Few best-selling cars on the international markets (both the United States and the Asian markets) have earned as much long-term praise as the Toyota Camry.
No matter which aspect you prioritize — fuel efficiency, advanced technology, or even exterior styling — there’s always a Camry model year that checks all the right boxes! Let us walk you through the five best years for the Toyota Camry that stand out for all the right reasons.
In This Article:
Top 5 Toyota Camry Best Years
The best Camry years to consider are 2025, 2020, 2017, 2013, and 2005. Each of these four-door sedans is praised for standout comfort and reliability, which earns them a spot among both families and commuters alike.
2025 Toyota Camry
Despite being new, the 2025 model easily secures the most reliable Camry year title.
For this model, the Camry’s overall length has been extended slightly by about 1.4 inches. That might not sound that significant on paper at first. However, when paired with its 111.2-inch wheelbase, this change translated to a smoother ride on highways and noticeably more legroom for backseat passengers during our tests. We highly recommend them for family road trips or long drives where comfort really matters!
Yet, despite the added size, the Camry is still easy to maneuver in tight spaces, thanks to its compact 37.4-ft turning radius. You wouldn’t face much trouble making a U-turn on a narrow street or backing into a tight parking spot. Plus, the 5.4 inches of ground clearance is just right; we hardly felt excessive shaking or scraping over speed bumps and rough patches during our test drive.
Regarding the redesigned front end, its bold “hammerhead” grille channels more air toward the engine bay. Long story short, you will enjoy much better cooling whenever your car is stuck in stop-and-go traffic or climbing up a steep mountain road with a full load.
Better yet, with auto on/off and high-beam assist, you don’t have to worry about manually switching lights. Just drive, and the car will adjust for you accordingly! Toyota also mounts the side mirrors on the doors instead of the A-pillars to clear up common blind spots, which is a huge advantage when checking for motorbikes at intersections.
2020 Toyota Camry
Just like the later models, this eighth-generation Camry was built on Toyota’s TNGA (Toyota New Global Architecture) platform, which makes the car wider and brings its center of gravity lower to the ground. Hence, whenever we took a sharp turn or made a quick lane change, the car didn’t sway or feel top-heavy. It stayed firm and steady, giving us more control and confidence even when we cruised at high speeds on the highway.
Parking also gets much easier with advanced tech like the rear cross-traffic alert and intelligent clearance sonar (available on higher trims). When you back out of a tight spot, the system will alert you if a car or even a shopping cart is moving behind you.
The clearance sonar, on the other hand, gives loud, clear warnings if you’re getting too close to a wall or pole. Together, they ensure that parallel parking or squeezing into tight spots is not too stressful for drivers of all levels.
Insignificant as they might seem, the side mirrors also leave a surprisingly strong impression. They’re power-adjustable on all trims, meaning you can easily fine-tune their position with a button while staying 100% focused during your driving. Better yet, as these mirrors are heated on higher trims, you don’t have to worry about them fogging up (and blocking your view) in extremely low-temperature weather.
2017 Toyota Camry
The interior space is one of the major strengths of this seventh-generation Camry model. In the backseat, even tall members of our team could sit comfortably due to the generous legroom. Hence, we strongly recommend it for both families and rideshare drivers (or anyone who frequently carries passengers).
Plus, since the 60/40 split-folding rear seats allowed us to fold down part of the backseat while keeping space for a passenger, we could easily load long items like skis, furniture boxes, or gardening supplies. And with 436 liters of trunk space, you are free to do a whole week’s grocery haul without struggling to fit it all!
Under the hood, the 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine gives you enough power (178 HP for confident highway merges while still sipping fuel — averaging around 9.5L/100km in mixed conditions. For those who want a little more punch, the 3.5-liter V6 provides 268 horsepower for smoother overtaking and stronger acceleration. Both engine options are paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission that shifts smoothly and has a strong reputation for long-term durability.
As you move up to the Hybrid XLE and XSE trims, the upgrades in everyday comfort make a noticeable difference. Dual-zone automatic climate control, for instance, lets the driver and front passenger set their own temperatures. The large 7-inch touchscreen also offers much better visibility and quicker responsiveness.
2013 Toyota Camry
As one of the Toyota Camry’s most reliable years, 2013 models introduced their “Keen Look” design. Its overall length and wheelbase (189.2 inches and 109.3 inches, respectively) gave rear passengers on our tests plenty of legroom while still being easy to park and maneuver around tight city streets.
Under the hood, the 2.5L engine offers roughly 178 horsepower. Though not race-car fast, it’s still powerful enough to merge onto highways confidently or overtake slower vehicles without hesitation. We noticed that the car didn’t get jerky or unpredictable power delivery. Instead, it accelerated in a calm, steady manner that made driving feel natural and unintimidating even when we hit the gas pedal abruptly.
Inside, the 2013 Camry is clearly built for comfort. Its leather-trimmed seats, for example, are soft yet supportive, perfect for long commutes or road trips. The 6-speaker sound system delivers clear, well-balanced audio to make every drive more enjoyable. There’s also Bluetooth for hands-free calls and streaming music, plus USB and AUX ports for device plugging.
Regarding advanced safety features, this 2013 model admittedly doesn’t have modern lane-keeping or adaptive cruise control. Nevertheless, it still covers all the essential bases with 7 airbags, anti-lock brakes (ABS), Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD), and Brake Assist. These systems work together to help you maintain control in emergency stops or slippery conditions, which translates to major peace of mind even when the unexpected happens.
2005 Toyota Camry
Last but not least, the 2005 offers remarkably comfortable rides despite its age.
The rear suspension, for starters, is tuned to prioritize luxurious ride quality and absorb bumps on the road with ease. All our members agreed that it maintained a smooth, composed feel whether commuting through city traffic or cruising on the highway. Road and wind noise were kept to a minimum, which made for a quiet cabin that felt far more refined than what many competitors offered at the time.
Comfort and space are also high points for the 2005 Camry. All trims offer a spacious cabin with 41.5 inches of front legroom and 118.4 cubic feet of total interior volume, which is impressive even by today’s midsize standards.
The trunk offers 16.7 cubic feet of cargo space — easily accommodating groceries, strollers, or travel gear — not to mention available amenities like dual power front seats, optional leather upholstery, and cruise control across all trims.
Of course, being the oldest model on our list, the 2005 Camry isn’t without drawbacks. Its styling feels dated by modern standards, and the technology options (even with upgrades) admittedly lag behind current infotainment systems. But in turn, maintenance costs are very affordable, which still makes it a favorite among used car buyers based on consumer reports.
5 Common Factors to Consider for Toyota Camry Best Years
- Ride Comfort & Cabin Quietness: If you’re planning long commutes or road trips, prioritize best-selling sedans (from 2020 onwards) for improved suspension tuning and improved insulation. The all-new model in 2025, in particular, offers a smoother highway ride thanks to its longer body and updated chassis.
- Rear Legroom & Cargo Versatility: For passengers or loading large items, look at models like the 2017, which offers ample rear legroom even for tall adults and split-folding rear seats that make room for skis or furniture. The 2013 also balances legroom with a trunk large enough for grocery hauls and suitcases.
- Advanced Driver Assistance Features: Do standard equipment like high-beam assist, rear cross-traffic alert, blind-spot monitoring, or advanced safety technology matter to you? These features are either standard or available on mid-to-high trims. Research the equipment levels and choose your car accordingly.
- Power Needs: If stronger acceleration and smoother highway overtakes remain your priority, go for a V6 engine in models like the 2017 or 2013, which delivers up to 268 HP without sacrificing drivability.
- Budget & Long-Term Maintenance: Unless you have a generous budget, older hardtop sedans (like 2005) are usually your safest bet if you’re looking for affordability and lower repair costs. Sure, these models do lack modern tech, but they are generally easier (and cheaper) to maintain with widely available parts.
Still weighing the best used Toyota Camry years? Reach out anytime; we’re here to help you make the smartest pick for your next midsize sedan based on the latest automotive news on the American market!
