Toyota Revs Up Camry Power, Efficiency

Toyota Motor Corp.’s redesigned 2018 Camry midsize sedan will be more powerful and more fuel efficient than the outgoing model—and about $1,000 more expensive.

The $24,900 base model will be powered by a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine that generates 206 hp, up 16% over the 2017 car’s 2.5-liter mill. The updated engine has a longer stroke and higher compression ratio and gets direct injection, a variable cooling system and the latest version of Toyota’s variable valve-timing system.

The new engine is mated with an 8-speed automatic transmission in place of the current 6-speed automatic. Toyota says the combination will boost the 2018 Camry’s U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s estimated fuel efficiency 26% to 34 mpg.

A new V-6, which also is mated with the 8-speed automatic, sees an 8% increase to 26 mpg in EPA fuel economy. Power jumps from 268 hp to 301 hp.

The base hybrid variant of the 2018 Camry is rated at 52 mpg, which is 30% better than the current model. The higher end trim levels aren’t as efficient.