All Toyota Camry Generations Explained

The first-ever Toyota Camry was launched in 1980 in Japan, before hitting the US market in 1983. Whereas, in the UAE, Al-Futtaim Motors has been representing all Toyota cars since 1955. Fast forward to the present Toyota Camry has remained throughout generations across the world. 

In total, there are eight Toyota Camry generations. Let’s go through them in detail. 

Toyota Camry Generations Explained in Detail 

The Toyota Camry is a cost-effective vehicle that made it to the list of top ten cars, according to Dubizzle’s used cars annual market report for 2020.  The current generation of Toyota Camry is the eighth one. Here are the details of all Toyota Camry generations.

Toyota Camry 1^st Generation (1983–1986)

Toyota Camry was introduced as a small-four-door sedan. The first generation Camry model was powered by a 2.0-litre carburetor engine that made 130-horsepower. This was a front-wheel-drive car equipped with a 5-speed manual transmission. The 1^st gen Camry could speed up from 0 to 100 km per hour in 12 seconds, with a top speed of 108.2 MPH.

Toyota Camry 2^nd Generation (1987–1991)

Produced from 1987 to 1997 model years, the second-generation Toyota Camry had a more streamlined overall look. While the body style remained the same as the previous generation, 2^nd gen Camry models were the first to offer a V-6 engine option. 

A four-cylinder unit base engine producing 130-horsepower and an all-wheel-drive system was standard. That said, buyers had the option to use a 2.5-litre V6 engine generating 160 horsepower.

Toyota Camry 3^rd Generation (1992–1996)

This is the generation that gave Camry a reputation for being a reliable car. The 3^rd gen Camry cars were given a few cosmetic changes giving the sedan a smooth, rounded look with a large overall footprint. Camry’s of the third generation also had better air-conditioned systems and were insulated to remove road noise.

For the first time, the third generation of Toyota Camry introduced a 4-speed automatic transmission and a four-wheel steering system with an optional 3.0-litre V6 engine. A 2.2-litre, four-cylinder engine was standard.

The Camry’s of this generation also experienced the change from a carbureted fuel system to multi-point fuel injection.

Toyota Camry 4^th Generation (1997–2001)

The 4^th generation of Toyota Camry gave the sedan a new look with sleeker and more aerodynamic lines. Two new model engines were also introduced in this generation. One of them was a 2.2-litre, four-cylinder engine that made 133 horsepower, the other was a 3.0-litre V6 engine that churned out 194 horsepower. 

The transmission choices of the 4^th gen Camry were 4-speed automatic or 5-speed manual. 

Toyota Camry 5^th Generation (2002–2006) 

The 5^th gen Camry cars gave way to a new platform, adopting a sleeker design that shared more than just a resemblance with the sedans previous generation.

Toyota Camry’s of the 5^th generation replaced the narrow headlights and taillights of the previous generation with larger ones. These cars came standard with a 2.4-litre four-cylinder engine, while in 2004 a larger and slightly more powerful 3.0-litre V-6 engine was introduced for the SE trim. 

Toyota Camry 6^th Generation (2007 – 2011)

The sixth generation of Toyota Camry came up with several options for its sedans. The 6^th gen Camry car trim levels include CE, LE, SE and XLE. All trim levels came standard with a four-cylinder, 2.4-litre engine that churned out 158 horsepower. 

Moreover, the LE, SE and XLE trim levels came with an optional 3.5-litre V6 engine that produced 268 horsepower.

The 2010 Camry was the first one to introduce a USB port. Two USB ports were standard on all trim levels except the L trim that had just one. Bluetooth was also introduced in this generation. 

Toyota Camry’s 6^th generation also introduced the Hybrid model that could be run on both fuel and an electric motor. The Hybrid Camry and the four trim levels offered a number of transmission options, including a five- or six-speed automatic transmission or the five-speed manual transmission.

Toyota Camry 7^th Generation (2012 – 2017)

Manual Toyota Camrys were made up until the seventh generation. That said, most 7^th gen Camry cars came with six-speed automatic transmission options. Toyota Camry trim levels for this generation include CE, LE, SE and XLE.

All Toyota Camry sedans of the seventh generation came standard with a four-cylinder, 2.5-litre engine that churns out 178 horsepower. The SE and XLE also offered to upgrade the engine to a 3.5-litre V6 engine that made 268 horsepower.

A few more standard features of the 7^th gen Camry include power windows, cruise control and a power tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel. By 2020, all Camry car trims were equipped with three USB ports and a BlueTooth feature. Higher-trim levels comprised of additional features including keyless entry, sportier wheels, an athletic body and better car suspension.

Toyota Camry 8^th Generation (2018 – Present)

Currently, in its 8^th generation, the Toyota Camry is offered in the following trim levels: 

• SE 
• XSE 
• XSE V6
• L
• LE 
• XLE
• XLE V6
• Hybrid variants
• TRD

Base trim levels come standard with a 2.5-liter, four-cylinder engine that churns out 203 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque. As for the upgraded engine, the XLE V6 and XSE V6 trims come with a 3.5-litre V6 engine that makes 301 horsepower and a 276 lb-ft of torque.

All the eight-gen Camry trim levels run on fuel and are equipped with an eight-speed automatic transmission.

The current generation is also known as the Toyota Camry Hybrid Generation. Camry Hybrids are available in LE, SE, XSE and XLE trims. These cars are powered by an electric motor teamed up with a four-cylinder engine churning out 208 horsepower. Hybrids are paired with a CVT automatic transmission.

In 2020, Toyota introduced the performance-oriented TRD (Toyota Racing Division) iteration of the Camry. TRD is the highest trim level for Camry’s. Available in a 3.5 litre V6 engine that produces a 301 hp and a 267 lb-ft torque, the TRD had an upgraded chassis and exterior design to give the normal Toyota Camry an athletic look. 

The car also had other features including a rear spoiler, unique 19-inch alloy wheels, larger brake rotors, and a couple of changes were made for a stiffer body and suspension. If you are looking for a 2020 model, here is a list of used 2020 Toyota Camry for sale in the UAE.

Then in 2021, Toyota revised the front grille of the Camry TRD trim level. Some more colour options and new wheel designs were introduced. But all the performance and technology features of the 2021 Camry were similar to its predecessor. 

All other 8th gen Camry trim levels from 2020 got a facelift in 2021. Toyota Camry is also among the list of most-awaited sedans for 2022.

That is all about Toyota Camry generations. In the UAE, Toyota Camry is really popular. As a matter of fact, all Dubai Taxi cars are Camry’s. These are some more interesting facts about Toyota Camry.

If you are interested in buying one for yourself, go through these used Toyota Camry for sale in the UAE.

Stay tuned to your favourite cars blog for more on different auto generations.