Toyota Camry 2022 Review

Today, the D-segment sedan market in Malaysia remains the core choice for family users and business professionals. Consumers seek a balance between space and comfort, while also demanding higher standards of intelligent features and safety performance. As a popular model in this specific market segment, the 2022 Toyota Camry 2.5V focuses on comprehensive safety features, flexible seat adjustments, and mature power tuning as its core selling points. In this test drive, we aim to verify whether its static practicality and dynamic performance match its positioning.

In terms of appearance, the design of the Camry 2.5V leans towards stability but with distinctive details. The front features a large trapezoidal grille paired with blacked-out horizontal slats. The LED headlights on both sides are connected to the grille, visually widening the front. The chrome accents on the lower part of the front bumper and the design of the fog lamp areas prevent the front from appearing overly dull. The body side lines are smooth, with a muscular stance highlighted by a waistline that extends from the front fender to the rear. The 18-inch multi-spoke alloy wheels paired with 235/45 R18 tires are well-proportioned. At the rear, the LED taillights adopt a through-type design, connected in the middle by a chrome strip. The dual exhaust pipes on both sides below enhance the sense of refinement, making the overall look in line with the position of a mid-to-high-end sedan.

Inside the car, the interior largely features dark tones complemented by wood-grain panels and silver accents, creating a sense of luxury. The layout of the center console is simple, with a 9-inch touchscreen in the center and physical buttons and knobs retained below for easier blind operation. In terms of materials, the seats and inside of the door panels are wrapped in leather, offering a soft touch, while the upper part of the dashboard is covered with soft materials, showcasing fine attention to detail. In terms of configuration, the HUD head-up display presents information such as speed and navigation, reducing eye movement during driving. The multifunction steering wheel includes paddle shifters, with media and voice assistant controls on the left side and driving assistance system adjustments on the right side. The front seats support electric adjustment, the driver's seat comes with a memory function, and the front passenger seat can be adjusted via side buttons. Additionally, the outer rear seats support electric reclining, enhancing daily convenience and comfort.

In terms of space performance, the Camry 2.5V has dimensions of 4885mm in length, 1840mm in width, and 1445mm in height, with a wheelbase of 2825mm, ensuring ample passenger space. When a passenger with a height of 175cm adjusts the front seat, the headroom is about a fist, while the rear legroom exceeds two fists, with headroom of about one fist, providing comfort even for long-distance travels. Regarding storage capacity, the trunk offers 493L of space, accommodating two 28-inch suitcases and one carry-on bag. The rear seats support split folding, allowing storage of longer items when expanded. Additionally, details like the front central armrest box, door storage compartments, and rear center armrest cup holders cater to daily storage needs. The rear row is equipped with independent air-conditioning vents and power outlets, enhancing the comfort of rear passengers.

For the powertrain, the Camry 2.5V is equipped with a 2.5L naturally aspirated engine, delivering a maximum power of 184PS (Note: The original text's 109PS is a typo and should be 184PS) and a peak torque of 235N·m, paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. The driving modes include ECO, Normal, and Sport. In ECO mode, the power output is smooth, suitable for daily commuting. In Normal mode, the power response is moderate, with seamless gear shifting. In Sport mode, the throttle response becomes more sensitive, shifts occur at higher RPMs, and acceleration feels more robust. During actual driving, the car starts off lightly, offers ample power reserves for mid-range acceleration and overtaking, and provides a clear gear-shifting logic with almost no sensation of gear changes.

In terms of handling and chassis, the combination of front MacPherson independent suspension and rear double-wishbone independent suspension is tuned for comfort. When dealing with bumpy roads, the suspension effectively filters out vibrations, and the vehicle body remains stable; when cornering, the body roll is kept within a reasonable range, the steering wheel is precise, and there is minimal play. The braking system performs reliably, with linear braking, sensitive response in the initial stage, and sufficient braking force in the later stage.

As for fuel consumption, the measured fuel consumption under mixed road conditions is approximately 7.5L/100km, while on highways it drops to 6.2L/100km, aligning with the official figure of 6.8L/100km for combined fuel consumption. The fuel economy is commendable. Regarding noise control, the cabin remains quiet at low speeds, with minimal tire and wind noise; at high speeds, wind noise slightly increases but does not affect in-car communication. In terms of seat comfort, the leather seats provide good wrapping support, with soft padding that prevents fatigue during long rides; the rear seats support electric angle adjustment, further enhancing comfort on long journeys.

For safety features, the Camry 2.5V comes standard with 7 airbags, 360-degree panoramic cameras, lane change assist, lane departure warning, automatic emergency braking, and other functions, offering comprehensive safety performance. Compared to competitors in the same class, its safety configuration is more extensive, providing excellent value for money.

In summary, the core strength of the 2022 Toyota Camry 2.5V lies in its balanced performance: spacious interior, rich features, reliable powertrain, and comprehensive safety features. Compared with the Honda Accord 2.4L in the same class, the Camry 2.5V offers more flexible seat adjustment and better rear-seat comfort; compared to the Mazda6 2.5L, its safety configuration is more complete. This car is suitable for consumers who prioritize family use, comfort, and safety. Whether for daily commuting or long-distance travel, it can meet a variety of needs. As a strong contender in the mid-to-high-end sedan market, the Camry 2.5V stands out as a commendable choice in this segment.