The Toyota Camry, a name synonymous with reliability and practicality, entered its 37th year with a bang, unveiling its most diverse and exciting lineup yet for 2021. Among the standout additions, the Toyota Camry XSE emerges as a beacon of sporty sophistication and cutting-edge technology, particularly with the introduction of the first-ever XSE Hybrid grade. This new trim masterfully blends Toyota’s renowned fuel-efficient hybrid powertrain with the Camry’s most athletic and luxurious persona, creating a compelling option for drivers seeking both excitement and eco-consciousness. Beyond the hybrid innovation, all 2021 Camry models, including the XSE, benefit from the debut of Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+, the latest iteration of Toyota’s advanced driver-assist suite, ensuring enhanced safety for every journey.
The 2021 Camry XSE doesn’t just stop at safety; it elevates the in-cabin experience with a suite of technology and luxury upgrades. A new floating multimedia screen, available in 7-inch or 9-inch sizes, modernizes the dashboard, while the XLE grade introduces a sophisticated herringbone seat pattern, hinting at the elevated refinement across the range, including the sporty XSE. Further enhancing the visual appeal, restyled front ends give each Camry grade, including the XSE, a distinct personality, setting them apart on the road. This comprehensive upgrade for 2021 builds upon the previous year’s advancements, which saw the introduction of an all-wheel drive option and the performance-oriented TRD model, further solidifying the Camry’s position as a leader in the competitive midsize sedan segment. With the discontinuation of the “L” grade, the LE now serves as the entry point, underscoring Toyota’s commitment to offering a well-equipped and appealing base model.
The sheer breadth of the 2021 Camry lineup is truly remarkable, offering 17 distinct choices to cater to diverse preferences and needs. For enthusiasts of power and performance, the XSE is available with a robust V6 engine, delivering exhilarating driving dynamics. However, the true innovation lies in the XSE Hybrid, which combines the sporty XSE aesthetic with Toyota’s advanced hybrid technology for unparalleled fuel efficiency without sacrificing style or driving pleasure. The availability of all-wheel drive on select XSE models further expands the Camry’s appeal, providing enhanced confidence and control in various weather conditions. This extensive range, coupled with the Camry’s sleek, coupe-inspired design and Toyota’s legendary quality and value, are key factors in its enduring reign as America’s best-selling midsize sedan for an impressive 18 consecutive years. The Camry’s legacy as one of the longest-running nameplates in the automotive industry is a testament to its consistent evolution and ability to meet the evolving needs of drivers.
A Bold and Sporty Stance: The XSE Exterior
The 2021 Toyota Camry XSE distinguishes itself with a bolder and more aggressive front-end design compared to its more comfort-oriented LE and XLE siblings. The XSE showcases a redesigned lower fascia featuring a striking honeycomb-style grille and eye-catching side vent inserts, along with new side vent accents that amplify its sporty character. This dynamic styling immediately signals the XSE’s performance-oriented nature, setting it apart within the Camry family.
Adding to the visual excitement, the 2021 Camry XSE offers exclusive exterior color options, including the vibrant Supersonic Red, now available with a two-tone Midnight Black Metallic roof combination. This bold color pairing further emphasizes the XSE’s sporty and modern aesthetic. The performance-tuned Camry TRD, while distinct in its track-focused enhancements, shares the sporty design language of the XSE, highlighting the overall athletic direction Toyota has taken with these grades. For 2021, the Camry TRD also benefits from upgraded standard features, including Blind Spot Monitor and Rear Cross Traffic Alert, mirroring the enhanced safety features found across the XSE and XLE trims.
Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+: Advanced Safety as Standard on XSE
Toyota’s commitment to safety is clearly demonstrated by the inclusion of Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+ (TSS 2.5+) as standard on all 2021 Camry models, including the XSE. Building upon Toyota’s pioneering role in making Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) standard across its lineup, TSS 2.5+ represents the next evolution of their safety systems, offering enhanced functionalities and greater peace of mind for drivers and passengers.
The Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection (PCS w/PD), a cornerstone of TSS, receives significant upgrades in the 2.5+ version. The system’s detection capabilities are expanded to include not only vehicles but also preceding bicyclists in daytime and even pedestrians in low-light conditions. Furthermore, TSS 2.5+ enhances PCS w/PD with intersection support, enabling the system to detect oncoming vehicles or pedestrians when making left-hand turns and providing alerts and automatic braking if necessary. Emergency steering assist is another valuable addition, designed to stabilize the driver’s steering maneuvers within their lane while avoiding collisions.
For XSE models equipped with Full-Speed Dynamic Radar Cruise Control (DRCC), driving on highways becomes more convenient and safer. DRCC allows for vehicle-to-vehicle distance control down to 0 mph and resume from a stop, and now includes a feature for smoother overtaking of slower vehicles. Lane Departure Alert and Lane Tracing Assist (LTA) work in tandem to keep the Camry XSE centered in its lane, providing steering assistance when DRCC is engaged. Automatic High Beams and Road Sign Assist further contribute to a safer and more relaxed driving experience. Toyota’s Rear Seat Reminder system, also standard on all 2021 Camrys, adds an extra layer of safety by reminding drivers to check the rear seats upon exiting the vehicle. Blind Spot Monitor and Rear Cross Traffic Alert, standard on XSE and XLE grades, provide added confidence when changing lanes and backing out of parking spaces.
Camry XSE All-Wheel Drive: Enhanced Confidence in All Conditions
For drivers in regions with challenging weather conditions, the 2021 Toyota Camry XSE offers the option of all-wheel drive (AWD). Toyota’s Dynamic Torque Control AWD system, available on four-cylinder XSE models, provides enhanced traction and stability without compromising fuel efficiency. This system can direct up to 50 percent of engine torque to the rear wheels when needed, optimizing traction during acceleration and in slippery conditions. When AWD is not required, the system seamlessly disengages the rear drive axle to maximize fuel economy, making it a smart and efficient AWD system.
The availability of AWD does not impact the Camry XSE’s interior space, trunk room, or ride comfort. The transformation to AWD adds a minimal amount of weight, and the XSE grade retains its sport-tuned suspension and 19-inch wheels in both FWD and AWD configurations. An optional Cold Weather Package is available for AWD grades, adding heated seats and mirrors, and a heated steering wheel on XSE models, ensuring comfort in cold climates.
The XSE Hybrid: Sporty Efficiency Redefined
The introduction of the first-ever Toyota Camry XSE Hybrid is a true highlight of the 2021 lineup. This model combines the sporty styling and features of the XSE grade with Toyota’s advanced hybrid powertrain, delivering exceptional fuel efficiency without sacrificing driving enjoyment. The XSE Hybrid is powered by Toyota’s super-efficient Toyota Hybrid System (THS II), which combines a 2.5-liter Dynamic Force four-cylinder engine with an electric motor. The system delivers a net output of 208 horsepower, providing performance comparable to the four-cylinder gas-powered Camry while significantly improving fuel economy.
The XSE Hybrid offers multiple drive modes, including NORMAL, ECO, EV, and SPORT, allowing drivers to tailor the driving experience to their preferences. Sequential Shiftmatic technology with paddle shifters (on SE and XSE grades) provides a more engaging driving experience, mimicking a quick-shifting 6-speed automatic transmission. The lithium-ion hybrid battery pack is located under the rear seat, preserving passenger and trunk space and contributing to a lower center of gravity for improved handling. Features like Auto Glide Control (AGC) further enhance fuel efficiency by optimizing coasting logic in ECO mode.
XSE Interior: Tech-Savvy and Luxurious
The interior of the 2021 Toyota Camry XSE is designed to be both sporty and luxurious, offering a driver-focused cockpit with premium materials and advanced technology. A new floating 7- or 9-inch central touch-screen display, similar to that in the Toyota RAV4, integrates audio and navigation functions, offering customizable features and smartphone-like operation. The XSE also offers an available 7-inch multi-information display within the instrument cluster and an optional 10-inch color Head-Up Display (HUD) that projects vital information onto the windshield.
The XSE trim features sport SofTex-trimmed front seats with red accents and red-stitched TRD embroidered headrests, further emphasizing its sporty character. The leather-wrapped steering wheel also features red stitching, and a shift knob with an embossed TRD logo adds to the premium feel. Interior color choices, depending on exterior color, include Ash, Macadamia, or Black, with an exclusive Cockpit Red interior option for the XSE, adding a touch of exotic sports car flair. The available JBL Premium Audio system provides an immersive sound experience, while Connected Services trials offer features like remote start, door unlock, and vehicle status notifications.
Performance and Powertrain Options for the XSE Camry
The 2021 Toyota Camry XSE offers a range of powertrain options to suit different driving preferences. The standard engine is a 2.5-liter Dynamic Force four-cylinder, producing 206 horsepower in the XSE grade, paired with a Direct Shift eight-speed automatic transmission. For those seeking more power, a 3.5-liter V6 engine is available, delivering a robust 301 horsepower. The XSE Hybrid utilizes the Toyota Hybrid System, providing a combined output of 208 horsepower and exceptional fuel efficiency. All Camry XSE models benefit from the Direct Shift eight-speed automatic transmission, which delivers smooth and responsive shifting for a refined driving experience. The XSE grade features a sport-tuned suspension, enhancing handling agility and providing a more engaging driving experience compared to other Camry trims.
Conclusion: The 2021 Toyota Camry XSE – A Winning Combination
The 2021 Toyota Camry XSE stands out as a compelling choice in the midsize sedan segment, offering a winning combination of sporty styling, luxurious features, advanced safety technology, and efficient powertrain options, especially with the groundbreaking XSE Hybrid. Whether you prioritize performance, fuel economy, or a blend of both, the Camry XSE delivers an exceptional driving experience that lives up to the Camry’s legendary reputation for quality and reliability while injecting a dose of excitement and modern sophistication. Explore the 2021 Toyota Camry XSE and discover how it redefines the sporty sedan for the modern driver.
