One of the longest-running nameplates in the auto industry, and with 20 straight years as America’s #1 selling midsize sedan, the 2023 Camry keeps things rolling with a refreshed Nightshade Special Edition. The Camry was among the first Toyota models to offer the distinctive Nightshade edition, a factory designer package without the customizer’s price. And, for 2023, Toyota offers three moods of Nightshade with the choice of Midnight Black, White and the new Reservoir Blue exterior colors.
The Nightshade Special Edition gives the 2023 Camry the look and stance of a premium sport sedan. The 2023 Camry Nightshade is available in SE grade front-wheel drive, all-wheel drive and hybrid models. The black front grille with Sport Mesh insert is borrowed from the Camry TRD model. The Nightshade also wears a black rear spoiler, mirror caps, exterior badges and, for 2023, adds black-trimmed headlights and taillights for a stronger dose of attitude.
The standout new design feature for the distinctive Nightshade is the 19-inch matte bronze aluminum alloy wheels. These rims give a look that really pops against any of the three body colors offered. The standard SE grade features carry over, including the sport-tuned suspension.
The Nightshade Edition is designed to appeal to drivers who enjoy a car that gets a little extra attention or for those who appreciate getting a designer look at a value price. That appeal is growing. The Nightshade package accounted for about 5% of Camry sales in 2021 and, for 2022, is on track to be about 7%.
A Camry for Everyone, and Up to 52 MPG
Currently in its eighth design generation, the Toyota Camry is also just one year shy of its 40th anniversary in America. A wide array of model choices, plus Camry’s alluring, coupe-inspired design and renowned Toyota quality and value, are a few reasons why Camry maintains leadership in the mid-size sedan category. All told, the 2023 Camry offers 18 different choices, offering a model for nearly every budget and taste. Notably, the Nightshade Edition is offered on all four-cylinder and hybrid models.
- Five 4-cyl. FWD grades – LE, XLE, SE, SE Nightshade, XSE
- Five 4-cyl. AWD grades – LE, XLE, SE, SE Nightshade, XSE
- Five hybrid grades – LE, XLE, SE, SE Nightshade, XSE
- Three V-6 grades – XLE, XSE and performance-tuned TRD
As fuel economy has recently zoomed to the top of many buyers’ priority lists, it is worth pointing out the outstanding fuel efficiency ratings across the Camry line. The LE Hybrid is the champ, with a manufacturer-estimated 51 MPG city/53 MPG highway/52 MPG combined rating. The LE FWD gas model is also a standout in its class, with manufacturer-estimated 28/39/32 MPG ratings.
Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+
The Camry has been a repeat IIHS TOP SAFETY PICK recipient. This is the organization’s highest rating and one that acknowledges the standard Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+ system that includes:
- Pre-collision System with Pedestrian Detection with Intersection Support
- Road Sign Assist (RSA)
- Full-Speed Range Dynamic Radar Cruise Control (DRCC)
- Lane Keeping Technology: Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist (LDA w/ SA), Lane Tracing Assist (LTA) and Sway Warning System
- Automatic High Beams (AHB)
Foundation for Agility and Ride Comfort
Extensive use of high-tensile-strength steel in the TNGA-K platform along with innovative fastening methods, including laser screw welding and advanced adhesives, give Camry its rock-solid feeling on the road. Optimally tuned MacPherson-type strut front suspension and multi-link rear suspension endow the Camry with a ride-handling balance befitting luxury vehicles (SE, XSE and TRD grades also have sport-tuned springs and shocks).
Camry engineers prioritize a quiet ride, and the current-generation model improved on that by incorporating noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) countermeasures previously found exclusively on luxury models. Extensive sound-absorbing insulation includes foam/vibration-dampening materials throughout the vehicle, along with a thicker dash silencer mat across the entire firewall section. A special vibration-damping coating is applied over a wider area of the underfloor, and noise-proofing material encompasses more surface area under the headliner.
High-Style, High-Function Cabin
The Camry’s interior melds functionality, elegant styling and impeccable fit and finish. The dash design gives the driver a sporty cockpit-type feel while treating both the driver and the front passenger to expansive outward visibility.
Surfaces throughout the cabin employ soft-touch premium materials. Interior trim in all grades gives a sophisticated, higher-tech look with linear dark, wood inlay or patterned metal, depending on the model grade. Interior color choices, depending on exterior color, include Ash, Macadamia or Black. The sport-oriented XSE grade also offers an exclusive Cockpit Red interior for a touch of exotic sports car flavor.
Exquisite stitching on the front- and rear-seat surfaces, one example of the high level of craftsmanship, is found throughout the vehicle. The XLE grade features a luxurious-looking textured herringbone seat pattern. Ventilated front seats are available on the XLE and XSE.
The Camry relays information to the driver via three available displays. A floating 7- or 9-inch central touch-screen display combines audio and navigation. Customizable features and smart phone-like touch screen icons help ensure familiar and convenient operation.
For even greater functionality, Camry also offers an available 7-inch multi-information display within the instrument cluster. Available on XLE and XSE, a 10-inch color Head-Up Display (HUD) projects vital information, including speed and turn-by-turn navigation directions, onto the lower portion of the windshield.
The Camry LE features standard air conditioning, while all other grades step up to automatic dual-zone climate control. The system specific to the hybrid versions uses an electric compressor and humidity sensor. Rear seat vents come standard on the XLE and XSE Hybrid grades and are available as a package upgrade on the LE and SE.
High Power, Efficiency and Value
The 2023 Camry offers a choice of three powertrains: 2.5-liter Dynamic Force four-cylinder, 3.5-liter V-6 and next-generation Toyota Hybrid System (THS II). The Dynamic Force 2.5-liter engine is a strong but smooth operator, yielding an impressive 203 hp at 6,600 rpm and 184 lb.-ft. of peak torque at 5,000 rpm (206 hp and 186 lb.-ft. for XSE grade, which uses a dual-outlet exhaust). Most AWD grades have 202 hp, while the Camry XSE AWD grade has 205 hp with dual-outlet exhaust.
The four-cylinder engine uses a very high compression ratio (13:1) and Toyota’s innovative D-4S fuel injection, which employs both direct injection and additional port injectors. The engine is chock-full of Toyota’s most advanced technologies, including Dual VVT-i with VVT-iE (Variable Valve Timing intelligent system by Electric motor) and laser-clad valve seats. A variable cooling system, variable oil pump and a cooled exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) system all contribute to the engine’s high thermal efficiency and outstanding fuel economy ratings. Notably, regular-grade fuel is specified for all 2023 Camry models, helping to bolster value for the customer.
V-6 Performance at a High Level
The 2023 Toyota Camry is one of the few midsize sedans to still offer a V-6 engine and this one is a gem. It is standard for the TRD and is available for the XLE and XSE grades, as well.
The 24-valve, DOHC 3.5-liter engine is equipped with the D-4S direct injection system, along with a specially-developed VVT-iW (Variable Valve Timing-intelligent Wide) variable valve timing system for the intake, with VVT-i on the exhaust. The VVT-iW system can switch the engine to the Atkinson cycle, which reduces pumping losses by delayed closing of the intake valves. Output is outstanding, with 301 horsepower at 6,600 rpm and 267 lb.-ft. of peak torque at 4,700 rpm.
Direct Shift 8-speed Automatic
In all Camry gas grades, both the 2.5-liter engine and the 3.5-liter V-6 are teamed with the Direct Shift eight-speed automatic transmission that delivers satisfyingly crisp-yet-smooth quick-shifting to deliver an exemplary blend of performance and refinement. Close mid-range ratios improve passing performance, while the wide range of torque converter lock-up yields a more direct driving feel and contributes to fuel efficiency. Control logic optimizes precise matching of engine torque on downshifts for smoother transitions.
