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The 40 mpg Cars of 2013

2013 Toyota Camry

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Overview

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2013 Toyota Camry Review

By KBB.com Editors

KBB Expert Rating: 7.5

Whether it was years of criticism regarding the Camry's lackluster styling, or a gentle wakeup call from Korean competitors like the Hyundai Sonata and Kia Optima, Toyota finally took the plunge last year and gave its hot-selling family sedan the red-carpet treatment. With a stronger appeal to younger buyers, Toyota hopes to keep the 2013 Camry's impressive sales figures running high, and with models ranging from the base L to the sporty SE, to the fuel-efficient Hybrid or the luxurious XLE, it seems there is no shortage of variations to appeal to just about every taste. Still, the Camry is facing some tough competition this year from the new Chevy Malibu and Ford Fusion, as well as more visually alluring models from Nissan, Kia and Mazda.

You'll Like This Car If...

If you like the idea of Toyota quality and resale value, but years of Camry mass-appeal styling has made you look elsewhere, the 2013 Toyota Camry will bring a smile to your face. Fuel economy on the hybrid model is actually better than some compact sedans.

You May Not Like This Car If...

While its styling has improved, the 2013 Toyota Camry still looks the wallflower when placed beside the new Fusion, Optima or Mazda6. And, Toyota still doesn't offer an all-wheel-drive option, an important attribute for those who live in snowy climes.

KBB Expert Ratings

Overall Rating

7.5
Driving Dynamics

7.3
Comfort & Convenience

8.7
Design: Interior & Exterior

6.1
Value

7.9
Safety

9.9

How It Ranks

#8

out of 20

MPG

#8

out of 19

Horsepower

View all rankings

Consumer Rating

9.0 out of 10

View all
consumer ratings

What's New for 2013

The 2013 Toyota Camry sedan sees some improvement in interior materials and color matching. Cross Traffic Alert is added to the Blind Spot Monitoring System, which is now optional on the SE trim. Camry L and Camry Hybrid LE gain the new Display Audio radio as standard equipment, and all models now feature a new turn-signal stalk requiring only one tap to initiate a 3-blink sequence.

Driving the Camry

2013 Toyota Camry Front angle view photo

Driving Impressions Last year's makeover saw Toyota engineers diligently work to improve the Camry sedan's structure and suspension. More high-strength steel was used, increasing rigidity of the body while trimming weight –...

significantly on gasoline models and by over 230 whopping pounds on the hybrid models. Revised chassis components and new geometry give all Camrys a more confident feel with better ride compliance and body control, changes that are particularly noticeable when the going gets twisty. Numerous new noise-abatement technologies also make the 2013 Toyota Camry nearly silent over most roads. Without a doubt, the biggest beneficiary of Camry's recent remake is the Hybrid. With major mass reduction, handling dynamics on par with its conventional kin, and a redone Hybrid Synergy Drive system that finally has the engine/motor/transmission triumvirate speaking far more directly to each other, the most fuel-efficient Camry variant has far greater consumer appeal regardless of the price of gasoline.

Favorite Features

UPGRADED HYBRID SYNERGY DRIVE (HSD)
Taking a much-needed next step in the greener arena, the 2013 Toyota Camry Hybrid features Toyota's most technologically advanced HSD system to date. Light, tight and impressively integrated, the new system yields spirited performance under all conditions and an eye-popping set of fuel economy numbers.

TOYOTA ENTUNE INFOTAINMENT
Still a work in progress, Toyota's new Entune multimedia/telematics system already shows solid introductory capabilities and offers both a user-friendly interface and the promise of an ever-expanding group of downloadable apps that should make it a worthy state-of-the-art rival to in-car alternatives of its competitors.

2013 Toyota Camry Details

2013 Toyota Camry Dashboard, center console, gear shifter view photo

Interior

The Toyota Camry cabin for 2013 is generous in both space and contemporary sophistication, highlighted by a leather-covered "layered" dash set off by trim-specific instrumentation and a center cluster inspired by portable music players. Headroom is generous in all positions, while aft passengers are treated to ample hiproom and legroom. Other key pluses include a set of supportive front bucket seats, and revised lower cushions on the 60/40 folding rear bench seat that adds stretch space for the middle rider. Trunk space is also generous, but sees a 2.1 cubic-foot reduction on hybrid models.

Exterior

The 2013 Camry sedan sports a bold front and rear look with highly expressive contours and character lines that impart a wide, low look and a pronounced wedge-like profile. Helping the cause are a host of subtle touches like mini-strakes on the mirrors and taillights that channel air to improve stability, and new underbody work that further reduces drag. Unique front/rear/side-sill styling adds more cosmetic swagger to the Camry SE while blue-trimmed "Hybrid" and "HSD" (Hybrid Synergy Drive) badges visually define the most fuel-efficient 2013 Camry.

Notable Equipment

Standard Equipment

The base Camry L sedan offers numerous power assists, air conditioning, cruise control, Display Audio with USB/iPod inputs, Bluetooth, Toyota's STAR safety system and 10 airbags. The LE adds keyless remote entry, a multifunction steering wheel, and an upgraded Display Audio sound system. Moving up to the Camry SE nets you a dedicated sport suspension/wheel/tire package with unique trim, Softex covered sport seats and paddle shifters. The top-line Camry XLE sedan features dual power seats, dual-zone climate control, a power moonroof and premium fabric or leather (V6-only) upholstery. Both the SE/XLE V6s add Navigation and Entune multimedia telematics, HD radio and SiriusXM Satellite Radio. The Camry Hybrid sedan offers LE and XLE trim-level appointments.

Optional Equipment

The 2013 Toyota Camry sedan's extras roster is confined to color choices on the L trim and a power driver's seat and moonroof on the LE. SE/XLE buyers can opt for upgraded Display Audio packages with Navigation and Entune – including a 10-speaker premium JBL system – as well as dedicated Convenience Packages and Leather-trimmed Ultrasuede Sport Seats, while SEs can also be had with a power moonroof. Camry Hybrids offer a Leather Package, Moonroof Package and two tiers of JBL-enhanced Upgrade Packages, one with Navigation and one without.

Under the Hood

Last year's drivetrain revamps yielded impressive gains in both performance and fuel economy that carry over for all 2013 Toyota Camry sedans. Modest internal enhancements to the 178-horsepower 2.5-liter four, 268-horsepower 3.5-liter V6 and their standard 6-speed automatic transmissions, plus lower-rolling-resistance tires, help improve EPA city/highway numbers. Improvements to the Camry Hybrid include lighter, more compact and better-managed electrical components – including a newly redesigned battery pack and a CVT (continuously variable transmission) automatic with new ECO and EV modes. While the total hybrid-system output is set at 200 horsepower, preliminary EPA figures – 43/39 mpg for the LE and 41/38 mpg for the XLE – reflect superb fuel economy for a mid-size sedan.

2.5-liter inline-4
178 horsepower @ 6,000 rpm
(PZEV 173 horsepower @ 6,000 rpm)
170 lb-ft of torque @ 4,100 rpm
(PZEV 165 lb-ft @ 4,100 rpm)
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 25/35 mpg (6-speed automatic)

3.5-liter V6
268 horsepower @ 6,200 rpm
248 lb-ft of torque @ 4,700 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 21/30 mpg (6-speed automatic)

2.5-liter inline-4 plus a 105-kilowatt battery pack
Engine: 156 horsepower @ 5,750 rpm
Battery: 141 horsepower @ 4,500 rpm
Total hybrid system (engine and battery): 200 horsepower
Engine: 156 lb-ft of torque @ 4,500 rpm
Battery: 199 lb-ft of torque @ 0-1,500 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 43/39 mph (LE with CVT automatic), 41/38 mpg (XLE with CVT automatic)

Pricing Notes

Toyota has placed more emphasis on total value for the 2013 Camry while encouraging more buyers to consider moving beyond entry-level trims. The 2013 Toyota Camry L sedan opens just under $23,000, while the XLE V6 slips in just under $31,000. On the Camry Hybrid front, the LE starts around $27,000 the premium XLE version opens below $28,500. To make your best deal check our Fair Purchase Price. It provides a reliable indicator of what other in your area are paying for their Camrys. Historically, the Toyota Camry has shown above-average reliability with similarly robust long-term resale stats. Intense competitive pressures notwithstanding, that tradition seems likely to continue on with this new Class of 2013.

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2013 Toyota Camry Consumer Reviews

Overall Rating

9.0

Out of 10

Based on 103 Ratings for the 2012 - 2013 models.

Review this car

Value

8.9/10

Quality

8.8/10
Reliability

9.3/10

Performance

8.9/10
Comfort

8.8/10

Styling

8.7/10

Best value midsize easy!

By DRJJJ (OR) on Friday, June 14, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 15,000

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 8/10
Performance: 9/10
Styling: 9/10
Comfort: 9/10

Pros: "Safest choice for your hard earned money, mpg exc!"

Cons: "LE shocks on SE, bigger temp gauge, dump paddles !"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"Bullet proof engine and drive train without problematic direct injection or CVT tranny (read forums) roomy, quiet, refined engine/drivetrain, exc re-sale, mpg and base model can be had for under $20k with free money now! I own the 12 SE 2.5 find it upscale with compact car mpg! Look under the car-aero dynamic covers, robust components -a little over engineered in the SE for it's target but that's value! SE is too firm when driving slow on bumpy pavement, the shift paddles are a gimmicky waste that could be spent on a bigger temp gauge, etc and the paint under ultraviolet is marginal, but if you keep your cars and want reliability and function, best value/choice-no brainer! CRV, new Rav and regular Prius are excellent choices too-did massive homework on these and almost pulled the trigger on a Prius/CRV! I keep my cars 10+ years, still wrench a little and need 30 mpg avg+, so Camry. Many don't like the wedge/clean look, I do, it's aerodynamic with .28 drag-makes it quiet and increases mpg with conventional engine & drive train! Well done Toyota Production Systems-you've changed the world of autos for the better! Most American made too! Thanks, Picky Engineer"

2 people out of 2 found this review helpful

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Toyota went with the cheapest materials

By 310LosAngeles (CA) on Thursday, June 13, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 2,356

10 3.0

overall rating 3 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 3/10
Value: Not Rated
Reliability: 2/10
Quality: 1/10
Performance: Not Rated
Styling: 1/10
Comfort: 2/10

Pros: "Looks"

Cons: "too many to list"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 1

"The car looks like Toyota went with the cheapest things they could get away with. After less that 24 hours of owning the vehicle. The car gave out and left us stranded away from home. Less than 120 miles and it gave out. Toyota refused to give us a new replacement. Then there are issues with the radio and Navigation system. It's the cheapest and most difficult to use. There are numerous problems with the Navigation(Toyota says "it's functioning as designed"). The radio sometimes picks up your phone and sometimes it won't. The usb gets stuck on the same song. The MPG has dropped to only 22.7 miles total, Hiwhway or street. All you get is 22.7. Toyota is basically sticking to "It's functioning as designed". The seats are so uncomfortable and feel like cheap leather.After only 3 weeks, the shift knob peeled. Really cheap material.Worst car I ever owned and I had a 2011 Camry that was great. Toyota just went with the cheapest build."

3 people out of 5 found this review helpful

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love this car

By mwall (CA) on Thursday, June 13, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 32,000

10 9.0

overall rating 9 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 9/10
Value: 7/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 4/10
Performance: 9/10
Styling: 5/10
Comfort: 6/10

Pros: "quic acceleration"

Cons: "plasticy interor fells cheep"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"I've had my Camry for about a year and a half now and I absolutely love it. The ride and the interior quality could be better ,but that is the only thing that I would change about it. Its so easy to just turn my car on ,and it already have bluetoothed my music playlist to it befor I even put the thing in drive! I love my Camry and it will be with me for a long time."

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Still not convinced

By Sophia (TX) on Sunday, June 09, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 500

10 7.0

overall rating 7 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 7/10
Value: 6/10
Reliability: 7/10
Quality: 6/10
Performance: 7/10
Styling: 7/10
Comfort: 6/10

Pros: "Bluetooth connection to iPhone."

Cons: "Mpg not that Great!"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 5

"I just trade in my Tahoe 2007 for the Camry SE, for the mpg I research online. It was one of the best mid size and convinced me. It's has been hard because of the space obviously, the look made me fell better though. I love it because its my first new car, but the gas mileage is not the best. It's way better than my SUV but for the comfort it might have been worth paying a bit extra. I'm still not convinced i made the right choice but I hope the reputation of reliability the Toyota has proves me wrong."

3 people out of 3 found this review helpful

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Still not convinced

By Sophia (TX) on Sunday, June 09, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 500

10 7.0

overall rating 7 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 7/10
Value: 6/10
Reliability: 7/10
Quality: 6/10
Performance: 7/10
Styling: 7/10
Comfort: 6/10

Pros: "Bluetooth connection to iPhone."

Cons: "Mpg not that Great!"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 5

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Upscale, reliable midsize with compact car mpg!

By Dr J (OR) on Friday, June 07, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 15,000

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 9/10
Performance: 9/10
Styling: 8/10
Comfort: 8/10

Pros: "Johnny on the spot tranny, refined 2.5, MPGs"

Cons: "Soften the dampers a bit on SE loose paddle shift!"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"Bought a 2012 SE 2.5 and love the car! The aero/slab looks are growing on me too-cause it's so aerodynamic-even under the car, kinda like a prius sedan without the stigma (.28 drag)! Have 15k on it now, no problems, 30mpg avg, durable interior, doesn't burn a drop after each 8000 miles on synthetic and is roomy and upscale for the price point! The SE can be a bit firm over rough stuff when going slow, but only then-will try H rated tires for softer sidewall, but love the michelins! I can get 40 mpg+ with cruise on about 65mph so I consider this a big, upscale compact car! Like the folding rear seats too! Drop the paddle shifters-waste of feature and add bigger temp gauge and add even more foam in seats! The others I considered had DI engines which are loud, require very high fuel pressure/components and may be problematic in the long run (carbon deposits) Also, many others have a CVT tranny which I don't trust (expensive sealed unit with belt) or like the way they slip/slop at stop/go slower speeds! Best value (cost,maintenance, resale, mpg and reliability) in my opinion-paid 22k before T & L only and included SE with pwr seat only opt, no trade, free money/terms with no negotiations (about $3k off ad)! Thanks, Picky Engineer that looked hard at traditional Prius (exc engineering) and CRV (exc value too)) Well done Toyota Production Systems-you've changed the world for the better! Most American made car now I hear too!"

1 person out of 1 found this review helpful

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