2019 Toyota Camry XSE V6 Sedan Review by David Colman - It's E15 Approved

2019 Toyota Camry XSE V6 Sedan

Yes, it's really a Camry!

By David Colman
Special Correspondent to THE AUTO CHANNEL

2019 Toyota Camry XSE V6 Sedan

My very first trip to the shopping center in the 2019 Toyota Camry XSE proved the inestimable value of one of Toyota's optional protective driving tools. As I was slowly backing the XSE out of a tight parking place, the Camry inexplicably shuddered to a complete emergency stop. It was only then that I saw a shopper behind me waving apologetically while saying "I'm Sorry!" Seems she had pushed her shopping cart into the path of my car. Although I never saw her or her cart, the Camry did. Our test vehicle was equipped with the extra cost Driver Assist Package, which provides a Bird's Eye View Camera, Intelligent Clearance Sonar and Rear Cross Traffic Braking. This $1,550 technology system brought the Camry to an immediate stop. The incident was just like those mini dramas you see depicted in Toyota's TV ads.

2019 Toyota Camry XSE V6 Sedan

Of course, there's a whole lot more to this top echelon XSE Camry than that optional package. Standard on all Camrys is the Safety Sense P suite. This includes a Pre-Collision system that detects imminent impact and tightens safety belts taut. Also, Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist to keep you centered, and Dynamic Radar Cruise Control to keep pace with the flow of traffic at all speeds, including stop and go flow. In addition to these passive aids, the latest Camry also provides useful tools for active driving intervention. ABS braking technology is augmented by Electronic Brake Force Distribution for better modulated stops. and Brake Assist, which increases the amount of pedal pressure exerted in an emergency stop. Of course, vehicle stability control (VSC) and traction control (TRAC) are both standard issue and often needed with this car's potent 301hp V6 engine.

2019 Toyota Camry XSE V6 Sedan

Because the Camry is front-wheel-drive, it's easy to light up the front tires when mashing the accelerator from a standstill. This ultra sophisticated 2GR-FKS 3.5 liter engine produces excellent low speed torque (267lb.-ft. @4400rpm). The 8-speed automatic transmission instantly magnifies the abundant torque which explains why it's so easy to light the front tires. Overall handling is excellent thanks to beefy Michelin Primacy rubber at each corner (235/40R19) mounted on 19 x 8J black machined-finish alloy rims. The Michelins promise long wear life with a tread wear rating of TW 600. Their grip on a 180 degree descending freeway on ramp proved ferocious, with neither side slip nor squeal. The XSE benefits from a sport tuned suspension system which rivals the best European sedans for superior adhesion combined with relaxed ride comfort (Chose Normal or Sport Driving Mode). Next year, Camry will continue the evolution to full sports sedan with a special Toyota Racing Development version that promises a significant handling upgrade over even the XSE.

Toyota has been providing Camry pace cars this year for NASCAR races. A few years ago, the idea of a Camry sedan heading a 40 car pack of 700hp monster cars seemed outlandish if not outright humorous. But don't laugh too hard anymore, because the XSE Camry is no longer so far off the mark as a legitimate high performance piece. Toyota spiked the appearance of this car when they completely redid its styling and structure for the 2018 model year. The 2019 XSE version continues the refreshment with a stunning two tone color treatment that is a throwback to the juke box era of the 1950s. For an extra $500, our Blue Streak metallic Camry was topped off with a "Two-Tone Midnight Black Roof and Rear Spoiler, Black Window Trim and Side View Mirror Caps." This flashy combo elicited any number of double takes from startled observers whose expressions seemed to say "Was that really a Camry?"

2019 Toyota Camry XSE V6 Sedan

Inside the cabin, things are a bit more sedate. Not boring mind you, just toned down from brash to stylish. The dash is bifurcated by a sweeping vertical arc that meets a similar reverse shape on the center console. Subdued grey and black tones predominate with only grey contrast stitching and subtle patterned seat inserts adding any sense of flare. The front seats are adequate to the job of retaining you in place when those Michelin tires go to work. These seats are both 8-way power adjustable, leather trimmed and heated. The steering wheel too is leather wrapped, heated and festooned with paddle shifts for the transmission, and Bluetooth phone and voice command controls.

If there's a drawback to the interior, it's the ultra flat rear window glass, which needs a standard rear wiper for safe travel on wet mornings. Limited rear visibility is further eroded by large rear headrests. Our test XSE was enlivened by the addition of a $1,040 optional Navigation Package, which not only provided directional guidance, but also improved sound reproduction with a JBL sourced 9 speaker sound system with "Clari-Fi" and a subwoofer amplifier. On the week when Ken Burns' 8 part series on Country Music was playing nationwide, our CD of Hank Williams never sounded better.

2019 TOYOTA CAMRY XSE V6 SEDAN

HYPES: Faster Than You Think

GRIPES: Rear Wiper Needed

STAR RATING: 9 Stars out of 10