Toyota Camry new vs old: price, engine, features comparison

The ninth-generation Toyota Camry, launched at Rs 48 lakh (ex-showroom), costs slightly more than the outgoing model. This latest iteration of Toyota’s luxury sedan has received extensive updates to its exterior and interior, and it also gets a new-generation hybrid motor. We compare the new Camry and its predecessor on paper to assess whether the price hike is justified.

Toyota Camry new vs old dimensions

Excluding length, which has gone up by 35mm, the new Camry’s width and height are identical to the old model, and so are the 2,825mm wheelbase and 50-litre fuel tank. Interestingly, despite the new car being longer, the kerb weight has gone down by 20 kilos to 1,645kg.

Toyota Camry new vs old design

As this latest-generation car draws a lot from Lexus’ design language, its front bumper appears sleeker and looks layered, while the chin maintains the signature anvil shape. Bracket-like elements on either side make the Camry look wider than its predecessor. Further, the headlight pods have become sleeker and do away with projectors for LEDs. The distance between the LED fog lamps also appears to have been reduced.

As for the side profile, new 18-inch machined-finish alloy wheels adopt a star-like design, and a blue dot on either fender now sits next to the new ‘HEV’ lettering, denoting its hybrid status. A slim chrome strip that runs across the car’s length is also new. At the rear, the outgoing model’s larger tail-lights have been replaced with slimmer ‘C-shaped’ units. A thin chrome strip connects the rear reflectors set on either side of the dual-tone bumper.

Toyota Camry new vs old interior features, safety

Besides the new 12.3-inch MID, one of the most notable upgrades is the 12.3-inch touchscreen for infotainment, which replaces the older 9-inch unit. It supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and is Toyota i-Connect-enabled, offering a suite of connected car features.

The new Camry continues to offer 10-way power-adjustable seats but adds yellow-brown soft leather upholstery. Toyota has also integrated an upgraded nanoe X technology for air purification.

Level 2 ADAS is another highlight of the generational jump, bringing safety features like Lane Tracing Assist (LTA), which works to keep the car centred within its lane, while Lane Departure Alert (LDA) provides warnings against unintentional lane changes. The safety bundle also includes a Pre-Collision System (PCS), which is programmed to actively detect and avoid potential collision risks. A 360-degree rearview monitor has also been added.

Toyota Camry new vs old engine

The new Toyota Camry is powered by an updated 2.5-litre petrol engine, and it now makes 187hp at 6,000 rpm, a notable improvement over the previous 178hp at 5,700 rpm. Peak torque remains at 221Nm, available across the same 3,600-5,200rpm band.

Thanks to the fifth-generation Toyota Hybrid System (THS 5) in the new model, the combined output has risen from 218hp to 230hp, representing a gain of 12hp. Fuel efficiency has also improved, with the sedan achieving 25.49kpl (under standard test conditions stated) compared to the previous generation’s 23.27kpl.

Toyota Camry new vs old price

Considering the outgoing model’s last recorded ex-showroom price of Rs 46.17 lakh, the ninth-generation Toyota Camry costs Rs 1.83 lakh more. However, based on the number of updates – rather comprehensive ones to the exterior, interior, features list, safety kit and powertrain – on paper, the increase seems justified.

We’ll be driving the new Toyota Camry soon. So, stay tuned for our first drive review.

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