2015 Toyota Camry XLE - A Stylish, Nearly Luxurious Camry?
For years, the words luxury, stylish and Camry didn’t go in the same sentence. Those days are gone and the new 2015 Toyota Camry XLE is anything but boring.
By now, we all know the story of the Toyota Camry. It had a very bland look, yet offered amazing reliability. Rental companies and penny pinchers loved the car because it didn’t break down. Sure this was good for point A to point B commuters, but critics bemoaned the lackluster engine and it became the butt of a lot of bland car jokes. Fast forward to 2015 and this is anything but your father’s Camry.
On the road, our V6 powered Camry was fun to drive with 268 horsepower and 248 lb-ft of torque providing almost an abundance of power. This newly refreshed Camry (full redesign after three years) has a better ride thanks to several suspension enhancements. The result is a powerful, stick to the road type of sedan that would shock a 1990s era Camry customer.
The speed and handling may make you wonder if fuel economy was the odd man out. Not the case in the V6 with an EPA-estimated 21/31/25 MPG city/highway/combined.
If you opt for the standard four-cylinder, the Camry returns an EPA-estimated 25/35/28 MPG city/highway/combined and a more sensible drive with 178 horsepower and 170 lb-ft of torque.
For all Camry models, front-wheel drive and a six-speed automatic transmission are standard.
Overall, we would like to see Toyota add an 8-speed transmission and continue to evolve the suspension like new competitors such as the Chrysler 200. This would add even more fuel economy and an even smoother ride.
Stylish Camry XLE Exterior
On the outside, the 2015 Toyota Camry offers a lot more visual appeal these days with its hourglass shaped grille, wide front fascia and curved LED lights. The headlights recess upwards and away from the wheels, which creates a V-shaped look.
The side body panels have more character than before and this whole package dovetails nicely in the rear with a rear spoiler (offered in our XLE package).
Also part of the XLE package are 17-inch alloy wheels with super chrome paint and dual chrome-tipped exhausts. These features dress up the stock Camry and give it a more refined look over the stock 16-inch wheels and non-chrome tipped exhaust.
About the only things not to like on the exterior are the sides needing more character and a little more rear styling on the base trim levels.
Roomy, Bright Interior
One of the main focus points for Toyota on the new Camry is the interior and it shows. With a better combination of interior materials plus easier to reach buttons and more pleasing to look at dash, the 2015 Toyota Camry XLE is shockingly good.
Our tester model came with the large 7-inch touchscreen and Entune Premium Audio system. This system is not only easy to use, it sounds great with rich audio filling the cabin.
More creature comfort came by way of a heated, 8-way adjustable driver’s seat wrapped in leather-trim. The stitching was top notch and the finish was almost Lexus like.
The cabin was a good size for a mid-size sedan and visibility was really good from the driver’s seat. It was also bright and welcoming with the power title/slide moonroof and color palette selections.
Overall, the interior of the XLE was loaded with the Entune Premium package offering a slew of technology features. The dual-zone climate control, Qi wireless charging, and back-up camera are all nice additions.
A Big Step Forward
The days of bland styling and boring driving experiences are over for Toyota and if you haven’t been in a Camry in a few years, you should. Competition breeds excellence, and this is strongly evident with the 2015 Toyota Camry XLE. The marketplace has plenty of great options and the Camry is now definitely one of them. Remember to bring your pocket book though, the Camry XLE package will run you upwards of $36k and, while we think it is worth it, this trim level is more than your commuter car. It is your going out on the town sedan.
2015 Toyota Camry XLE Specs:
Engine: 3.5L twin-cam, 24-valve with dual VVT-I V6
This article is meant to provide general guidance only. Automotive maintenance, repair, upgrade, and installation may depend on vehicle-specifics such as make and model. Always consult your owner's manual, repair guide for specific information for your particular vehicle and consider a licensed auto-care professional's help as well, particularly for advance repairs.
