Something of a sleeper

Indeed, the XSE V-6, the model we would want, is consistently pleasurable and rewarding. It brings to mind the 1989 Ford Taurus SHO. Something of a sleeper, it promises excellent commuting along with a sportive yield for the weekend. Even while loafing through Hawaii’s cow (and feral goat) country, it demonstrated a level of excellence to defy most anyone’s Camry bias.

By re-blending familiar ingredients and creating the Camry XSE, Toyota has produced the triple dip of pineapple, coconut, and macadamia nut that practical people have been quietly calling for.

America's favorite car earns a comprehensive fluff and buff.

Toyota has injected plenty of goodness into its most mainstream model. The new Camry should hold up well for another few years against the mid-size competitive crunch, not to mention the relentless crossover onslaught. The nod that the XSE V-6 edition makes in the sports-sedan direction is also encouraging. As soon as loyal customers see and feel this new model, it’s possible they’ll find the car enthusiast’s wavelength and seek or demand a more serious driving machine when Toyota gets around to the next full Camry redesign.

Getting There Faster

All in all, the 2015 Camry V-6 is a greatly improved car compared to the one it replaces. It looks better, it's more comfortable, and it drives better, even if it isn't emotional about it. Midsize sedans like this may be more about the destination than the journey, but if you want to get to there a bit quicker than the rest, the Camry V-6 might be the car for you.

The Half-Step

Unquestionably, the 2015 Camry Hybrid is a better all-around car than the one it replaces. It looks better, it's more comfortable, and it rides better. It's just a shame Toyota didn't also take the opportunity to make some small but meaningful improvements to the powertrain and brakes. Still, if you're in the market for a Camry Hybrid, you'll find plenty to like about this one.P

Boldly Competent

A few minor blemishes aside, the 2015 Toyota Camry is an impressively thorough and complete refresh. The new car is without a doubt better than the one it replaces in every way and, more important, is far more competitive than the old car against the fresh, new competition from Honda, Hyundai, Chrysler, and more. Boldly competent may not be exciting, but in this class, it's a recipe for continued success.

Would you believe that Toyota is an innovator when it comes to family sedans?

(Re)Securing Its Spot At The Top

At $23,895 and $24,665, respectively, Camry LE and SE models come in at virtually the same price as their predecessors, while the $26,975 XLE brings about $1,200 more equipment into 2015 for just $340 more than before. The XSE is priced exactly the same as the XLE; both are expected to run about 11 percent of the model mix, according to Toyota.

The stakes couldn't be higher for Toyota when it comes to this car's success. For the last 12 years, the sales crown has been Camry's to lose, and the competition from Honda, Mazda, Kia, Hyundai, Chrysler, Ford and others – to say nothing of compact and midsize crossovers – has gotten stronger than ever. But after driving the 2015 Camry, we'd say that this Toyota's spot at the top of the charts seems as secure as ever.

Toyota’s Latest License to Print Money

The Verdict

So the new Camry is another great car and an undeniably smart purchase. The SE Hybrid is pretty much a no-brainer and the XSE seems like a real winner too.

Before, if you wanted to move up a level you could only get the XLE, which had more features, but wasn’t as nice to look at, sit in or drive.

While we’d like to see more innovation under the hood, Toyota has made a huge effort in trying to keep its top seller at the top of your shopping list.

Other than the roof, every body panel on the 2015 Toyota Camry is new.

Why Should You Consider This Car?

If you liked the Camry before, you will like it even more now thanks to expressive styling, more involving driving dynamics and a higher-quality cabin. At the same time, those new to the segment will discover a car more in line with its competitors that also provides a unique choice of comfort and sport-tuned models with near equal feature content and powertrain choices.