideration is mileage, and there is nothing quite like a hybrid to maximise that. Toyota has been a pioneer of strong hybrid tech for decades, and the latest Camry showcases the best of that know-how, with a smooth and efficient drive that uses the e-motor regularly to save on fuel. With a total system output of 230hp, it has more than enough grunt for highway use as well.What's more, Toyota's reliability and low-maintenance reputation precede it, and you should be able to use the Camry for years without issue. Only possible downsides are that its ground clearance isn't as much as that of an SUV, and it isn't particularly exciting from behind the wheel, since you drive yourself.The Skoda Kodiaq is a good option too, especially on the driving front, with its punchy 2.0-litre turbo-petrol engine and solid-feeling chassis. It's also got more space as well as better ground clearance, which should come in handy on road trips. However, on most other fronts, it can't hold a candle to the Camry, and that's especially true of mileage, which will be in single digits for the most part.

Toyota Camry

Skoda Kodiaq

autocar.india

•4w

Buy the Camry. It delivers the calm, premium sedan feel you want, and the hybrid really does lower city fuel costs. In traffic it pulls away on battery, the engine joins smoothly, and you can see around 18-22 kpl in the city if you drive gently. The back seat is properly spacious and comfy, the ride is soft enough to take bad roads in stride, and the cabin stays quiet. On highways, it cruises easily and feels upmarket without shouting about it. The honest downside is price. You pay a fair bit more upfront than some roomy SUVs.If your running is mostly city and you like relaxed driving, go for the Camry with confidence.

Toyota Camry