2015 Toyota Camry XLE & XSE V6

When the best selling car in the country gets a thorough makeover it is important to sit up and take notice. The Camry has long gotten by on Toyota’s reputation and its all around usefulness to a large number of people—not to mention some big fleet sale numbers. As the competition has become more talented, not to mention more charismatic, Toyota decided to drive the Camry in a decidedly more dynamic direction.

Herein are my experiences with two versions of the 2015 machine, in “classic” XLE luxury trim (pictured above) and more contemporary, XSE guise (pictured below), both with six cylinder power. These 15s certainly look more intriguing, with only the roof panel carried over from the older model. There’s some slight of hand going on to keep the outgoing car’s structure but overall it’s a successful update that probably wont offend anyone yet moves the Toyota ahead of vehicles like the Chevrolet Malibu, Honda Accord and Nissan Altima in visual interest. The Ford Fusion and Mazda6 are still classier designs to these eyes, and the new Chrysler 200 sleeker looking, if not as taught. Of the two Camrys, I find the XSE the more appealing, with its darkened lights, blacked out grill and big wheels.

Inside Toyota has raised its game, incorporating more soft-touch plastics and some nice, clear-coated polished trim. While the Chrysler and Mazda still appears to be built of higher quality materials, the Camry no longer sends obvious signals of the cost-cutting that afflicted some earlier models. The XLE’s leather is pleasingly supple, while the XSE combines synthetic suede and hide to good effect. Both are more adventurous in the use of contrast stitching and color than the outgoing models as well. The infotainment system Toyota uses in Camrys is a mixed bag; the display between the gauges is sharp and classy; the main display still seems of lower resolution and cant seem to control Apple devices without glitches.

Pictured avove: The Camry XLE interior

Pictured avove: The Camry XSE interior

The 2015 Camrys have a stiffened structure and wider track, giving benefits in ride, handling and noise suppression. The more luxury-minded XLE is incredibly quiet and is very soft in ride, floating right over smaller road irregularities; however larger bumps undermine its serenity in that they cause very large, vertical body motions. Most folk will probably actually prefer the stiffer setup in the XSE, which, while slightly more perturbed by smaller stuff (and noisier on its low profile tires), is better the rest of the time. The sportier model also handles significantly better, with flat cornering and almost no brake dive or squat upon hard acceleration.

Both really hustle, too, with 0-60mph taking less than six seconds, thanks to the Camry’s light yet rigid structures and the potency of the wonderfully smooth 3.5-liter V6, whose 268 horses and 248lb-ft torque ratings seem very conservative when you plant your foot. Toyota has also done an admirable job of keeping FWD torque-steer at bay yet preserving decent steering accuracy—especially in the XSE. This model also has better brakes, that are very firm in feel and strong in retardation. The Camrys’ six speed Toyota transmission is very well programmed, transparent in daily use, and comes with paddle shifters on the XSE.

While not operating on the same level as the class-leading Mazda6 in steering, ride or handling, this latest Camry now can hold its head high, as it is a match for most everything else in the class, and simply clobbers the Mazda in get up and go. Of course it will continue to sell like hot cakes; but now, for the first time in years, it seems worthy of its sales crown.

EPA ratings:

2015 Toyota XLE V6: 21/31mpg; 25mpg combined

2015 Toyota XSE V6: 21/31mpg; 25mpg combined

Price as tested:

2015 Toyota XLE V6: $36,543

2015 Toyota XSE V6: $35,668

Here is what Toyota has to say about it.

Colorado AvidGolfer is the state’s leading resource for golf and the lifestyle that surrounds it. It publishes eight issues annually and proudly delivers daily content via www.coloradoavidgolfer.com.