The all-new 9th-generation Toyota Camry has just made its debut in the US market. Unlike its predecessors, the all-new D-segment sedan will only be available with a hybrid electric powertrain, at least for the US. This means the US market is officially waving goodbye to the naturally aspirated 2.5-litre as well as the 3.5-litre V6 pure internal combustion engine (ICE) powertrains.
Powering the US-market 9th-generation Toyota Camry will be the brand’s 5th-generation Toyota Hybrid System (THS 5). The system consists of a 2.5-litre 4-cylinder petrol engine, along with two electric motors.
Depending on the variant chosen, power can be sent to either the front wheels only (FWD) or to all four wheels (AWD) via Toyota’s On-Demand All-Wheel Drive system.
Toyota claims that the AWD hybrid will have up to a net-combined power figure of 225 hp for the FWD models, while the AWD models have up to 232 hp, which is a 30 hp increase over its mechanical AWD-equipped predecessor.
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The hybrid powertrain is also claimed to be tuned to reduce engine RPMs at lower speeds and increase power from the traction battery to provide a more satisfying acceleration and torque feel. The all-new Camry also sports a re-engineered suspension and braking system which Toyota says is capable of delivering balanced handling and comfort.
As expected, Toyota has given its all-new D-segment sedan a completely new design inside and out, with its exterior having adopted the brand’s new hammerhead shark-like front fascia. All variants also get LED headlamps, daytime running lights (DRLs), and taillights.
For better aerodynamics, Toyota has equipped the all-new Camry with racing-inspired functional aerodynamic air ducts, front-side canards, and a rear diffuser. There are also two exhaust tips and a rear lip spoiler at the back for a sportier appearance. Also included with the higher variant models are a colour-matched front grille and black trunk garnish.
Wheel options for the all-new US market Toyota Camry include 18-inch multi-spoke black alloys and 19-inch multi-spoke black and smoke grey-finish alloys, depending on the variant chosen.
The 9th-generation Toyota Camry will also adopt Toyota’s “Beyond Zero” badge to signal the brand’s commitment to reducing carbon emissions and its vision for a carbon-neutral future.
Inside, the US market 9th-generation Toyota Camry comes with a 7-inch or 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, depending on the variant chosen. Certain variants also come with a 10-inch head-up display.
Toyota has also fitted the all-new Camry in the US with either an 8-inch or 12.3-inch central touchscreen, together with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. A Qi wireless charging pad, along with a combination of USB-A and USB-C ports is also available.
The higher-end variant also gets a standard leather-trimmed interior with “shooting blade” pattern and perforations on both the side door trims and seating surfaces.
Also available with the higher-end variant are two interior colour choices. This includes black with blue lined perforations, as well as the Lexus F Sport-like Cockpit Red.
Other standard kits include aluminium sport pedals, a dual-zone automatic climate control system, and rear air vents. For the first time on a Camry Hybrid, the D-segment sedan also comes with an optional power tilt and slide panoramic roof with a power-retractable sunshade.
The Toyota Camry has also always been known for its superior comfort. Toyota has further enhanced this department by changing the shape and density of the Camry’s seat cushion and increasing the cushion length. This has resulted in the seats having enhanced comfort.
Toyota also claims that the higher-end variants will have a quieter cabin thanks to the standard front-side acoustic laminated glass which helps reduce wind noise and harshness.
On the safety front, the all-new 9th-generation Toyota Camry in the US will get the Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 ADAS suite, a blind spot monitor (BSM), and rear-cross traffic alert (RCTA) as standard.
Higher-end variants also come available with a Premium Plus Package which includes features such as traffic jam assist (TJA), front-cross traffic alert (FCTA), lane change assist (LCA), front and rear parking assist with automatic braking, and a panoramic view monitor.
The all-new Toyota Camry is expected to arrive at Toyota dealerships throughout the US in the spring of 2024. Besides the US market, The all-new Accord fighter will also be making an appearance at the Guangzhou Auto Show, which will be held from November 17 to 26 this year. Whether this version of the Camry will differ much from its American counterpart, we will have to wait and see.
You might also be curious if the all-new Toyota Camry will make it to the Malaysian market, which is a question that can only be answered with time. The latest iteration of the Camry’s closest rival – the Honda Accord has been confirmed to be skipping the Malaysian market, which (sadly) makes total sense, considering D-segment sedan sales in the market have shrunken quite a bit over the past couple of years. If the all-new Toyota Camry does make it to Malaysia, it will be among the last of its kind to survive in the market.
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