In an era where every second car on the Indian road is an SUV, the Toyota Camry 2026 stands as a defiant, low-slung symbol of grace and sophistication. This isn’t just a facelift; it is the 9th generation of a legend that has essentially become the “default” choice for CEOs and luxury-seekers who want German comfort without the German maintenance headaches.
Launched recently in India as a CKD (Completely Knocked Down) unit, the 2026 model brings a sharper design and a more powerful 5th-gen hybrid system. If you have about ₹50-60 Lakh to spend and prefer being driven rather than driving, the question isn’t just about the car—it’s about whether anything else even comes close.
Ex-Showroom Price: ₹48.50 Lakh.
QUICK SPECS TABLE (Key Highlights)
| Feature | Details |
| Engine | 2.5L 4-Cylinder Petrol + 5th Gen Strong Hybrid System |
| Combined Power | 230 PS (169 kW) |
| Peak Torque | 221 Nm (Engine) + 208 Nm (Motor) |
| Transmission | e-CVT (Electronic Continuously Variable Transmission) |
| Boot Space | 524 Litres |
| Ground Clearance | 160 mm (Unladen) |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 Litres |
EXTERIOR DESIGN & ROAD PRESENCE
The 2026 Camry has undergone a “hammerhead” makeover. The front fascia is now much more aggressive, borrowed from the global Lexus and Crown design language. The slimmer LED DRLs and the wide, mesh-patterned lower grille give it a planted, sporty stance that was missing in previous generations.
On the sides, the 18-inch multi-spoke alloy wheels look like they belong on a car twice its price. It’s a long car—at 4,920 mm, it commands respect when it pulls up to a five-star hotel lobby. While it doesn’t have the “get out of my way” intimidation of a Fortuner, it has a silent authority that turns heads of the right people.
INTERIOR, COMFORT & FEATURES
If the exterior is the “hook,” the interior is the “closer.” Toyota has finally brought the Camry’s cabin into the modern era.
- Dashboard: The star is the new 12.3-inch touchscreen paired with a fully digital 12.3-inch instrument cluster. The materials are top-tier, with yellow-brown soft-touch leather and high-quality plastics that feel built to last a lifetime.
- Space: The rear seat remains the best place to be. Can 3 people sit at the back? Yes, but the middle passenger has to deal with a slight floor hump. However, for two people, it’s a business-class experience with power-reclining rear seats and a dedicated touch panel in the armrest to control the AC and sunblinds.
- Features: It gets a 9-speaker JBL system, 3-zone climate control, and ventilated front seats. Missing features? A massive panoramic sunroof is still missing (it gets a standard single-pane one), and the 360-degree camera, while useful, isn’t as crisp as what you’d find in a luxury German rival.
ENGINE PERFORMANCE & DRIVING DYNAMICS
The 2026 Camry is powered by the 2.5L Dynamic Force engine mated to Toyota’s 5th-gen hybrid system.
- City Drive: This is where the Camry is unbeatable. In traffic, it operates largely in EV mode, making it ghostly quiet. The steering is light, making it surprisingly easy to maneuver despite its length.
- Highway Drive: At 100kmph+, the car feels like a high-speed train—silent and stable. The 230 PS combined output ensures that overtakes are brisk, though the e-CVT still has that characteristic “drone” if you floor it aggressively.
- Suspension: The suspension absorbs potholes easily. Toyota has mastered the “magic carpet” ride for Indian conditions. Even on the broken tarmac of Bangalore or Mumbai, the cabin remains undisturbed.
Read more : Tata Punch Facelift
SAFETY (Crucial Section)
Safety is no longer an afterthought for Toyota. The 2026 Camry comes with 9 Airbags as standard.
- ADAS: It features Toyota Safety Sense 3.0, which includes Pre-Collision Warning, Lane Tracing Assist, and Dynamic Radar Cruise Control.
- Build Quality: Built on the TNGA-K platform, it feels incredibly solid. While the 9th-gen hasn’t been tested by Global NCAP yet, its predecessor was a 5-star performer, and this one is expected to follow suit.
REAL WORLD MILEAGE (The Truth)
Hybrids are famous for turning the “mileage logic” upside down. In the city, where conventional cars fail, the Camry shines.
| Scenario | ARAI Claimed | Real World (Estimated) |
| City Traffic | 25.49 kmpl | 18 – 21 kmpl |
| Highway (Cruise) | 25.49 kmpl | 16 – 18 kmpl |
Note: The mileage actually drops slightly on the highway because the petrol engine stays on more consistently at high speeds.
THE COMPETITION
Toyota Camry vs Skoda Superb vs BYD Seal
| Feature | Toyota Camry 2026 | Skoda Superb | BYD Seal |
| Engine/Fuel | 2.5L Hybrid (Petrol) | 2.0L Turbo Petrol | Electric (EV) |
| Power | 230 PS | 190 PS | Up to 530 PS |
| Ride Quality | Best in Class (Soft) | Firm & European | Sporty/Stiff |
| Price (Ex-sh) | ₹48.50 Lakh | ₹54.00 Lakh | ₹41.00 – 53.00 Lakh |
Winner: The Camry is the clear winner for the chauffeur-driven buyer. The Superb is for those who love driving themselves, and the BYD Seal is for the tech-early adopters who want explosive speed.
FINAL VERDICT
The 2026 Toyota Camry is a car that appeals to the head and the heart equally—provided your heart values peace over adrenaline.
- Buy it if:
- You want the best rear-seat comfort under ₹1 Crore.
- You want a car that will still be running perfectly in 2040.
- You want luxury-car status with the fuel bills of a hatchback.
- Skip it if:
- You want a “sporty” driving experience (the e-CVT isn’t for enthusiasts).
- You have a very steep driveway (160mm ground clearance requires care).
- You want a flashy, tech-heavy “iPad on wheels” interior.
FAQs (People Also Ask)
What is the on-road price of the 2026 Camry in Bangalore?
Due to high road tax on hybrids in Karnataka, the on-road price can touch ₹58-60 Lakh.
Is there a waiting period?
Yes, depending on the color (Precious Metal is in high demand), expect a 2-4 month waiting period.
Does it come with a CNG option?
No. With a hybrid system delivering 20+ kmpl, a CNG option would be redundant and ruin the luxury experience.