Trims, Mechanical Specs, and Fuel Efficiency

The ’21 Camry comes in six grades: LE, SE, SE Nightshade, XLE, XSE, and TRD. The standard power mill is a 2.5-liter four-cylinder that makes 203 horsepower. A 301 hp 3.5-liter V6 comes standard in the TRD and is available for the XSE and XLE. All come with an eight-speed automatic transmission that spins the front wheels in the four-cylinder models and all the wheels in the V6s. Those who prefer one of the base-engine trims but want a bit more traction can add AWD as an option.

According to EPA estimates, the FWD LE achieves 28 mpg around town and 39 mpg on the highway, while the FWD four-cylinder XLE and XSE return 27 city/38 highway. With AWD, the four-cylinders get 25 city/34 highway. The V6 XLE returns 22 city/33 highway, the V6 XSE 22 city/32 highway, and the TRD 22 city/31 highway.

Standard and Optional Features

The LE has 17-inch wheels, a rearview camera, a USB media port, two USB charge ports, a power-adjustable driver’s seat, and a 60/40 split fold-down rear seatback. The SE gets a number of enhancements with a sport-tuned suspension, 18-inch wheels, a leather-wrapped steering wheel with paddle shifters, and simulated-leather upholstery, as well as single-zone automatic climate control. The SE Nightshade appeals to the enigmatic driver with its all-black cloak-and-dagger look. It also gets unique 18-inch wheels and a spoiler.

The XLE doesn’t get the sport-tuned suspension, but it introduces LED headlights, chrome exterior trim, keyless entry and push-button ignition, dual-zone automatic climate control, an enhanced driver information display, a power-adjustable front passenger’s seat, genuine leather upholstery, and a wireless smartphone charger. The XSE is similarly equipped, but it brings back the sport-tuned suspension and gets 19-inch wheels, a gloss-black grille, dual exhausts, and metallic interior trim.

The TRD is the most athletic of the bunch. It’s endowed with an improved sport-tuned suspension, black side mirrors and exterior trim, distinct 19-inch wheels, a sport exhaust, an aerodynamic body kit that bundles side skirts, a front splitter, a trunk-lid spoiler, and a rear diffuser, TRD-exclusive simulated-leather upholstery, and attention-getting red seat belts.

Many of the amenities from the XLE and XSE are available as add-ons for the LE and SE. The Cold Weather Package will be popular in New England, as it supplies heated seats, heated side mirrors, and a heated steering wheel. The Driver Assist Package delivers a head-up display and ventilated front seats. The four-cylinder models are eligible for a panoramic sunroof, which is standard on the V6s. Summer tires can be added to the TRD to enhance driving performance.

Safety and Technology

Each of the ’21 Camry trims receives the latest Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+ suite of driver aids, which has been upgraded with an enhanced pre-collision system. TSS 2.5+ also has automatic high beams, lane keeping assist, road sign assist, and adaptive cruise control. A rear-seat reminder is also standard in each. The XLE provides full-speed adaptive cruise control and a blind-spot monitor with rear cross-traffic alert. The Driver Assist Package adds a surround-view camera system and rear parking sensors.

The LE and SE have an infotainment system with a 7-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth hands-free phone and audio streaming capability, satellite radio, and a sound system with six speakers. The LE and SE get that system as standard, but they’re eligible to upgrade to the available 9-inch touchscreen that comes standard on the XLE and above. The XLE, XSE, and TRD are eligible for a premium nine-speaker JBL audio unit. Unlike the TRD, though, the XLE and XSE can be set up with the available navigation system.