The 2021 Toyota Camry lasts over 300,000 miles with relatively minor brake wear and paint fade issues reported. At $25,045 to $35,375, it’s expensive, but worth the money for one of the most reliable and long-lasting cars on the market.
Is the 2021 Toyota Camry a Good Used Car?
- Overall Rating 9/10 – 2021 is a great year for the Toyota Camry since it pairs reliability with all of the latest safety features. Owner reviews praise the low ownership costs, upscale interior, along with the smooth suspension.
- Interior, Comfort & Cargo 9/10 – Interior materials are luxurious for the price, the seats are very supportive, cargo space is also great in the trunk.
- Reliability 10/10 – There are no serious issues reported on the 2021 Toyota Camry. In general, models from 2010–2022 are all very dependable choices.
- Performance 8/10 – The four-cylinder engine offers reasonable performance, while the V6 model is quicker than many other midsize sedans in its price range.
- Safety 10/10 – The 2021 Camry is very safe, earning a perfect 5-star rating in government crash tests. It comes standard with lane keep assist along with adaptive cruise control. Optional upgrades include a head-up display along with rear cross traffic alert.
- Gas Mileage 8/10 – Fuel economy is good at up to 32 MPG, giving 512 miles of range out of the 16 gallon tank. Gas costs are $43 lower than average at $178 per month.
- Value 8/10 – The 2021 Toyota Camry is more expensive than other sedans, while slow depreciation helps it earn a high value score.
Negative Owner Reviews
What Do Critics Say About the Toyota Camry?
- Consumer Reports says the 2021 Toyota Camry offers excellent safety systems, which distinguish it from other midsize sedans, with high owner satisfaction scores.
- Edmunds rates the Camry at 3.7/5, enjoying the comfortable seats, but doesn’t like the loud four-cylinder engine.
- Kelley Blue Book users give the Camry a 3.9/5, praising the driver-assistance technology, but owners don’t like the smaller trunk than earlier years.
What Common Problems Does the 2021 Toyota Camry Have?
Common problems found on the 2021 Toyota Camry include premature brake wear, paint fade issues, along with some reports of broken sunroofs. Overall, these problems are minor compared to other midsize sedans in the same price range, leading to low repair costs as the Camry ages.
Premature brake wear is the most widespread complaint from 2021 Toyota Camry Owners in the first 10,000 miles. Usually the problem is simply caused by pressing too hard on the brakes, which leads to the pads wearing down quickly. Replacing the pads costs around $200, while a new set of rotors is another $400.
Paint fade issues have also been reported on some 2021 Camry models at around 20,000 miles. Paint on the hood and roof fades when the car is left in direct sunlight with no protection. Some people ceramic coat their cars to reduce UV wear, while others repaint areas when they get faded, costing around $1,000 per panel.
Broken sunroofs are a rare issue, but something mentioned by some owners. If the sunroof gets stone chips, it’s more likely to crack and shatter. Replacing the sunroof if it breaks costs around $800, depending on local labor rates.
There are no recalls on the 2021 Toyota Camry, which is better than other midsize sedans. Since the Camry has no recalls, it simply means that none of the issues have been serious or affected the safety of the car.
How Long Will the 2021 Toyota Camry Last?
A well-maintained 2021 Toyota Camry can last over 300,000 miles, which is longer than other midsize sedans including the Honda Accord. Regular annual maintenance costs are lower than other cars, according to data provided by Repair Pal, at $338 per year.
As a used 2021 Toyota Camry reaches 100,000 miles, and depending on the vehicle history, owners should be prepared to replace the brake hoses for $150, stabilizer bushings costing $175, along with the starter relay which costs $200.
How Is the Technology?
Entertainment technology is excellent, offering a standard 7-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android auto. Optional upgrades include a larger 9-inch touchscreen along with a powerful JBL stereo system.
Safety technology is great and comes standard with:
- Lane trace assist
- Forward collision warning
- Lane keep steering assist
- Forward automatic emergency braking
- Lane departure alert
- Pedestrian detection
- Backup camera
- Automatic high-beam headlights
- Traffic sign recognition
- Adaptive cruise control
Optional advanced safety features include:
- Blind spot monitoring
- Reverse automatic emergency braking
- Surround-view parking camera system
- Rear cross traffic alert
- Head-up display
Is the 2021 Toyota Camry a Good Value?
Yes, the 2021 Toyota Camry is a good value since it’s extremely reliable while offering the latest safety technology. The blue book fair purchase price ranges from $25,045 to $35,375, making it more than a Nissan Altima or Chevy Malibu. When new, the price range was $25,045 to $35,620. Depreciation is better than other midsize sedans, losing only around 2% of its current value per year.
What are the Different Models of the Toyota Camry?
There are six models of the 2021 Toyota Camry offered, from the entry-level LE all the way through to the luxurious XLE and sportier TRD. Front-wheel drive is standard, while all-wheel drive is available as an optional upgrade.
LE is the entry-level model with:
- 17-Inch Wheels
- Cloth Upholstery
- Power-Adjustable Driver’s Seat6
- 60/40-Split Folding Rear Seats
- 7-Inch Infotainment Screen
- Optional New Herringbone Seat Pattern
SE is a step up, adding:
- 18-Inch Wheels
- Unique Exterior Trim
- Simulated Leather Upholstery
- Leather-Wrapped Steering Wheel
- Sport-Tuned Suspension
- Automatic Climate Control
SE Nightshade has upgrades including:
- Unique 18-Inch Wheels
- Black Exterior Trim
- Rear Spoiler
XSE offers more items such as:
- 19-Inch Wheels
- Sport Suspension
- Gloss Black Grille
- Metallic Interior Trim
- Dual Exhaust Tips
XLE is more luxurious with:
- Leather Seats
- Chrome Exterior Trim
- Heated Seats
- LED Headlights
- Power-Adjustable Front Passenger Seat
- 9-Inch Infotainment Screen
- Wireless Charging Pad
- JBL Stereo System
TRD is the sportiest model which has:
- Black Painted Exterior Trim and Mirrors
- Unique 19-Inch Wheels
- Aerodynamic Body Trim
- Sport Exhaust
- Upgraded Sport Suspension
- TRD Simulated Leather Upholstery
- Red Seat Belts
What Engines Come In the Toyota Camry?
- The base engine is a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder, generating 203 horsepower. This engine is paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission and offers a combined fuel economy of 32 miles per gallon. It can accelerate from 0 to 60 miles per hour in around 7.5 seconds.
- There is an optional 3.5-liter V6 engine, producing 301 horsepower. This engine also comes with an 8-speed automatic transmission and delivers a combined fuel economy of 26 miles per gallon. The V6-powered Camry can reach 0 to 60 miles per hour in a quicker time of around 5.8 seconds.
What Colors Does the Toyota Camry Come In?
How Comfortable Is the Toyota Camry?
The 2021 Toyota Camry is known for its comfortable and spacious interior, making it an excellent choice for both short commutes and long road trips. The cabin features high-quality materials, ergonomic design, and ample seating space for up to five passengers. Both front and rear passengers can enjoy generous legroom and headroom, providing a pleasant ride even for taller individuals.
The seats are well-cushioned and supportive, with available power-adjustable and heated front seats for added comfort. The suspension is tuned to provide a smooth and compliant ride, effectively absorbing road imperfections, and providing a stable driving experience. Additionally, the Camry boasts a quiet cabin, thanks to its effective insulation from external noise, contributing to an overall relaxing atmosphere. In summary, the 2021 Toyota Camry is a comfortable sedan that provides a pleasant driving and riding experience for all occupants.
How Much Storage Space Does the Toyota Camry Have?
The 2021 Toyota Camry offers a generous amount of storage space for a midsize sedan. The vehicle features a trunk capacity of 15.1 cubic feet, providing ample room for various cargo items. This space is suitable for fitting a couple of large suitcases, several bags of groceries, or even accommodating the equipment needed for a weekend getaway or a family road trip.
The Camry’s 60/40-split folding rear seats also add to the available storage, allowing for the transportation of larger items such as bicycles or flat-packed furniture. Overall, the 2021 Toyota Camry’s storage capacity makes it a practical choice for those seeking a versatile sedan that can handle both daily needs and occasional adventures.
What Are the Differences Between Years?
The eighth generation of the Toyota Camry was introduced for the 2018 model year.
2015: Handling improvements from earlier years, small exterior styling changes, upgraded interior materials.
2016: New SE model introduced with upgraded gauge cluster and darker tail lights.
2017: Wireless phone charging pad added to higher-end versions.
2018: Fully redesigned for the eighth generation with new technology, longer wheelbase, and updated engine.
2019: Apple CarPlay and Amazon Alexa added.
2020: New Camry TRD trim added, Android Auto available.
2021: Additional safety features added, L model removed from the lineup, small exterior styling changes, larger 9-inch touchscreen offered.
How Does the Toyota Camry Compare to the Competition?
The 2021 Toyota Camry is one of the best midsize cars on the market since it combines a lot of the latest advanced safety technology with outstanding long-term reliability ratings.
The Honda Accord is another midsize sedan which costs about $2,500 less. Passenger room is slightly better in the Honda Accord, while the Toyota Camry lasts longer. We recommend the Toyota Camry, although both are excellent budget-friendly midsize sedans which have the latest features.
The Toyota Corolla is a smaller car which can be found for about $4,000 less. Steering feels more responsive in the Toyota Corolla, while the Toyota Camry offers more passenger room. We recommend the Toyota Camry since it’s a more practical choice, but both are fantastic sedans.
