The 2016 Toyota Camry’s LE and SE models cater to the budget-conscious, while the XLE, XSE, and Special Edition (exclusive for 2016) offer a host of extras for a small price premium.
Key Points
- The 2016 Toyota Camry comes in five trim levels: LE, SE, Special Edition, XLE, and XSE.
- Engine options include a 178 horsepower 2.5L I4 or a 268 horsepower 3.5L V6, driving the front wheels via a six-speed automatic.
- The 2016 Camry’s optional extras include a Convenience Package, upgraded Hi-Fi, and Toyota’s Safety Connect and Technology Package.
- Depending on trim, a used 2016 Camry costs between $18,000 and $25,000. The LE is the least costly, but the feature-loaded yet fair-priced XLE is our top pick.
2016 Camry LE is a Perfect A-to-B Car but Lacks Creature Comforts of Upper Trims
The LE is offered as the base trim for the 2016 Camry. It makes do with a 2.5L I-4 producing 178 horsepower and 170 lb.-ft. of torque; a 3.5L V6 is optional but is reserved for the top trims. Regardless of the engine, a six-speed automatic transmission and FWD are standard across the board.
The Camry LE is pretty basic when it comes to features. As standard, you get 10 airbags, automatic headlamps, fabric seats, and cruise control. Other features include:
- 16-inch steel wheels
- Eight-way power-adjustable driver seat
- Backup camera
- 6.1-inch touchscreen with Bluetooth connectivity
- Six-speaker Entune audio system
The 2016 Camry LE can be equipped with a moonroof and 16-inch alloy wheels as optional extras. Also available is an Entune Plus audio system with a seven-inch touchscreen display and built-in navigation.
Although the 2016 Camry is a fantastic A-to-B car, the LE trim makes it fairly rudimentary. The lack of standard features is disappointing, especially considering a used 2016 Camry LE sits around $18,000.
Camry SE Adds Exterior Styling Elements, Demands a Small Premium Over the LE
Tailored towards spirited drivers, the Camry SE gets sporty add-ons like a color-keyed rear spoiler and sport-tuned suspension as standard. Other exterior highlights include 17-inch alloy wheels, chrome-tipped exhaust, blacked-out headlights, front grilles, and rear trunk garnish.
Inside, you get a leather-trimmed steering wheel with paddle shifters as standard. As for amenities, it’s pretty much in line with the LE model. Optional extras include a Convenience Package that adds remote keyless entry, push-button start, and Homelink.
A used 2016 Camry SE demands a $1,000 premium over the LE. To be honest, that’s a bit too much for a blacked-out grille and rear spoiler. We’d stick with the LE and put the difference into savings.
Camry Special Edition Trim Looks Unique, Gets Several Standard Features, Including Wireless Charging
The Camry Special Edition was new for the 2016 model year. Based on the Camry SE, the Special Edition gets 18-inch alloy wheels, bespoke exterior paint, and smoked rear tail lamps as exterior highlights. On the inside, the Special Edition’s Sport fabric seats get blue inserts and contrast stitching along with a dark blue interior trim.
Much of the SE’s optional features are all made standard on the Special Edition. Additionally, it also gets Qi wireless charging and the Entune Audio Plus system as standard.
When new, the 2016 Camry Special Edition had a $5,000 price premium over the SE. Not only does the Special Edition Camry look unique, but its list of standard features also makes it a competitive buy.
Camry XLE Gets an Optional V6, LED Headlights, Acoustic Front Windshield, and Much More
Opt for the XLE trim, and you get to choose between a 2.5L I4 (seen on the LE, SE) or a 3.5L V6 producing 268 horsepower and 248 lb.-ft. of torque. Standard features of the XLE include 17-inch wheels, a seven-inch high-resolution split-screen display, Qi wireless charging, dual-zone climate control, and heated seats with leather upholstery.
However, some features are exclusive to the V6 model. For instance, auto LED headlights, acoustic front windshield, powered moonroof, and remote keyless entry are all standard on the Camry XLE V6.
XLE with the 2.5L engine can have the Convenience Package (includes keyless entry) and moonroof at an additional cost.
All XLE models get Toyota’s Safety Connect and Technology Package as an optional extra. Safety Connect offers Emergency roadside assistance, while the Technology Package includes:
- Pre-collision System
- Dynamic Radar Cruise Control
- Lane Departure Alert
- Automatic High Beam
- Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert
Sitting between $19,000 and $23,000, we’d say the XLE offers excellent value for money.
Camry XSE is a Cross Between the SE and XLE, Adding a Sport-tuned Suspension and More for Nearly $2,000 Extra
The XSE sits right at the top as the Camry’s flagship trim, a sportier option that’s more of a blend between the Camry SE and XLE.
What makes it different from the XLE is the sport-tuned suspension, 18-inch wheels, and Ultrasuede seats. The rest of the story is pretty much the same, including the available options.
Although the sports suspension can be appealing, the XSE demands nearly a $2,000 premium. We’d suggest sticking with the XLE unless you find a cheaper one.
2016 Toyota Camry XLE Trim Offers the Most Value in the Model’s Lineup
So, which 2016 Toyota Camry trim should you get? The base LE is ideal for someone with a lower budget. But our pick is the feature-loaded yet reasonably priced XLE. An XLE V6 is only $3,000 more than a low-mileage 2016 Camry LE. While the 2.5L XLE is the best bargain, having the V6 gets you more power and standard features. Also, being a Toyota, the 2016 Camry holds its value and offers exceptional reliability.
Photos: Toyota
