2021 Toyota Camry Hybrid facelift unveiled internationally

Tuhin Guha Published: November 25, 2020, 12:16 PM IST

Toyota has unveiled the mid-life facelift for the Toyota Camry in the European market. The eigth-generation Camry was launched globally in 2017 and came to India in January 2019. For this update, the Camry gets a refreshed look, new interior trim and added features.

At the front of the new 2021 Camry is an even more aggressive grille design. The bars in the prominent lower airdam now extend further out and into the new C-shaped accents on either side. The airdam itself can now be finished in either black or dark grey while the new accents can be done up in chrome or silver. The top-half of the fascia with the slim grille and LED headlamps remains unchanged. The 17 or 18-inch alloy wheels now get a V-shaped multispoke, dual-tone design while a new Deep Metal Grey colour has been added. Finally, the taillamp cluster has been revised with new detailing.

On the inside, the facelifted Camry adds a larger 9-inch infotainment screen. Like the one in the recently updated Innova Crysta, this one too features physical dials and buttons along with being Android Auto/Apple Carplay compatible. There's new black or beige seat upholstery in a herringbone pattern, and two new finishes for the instrument cluster, centre console and door pads. Internal spec cars will also get a more advanced set of driver assistance systems.

Toyota says that over 85 per cent Camry buyers have chosen the hybrid version as sold in India. This unit remains unchanged and continues to be powered by a 2.5-litre 4-cylinder petrol, and a single electric motor, which is paired with an e-CVT. The petrol engine puts out 178PS at 5,700rpm and 221 Nm at 3,600-5,200rpm. The electric motor is rated at 120PS and 202 Nm and is fed by a nickel-metal hydride battery. The system offers a combined output of 221PS. Toyota has not released a combined torque figure.

Notable features on the India-spec Camry are auto LED projector headlamps, LED DRLs, LED tail lamps, nine-speaker JBL audio system, sunroof, three-zone climate control, 10-way power-adjustable driver and passenger seat with lumbar support, front seats with a ventilation system, a head-up display, wireless smartphone charger, rain-sensing wipers, cruise control, among others. Safety tech includes nine airbags and a TPMS.

While there is no word yet on when Toyota will bring the new Camry Hybrid to India, we expect to see it here by mid-to-late 2021. Prices for the BSVI compliant version of the Toyota Camry Hybrid sedan start at Rs 37.88 lakh, ex-showroom Mumbai and these updates should bring with them a Rs 70,000-80,000 hike.

Also see: Toyota Camry v Skoda Superb v Volkswagen Passat Comparo Video