Which Toyota Camry Version Should You Buy?
The strongest all-round choice in this catalogue is the 2017–2021 2.5 AT: its 2494 cc Gasoline engine produces 181 hp and 231 Nm, drives the front wheels through a 6-speed Automatic, reaches 100 km/h in 9 seconds, and consumes 7.8 l/100 km combined.
The strongest all-round choice in this catalogue is the 2017–2021 2.5 AT: its 2494 cc Gasoline engine produces 181 hp and 231 Nm, drives the front wheels through a 6-speed Automatic, reaches 100 km/h in 9 seconds, and consumes 7.8 l/100 km combined. Efficiency-focused buyers should instead consider the 2018–2021 A25A-fxs LE, A25A-fxs, or A25A-FXS Hybrid: each has a 2487 cc engine, Variable transmission, FWD, and 4.2 l/100 km combined consumption. For maximum acceleration, the A25A-fxs LE and A25A-FXS record 5.7 seconds to 100 km/h, while the quickest Gasoline option is the 2001–2006 3.5 AT, with 277 hp, 346 Nm, and a 6.8-second result.
The data covers the Sedan through 13 generations, with 10 generation entries shown from 1986 to 2021. The best version depends less on the Camry name than on whether the priority is lower consumption, stronger performance, a Manual gearbox, or AWD.
Toyota Camry generations: what changed?
The 2 generation ran from 1986 to 1990 as a Sedan with 27 versions. The shown choices include 1.8 AT, 1.8 MT, 2.0 AT, and 2.0 MT, with 90–140 hp, Automatic or Manual gearboxes, and FWD or AWD. These cars have 50-litre tanks and ground clearance of 150 or 160 mm.
The 3 generation ran from 1990 to 1994 as a Sedan with 27 versions. Its shown range includes 1.8 MT, 1.8 AT, 2.0 MT, 2.0 AT, 2.0V6 AT, and 2.0R4 AT. Output extends from 115 to 140 hp, while kerb weight where measured runs from 1130 to 1410 kg. FWD and AWD are represented, and the fuel tank remains 60 litres.
The 4 generation ran from 1991 to 1996 as a Sedan with 12 versions. Its shown engines are 2.2 MT, 2.2 AT, 2.5 AT, and 3.0 AT, spanning 131–200 hp. Buyers can choose FWD or AWD, while ground clearance is 132 or 145 mm. The 190 hp 3.0 AT records 9 seconds to 100 km/h and 220 km/h.
The 5 generation ran from 1996 to 2002 as a Sedan with 11 versions. It includes 2.0 AT, 2.2 AT, 2.4 MT, 2.4 AT, and 3.0 AT, with 140–210 hp. This generation offers FWD and AWD, 4- or 5-speed Automatic gearboxes, and a 5-speed Manual. Ground clearance is 150 mm and tank capacity is 70 litres.
The 6 generation ran from 2001 to 2004 as a Sedan with 11 versions, followed by restyling from 2004 to 2006 with another 11 versions. Across both phases, the names include 2.0 MT, 2.0 AT, 2.4 MT, 2.4 AT, 2.4 CVT, 2.5 MT, 2.5 AT, and 3.5 AT. The range adds Hybrid power through 2.4 CVT, keeps FWD and AWD alternatives, and reaches 277 hp with 3.5 AT.
The 7 generation began with the 2006–2009 Sedan and 13 versions, continued through the 2009–2011 restyling with 9 versions, and then the 2011–2018 restyling 2 with 11 versions. Its catalogue spans 2.0 AT, 2.4 AT, 2.5 AT, 2.5 CVT, and 3.5 AT. Gasoline and Hybrid versions are present, transmission choices reach an 8-speed Automatic, and measured output ranges from 148 to 301 hp.
The 8 generation ran from 2017 to 2021 as a Sedan with 6 versions: 2.0 AT, 2.5 AT, 3.5 AT, A25A-fxs LE, A25A-fxs, and A25A-FXS. Every listed version is FWD. The Gasoline cars use a 6-speed Automatic; the Hybrid cars use a Variable transmission. This generation’s measured combined consumption ranges from 4.2 to 9.3 l/100 km.
Toyota Camry engine specs and transmissions
Because identical names recur with different outputs, power is included wherever it is needed to distinguish one specification.
| Generation or phase | Exact version | hp | Nm | Displacement | Fuel | Cylinders/layout | Boost | Gearbox | Drive |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 generation | 1.8 AT / 1.8 MT | 90–105 | 142–149 | 1832–1838 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | No | 4-speed Automatic / 5-speed Manual | FWD |
| 2 generation | 2.0 AT / 2.0 MT | 121–140 | not measured–178 | 1992–2000 cc | Gasoline | 4 or 6, Inline or V-shaped | No | 4-speed Automatic / 5-speed Manual | FWD or AWD |
| 3 generation | 1.8 AT / 1.8 MT | 115–125 | 157–161 | 1838 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | No | 4-speed Automatic / 5-speed Manual | FWD |
| 3 generation | 2.0 AT / 2.0 MT / 2.0V6 AT / 2.0R4 AT | 135–140 | 176–186 | 1992–1998 cc | Gasoline | 4 or 6, Inline or V-shaped | No | 4-speed Automatic / 5-speed Manual | FWD or AWD |
| 4 generation | 2.2 AT / 2.2 MT | 131–140 | 191–196 | 2163–2164 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | No | 4-speed Automatic / 5-speed Manual | FWD or AWD |
| 4 generation | 2.5 AT | 200 | 245 | 2496 cc | Gasoline | 6, V-shaped | No | 4-speed Automatic | FWD or AWD |
| 4 generation | 3.0 AT | 190 | 275 | 2995 cc | Gasoline | 6, V-shaped | No | 4-speed Automatic | FWD |
| 5 generation | 2.0 AT / 2.2 AT | 140–150 | 191–192 | 1998–2164 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | No | 4-speed Automatic | FWD |
| 5 generation | 2.4 MT / 2.4 AT | 152–159 | 218–220 | 2362 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | No | 5-speed Manual / 4-speed Automatic | FWD or AWD |
| 5 generation | 3.0 AT | 186–210 | 267–298 | 2995 cc | Gasoline | 6, V-shaped | No | 4- or 5-speed Automatic | FWD |
| 6 generation and restyling | 2.0 MT / 2.0 AT | 145 | 190 | 1988 cc | Gasoline | 6, Inline | No | 5-speed Manual / 4- or 5-speed Automatic | FWD |
| 6 generation and restyling | 2.4 MT / 2.4 AT | 152–167 | 222–224 | 2362 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | No | 5-speed Manual / 4- or 5-speed Automatic | FWD or AWD |
| 6 generation and restyling | 2.4 CVT | 147 | 187 | 2362 cc | Hybrid | 4, Inline | No | Variable | FWD |
| 6 generation and restyling | 2.5 MT / 2.5 AT | 179 | 233 | 2494 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | No | 6-speed Manual / Automatic | FWD |
| 6 generation and restyling | 3.5 AT | 277 | 346 | 3456 cc | Gasoline | 6, V-shaped | No | 6-speed Automatic | FWD |
| 7 generation, all phases | 2.0 AT | 148–150 | 190–199 | 1998 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | No | 4- or 6-speed Automatic | FWD |
| 7 generation, all phases | 2.4 AT | 167–187 | 187–228 | 2362 cc | Gasoline or Hybrid | 4, Inline | No | 6-speed Automatic | FWD |
| 7 generation, all phases | 2.5 AT | 169–206 | 167–252 | 2487–2494 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | No | 6- or 8-speed Automatic | FWD |
| 7 generation, all phases | 2.5 CVT | 154–218 | 187–222 | 2487–2494 cc | Hybrid | 4, Inline | No | Variable | FWD |
| 7 generation, all phases | 3.5 AT | 249–301 | 221–356 | 3456 cc | Gasoline | 6, V-shaped | No | 6- or 8-speed Automatic | FWD |
| 8 generation | 2.0 AT | 150 | 199 | 1998 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | No | 6-speed Automatic | FWD |
| 8 generation | 2.5 AT | 181 | 231 | 2494 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | No | 6-speed Automatic | FWD |
| 8 generation | 3.5 AT | 249 | 346 | 3456 cc | Gasoline | 6, V-shaped | No | 6-speed Automatic | FWD |
| 8 generation | A25A-fxs LE / A25A-fxs | 218 | 225 | 2487 cc | Hybrid | 4, Inline or not measured | not measured | Variable | FWD |
| 8 generation | A25A-FXS | 208 | 225 | 2487 cc | Hybrid | 4, Inline | not measured | Variable | FWD |
Power density helps separate engines whose badges look similar. The 2017–2021 2.0 AT produces about 75.1 hp per litre, while 2.5 AT produces about 72.6 hp per litre and 3.5 AT about 72.0 hp per litre. The 218 hp A25A-fxs LE and A25A-fxs reach about 87.7 hp per litre, whereas the 208 hp A25A-FXS reaches about 83.6 hp per litre.
Toyota Camry performance, fuel economy and mpg data
For the 2017–2021 Gasoline range, 2.0 AT takes 10.4 seconds to reach 100 km/h, 2.5 AT takes 9 seconds, and 3.5 AT takes 7.1 seconds. All three have a measured top speed of 210 km/h. Moving from 2.0 AT to 2.5 AT adds 31 hp and 32 Nm while cutting 1.4 seconds from acceleration; moving from 2.5 AT to 3.5 AT adds 68 hp and 115 Nm while cutting another 1.9 seconds.
That performance costs fuel. The 2017–2021 2.0 AT records 10 l/100 km city, 5.6 highway, and 7.2 combined. 2.5 AT records 11 city, 5.9 highway, and 7.8 combined. 3.5 AT records 13.2 city, 7 highway, and 9.3 combined. Against 2.5 AT, 3.5 AT uses 1.5 l/100 km more combined.
The Hybrid alternatives reverse that trade-off. A25A-fxs LE, A25A-fxs, and A25A-FXS each record 4.6 l/100 km city, 4.2 highway, and 4.2 combined. Compared with 2.5 AT, that is 3.6 l/100 km less combined consumption. A25A-fxs LE and A25A-FXS reach 100 km/h in 5.7 seconds, while A25A-fxs takes 5.8 seconds; all have a measured top speed of 180 km/h.
Among earlier cars, the 2001–2006 277 hp 3.5 AT is measured at 6.8 seconds and 230 km/h, with consumption of 14.1 city, 7.4 highway, and 9.9 combined. The 2004–2006 2.4 MT records 9.1 seconds, 210 km/h, and 8.5 l/100 km combined; 2.4 AT records 9.3 seconds, 205 km/h, and 9.9 combined. The Manual therefore cuts 0.2 seconds and 1.4 l/100 km from those measured figures.
Where the database provides no acceleration, top-speed, or consumption value, that parameter is not measured. This applies to numerous earlier variants and should not be interpreted as zero performance or zero fuel use.
Toyota Camry dimensions, weight and practical specifications
For 2017–2021, 2.0 AT weighs 1530 kg kerb, 2.5 AT weighs 1540 kg, and 3.5 AT weighs 1615 kg; each has a 2100 kg gross weight, 160 mm ground clearance, and a 50-litre tank. Their approximate weight-to-power figures are 10.2, 8.5, and 6.5 kg per hp respectively. The 1595 kg Hybrid versions work out at about 7.3 kg per hp for the 218 hp A25A-fxs LE and A25A-fxs, or about 7.7 kg per hp for the 208 hp A25A-FXS. Hybrid gross weight and ground clearance are not measured.
Measured wheel sizes for the 2017–2021 2.5 AT are 215/60 R16 and 215/55 R17. Wheel sizes for 2.0 AT, 3.5 AT, A25A-fxs LE, A25A-fxs, and A25A-FXS are not measured.
Earlier generations generally have larger tanks: 70 litres is common from the 4 generation through the 7 generation, although some 4 generation variants use 60 litres. The 3 generation uses 60 litres, the 2 generation uses 50 litres, and the 2006–2009 7 generation uses 64 litres. Measured clearance across the catalogue ranges from 132 to 160 mm.
Which used Toyota Camry version should you choose?
Choose the 2017–2021 2.5 AT for balance. It is only 10 kg heavier than 2.0 AT, but supplies 31 additional hp and 32 additional Nm, reaches 100 km/h 1.4 seconds sooner, and adds only 0.6 l/100 km to combined consumption.
Choose A25A-fxs LE or A25A-fxs if Hybrid economy and acceleration matter most. Their 218 hp output is 37 hp above 2.5 AT, their measured acceleration is 3.3 or 3.2 seconds quicker, and their combined consumption is 3.6 l/100 km lower. Choose A25A-FXS if the 208 hp specification is the desired exact version; it gives up 10 hp but retains the 5.7-second acceleration and 4.2 l/100 km combined figures recorded in the data.
Choose the 2017–2021 3.5 AT when Gasoline performance matters more than consumption. Compared with 2.5 AT, it gains 68 hp and 115 Nm, improves acceleration by 1.9 seconds, and carries 75 kg more kerb weight, but its combined consumption rises by 1.5 l/100 km.
For a Manual gearbox, look to the 2001–2006 2.4 MT or 2.5 MT specifications. For AWD, look further back: AWD appears with 2.0 MT, 2.0 AT, 2.2 AT, 2.4 MT, 2.4 AT, and 2.5 AT, depending on generation. The later 7 and 8 generation entries shown here are FWD.
Prices, Toyota Camry for-sale listings, Texas availability, XSE, SE, and TRD specifications are not included in the supplied data, so they cannot be compared here. The defensible buying decision from this catalogue is therefore specification-led: 2.5 AT for the Gasoline middle ground, A25A-fxs LE or A25A-fxs for the strongest measured Hybrid combination, 3.5 AT for Gasoline performance, and an earlier Manual or AWD version when transmission or traction takes priority.