Friend of TTAC Robin Warner is here to help you figure out which version of the 2026 Toyota Camry is right for you.
We have the transcript, cleaned up by AI and edited by a staffer, here:
Hi everybody, I’m Robin Warner, and I wanted to share the differences between the five trims of the 2026 Toyota Camry.
Toyota introduced the ninth-generation Camry in 2025, making it hybrid-only and offering all-wheel drive across all trims. For 2026, the car remains largely the same but adds a fifth trim, the Nightshade. So, let’s break down what’s the same across all trims and then look at what makes each one different.
All Camrys use Toyota’s fifth-generation hybrid system. It pairs a 2.5-liter inline four-cylinder engine, running on the Atkinson cycle, with an electric motor. The engine makes 184 horsepower and 163 lb-ft of torque, while the front electric motor adds 134 horsepower and 153 lb-ft of torque. Together, the system produces 225 horsepower. Torque isn’t specified.
Models with all-wheel drive get an additional electric motor on the rear axle, producing 40 horsepower and 62 lb-ft of torque. That raises total output to 232 horsepower. All-wheel drive can be added to any trim for $1,525. Every Camry uses an electronically controlled continuously variable transmission (CVT).
The chassis is also consistent across the lineup, with strut front suspension and a multi-link rear for four-wheel independent suspension. The SE, Nightshade, and XSE receive different suspension tuning and anti-roll bars.
That means most of the differences come down to appearance and convenience features.
LE
The LE rides on 16-inch aluminum wheels, has a single exhaust tip, a black horizontal front grille, and a black rear diffuser. Inside, it features a partially digital instrument cluster, an 8-inch center display with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, dual-zone climate control, cloth seats, wireless charging, five USB ports, and a six-speaker sound system. Options include a moonroof and a Cold Weather Package with a heated steering wheel and heated front seats.
SE
The SE upgrades to 18-inch black alloy wheels, dual chrome exhaust tips, black Camry lettering, a black mesh grille, a black rear diffuser, and a body-colored rear spoiler. Inside, it mirrors the LE but adds a leather shift knob, leather-wrapped steering wheel with paddle shifters, soft-touch upholstery, and aluminum sport pedals. Options include a 12.3-inch center display, moonroof, Cold Weather Package, and a Convenience Package with an auto-dimming rearview mirror, garage door opener, and smart key system.
Nightshade
The Nightshade stands out with a black lower rocker, black badging, 19-inch satin black wheels, and a gloss black sport mesh grille. It also has a black rear spoiler, black door handles, and black side mirrors. Inside, it matches the SE with sport pedals, soft-touch seats, leather shift knob, leather steering wheel with paddle shifters, and the same 7-inch cluster and 8-inch display. Options mirror the SE. The Nightshade is limited to three exterior colors: Midnight Black Metallic, Ice Cap (white), and Supersonic Red (extra cost).
XLE
The XLE is the first trim with dual LED headlights, premium LED taillights, a dark gray grille, gloss black rear diffuser, and chrome window trim. It has 18-inch wheels with a different finish, a single exhaust tip, and chrome Camry lettering. It also adds noise-canceling side windows and body-colored door handles. Inside, it upgrades to a fully digital 12.3-inch instrument cluster, 12.3-inch center display, ambient lighting, heated leather-wrapped steering wheel, leather and microfiber seats, and standard heated front seats. Options include a panoramic moonroof, Premium Plus Package (adds driver aids, ventilated seats, and a head-up display), or a pared-down Premium Package.
XSE
The XSE shares most features with the XLE but has sportier touches. It has a body-colored sport mesh grille and rear diffuser, a black rear spoiler, 19-inch two-tone wheels, dual exhaust tips, and black Camry lettering. It keeps the XLE’s noise-canceling windows but switches back to black window trim. Inside, it adds paddle shifters and full leather seats. Heated front seats, ambient lighting, and the digital displays are standard. Options mirror the XLE.
Fuel Economy and Colors
Since all trims share the same hybrid system, fuel economy differences mainly come from wheel sizes, drivetrain choice, and overall weight. Higher trims tend to have lower fuel economy. Color choices also expand with higher trims, except for the Nightshade, which only offers three. The XSE is the only trim with an optional two-tone look: Midnight Black Metallic roof with another body color.
Pricing
Toyota hasn’t announced 2026 pricing yet, but it should be close to 2025 figures. The Nightshade will likely slot between the SE and XLE.
That’s the breakdown of the five trims of the 2026 Toyota Camry. While the cars are mostly the same mechanically, it’s interesting to see how the trims differ in design and features.
I’m Robin Warner—thanks for watching.
Views on Vehicles focuses on new car reviews and news, presented by Robin Warner, a perennial car nut. The reason for the channel’s focus becomes crystal clear when you look at Robin’s experience. He spent five years of his adult life as an engineer: four years in traction and stability control calibration, and little over a year in vehicle dynamics. He also spent 15 years of his adult life as an editor at various magazines, including stints at Car and Driver, Road & Track, and Autoweek.
The TTAC Creators Series tells stories and amplifies creators from all corners of the car world, including culture, dealerships, collections, modified builds and more.
[Image: Robin Warner]
Become a TTAC insider. Get the latest news, features, TTAC takes, and everything else that gets to the truth about cars first by subscribing to our newsletter.
