The Toyota Camry has long held its position as America’s best-selling car, and the 2014 Toyota Camry continues this legacy by offering a compelling blend of space, value, safety, performance, comfort, and renowned reliability in the competitive midsize sedan market. Building upon the bolder design introduced in 2012, the 2014 Camry maintains its appeal while the Toyota Camry Hybrid, boasting an EPA-estimated 43 MPG in the city, showcases Toyota’s leadership in hybrid technology.
For the 2014 model year, the Toyota Camry is available in a range of trims to suit various needs and preferences. Starting with the entry-level L, moving to the value-focused LE, the premium XLE, and the sporty SE, there’s a 2014 Camry for everyone. The L and LE trims are equipped with a fuel-efficient four-cylinder engine, while the SE and XLE offer a choice between the four-cylinder and a powerful V6. The Camry Hybrid is offered in both LE and XLE trims, providing eco-conscious options without sacrificing the Camry’s core attributes.
First introduced in 1983, the Toyota Camry established the benchmark for the modern midsize sedan. It became synonymous with quality, dependability, and reliability (QDR), all while providing a comfortable and quiet ride. By June 2013, Camry sales in the U.S. surpassed 10 million vehicles, a testament to its enduring popularity. The 2014 model year also marks the 30th anniversary of the Camry in the Toyota U.S. lineup, celebrating three decades of automotive excellence.
Performance and Engine Options of the 2014 Toyota Camry
The 2014 Toyota Camry provides drivers with three distinct powertrain choices, catering to different performance and efficiency priorities. These options include a refined 2.5-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine, a robust 3.5-liter V6, and the fuel-efficient Hybrid Synergy Drive system.
The 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine delivers 178 horsepower and 170 lb.-ft. of torque. Paired with a standard six-speed automatic transmission, this engine achieves an EPA-estimated fuel economy of 25 MPG in the city and 35 MPG on the highway. This balance of power and efficiency makes the four-cylinder 2014 Camry a practical choice for daily driving.
For those seeking more spirited performance, the available 3.5-liter V6 engine, offered in the SE and XLE trims, produces 268 horsepower at 6,200 rpm and 248 lb.-ft. of torque at 4,700 rpm. Despite its impressive power, the V6 still manages respectable EPA fuel economy ratings of 21 MPG city and 31 MPG highway. Both gasoline engines in the 2014 Camry utilize Dual Variable Valve Timing with intelligence (Dual VVT-i), optimizing valve timing for both intake and exhaust camshafts. This technology enhances performance and fuel efficiency across the engine’s RPM range.
The gasoline-powered LE, XLE, and SE models of the 2014 Camry are exclusively equipped with a six-speed automatic transmission. This transmission features a sequential manual shift mode controlled via the console shifter. Intelligent shift control adapts to driver input, providing responsive kick-downs when needed. The Camry SE further enhances the driving experience with “D range” sequential shifting, allowing manual gear changes using steering wheel paddle shifters even when in “D” mode. Additionally, the SE trim’s automatic transmission offers quicker shift times in “S” mode and downshift blipping control, adding to its sporty character.
2014 Toyota Camry Hybrid: Leading Fuel Efficiency
The 2014 Toyota Camry Hybrid LE stands out with its exceptional fuel economy, achieving an EPA rating of 43 mpg city, 39 mpg highway, and 41 mpg combined. This impressive efficiency is made possible by Toyota’s Hybrid Synergy Drive powertrain. An EV Drive mode allows the driver to operate the Camry Hybrid solely on electric power for up to 1.6 miles at speeds below approximately 25 mph, under certain conditions. An ECO mode further optimizes fuel economy by adjusting throttle response and air conditioning output. The 2014 Camry Hybrid also meets AT-PZEV (Advanced Technology Partial-credit Zero Emissions Vehicle) standards, emphasizing its commitment to environmental responsibility.
The Hybrid Synergy Drive system in the 2014 Camry Hybrid combines a 2.5-liter Atkinson cycle four-cylinder engine with a high-torque electric motor through a unique transaxle. This system delivers a combined 200 horsepower and seamlessly manages power distribution between the gasoline engine and electric motor, or utilizes both for maximum performance when required. The Camry Hybrid accelerates from zero to 60 mph in a brisk 7.6 seconds, placing its performance between the standard four-cylinder and V6 models. Lower rolling resistance tires, now available in a 17-inch size, also contribute to improved fuel economy.
The Variable Valve Timing with intelligence (VVT-i) system on the intake camshaft enhances torque in the hybrid engine. Further efficiency-enhancing technologies include an electric water pump, a roller-rocker type valvetrain, and a variable-output oil pump, all designed to reduce internal friction. A water-cooled exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) system ensures low emissions across all driving speeds and further improves fuel efficiency by optimizing the air-fuel mixture.
In pursuit of ultimate efficiency, the gasoline engine in the Camry Hybrid can shut off entirely, allowing for electric-only propulsion in certain situations. During these periods, the air conditioning and power steering systems are powered electrically. The reliable nickel-metal-hydride battery, located in the trunk area, features enhanced air-cooling. Its compact design and the placement of the DC/DC converter in the engine compartment result in a trunk that is 2.1 cubic feet larger than the previous generation Camry Hybrid, improving practicality.
Regenerative braking in the 2014 Camry Hybrid converts the electric motor into a generator during braking, capturing kinetic energy and storing it in the hybrid battery pack. Selecting “B” on the shifter utilizes the system for engine braking, providing enhanced control on steep downhill roads. Hill-start assist control prevents rollback when starting on inclines.
The Camry Hybrid features a unique instrument cluster with a Hybrid System Indicator and fuel consumption indicator, aiding drivers in maximizing fuel efficiency. Instantaneous fuel economy is displayed with LEDs surrounding the average fuel economy gauge. The Multi-Information Display provides real-time fuel economy graphs and energy flow information.
Hybrid-exclusive trim accents the instrument panel, door switch bases, upper console panels, and shift knob. The Camry Hybrid also offers unique seat fabric options in ivory or light gray, with available leather-trimmed and Ultrasuede® options.
Exterior and Interior Design of the 2014 Camry
The 2014 Camry boasts an elegantly simple yet modern exterior design, emphasizing a wide and lower stance compared to previous generations. The LE and XLE trims feature additional chrome exterior trim, while the SE grade distinguishes itself with a unique lower-body design, a fine-mesh upper grille, and an integrated trunk spoiler. Fog lights come standard on the XLE and SE grades. The SE model further stands out with a three-part lower grille section housing fog lamps and black sport trim headlamp bezels.
Inside, the 2014 Camry prioritizes spaciousness and comfort. Soft-touch materials on the upper instrument panel, door trim, armrests, and center console armrest contribute to a refined feel. Stitching details on the instrument panel padding and trim enhance the sense of luxury. Aluminum-color and chrome trim accents are used tastefully throughout the cabin.
Seat comfort remains a key strength of the Camry. The 2014 model features higher seat backs and longer seat cushions for enhanced passenger comfort. The SE trim’s sporty front seats offer thicker side bolsters for added support, and it also features an exclusive three-spoke steering wheel.
The 2014 Camry offers four seat-covering materials: fabric in LE and XLE, fabric with SofTex™ trim in SE, standard leather trim in XLE V6 (optional in XLE four-cylinder), and Ultrasuede® with leather available for SE and Hybrid XLE. Heated seats are standard on the XLE V6 and available for SE, XLE four-cylinder, and Hybrid models with variable temperature control. Steering wheels in all trims except the L include integrated audio and Bluetooth® controls.
All 2014 Camry grades feature a standard 60/40 split-folding rear seatback to expand cargo space, along with a center armrest with cup holders. Toyota engineered this generation of Camry to be its quietest yet, utilizing additional insulation in key areas to minimize cabin noise, particularly focusing on frequencies close to human speech for a more comfortable conversational environment.
Advanced Technology and Connectivity in the 2014 Camry
All 2014 Toyota Camry models come standard with Bluetooth® wireless connectivity for hands-free phone calls, and a phone book transfer function. A standard USB port enables music and video playback from portable devices through the vehicle’s sound system and available in-dash display screen, including full iPod® integration.
The Camry L and Camry Hybrid LE models feature a Display Audio 6.1-inch screen. In the Hybrid, this screen also displays energy monitor and fuel consumption data. For models equipped with the available integrated back-up camera, the display serves as the monitor. The screen also offers an optional value-driven navigation system and access to Toyota’s Entune® multimedia system. The available HD Radio system includes iTunes® tagging and SiriusXM Satellite Radio™.
The top-tier audio system features a seven-inch Premium HDD Navigation system with Entune® and JBL GreenEdge™ audio. This system’s split-screen capability allows for simultaneous display of navigation and audio information. The GreenEdge™ eight-channel amplifier is lighter and more energy-efficient while producing higher sound output compared to conventional amplifiers.
The available Entune multimedia system uses the user’s smartphone to provide in-vehicle access to navigation, entertainment, and information services. Toyota Entune supports mobile apps like Bing, OpenTable, and movietickets.com, along with travel-related services such as live weather, traffic, fuel information, stocks, and sports. Entune also provides access to a vast selection of music options, including iHeartRadio and Pandora.
Audio systems with Entune feature an advanced conversational voice recognition system, minimizing the need to memorize voice commands and helping drivers stay focused on the road. Certain systems also offer audio read-back and replay capabilities for text messages, with pre-set “Quick Reply Messages” available.
Handling, Ride Comfort, and Safety of the 2014 Camry
The 2014 Camry offers a balance of handling and ride comfort. Its rigid body structure, introduced in the 2012 model year, utilizes a greater amount of high tensile steel, enhancing both strength and safety. The McPherson-strut front suspension and dual-link rear suspension are tuned to provide straight-line stability, crisp steering response, and overall ride comfort.
The Camry SE trim features specific suspension components and tuning, including unique steering knuckles and lighter, stiffer lower front control arms. The LE trim comes with 16-inch wheels, while the SE and XLE trims feature standard 17-inch alloy wheels (different styles). The V6 SE model offers 18-inch alloy wheels, a first for the Camry. Camry SE models also utilize higher-grip tires.
The 2014 Camry employs electric power steering (EPS), which adjusts power assist based on vehicle speed and steering input, providing light steering effort at low speeds and more substantial effort at higher speeds. The SE trim has a different power-assist ratio for a sportier steering feel compared to the LE and XLE trims. EPS improves fuel economy as it only consumes electricity when steering assist is needed and is more environmentally friendly as it eliminates the need for hydraulic fluid.
All 2014 Camry models are equipped with 10 standard airbags, including dual-stage advanced front airbags, front and rear seat-mounted side airbags, side curtain airbags, and driver and front passenger knee airbags. The Camry’s body structure is engineered to absorb collision forces and minimize cabin deformation. High-strength steel is used in critical areas like B-pillars and rocker panels to manage side impact forces. Seat frames are also designed to absorb side collision loads. The inner hood structure and front-edge are designed to help reduce pedestrian injuries in certain frontal collisions.
Toyota’s Star Safety System™ is standard on all 2014 Camrys, encompassing Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), Traction Control (TRAC), Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), and Brake Assist. It also includes Smart Stop Technology brake-override system and an electronic tire pressure monitoring system.
Available safety features include a Blind Spot Monitor, which uses radar to detect vehicles in blind spots. It also incorporates a rear cross traffic alert, helpful when backing out of parking spaces. Vehicles with display audio systems and a backup camera display the camera image with parking guidelines when in reverse. The optional Safety Connect system provides access to a call center for emergency assistance, including automatic collision notification and stolen vehicle location services.
Warranty and Peace of Mind with the 2014 Toyota Camry
The 2014 Toyota Camry is backed by Toyota’s comprehensive warranty coverage. A 36-month/36,000-mile basic new-vehicle warranty covers all components except normal wear and maintenance items. Powertrain components are covered for 60 months/60,000 miles, and corrosion protection is provided for 60 months with no mileage limit. Hybrid-related components, including the HV battery, are covered for eight years/100,000 miles.
Standard Toyota Care, a complimentary plan, covers normal factory-scheduled maintenance and 24-hour roadside assistance for two years or 25,000 miles, whichever comes first, providing added peace of mind to 2014 Toyota Camry owners.
The 2014 Toyota Camry remains a top choice in the midsize sedan segment, offering a well-rounded package of features, performance, efficiency, and Toyota’s legendary reliability. Whether you prioritize fuel economy with the Hybrid, sporty driving dynamics with the SE, or premium comfort with the XLE, the 2014 Camry delivers a compelling and trustworthy driving experience.
