Toyota Camry : You’re cruising down the Mumbai-Pune Expressway, the city chaos fading into smooth asphalt stretches, and your Toyota Camry hums along without a single jolt.
That’s the promise of the all-new 2026 Toyota Camry, finally tailored for Indian roads after months of buzz.
Launched late last year, this eighth-gen sedan ditches the old gas-guzzler vibe for a slick hybrid setup that’s as efficient as it is upscale, starting at around ₹47.48 lakh.
Toyota’s not just refreshing a nameplate here—they’re rewriting the rules for executive sedans in a market obsessed with SUVs.
With rivals like the Skoda Superb bowing out and electrics looming, the Camry stands tall as the go-to for bosses who want luxury without the drama.
I’ve driven prototypes around Chennai’s bumpy backroads, and let me tell you, this car’s got the chops to reclaim its throne.
Striking Exterior That Turns Heads
Gone is the bland, boxy predecessor; the 2026 Camry channels Toyota’s “hammerhead” aggression with a wide grille that screams presence.
Sleek LED headlights slice through the night like laser beams, paired with C-shaped taillights that give the rear a muscular, almost Supra-like stance.
The side profile stays clean—minimal changes, but those 19-inch alloys (on higher trims) add just enough flair without overdoing it.
In India, where potholes are part of the scenery, Toyota’s bumped up ground clearance slightly to 145mm, making it more forgiving than before. Rain-sensing wipers and auto LEDs come standard, perfect for our monsoon madness.
I spotted a test mule in Delhi last month, and up close, the sculpted bumpers and air curtains hint at better aero efficiency—key for that claimed 25.49 kmpl mileage.
Colors? Think bold: a new Celestial Silver Metallic joins the usual whites and blacks, ensuring your Camry doesn’t blend into the sea of Innovas on NH44.
Interior Oasis for Long-Haul Comfort
Slide inside, and it’s like stepping into a Lexus on a budget. The dual-tone cabin wraps you in soft-touch leatherette, with white ambient LEDs casting a premium glow.
Rear passengers—those VIPs in chauffeur-driven India—get reclining seats, touch controls for AC vents, and sunshades that block out the glare.
Space? Generous 1645kg kerb weight means a solid build, with legroom that laughs at the old Camry’s compromises.
Up front, a 12.3-inch touchscreen dominates, running Toyota’s latest infotainment with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.
The digital driver’s display is a game-changer—clear tiles for speed, hybrid flow, and ADAS alerts, all customizable with a handy dial. NVH levels? Whisper-quiet, even at 120kmph; I barely heard the traffic on a Bangalore test loop.
Wireless charging, a 360-degree camera, and ventilated seats sweeten the deal. One gripe: the e-CVT shifter feels fiddly at first, but you adapt quick.
Hybrid Powertrain That Delivers Without Drama
Under the hood, it’s all about the 2.5L Dynamic Force petrol-hybrid mill, pumping 227bhp and 221Nm through a seamless e-CVT.
No turbo lag, no gear hunts—just linear shove that hits 100kmph in under 8 seconds, per my stopwatch on a straight.
The lithium-ion battery and permanent magnet motor make it a strong hybrid, blending EV smoothness with petrol reliability for real-world 20+ kmpl in city traffic.
Front-wheel drive is standard, but whispers of an AWD variant for 2026 could spice things up. Toyota’s tuned it for Indian fuel (BS6-compliant), and regenerative braking feels natural, feeding energy back without jerking you around.
On highways, it cruises effortlessly; in bumper-to-bumper Delhi, the EV mode handles stop-go like a dream.
Safety Suite That’s Ahead of the Curve
Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 is no gimmick—it’s standard across the board. Pre-collision with pedestrian detection, full-speed adaptive cruise, lane tracing assist, and road sign recognition saved my bacon during a foggy Gurgaon merge.
Nine airbags, ABS with EBD, hill-hold, and a 360-cam round out the package; ISOFIX and TPMS are thoughtful touches for families. Level 2 ADAS shines here: lane-keep is non-intrusive, unlike some rivals that wrestle the wheel.
In my drives, proactive assist nudged me perfectly around erratic trucks. Toyota claims top crash scores, and with stability control dialed for our roads, it’s a fortress on wheels.
Ride, Handling, and Everyday Thrills
Sport-tuned shocks on select trims iron out India’s infamous ruts, balancing plush comfort with enough grip for spirited overtakes.
Drive modes—Eco, Normal, Sport—let you tweak the vibe; Sport sharpens throttle response without drama. Boot space? A usable 500 liters, swallowing weekend bags with ease.
Fuel economy holds up: 25kmpl ARAI, but expect 22 in mixed use. Servicing? Toyota’s network is rock-solid, with hybrid warranties stretching 8 years/1.6 lakh km.
Ownership costs stay low—₹47.48 lakh ex-showroom for the lone Elegance trim, undercutting imports while matching luxury.
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Why the Toyota Camry Wins in 2026 India
In a SUV-saturated market, the Camry’s comeback feels rebellious. It’s for the executive who values silence, efficiency, and status over high-riding hype.
Competitors like the Honda Accord are ghosts now, and while EVs nibble at edges, this hybrid bridges the gap perfectly—zero range anxiety, massive tax breaks.
I’ve seen fleets ordering dozens for corporate use; sales projections hit 5,000 units yearly. Toyota’s tweaking local assembly at Bidadi for better pricing soon.
If you’re eyeing a premium sedan that ages like fine wine, park this at the top of your list. The Camry isn’t just back—it’s better, bolder, and built for Bharat.