Car lovers think that late fall is one of the best times of the year because this is the time when car dealership finally start selling the most recent versions of favorite vehicles, including the Toyota Camry. Not only does this represent the first time drivers can test-drive the upgraded models, but the prices are also often more affordable as the manufacturers attempt to generate early interest in the vehicles.

The 2021 Toyota Camry XLE is one of the vehicles Toyota fans have eagerly anticipated. They are eager to see if what kind of new features the manufacture added to the popular vehicle. Many hoped that the company took the time to fix a rather nagging issue that generated a surprising number of complaints from the buyers of the 2020 Toyota Camry.

What to expect from the 2021 Toyota Camry

The Toyota Camry has long been the vehicle in Toyota’s lineup that is considered both a reliable and traditional vehicle. The sleek, classic lines of this sedan make it appealing to both upwardly mobile business people and adults who are looking for a nice family vehicle. Drivers who have invested in a Toyota Camry enjoy the fact that they own a vehicle that looks nice (both inside and outside), provides good fuel economy, and gives a nice smooth ride, according to Roadshow. Per Car and Driver, the 2021 version of the Toyota Camry promises to be everything previous incantations were and also has a few new offering drivers will enjoy.

Toyota resisted the urge to make any major changes to the latest Camry. When you compare the 2021 model to those built in 2020, you’ll notice that the 2021’s front grill is sleeker and seems better suited to the sedan’s style. The door panels are no longer constructed from hard plastic but are now designed out of a much softer and hopefully longer-lasting material that softens the interior’s overall vibe. 

Toyota Camry models that have the LE and XLE trims feature lower air intakes than previous models. The XLE also experienced an interior upgrade that includes herringbone upholstery.

The unresolved issue

One of the biggest complaints drivers had regarding the 2020 Toyota Camry was that they weren’t happy with the vehicle’s infotainment center. At first glance, it appears that Toyota tried to correct the problem. With the 2021 version, drivers now can select between a 7.0- and 9.0-inch infotainment center. The latest system is designed so that there are knobs on either side of the screen. Drivers who opt for the larger infotainment center have a touchscreen option that makes utilizing the navigation system easier. In addition to on-board navigation, the vehicle also has Apply Car Play and Android Auto.

While the changes Toyota implemented to the infotainment center are nice, the company failed to correct the biggest complaint. The same strange, awkward menus exist, making it difficult for drivers to quickly and easily use the infotainment center. The other issue is that the software technology leaves a great deal to be desired. The system is slower than it should be and the quality of the graphics gives the impression that the system is several years out of date. 

It’s unclear why Toyota failed to upgrade the software when they addressed the infotainment center’s layout and design.

Purchasing a 2021 Toyota Camry

Most drivers feel that the 2021 Toyota Camry is a good value. Consumer Reports gave the 2020 version an overall score of 84 out of 100. 

If you decide to purchase a Toyota Camry, you have six different trim options to choose from. The trims include LE, SE, SE Nightshade, XSE, XLE, and TRD. The price range is between $24,425 and $35,130.