Toyota Camry 7th Gen (2011-2017) Expert Review

Toyota Camry XV50 is the point where the Camry stopped looking like a large appliance and started looking genuinely expensive. It still carries the traditional three-box executive-sedan shape, but the wide grille, sharper headlights, sculpted bonnet and strong shoulder line give it much more road presence than the XV40.

In Bangladesh, this works extremely well. Park an XV50 beside a Premio and the Camry looks like the Premio's much more serious older brother. It is approximately 4.85 metres long and 1.825 metres wide, so there is no pretending this is a small city car.

The proportions are excellent. The long wheelbase, relatively low roofline and broad stance make it look planted without becoming unnecessarily aggressive. Higher grades can add larger alloy wheels, fog lamps, chrome detailing, sunroof and other premium touches.

The facelifted versions received a sharper front-end treatment, making later XV50 cars particularly attractive.

There is one Bangladesh-specific catch: ground clearance. At roughly 155–160 mm, it is adequate for normal paved roads but not generous enough to attack speed breakers like a rally driver.

Exterior verdict

Camry's cabin is where the car begins to justify its reputation. You sit down, close the door and suddenly Dhaka's traffic becomes somebody else's problem.

The dashboard is logically arranged, the seats are comfortable and the cabin has genuine executive-car space. The 2,775 mm wheelbase creates generous rear legroom, making the XV50 particularly well suited to family use and long-distance travel.

Depending on grade, you can get leather upholstery, electric seats, automatic climate control, heated seats, premium audio, navigation, smart-key entry, push-button start, sunroof and rear sunshades. Higher grades feel genuinely luxurious rather than merely well equipped.

The rear seat is one of the car's biggest strengths. Two adults can travel long distances in considerable comfort, and the large cabin makes the Camry useful as a family sedan or chauffeur-driven car.

But technology reveals the age. The original infotainment system looks prehistoric next to a modern smartphone, and factory Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and wireless charging are not typical XV50 equipment.

Fortunately, aftermarket Android systems are common in Bangladesh and can modernise the cabin considerably.

Interior verdict

Toyota Camry XV50 was loaded with sensible equipment for its time. This was not a car where luxury meant simply adding wood-effect plastic and hoping nobody noticed.

Depending on grade and market, you could get automatic climate control, cruise control, electric seats, leather upholstery, heated seats, navigation, touchscreen audio, Bluetooth, USB connectivity, premium JBL audio, smart-key entry, push-button start, sunroof and rear sunshades.

Higher grades are particularly well equipped, and this is one reason the XV50 still feels expensive inside despite its age.

The most useful features are not necessarily the glamorous ones. The excellent air conditioning matters in Bangladesh. Comfortable electric seats matter on a Dhaka–Chattogram trip. Rear sunshades matter when the afternoon sun is attempting to cook the occupants.

The major limitation is modern smartphone integration. Factory Android Auto, Apple CarPlay and wireless charging were not standard XV50 technology. Many Bangladesh-market examples therefore receive aftermarket infotainment upgrades.

Parking sensors and reverse cameras may also be fitted depending on grade or subsequent modification.

Feature verdict

XV50 arrived during an interesting period in automotive safety. Conventional safety technology was becoming sophisticated, but today's electronic driver-assistance systems were still relatively uncommon.

ABS, electronic brakeforce distribution, brake assist, stability control and traction control are available depending on specification. Multiple airbags were also offered, including side and curtain airbags on appropriate grades.

This gives the Camry a solid passive and active safety foundation for its age. The strong body structure, predictable braking and stable chassis are particularly useful on Bangladesh's highways.

But you should not confuse this with a modern Camry.

The XV50 does not have the comprehensive Toyota Safety Sense package found on newer generations. Features such as modern traffic-sign recognition, lane-centering assistance and the latest collision-avoidance systems are not part of the typical XV50 package.

For a used Camry today, condition is therefore crucial. Check that the airbags are present and functional, ABS and stability-control systems operate correctly, the brakes are healthy and the tires are in good condition.

A badly repaired accident car can undermine the safety advantages of the original design.

Safety verdict

This is where the XV50 feels most like a Camry.

The 2.5L 2AR-FE engine produces around 181 hp and 233 Nm, giving the large sedan enough muscle to accelerate confidently without turning every journey into a driving competition.

The six-speed automatic is smooth and predictable. It does not constantly hunt for gears or behave as though it has something to prove. Push the accelerator and the Camry simply gathers speed.

That character works brilliantly in Bangladesh.

In Dhaka, the steering is light enough for ordinary manoeuvring, the suspension absorbs broken sections of road and the cabin keeps occupants isolated from much of the outside chaos. On highways, the long wheelbase and substantial body create a stable, relaxed feeling.

The downside is fuel consumption. A petrol XV50 can realistically return around 8–10 km/L in heavy city traffic, 10–12 km/L mixed and 13–15 km/L on highways, assuming a healthy engine and sensible driving.

The Hybrid is a different proposition, especially in stop-start traffic, but battery condition becomes important with age.

Driving verdict