The Toyota Camry has long been a dominant force in the American automotive market, consistently holding its position as the best-selling passenger car. For 2016, Toyota aimed to solidify this leadership by enhancing the already well-received redesigned model from the previous year. The 2016 Toyota Camry brought a fresh injection of style, technology, and sporty appeal, most notably with the introduction of a new Special Edition model and upgraded multimedia features. Let’s explore what makes the 2016 Camry a standout in its class and a compelling option for drivers seeking reliability, comfort, and modern features.
Bold Design and Special Edition Flair
Following the significant redesign in 2015, the 2016 Camry continued to showcase a bolder and more expressive design language. Gone were the days of understated styling; the Camry embraced a more sculpted and athletic stance. The front fascia featured a prominent grille and assertive lines, giving it a road-ready and confident appearance. Available LED lighting, including low- and high-beams, daytime running lights (DRL), and turn signals, added a touch of sophistication and improved visibility. The rear taillights seamlessly wrapped into the quarter panels, contributing to a cohesive and refined aesthetic.
Alt text: 2016 Toyota Camry Special Edition in Blue Streak Metallic, highlighting its redesigned front grille and sporty bumper.
The most visually striking addition for 2016 was the Camry Special Edition. This model amplified the Camry’s sporty character with unique styling cues and exclusive features. Available in Blizzard Pearl and the eye-catching Blue Streak Metallic, the Special Edition boasted smoked taillight housings and distinctive 18-inch alloy wheels with a machined finish and gloss black accents. These visual enhancements gave the Special Edition a more aggressive and personalized look, setting it apart from the standard models.
Enhanced Technology and Entune Multimedia
Toyota recognized the growing demand for in-car technology and connectivity, and the 2016 Camry delivered with upgraded multimedia systems. A key highlight was the Entune Audio system with Connected Navigation Scout® GPS Link App. This innovative feature allowed drivers to utilize their smartphone’s navigation capabilities through the Camry’s head unit. By leveraging the Scout® GPS Link App, users could access turn-by-turn directions and real-time traffic information without the need for a fully integrated navigation system.
For those seeking a more comprehensive navigation experience, the Entune Premium Audio with Integrated Navigation and App Suite was also available. This system offered embedded navigation directly within the vehicle, along with access to Toyota’s App Suite, providing a range of functionalities like music streaming, restaurant reservations, and more.
Alt text: 2016 Toyota Camry dashboard displaying the Entune infotainment system with a user-friendly touchscreen interface.
Across the Camry lineup, various audio and navigation packages were offered, featuring either 6.1-inch or upgraded 7-inch touchscreens on higher trims like XLE and XSE. The inclusion of features like Qi wireless charging for compatible smartphones in the Special Edition and higher grades further demonstrated Toyota’s commitment to integrating modern technology into the Camry.
Sporty Performance and Engine Options
While renowned for its smooth ride and quiet cabin, the 2016 Camry also aimed to inject more driving excitement into the mix. The redesign focused on improving handling and agility, making it the “best-handling and most comfortable-riding Camry ever” at the time, according to Toyota.
The Camry offered a choice of two capable engines:
- 2.5-liter Four-Cylinder: Producing 178 horsepower, this engine provided a balance of performance and fuel efficiency, making it the standard choice for LE and SE models.
- 3.5-liter V6: For those desiring more power, the 268-horsepower V6 engine, available in XLE and XSE trims, delivered robust acceleration and a more engaging driving experience.
Both engines utilized Dual Variable Valve Timing with intelligence (Dual VVT-i) to optimize performance and efficiency across the engine’s RPM range. They were paired with a smooth-shifting six-speed automatic transmission. Fuel economy was a strong point, with the four-cylinder achieving an EPA-estimated 25 MPG city and 35 MPG highway, while the V6 offered 21 MPG city and 31 MPG highway.
Alt text: 2016 Toyota Camry XSE side view, emphasizing its sporty suspension and 18-inch machined finish alloy wheels.
The SE, XSE, and Special Edition models took sportiness a step further with sport-tuned suspensions. This enhanced handling and provided a more connected feel to the road, appealing to drivers who desired a more dynamic driving experience. The XSE, in particular, came standard with 18-inch alloy wheels and performance-oriented tires, further contributing to its sporty character.
Camry Hybrid: Efficiency Without Compromise
Toyota’s leadership in hybrid technology was evident in the 2016 Toyota Camry Hybrid. Utilizing Toyota’s renowned Hybrid Synergy Drive, the Camry Hybrid LE achieved an impressive EPA-estimated 43 MPG city, 39 MPG highway, and 41 MPG combined. This exceptional fuel economy made it an ideal choice for environmentally conscious drivers and those seeking to minimize fuel costs.
The Camry Hybrid system combined a 2.5-liter Atkinson cycle four-cylinder engine with a high-torque electric motor, delivering a combined 200 horsepower. The system seamlessly transitioned between gasoline and electric power, or combined both for optimal performance and efficiency. The Camry Hybrid offered brisk acceleration, achieving 0-60 mph in around 7.6 seconds, placing its performance between the gasoline four-cylinder and V6 models.
Alt text: 2016 Toyota Camry Hybrid engine bay showcasing the Hybrid Synergy Drive system components.
Available in LE, SE, and XLE grades, the Camry Hybrid allowed drivers to enjoy hybrid efficiency without sacrificing the features and trim levels found in the gasoline models. Driver-selectable modes, including ECO and EV, further enhanced fuel efficiency and allowed for limited all-electric driving at lower speeds.
Premium Interior and Comfort
The interior of the 2016 Camry prioritized comfort and a premium feel. Soft-touch materials were used throughout the cabin, creating a more upscale ambiance. Depending on the trim level, seat upholstery ranged from premium fabric to leather trim and Ultrasuede, often featuring stylish contrast stitching. Satin chrome accents and detailed stitching further enhanced the cabin’s refined appearance.
The center stack was designed with a modern and user-friendly layout, integrating smoothly with the console. Thoughtful storage solutions, including a larger console tray and a storage bin with power outlets, added to the Camry’s practicality. A standard 4.2-inch TFT screen within the instrument cluster provided vehicle information, multimedia displays, and even tire pressure monitoring on select models.
Alt text: 2016 Toyota Camry spacious interior showcasing comfortable seating and premium materials.
Top-Rated Safety Features
Safety remained a paramount concern for Toyota, and the 2016 Camry came standard with the STAR Safety System. This comprehensive suite of safety features included Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), Traction Control (TRAC), Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), and Brake Assist. It also featured Smart Stop Technology, a brake-override system.
The available Technology Package offered advanced safety technologies such as Pre-Collision System, Adaptive Cruise Control, and Lane Departure Alert with Auto High Beam. A Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Cross Traffic Alert was also available on select trims. Equipped with these features, the 2016 Camry earned the IIHS Top Safety Pick+ rating, a testament to its commitment to occupant protection. Additionally, ten standard airbags, including knee airbags for both front occupants, provided further peace of mind.
Alt text: 2016 Toyota Camry IIHS Top Safety Pick+ award badge, signifying its high safety standards.
Trim Levels to Suit Diverse Needs
The 2016 Toyota Camry offered a range of trim levels to cater to different preferences and budgets:
- LE: The base model, offering a well-equipped package with essential features and Toyota’s renowned reliability.
- SE: The sporty trim, featuring a sport-tuned suspension, unique styling elements, and sport seats.
- Special Edition: Building upon the SE, the Special Edition added exclusive styling, premium features like a moonroof and wireless charging, and unique interior accents.
- XLE: The luxury-oriented trim, offering upgraded interior materials, enhanced technology, and comfort features.
- XSE: Combining sportiness and luxury, the XSE featured the sport-tuned suspension of the SE with the premium amenities of the XLE, along with unique sporty styling cues.
For hybrid models, the LE, SE, and XLE trims were available, mirroring the feature sets of their gasoline counterparts while incorporating the efficient hybrid powertrain.
Conclusion: The 2016 Toyota Camry – A Continued Legacy of Excellence
The 2016 Toyota Camry built upon its strong foundation, offering a compelling blend of style, technology, performance, and efficiency. The introduction of the Special Edition model and enhanced multimedia features kept the Camry fresh and competitive in the midsize sedan segment. With its reputation for reliability, safety accolades, and a range of trim levels to choose from, the 2016 Toyota Camry remained a top choice for drivers seeking a dependable, comfortable, and well-rounded vehicle. Whether prioritizing fuel economy with the Hybrid, sporty driving dynamics with the SE or XSE, or luxurious features with the XLE, the 2016 Camry offered something for a wide spectrum of buyers, solidifying its position as America’s best-selling passenger car.
