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2019 Toyota Camry Trim Levels with Comparisons & Configurations.

2019 Toyota Camry Trim Levels, Configurations & Comparisons: L vs LE vs SE, XLE & XSE

What 2019 Toyota Camry Trim Level Should you Buy? What is the Difference Between Trims?

The 2019 Toyota Camry is expected to remain the most popular midsize sedan in America. It's always been known for delivering top-notch reliability and great everyday practicality. Last year, Toyota gave the Camry a major overhaul. Not only does the latest Camry rank among the most stylish cars in the segment, but it also delivers a more fulfilling driving experience on the road. Most importantly, there's a ton of room for your family.

Despite its many great attributes, the Camry is still not the best choice for harsh winter weather. The absence of an AWD system definitely hurts its performance in the snow. You'll find all-wheel drive on the all-new 2019 Nissan Altima and the 2019 Subaru Legacy.

Although not much has changed for the 2019 model year, Toyota has introduced Apple CarPlay and Amazon Alexa smartphone connectivity. Unfortunately, Android Auto still hasn't made its way into the Camry. A total of five Camry trims are now available: L, LE, SE, XSE, and XLE. Let's find out how these trims compare.

 

Compare the 2019 Toyota Camry L vs LE Trims. What is the difference?

If you're looking to spend as less money as money, go for the base Camry L. It's the least expensive trim in the lineup. While LED headlights come standard, a basic set of steel wheels make the Camry L look a bit plain compared to some of the other trims.

Under the hood of the Camry L sits Toyota's new Dynamic Four four-cylinder engine. A total output of 203 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque puts it among the strongest base engines in the class. Like every other Camry, the L model comes equipped with an eight-speed automatic transmission. Fuel economy tops out at an excellent 41 mpg on regular unleaded.

Despite being at the bottom of the Camry lineup, the L trim packs a good number of features. With the arrival of Apple CarPlay and Amazon Alexa connectivity, Toyota's standard 7.0-inch touch screen has become even more appealing. You'll also enjoy the Camry L's Wi-fi hot spot. Some of the other highlights include a navigation app, a backup camera, Google voice controls, and Bluetooth. Cloth upholstery covers the interior.

One of the best aspects of the Camry L is its standard Toyota Safety Sense package, which includes some great driver-assist technologies. While dynamic radar cruise control automatically adjusts your speed, automatic emergency braking reacts to unexpected obstacles in the road. Lane departure warning with steering assist and automatic headlights are also included in the TSS package.

For roughly $500 extra, you can upgrade to the slightly nicer Camry LE. It replaces the base model's hubcaps with a set of 17-inch alloy wheels. A car alarm and a power adjustable driver's seat are also found on the Camry LE.

Compare the 2019 Camry LE vs SE Trims. What is the difference?

Toyota designed the SE trim to deliver a sportier driving experience. It's a good choice for the drivers who are willing to sacrifice a bit of ride comfort for crisper handling. Performance-tuned shock absorbers and a revised steering system give the Camry SE a more responsive feel than the Camry LE. Both models come equipped with the same four-cylinder engine. However, paddle shifters enable you to manually shift gears in the Camry SE.

To further highlight the Camry SE's sporty character, Toyota outfitted it with a slicker set of 18-inch black wheels and a rear spoiler. On the inside, sport front seats help keep you planted around curves. Single-zone automatic climate control and a leather-trimmed steering wheel are also featured on the Camry SE.

Compare the Camry SE vs XLE Trims. What is the difference?

While you lose the SE trim's sporty upgrades, you gain a number of luxurious features by stepping up to the Camry XLE. A leather-trimmed interior accentuates the Camry XLE's premium feel. Meanwhile, heated front seats and dual-zone automatic climate control further enhance the XLE's comfort.

More technology is found inside the Camry XLE as well. Dynamic predictive backup lines come with the XLE's rear-view camera. This feature helps you better navigate around parking lot obstructions. Some of the other equipment includes a high-resolution gauge cluster display, three USB ports, and keyless ignition. In contrast to the SE trim, blind-spot monitoring and a more advanced adaptive cruise control system come on the XLE trim.

If you get the Camry XLE, you have access to some exciting options. Music fans will be drawn to the high-powered JBL sound system. The available panoramic glass roof is bound to be a popular upgrade. Automatic rear cross-traffic braking is an exclusive option you won't find on the Honda Accord or the Kia Optima. Wireless smartphone charging, a head-up driving display, a bird's-eye view camera, and a larger 8.0-inch touch screen are offered as well.

A three-mode drive switch is also found on the Camry XLE. While the Eco mode helps stretch your gas mileage, the Sport mode delivers snappier acceleration. During day-to-day driving situations, most people will be using the Normal mode.

Among the biggest options on the Camry XLE is Toyota's powerful V6 engine, which produces just over 300 horsepower. Upon taking the the V6-powered Camry for a test drive, expect to notice a clear difference in performance. Although fuel economy takes a hit, a 33-mpg highway fuel economy rating isn't bad for such a powerful car. By upgrading to the V6 engine, you automatically get most of the available options.

Compare the Camry XLE vs XSE Trims. What is the difference?

Sitting atop the lineup is the 2019 Toyota Camry XSE. While the XLE and the XSE trims have a similar list of features, Toyota designed the Camry XSE to have a sportier dynamic. Like the lower SE trim, it comes equipped with a performance-tuned suspension and a quicker steering system. You can stick with the standard four-cylinder engine or opt for the meaty V6.

To separate the Camry XSE from the other trims, Toyota gave it an especially aggressive look. It's the only Camry model that comes equipped with quad exhaust tips. Smoke headlamps and taillights also help the XSE trim to make a powerful statement on the street. The sedan's low stance is accentuated by a set of 19-inch black wheels.

 

Final Thoughts

Picking the perfect Camry trim comes down to what you desire the most. If you simply care about saving as much cash as possible, the base Camry L will keep you satisfied. Although the base Camry L may sacrifice a bit of style, it does come equipped with an attractive list of features. You are probably better off stepping up to the LE trim, which is only slightly higher.

Drivers who desire a sportier flavor should strongly consider the Camry SE. Although the Camry SE can't be equipped with the available V6 engine, it does benefit from sports-calibrated suspension and steering systems. Sportier exterior styling also helps make the SE trim a good bang for the buck.

Drivers who simply crave more luxury will be looking at the XLE and XSE trims. While the XLE trim has a comfort-tuned suspension, the XSE trim has a sports-tuned suspension. Despite the Camry XSE not being a full-fledged sports sedan, it definitely looks the part. This is the type of car that makes people stop and take notice.

While most Camry trims have an MSRP of less than $30,000, adding the V6 engine results in a nearly $5,000 price increase. Before you decide to spend the money of the V6 engine, be sure you really need the enhanced output. While it enables the Camry to move out at a quicker pace, you should factor in the reduced fuel economy.

Before settling on a new Camry, take a close look at your finances. Forgoing certain options will certainly help keep your monthly payments as low as possible.

2019 Toyota Camry Key Features

Toyota's standard safety package helps make the 2019 Camry a heck of a value. Nevertheless, some of the driver-assist technologies don't work great in the real world. Some reviewers has reported the lane departure system to be too sensitive. The same can be said for the Camry's forward collision technology.

Some of today's newest infotainment systems are a bit too complicated. Luckily, that's not the case with Toyota's Entune infotainment system. It's among the simplest interfaces on the market. While Entune's touch-screen display works well, physical controls can be used to perform certain functions. Remember, Android Auto is still unavailable.

Both of the available engines deliver a spry performance. The lack of a turbocharger means you don't have to worry about experiencing any turbo lag. Automotive journalists praise the Camry's eight-speed automatic gearbox. While the V6 engine is obviously stronger, most drivers won't need the extra power. You stand to save a lot of fuel by sticking with the standard four-cylinder.

If you're a serious music lover, spend the money on the available JBL premium audio system. It sounds far more inspirational than the base six-speaker system. When turning up the volume, you'll greatly appreciate the JBL system's stronger punch.

Save Money on a 2019 Toyota Camry:
 
Previous Toyota Camry Trim Configurations:

Compare the 2018 Toyota Camry Trim Levels