Toyota Camry 8th Gen (2017-2024) Expert Review

Design & Build Quality

The XV70 transformed the Camry from a conservative family sedan into something far more expressive. Its lower stance, broad body and aggressive front-end design give it considerably more road presence than the XV50.

At roughly 4.9 metres long and 1.84 metres wide, it is a substantial sedan, but the proportions are more athletic than before. The low bonnet, long wheelbase and short-looking overhangs create a more premium silhouette.

Sport-oriented SE and XSE versions are particularly striking. Larger wheels, darker grille elements, sharper bumpers and rear spoilers give these versions a much more aggressive character. Luxury-focused grades take a quieter approach with chrome detailing and more restrained wheels.

The design works especially well on later facelifted examples. Toyota managed to make the Camry look more expensive without turning it into a caricature of a sports sedan.

There is one Bangladesh-specific compromise: size. At 1,840 mm wide, parking and navigating narrow Dhaka streets require more attention than with an Allion or Premio.

Ground clearance is also relatively modest. Speed breakers, steep ramps and badly damaged roads need to be approached carefully.

Overall, the XV70 is probably the most visually dramatic Camry of the three generations discussed so far.

Inside, the XV70 feels like a genuine generational leap. The dashboard is more driver-oriented, the seating position is lower and the materials and switchgear feel more sophisticated than the XV50.

Toyota deliberately moved away from the traditional upright Camry dashboard and created a sweeping centre-console design. Higher grades add leather or SofTex upholstery, premium audio, power seats, heated and ventilated seats, moonroof options and additional luxury features.

Rear passengers remain extremely well served. The 2,825-mm wheelbase provides generous legroom, while the wide body makes the cabin comfortable for three passengers across the rear in shorter journeys.

Hybrid versions are particularly relaxing because electric operation and the e-CVT produce very smooth acceleration. Road and engine noise are generally well controlled, making long-distance travel one of the car's strongest qualities.

Technology depends heavily on year and grade. Early XV70 infotainment can feel dated compared with modern cars, while later versions with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, larger displays and wireless charging are substantially better.

The overall cabin balance is excellent: spacious enough for family duty, comfortable enough for executive use and modern enough to remain appealing today.

The XV70 marked the point where Camry equipment became genuinely sophisticated rather than simply comprehensive.

Even the original 2018 launch brought Toyota Safety Sense, radar cruise control, lane-departure assistance and automatic high beam.

Higher grades could add premium audio, navigation, leather or SofTex upholstery, heated and ventilated seats, moonroof, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert and parking assistance.

Later cars improved the multimedia experience further. The 2024 range offered Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, available 9-inch displays, JBL audio, wireless charging and connected services depending on grade.

The feature spread is enormous, however. A basic 2018 LE and a high-spec 2024 XSE Hybrid are technologically very different cars despite belonging to the same generation.

Safety & Driver Assistance

Safety is arguably the XV70's biggest advantage over the previous generations.

Toyota introduced the generation with a standard suite of active safety technology, including forward collision detection with pedestrian detection, radar cruise control, lane departure assistance and automatic high beams.

That fundamentally changes the driving experience compared with an XV40 or XV50. The car can assist with maintaining distance, warn the driver about potential collisions and provide steering assistance when lane departure is detected.

Higher specifications add Blind Spot Monitoring, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, parking sensors, rear cross-traffic braking and eventually more advanced camera systems.

The passive safety structure also benefited from the TNGA platform's increased rigidity and improved crash-energy management.

For a used/reconditioned example, however, ADAS calibration is important. A car repaired after a front-end collision can have improperly aligned radar or camera sensors, so the systems should be tested rather than assumed to work.

Overall, the XV70 represents a huge safety improvement over the XV50.

The XV70 is the first Camry in this sequence that genuinely balances comfort with engaging handling.

The TNGA GA-K platform lowered the centre of gravity and increased body rigidity, giving the car a more controlled feeling through corners. Toyota's original launch emphasized the improved driving position, handling and structural rigidity of the new platform.

The hybrid is especially impressive. With 208 HP, it has enough performance to move the large sedan briskly while retaining excellent fuel economy. Electric torque fills in the low-speed response, making urban acceleration smooth and immediate.

The e-CVT does not behave like a traditional automatic transmission, but its seamless power delivery suits the Camry's character. Sport-oriented grades can simulate stepped ratios through programmed shift points and paddle controls.

The 2.5L petrol is also strong, while the 3.5L V6 is the performance choice for buyers who prioritize acceleration above fuel economy. Toyota's 2024 V6 produces 301 HP.

Ride quality remains excellent despite the improved handling.

For Bangladesh, the hybrid is the sweet spot: fast enough, extremely smooth and significantly more economical than the petrol alternatives.