Topic: First Drive: 2018 Toyota Camry

[Ex-airbalancer]

stupid "mouse" interface

I find the mouse interface on our RX very easy to use , better than a touch screen

[Jaeger]

With the new Camry sharing it's platform with the Lexus ES and the 2018 Camry V6 topping out at US$39K, a brand new ES350 US$5,000 less might be a better deal, no?

Or a GS at US$10,000 more?  Then you can add AWD.

It's a fool's game to compare fully loaded models of one class to the starting price of another......

Yep.  But it sure is a popular fool's game.

[mmret]

With the new Camry sharing it's platform with the Lexus ES and the 2018 Camry V6 topping out at US$39K, a brand new ES350 US$5,000 less might be a better deal, no?

Or a GS at US$10,000 more?  Then you can add AWD.

It's a fool's game to compare fully loaded models of one class to the starting price of another......

But Mah Lexus badge?!

When I see a base model 320i with the halogen headlights I feel sad.

[NormT]

With the new Camry sharing it's platform with the Lexus ES and the 2018 Camry V6 topping out at US$39K, a brand new ES350 US$5,000 less might be a better deal, no?

Or a GS at US$10,000 more?  Then you can add AWD.

It's a fool's game to compare fully loaded models of one class to the starting price of another......

A fool and their money are soon parted too.

[Weels]

A fool and their money are soon parted too.

True, but it kept GM in business. 

LOL

[Noto]

A fool and their money are soon parted too.

Grammar 

[dkaz]

Um the 2018 Camry XLE V6 tops out at $40,945 and a 2017 Lexus ES350 starts at $43,300. No word yet if the 2018 ES350 will get the new engine and transmission or not.

[EV Dan]

Um the 2018 Camry XLE V6 tops out at $40,945 and a 2017 Lexus ES350 starts at $43,300. No word yet if the 2018 ES350 will get the new engine and transmission or not.

ES350 cash is 42,000 PDI and fees in. Before tax. CAD.
The Camry has 2 more speeds and 30 more HP. But we know which will be more trouble free, a first model year Toyota or the last (?) model year Lexus.

[alljay]

stupid "mouse" interface

I find the mouse interface on our RX very easy to use , better than a touch screen

Really?  I found it moved all over the place in a rather unpredictable manner and that clicking often resulted in the cursor moving to another spot on the screen. Maybe the demo model that I was using had been abused, but I left with a very bad impression of the interface.  I much prefer a rotary dial and scrolling through icons that way -- more intuitive and predictable -- but to each their own.

[rrocket]

With the new Camry sharing it's platform with the Lexus ES and the 2018 Camry V6 topping out at US$39K, a brand new ES350 US$5,000 less might be a better deal, no?

Or a GS at US$10,000 more?  Then you can add AWD.

It's a fool's game to compare fully loaded models of one class to the starting price of another......

But Mah Lexus badge?!

When I see a base model 320i with the halogen headlights I feel sad.

Meh, there's nothing inherently wrong with halogen.

[rrocket]

stupid "mouse" interface

I find the mouse interface on our RX very easy to use , better than a touch screen

Really?  I found it moved all over the place in a rather unpredictable manner and that clicking often resulted in the cursor moving to another spot on the screen. Maybe the demo model that I was using had been abused, but I left with a very bad impression of the interface.  I much prefer a rotary dial and scrolling through icons that way -- more intuitive and predictable -- but to each their own.

As with anything else, I little use with it makes all the difference. After a very short time, due to the haptic feedback, I was able to remember and feel how many clicks to get to the menu I wanted without looking.

YMMV

[dkaz]

Um the 2018 Camry XLE V6 tops out at $40,945 and a 2017 Lexus ES350 starts at $43,300. No word yet if the 2018 ES350 will get the new engine and transmission or not.

ES350 cash is 42,000 PDI and fees in. Before tax. CAD.
The Camry has 2 more speeds and 30 more HP. But we know which will be more trouble free, a first model year Toyota or the last (?) model year Lexus.

My first year Skyactiv has been pretty trouble free. The engine and transmission the Camry is getting was used in the 2017 Sienna. Some minor headaches with the transmission but they've all been resolved with a software update.

[ArticSteve]

Are the hybrids still made in Japan?


Since MY2012, the big makeover, Camry Hybrids have been assembled in KY.  The electric motors, control system and battery was shipped in from Japan and still are.

[JRM]

The front hasn't fully grown on me yet, but the profile is, to my eyes BMW like, which has to be a good thing. Still not sure about that center stack until I see it in the plastic.  Suspension and drive train upgrades should be awesome.  I'll be replacing my Passat in a few months and it won't be with a cuv/suv thing.   This may just be on my list.

[Ex-airbalancer]

The front hasn't fully grown on me yet, but the profile is, to my eyes BMW like, which has to be a good thing. Still not sure about that center stack until I see it in the plastic.  Suspension and drive train upgrades should be awesome.  I'll be replacing my Passat in a few months and it won't be with a cuv/suv thing.   This may just be on my list.

Why replace the Passat ?
Because it is a FGC out of warranty?

[NormT]

Um the 2018 Camry XLE V6 tops out at $40,945 and a 2017 Lexus ES350 starts at $43,300. No word yet if the 2018 ES350 will get the new engine and transmission or not.

Are you paying MSRP?  Pffft!

[Bubba]

The centre stack squiggle has been used in the Lexus RX since 2010...

Yes, that is also nasty.

They got it right with the IS350, imo:

When do we get a partition between the front seat occupants?

[Jaeger]

The front hasn't fully grown on me yet, but the profile is, to my eyes BMW like, which has to be a good thing. Still not sure about that center stack until I see it in the plastic.  Suspension and drive train upgrades should be awesome.  I'll be replacing my Passat in a few months and it won't be with a cuv/suv thing.   This may just be on my list.

Cool. Let us know how the shopping goes.

[dkaz]

Um the 2018 Camry XLE V6 tops out at $40,945 and a 2017 Lexus ES350 starts at $43,300. No word yet if the 2018 ES350 will get the new engine and transmission or not.

Are you paying MSRP?  Pffft!

Did I say I paid MSRP? I'm just using those figures for an apples to apples comparison, haggling is up to the buyer and if you can talk $1,000 down on one, you're likely going to be able to talk $1,000 down on the other. Although the 2017s will get end of year discounts.

[whaddaiknow]

Family values. No Beige.
Read more...

I've always had a soft spot for the Camry but this one is the ugliest yet. All performance improvements notwithstanding. Ugly front, ok-ish Altima style back.
300+HP is great but when I have to see the curved center stack every moment I spend inside, no thanks.
I hope I will warm up to it with time. But for now, I pass.

I have watched every youtube review I could find and so far, no one complained about the centre stack. So maybe that was just a bad shot or a bad angle.
From what I have seen, I quite like it!

200+HP from the 4-cyl NA engine
8-speed tranny that locks up beyond the 2nd gear
LED low AND high beam
Lower wider and longer + double wishbone rear susp
Amazing fuel economy
All safety features standard across the board
300+HP V6
Distinct look for each available model with available two-tone paint
Available red interior and quad exhaust on XSE

Toyota took this Camry makeover very seriously. What's not to like? Well, I wish certain features were available in lower trim levels like JBL, homelink, HUD, NAVI
I will be looking forward to test-driving one for sure!