2021 Toyota Camry price and specs: More tech, higher RRPs, V6 axing confirmed
The 2021 Toyota Camry has been updated for the new year, with a revised line-up comprising almost entirely of four-cylinder hybrids – with sweeping price rises of between $2000 and $5700.
- 2021 Toyota Camry pricing and specification announced
- Toyota confirms V6 engine dropped
- New eight-speed auto for entry-level Camry Ascent
- Updated infotainment system for Ascent Sport and above
- Prices have increased by up to $5700, range starts from $30,990 plus on-road costs
Toyota has dropped the V6 from the facelifted Camry range, and now offers only a single, entry-level variant without a petrol-electric hybrid powertrain.
The car maker says more than 70 per cent of customers choose the hybrid option – with that number expected to increase in the coming years.
The announcement also marks the first time Toyota Australia hasn't offered a six-cylinder sedan since the Crown was introduced locally 56 years ago.
But while the V6 is no longer available, the range-opening non-hybrid Camry Ascent does receive an all-new eight-speed automatic transmission – as first reported by CarAdvice last month – up from the previous model's six-speed unit, while the rest of the hybrid range uses the carry-over CVT automatic.
Prices have gone up across the range, with the Ascent increasing by $2000, the Ascent Sport by $2200, the Camry SX by $4600, and the Camry SL by $5700 – more expensive than the outgoing V6-powered equivalent. This is in addition to Toyota raising prices by between $700 and $1200 in August 2020.
Along with a new auto, the base model Ascent gets a 19kW power bump over the outgoing version, with the 2.5-litre naturally-aspirated four-cylinder offering a total of 152kW, to deliver claimed fuel consumption of 6.8 litres per 100 kilometres.
All other Camry variants are powered by a 2.5-litre hybrid four-cylinder, producing 155kW with the help of two electric motors. Utilising the more fuel-efficient Atkinson combustion cycle, consumption is claimed at between 4.2L/100km in the Ascent to 4.7L/100km in the Camry SX.
The 2021 Camry gets a new look, thanks to a redesigned front bumper and grille. Standard across the range is a set of alloy wheels and LED headlights with automatic high-beam.
Inside, Toyota has redesigned the dash, which the brand says is more ergonomic.
The entry-level Camry Ascent – offered with and without the hybrid powertrain – provides a 7.0-inch infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capability, Bluetooth, and a reverse camera.
Step up to the Ascent Sport, and occupants get dual-zone climate control, a new 9.0-inch infotainment screen with satellite navigation, keyless entry and start/stop, blind-spot monitor, rear cross-traffic alert, and parking sensors.
In addition to the features of the Ascent Sport, those who opt for the Camry SX gain leather-accented front seats and trim, paddle-shifters, sports suspension, and 19-inch alloy wheels.
At the top of the range, the Camry SL offers heated and cooled front seats, head-up display for the driver, 360-degree cameras, auto-dimming rear-view mirror, panoramic glass roof, a powered bootlid, and a nine-speaker JBL audio system.
The company's 'Safety Sense' package has also been updated, with the introduction of Toyota Connected Services, speed-sign recognition, emergency steering assist, and intersection turn assist, in addition to pedestrian and day cyclist detection, radar cruise control, and lane-keep assist.
All Toyota passenger vehicles are offered with a five-year/unlimited-kilometre warranty, as well as capped-price servicing available at dealerships.
2021 Toyota Camry Australian pricing
Camry Ascent auto – $30,990
Camry Ascent hybrid CVT – $33,490
Camry Ascent Sport hybrid CVT – $36,290
Camry SX hybrid CVT – $39,190
Camry SL hybrid CVT – $46,990
Note: Prices exclude on-road costs. Overseas model shown.