2022 Toyota Camry Pros vs Cons. Should You Buy?

For more than three decades, the Toyota Camry has remained one of the best-selling cars in its class. Drivers have grown to love this midsize sedan’s everyday practicality. Sharp exterior styling and a modern interior make the latest generation especially appealing. Let’s find out why car shoppers should consider buying a new 2022 Toyota Camry.

What’s New for 2022?

No styling or mechanical changes were made to the 2022 Toyota Camry. However, Ice Edge and Calvary Blue are the sedan’s newly available paint colors.

Top 10 Reasons to Buy a 2022 Toyota Camry – The Pros

1. A Track Record of Reliability

Over the years, the Toyota Camry has earned a reputation for being trustworthy. Every major component is built to meet a high standard of quality. When regularly serviced, this sedan can easily exceed 200,000 miles without experiencing any major problems. This means owners are unlikely to spend a lot of money in repairs. Mechanics give the Camry a 4.0 out of 5.0 rating in reliability, which puts it among the most dependable models in the segment.

2. Peppy Yet Economical Standard Powertrain

The 2022 Toyota Camry comes standard with a modern four-cylinder engine. Direct fuel injection helps it to produce up to 206 horsepower and 186 lb-ft of torque. This engine teams up with an eight-speed automatic transmission, which promotes a silky smooth performance. Drivers will appreciate the four-cylinder Camry’s overall responsiveness. Its fuel economy is also impressive for a non-hybrid powertrain. Drivers can anticipate getting an EPA-calculated 28 mpg town/39 mpg freeway on regular gasoline.

3. Very Strong V6 Engine

Drivers who desire a more formidable kick under the hood can upgrade to the Camry’s V6 engine. It’s rated to crank out a pleasing 301 horsepower and nearly 270 lb-ft of torque. When accelerating in the V6-powered Camry, test drivers will instantly feel its extra punch. According to the latest track tests, this sedan clocks a speedy 0-60 mph time of 5.8 seconds. Meanwhile, fuel economy tops out at a rather economical 33 mpg on the freeway.

4. Race-Inspired TRD Model

Driving enthusiasts who desire a capable sports sedan should consider the 2022 Toyota Camry TRD. Few models in the segment are as entertaining to drive. While the Camry TRD isn’t more powerful than the other Camry trims, it does feature a number of special performance upgrades. A track-tuned suspension gives the sedan a lower center of gravity, which enhances body control and handling. To give the TRD model a more exciting sound, Toyota also equips it with a high-performance exhaust system.

5. Styling That Grabs Your Attention

In the past, the Camry was known as being a Plain Jane. However, that’s no longer the case. An edgy and sleek exterior design helps the Camry to stand apart from the competition. Even the base model receives LED exterior lighting. Drivers seeking a sportier profile will love the SE trim. While the XSE trim looks similar, an available contrasting black roof gives it an extra wow factor. Meanwhile, an aggressive body kit is found on the high-performance Camry TRD.

6. Big On Comfort

Families give the 2022 Toyota Camry top marks for its everyday comfort. With just over 42 inches of legroom in the front, the Camry is a highly recommended car for tall drivers. The majority of occupants will find the sedan’s backseat to be quite accommodating as well. While most drivers will use the Camry for daily commuting, it’s also a great vehicle for taking road trips. Heated/ventilated front seats and heated rear seats are offered on the top trims.

7. Well-Designed Infotainment System

Every trim receives Toyota’s well-designed Entune infotainment system. While a 7.0-inch touch display is standard, buyers have access to a larger 9.0-inch screen. Drivers continue to rave about this interface’s overall simplicity. Even without reading the system’s manual, most drivers will quickly figure out how to operate it. Clear graphics make it easy to see the various icons. Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa enable the user to integrate their smartphone without any hiccups.

8. Thumping JBL Sound System

The 2022 Toyota Camry comes standard with a basic stereo system. Folks who demand a better music-listening experience should upgrade to the Camry’s JBL premium audio system. This 800-watt system manages to produce a powerful, distortion-free sound. An amplifier helps ensure great clarity at all volumes. It comes with a total of nine premium speakers. Drivers who prefer bass-heavy music will appreciate the unit’s trunk-mounted subwoofer.

9. Class-Leading Level of Passenger Safety

The 2022 Toyota Camry is the definition of a safe family vehicle. It received top scores in every crash test performed by the NHTSA, thus earning a five-star overall rating. Passengers will also appreciate the sedan’s IIHS Top Safety Pick+ award. Furthermore, a Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+ package comes standard throughout the Camry lineup. It brings today’s most wanted driving aids, including pre-collision braking and lane control. Blind-spot monitoring is offered on most trims.

10. All-Wheel-Drive Traction

An AWD system is available with the Camry’s standard four-cylinder engine. This is a huge plus for car shoppers who reside in snow-prone regions. When the front wheels begin to experience slippage, the system can automatically send more torque to the rear wheels. On wintry days, drivers will be thankful for the extra grip.

Reasons Not to Buy a 2022 Toyota Camry – The Cons

1. TRD Model Only Comes With an Automatic Transmission

The Camry TRD offers a lot of driving fun. However, it’s only offered with an automatic transmission. Some driving purists have expressed their desire for a traditional manual transmission. Although the Camry TRD’s auto transmission features paddle shifters, it does not give drivers as much control as a manual-equipped sports sedan.

2. All-Wheel Drive Lowers Fuel Economy

Some buyers will want the Camry’s optional AWD system. While the enhanced traction is a major benefit, drivers will be forced to sacrifice some fuel economy. Opting for all-wheel drive lowers the sedan’s efficiency to 25 mpg town/34 mpg freeway. While the AWD-equipped Camry still delivers decent gas mileage, front-wheel-drive models will save owners more money at the pump.

3. Smaller Trunk

There’s around 15.0 cubic inches of cargo space in the Camry’s trunk. While most drivers won’t have any major complaints, it’s important to note that many of the Camry’s competitors have a larger trunk. This could be a factor for car shoppers who need more space for luggage when traveling.

4. V6 Engine Causes Prices to Increase

The Camry’s available V6 engine is a rather costly upgrade. It can cause the sedan’s total cost to increase by more than $5,000. Camry’s buyers will also notice the V6 engine’s lower fuel economy rating. Drivers who don’t desire enhanced performance will likely prefer the standard four-cylinder engine.

5. Not the Quietest Cabin

Over the past couple of years, Toyota has made an effort to reduce the Camry’s interior noise. While the 2022 Toyota Camry now has a more hushed cabin, passengers will still hear some outside noise. Drivers seeking supreme quietness will favor the more luxurious Toyota Avalon.

How It Stacks Up to the Competition:

2022 Toyota Camry vs 2022 Honda Accord

It’s no secret that the 2022 Honda Accord is the Camry’s primary competitor. Car reviewers applaud the Accord for its strong performance and high-quality interior. However, only the 2022 Toyota Camry offers rear automatic emergency braking. Furthermore, an all-wheel-drive system is not available for the Accord. This could pose a concern for folks living in the Snowbelt. While the Accord Sport is engaging to drive, it lacks the Camry TRD’s track-tuned suspension.

2022 Toyota Camry vs 2022 Nissan Altima

The 2022 Nissan Altima has some nice qualities. Like the 2022 Toyota Camry, it offers an optional AWD system. However, most experts agree that the Camry offers the most driving fun. Reliability scores for the Camry are also slightly higher. Of course, families will especially appreciate the Camry’s extra rear legroom.

2022 Toyota Camry vs 2022 Kia K5

The automotive community has given the new Kia K5 many positive reviews. However, its long-term reliability has yet to be proven. While the Kia K5 is safe, it does not offer rear automatic emergency braking. Higher resale value gives the Camry another advantage over the Kia K5. While both cars feature a great infotainment system, some people will find the Camry's Entune interface to be especially easy to operate.

Conclusion

The top-selling 2022 Toyota Camry continues to impress. Not only does this popular family sedan provide comfortable accommodations, but it also has a stylish appearance. Exceptional crash scores further highlight the Camry as a great pick for families. Folks who crave a more engaging driving experience will especially enjoy the exciting TRD model. As always, owners can expect the Camry to offer excellent long-term reliability.

While there are many upsides to the new Toyota Camry, there are just a few cons to think about. Opting for the sedan’s AWD system does result in decreased fuel economy. If you desire the Camry’s stronger V6 engine, be prepared to spend more money.