• Good quality plastics
• Lots of buttons
• Infotainment is a bit old school

How is the quality and layout?

While the grades of plastic aren’t up to Lexus levels of quality, they are far more appealing than those recent Toyota drivers will have experienced. It’s all well-assembled, too.

That suite of buttons on the centre console is refreshing too, as the many of the functions other than the multimedia can be adjusted on the move once you’ve learned where they’re located. It’s got something of a high-end hi-fi look to it, with a lovely weighting to the rotary knobs. We admit, there might be too many buttons on the steering wheel.

Within the low-set binnacle the instrumentation is comprehensive and clear, if lacking much in the way of visual delight.

There’s plenty of electrical adjustment for the seat and wheel, ensuring a spot-on driving position.

Infotainment and tech

If you’ve ever sat in a Mk1 Ford Focus then you’ll spot a similarity in the way the Camry’s centre console swoops down, housing a multitude of buttons and the multimedia touchscreen.

The 9.0-inch infotainment system is much slicker to use than previous generations of Camry. The graphics still look like an old 8-bit video game, but thanks to standard-fit Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, we bet most people won’t be too fussed.

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The Camry is full of tech you wouldn’t expect for the price. Excel models get cooled and heated front seats, plus there’s intelligent cruise control that can pick up speed limits from road signs and adjust your speed accordingly.

Altogether Toyota’s semi-autonomous tech, incorporating things like cruise control and steering assists, work intuitively and rarely get muddled or slam on the brakes suddenly for no reason. 

Comfort

• Roomy cabin can accommodate five
• Well-judged ride quality promotes comfort
• Hushed driving experience most of the time

Traditionally, large saloon buyers have sought comfort above almost all other considerations and despite the Camry’s engineers promoting its handling virtues, it remains a pliant, pleasant car in which to travel, feeling stable at higher speeds and dealing adeptly with road imperfections at lower ones.

Space-wise it’s generously proportioned inside, with ample space for four, while accommodating a fifth passenger in the central rear seat won’t prove challenging. Taller teens and adults may find the slope of the roof impinges upon headroom in the back, but there’s ample shoulder- and legroom front and rear.

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Aside from the engine noise caused by the way the Camry’s transmission works, Toyota has engineered a quiet car, albeit less good at isolating external noises than the closely related Lexus ES. Around town in EV mode it’s impressively hushed, but at motorway speeds you’re more aware of air rushing around the tops of the door frames and roar from the tyres, particularly on abrasive road surfaces.