AutoNSider Review | 2019 Toyota Camry SE
I think today’s Camry SE kinda’ resembles a Mercedes “E” Class from a few decades ago.
Crazy talk?
No.
Unlike the high-tech luxury-loaded vehicle that it is today, back in the beginning Mercedes’ E was a little more humble…a solid vehicle known as much for it’s longevity as its luxury. Not the fastest by far, but a diesel E Class was just about the closest thing to a lifetime vehicle that you could find back then.
So think about it. When you think “trouble free” today, who do you think about? A small handful of vehicles probably come to mind, and Toyota’s Camry is usually among that group.
And it’s the Camry in “SE” trim that most closely resembles that somewhat humble Mercedes of yesterday.
There’s literally a dozen kinds of Camry to choose from. Want red leather and red brake calipers? Spoilers? Ventilated leather? Hybrid power? 300+ horsepower? Whatever…Camry’s probably got your bases covered.
And that’s what makes the “SE” so appealing. It’s far from the most luxurious or powerful Camry, but it’s got just about everything that most of us want or need…and it’s got it for less than 30 thousand.
What’s almost everything?
Let’s start with a 203 HP, 2.5 liter four, an 8-speed automatic. Not what some would call soul-stirring, but more than enough power for most of us just about all the time. And strong MPG numbers. 28 in the city and 39 on the highway. And based on our week with the Camry SE, those are legit numbers, too. Not too long ago, it took a hybrid to get you close to 40 on the highway.
Then we’ll add 18” black alloys, special trim, distinctive power imitation leather and fabric seating, blind-spot, lane-departure and rear cross-traffic alerts, auto high beams, emergency stopping, pre-collision assist, dynamic cruise, Apple car-play, a 7” screen…and a moonroof to top it all off.
All this for a hair under 30 thousand in a vehicle that a number of people described as pretty darned good looking. Add realistic room for five and one of the most pothole-proof suspensions that I can remember, and it’s not hard to see why Toyota’s Camry remains on of the top selling sedans in America.
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