Toyota unveiled the ninth-gen Camry on November 15, 2023, for the 2025 model year. While the hybrid-only vehicle didn’t arrive at U.S. dealers until Spring 2024, we’re expecting Toyota to announce the 2026 model in the coming months.
Here’s what we expect from the Camry for the new model year:
Design & Styling
When we first checked out the 2025 Toyota Camry back at the Los Angeles Auto Show 2023, we were impressed by how Toyota managed to give the car a fresh lease of life without making radical changes. The ninth-generation Camry is essentially a heavily revised version of its predecessor, and I don’t expect the 2026 model to deviate at all from the existing design. The sleek ‘hammerhead’ front fascia, pronounced honeycomb grille, and streamlined silhouette will all carry over unchanged.
Nightshade Edition inbound?
However, one potential addition in the upcoming model years could be the Nightshade edition, which Toyota has introduced on various carlines over the years. Specifically, it was last introduced in the Camry Hybrid for MY2022.
If Toyota decides to bring it back for 2026 or 2027, the Camry Nightshade would sport blacked-out exterior elements, such as the grille, badges, mirror caps, and alloy wheels, giving it a sportier, stealth-like appearance. As seen in the 2025 Prius, there could be a special color reserved for the Camry Nightshade. I feel this would appeal to younger buyers looking for a more aggressive-looking sedan without the added cost of the XSE trim.
Interior & Features
When I got to spend time with the car again in Houston early last year ahead of its sales launch, I thought the 2025 Camry’s cabin was a big step up from the previous generation, and given that it’s brand new, Toyota isn’t expected to bring changes here for 2026.
The dashboard’s quilted pattern and refined trim details give the interior a premium touch, and the layout of the infotainment and climate controls is user-friendly. The physical buttons for climate and audio settings are a welcome decision, keeping usability simple and practical.
A big highlight of the new Camry is the Toyota Audio Multimedia System, which I found significantly more responsive and modern compared to the older Entune system. I expect the 2026 model to retain the 12.3-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and the upgraded digital instrument cluster.
Seating comfort in the 2025 Camry was impressive, particularly with the new Dinamica microfiber and leather combination. I would expect Toyota to continue offering this material in higher trims for the 2026 model, along with well-cushioned front seats with heating and ventilation options. The rear seats should remain spacious, with good knee room and support for long journeys.
Specifications
The 2026 Toyota Camry will continue with the fifth-generation Toyota Hybrid System (THS 5) paired with a 2.5-liter gas engine. In its current form, the system produces 225 hp in FWD and 232 hp in e-AWD configuration. I don’t foresee any changes to the powertrain for MY2026.
The suspension tuning in the 2025 Camry provides a balanced ride with definite improvement in handling over the previous generation. The 2026 model should retain consistent ride characteristics across all trims, as the sportier Camry TRD with its V6 engine and firmer suspension has been discontinued. Fuel economy is another key highlight, with an EPA-estimated 44-51 MPG (combined), and the 2026 Camry should deliver the same efficiency.
Price & Release Date
Considering that the first units of the 2025 Camry reached U.S. dealerships last spring, we expect the same timeline for the 2026 model year.
Pricing should remain close to the current range, which starts at USD 28,700 (base MSRP excluding destination) for the LE trim and tops out at USD 34,900 (base MSRP excluding destination) for the XSE variant. If Toyota introduces a Nightshade edition, it could be positioned above the SE trim, offering a unique styling package for buyers looking to stand out.
Featured image: Camry MY2025
An automobile engineer by training, I’ve analyzed the global car market since 2005, with a keen focus on EVs since 2008. My journey in online automotive publishing spans 17 years, during which I have reviewed cutting-edge automotive technologies and interviewed leading global CEOs and vehicle developers.
