Honest Review: 2026 Toyota Camry SE, 6 Months of Ownership
Hey Reddit!
Back in November, I began financing a New 2026 Toyota Camry SE.
***Overview***
Model - 2026 Camry SE
Color - Ice Cap
Add Ons - All-Weather Floor Liner, Cold Weather Package, Convenience Package, Black Badge Overlays
OTD Price: $33,900
Down Payment: $5000
Monthly Payment: $466
***Looks / Comfort***
Positives:
- Unlike many people, I love how the car looks. Super sleek, the SE trim looks gnarly. I love it.
- The interior is refreshing compared to other modern vehicles. I got the Boulder interior, so I have a nice contrast to the black interiors most modern cars have.
- Screen isn’t overwhelmingly large. And it’s built right into the dash which is awesome, not a fan of when screens just stick out.
- Back seats are very roomy.
- Trunk is HUGE. The car is a lot bigger than you’d think.
- Black rims looks SICK.
Lukewarm:
- Seats are average in terms of comfortably. You definitely notice it after extra long drives.
Negatives:
- Paint seems to chip somewhat easily. Had to touch up a few spots on the hood during early spring.
***Technology***
Positives:
- PHYSICAL BUTTONS! THANK GOODNESS!
Lukewarm:
- Touchscreen isn’t very responsive, but it’s not overwhelmingly slow. Nothing that I’d be frustrated with
- Apple CarPlay. Thank god. First car I’ve ever owned that has it.
- The app is super convenient but I hate that you have to pay for remote start after the free trial expires. Would be a positive if it wasn’t for the extra charge.
- Toyota’s digital gage cluster is nice. Nothing that distracts me while I’m driving.
- Lane Assist and Adaptive cruise are good features, nothing out of this world though. You can’t just rely on them (obviously) because if you do, your ride will be VERY uncomfortable.
Negatives:
- Apple CarPlay rarely connects on its own. I have to manually turn it on every time you start the car.
***Driving***
Positives:
- This car is no slouch. When you put it in Sport mode, you really do feel all 225 Horsepower. I only have FWD, but I kinda wish I got AWD cuz I bet that car feels even quicker.
- Handling is pretty good. Nothing out of this world but it takes corners well.
- During good weather I get like 45 MPG. I love it.
- Hybrid powertrain works great. I don’t ever notice the car switching between Battery to Engine power.
Lukewarm:
- Since I have the SE trim, you do feel the road a bit while you’re driving, since the car has a stiffer suspension.
Negatives:
No bad experiences while on the road so far.
***Maintanance / Reliability***
Positives:
With preventative maintenance, I’ve yet to encounter any major issues 6 months in. Toyota really has mastered their hybrid powertrain.
***Verdict***
Can’t really say anything bad about the Camry. It’s a proven car that has lived up to its reputation time and time again. I would highly recommend it to anyone looking for a quality sedan that’ll last you a lifetime.
However, other sedans on the market are more fun to drive and offer better technology. Toyota likes to keep it simple, and sometimes that shows. If you’re looking for an elite driving experience, the Camry may not be for you.
As someone who bought the car just to be a reliable daily, it does exactly what I need it to do. 8/10, happy with my Camry. Thanks Toyota!