Toyota Camry 2017 Philippines Review: The leader in the midsize sedan segment

The Camry made its first footprint into global auto market in 1982 and walked in the Philippines in 2002. Since then, this car has become one of the first names in the list of most favorite sedans in our country. Having gone through 35 years with 8 generations and continuous updates, the Toyota Camry has proven its top position of an excellent and worthy midsize sedan.

It has been 2 years since the current-gen Toyota Camry in our country received a facelift. Although the 8th-gen Camry has already launched in Australia a few weeks ago, it still remains unsure when exactly it will arrive in our shores. However, we believe Pinoy car enthusiasts will have the chance to admire the latest Toyota Camry in metal some time next year.

Car reviews are usually expected to write about a recently-launched or maybe an upcoming model. However, this time, Philkotse.com decided to choose a to-be-phased-out-soon model for our in-depth review. Let's look through our Toyota Camry 2017 review, particularly the discontinued top-spec V6 variant, to see if this car is still a good deal for you to go for. 

>>> Latest update: 2021 Toyota Camry: Expectations and what we know so far

Even though the pre-facelift Camry already had a nice appearance, the Japanese automaker still wanted to further beautify it and they actually succeeded in doing so. Frankly speaking, the current Camry now owns an even more youthful and impressive look than its predecessor.

7th-gen Toyota Camry vs. 1st-gen Toyota Camry

The facelift now gets a more impressive, youthful and sporty appearance without losing its superb aura

In detail, the front fascia comes adorned with a slender HID headlights accompanied with daytime running LED lights, faux side air vents, large lower air intake and an outstanding chrome grille, providing the Toyota Camry V6 2017 a sophisticated and dynamic makeover.

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The front fascia comes adorned with a slender HID headlights accompanied with daytime running LED lights

The Camry has faux side air vents, large lower air intake and an outstanding chrome grille

Thanks to wide shoulder lines, definite taillights and dual exhaust pipes, the V6 gets a firm and striking look.

The Toyota Camry 2017 interior is said to offer the coziest ambiance compared to other saloon fellows in its segment. The entire cabin is wrapped by deep-colored wood veneer and dark leather. Being outstanding on the earthy hues are the soft-touch material, piano black trim pieces and the faux metal trim accents.

The Camry V6 is said to offer the coziest ambiance compared to other saloon fellows in its segment

While the Camry 2.5 S is adorned with the “Sport Leather’ cover with red contrast stitching, the high-end V6 boasts a softer and more elegant leather decoration with beige stitching.

Worth mentioning is that the Toyota Camry 2017 Philippines offers enjoyable riding experience for both drivers and passengers thanks to power-adjustable front seats and steering wheel together with electronically-reclined rear seats.

The vehicle offers enjoyable riding experience for both drivers and passengers thanks to power-adjustable front seats and steering wheel

Speaking of the infotainment system, the Camry V6 is equipped with a standard touchscreen and a tri-zone Nano-E automatic climate control of the brand which functions to erase odors and purify the air.

Besides the reclining function, the back center armrest also offers some other control functions for the audio system, the rear vent, the rear power sunshade and heated seats, making the back seat become the best and most-prioritized position in the cabin.

The Camry V6 is equipped with a standard touchscreen 

A tri-zone Nano-E automatic climate control of the brand functions to erase odors and purify the air

The mid-size sedan is powered by a 3.5 L V6 engine locally dubbed as the 2GR-FE. Inheriting from the pre-facelift model, the engine is capable of doling out 277 hp and 346 Nm of torque, mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission with optional manual mode.

According to some drivers who had chances to test drive the Camry with both 2.5 L 2AR-FE and the 3.5 L V6 engine, while they were deeply impressed by the former's powerful performance, the latter even went beyond their expectation. 

The mid-size sedan is powered by a 3.5 L V6 engine locally dubbed as the 2GR-FE

With this well-matched engine offering a number of torques on tap, the V6 can easily achieve cruising speed and provides a smooth drive. This sedan is a great choice for those who are seeking a mid-size car for speed as its 6-speed automatic gearbox is both responsive and agile in different driving conditions.

The Toyota Camry 2017 engine is even capable of powering a lightweight sports vehicle or a stronger SUV. And the car accelerator promises to surprise every driver with its effectiveness.

The V6 can easily achieve cruising speed and provides a smooth drive

The main selling point of the V6, however, lies in its driving quality. It is regarded as one of the most comfortable models in the sedan segment. Equipped with soft damping and a spacious legroom, the car satisfies both the driver and passengers during their trips, even in freak harsh conditions. On pothole-ridden streets, the Camry poses the same performance with no fuss.

For fuel efficiency, the V6 is such a friendly-budget car as it drinks about 6.8 km/l in average consumption of fuel, around 13.5 km/l on highways and 5.5 km/l in start-and-stop traffic.

The Toyota Camry V6 has a price tag of ₱2,190,000 for White Pearl version and ₱2,175,000 for other cues. Some may scream that this is an overkill price for a sedan.

However, once think about what this D-segment sedan has to offer: great ride quality, proven track record, plenty of in-car amenities and comfortable seatings, you may want to change your mind.

>>> View full Toyota Camry Philippines price list with monthly installment

As mentioned earlier, as the current-gen version will be replaced by the 8th-gen Camry some time next year, taking home a brand new Toyota Camry might soon be no longer possible.

Even so, all things considered, we personally think a used Toyota Camry is not a bad idea at all!Nowadays, demands for Crossovers and SUVs are on the rise but a D-segment sedan is still a great alternative and the Toyota Camry boasts to be an ideal candidate. It can completely meet your requirement of a sporty, spacious, comfortable, smooth and affordable car.

With that in mind, Philkotse.com believes that our Toyota Camry 2017 review could be a great help for you to have a better understanding about this  excellent sedan of the reputable Japanese brand.