The Toyota Camry Nightshade Edition maximizes the sedan’s aesthetics The Toyota Camry was recently revamped for the 2025 model year, which included a new look inside and out, new tech, and the standardization of a hybrid powertrain. To some, the new Camry might look a little overdone, and the hybrid setup may sound like a downgrade compared to the V6 engine that it used to be available with. It’s also a mid-size sedan, which most people aren’t too fond of anymore. I personally like all of the changes. Sure, the Camry now looks like a futuristic rendering of what a sedan could be in 2035, but it’s 2026, and the future is here. That said, its new look will age well, it doesn’t look overbearing, and more importantly, it’s not boring. Daring styles tend to withstand the test of time. Honda has been doing it since the early 2000s, so it’s about time Toyota got on board. My Nightshade Edition tester really upped the ante in the looks department with its Supersonic Red paint hue and blacked-out exterior accents. That’s what sets this trim level apart from the others: its appearance. Toyota gave the Camry the sinister treatment by adding several Midnight Black Metallic parts, including the front grille, air curtains, side canards, door handles, mirror caps, antenna, rear lower diffuser, and rear spoiler. There are also 19-inch black-finished wheels that fill the fenders. All of which makes this bold-looking sedan even bolder, and dare I say, “cool.” If you’re shopping for a family sedan, this one will make you stand out when picking the kids up from school. But the 2026 Toyota Camry’s looks aren’t the only factors that make this car an ultimate family sedan. One powertrain to rule them allBack to the sole powertrain in the Toyota Camry. I think the hybrid powertrain makes the most sense. It’s a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine paired with two electric motors, delivering a combined 225 horsepower in front-drive form. Choosing all-wheel drive nets a combined output of 232 horsepower, thanks to the addition of a third motor that drives the rear axle, which is how my tester came equipped. A CVT is standard on both setups. The availability of the all-wheel-drive system put the Camry in the conversation for drivers like me who live in states that see snow every year. More traction in any car in Colorado is always a good thing, and it’s an added plus in a family sedan. What’s even more impressive about it is the EPA-estimated 46/46 MPG (City/Highway) rating, which would have been unheard of 10 years ago. In my week of testing, while driving on regular roads with some highway cruising, I averaged 38 mpg, which is still really good, considering I’m at a mile-high elevation. I also loved how smooth the Camry drove, with its seamless initial pickup from a stop, thanks to the instant torque from the electric motors. It accelerated smoothly and sailed past slower cars on the highway with the added torque from the electric assist. The cabin was relatively quiet, which got louder at highway speeds, and the suspension soaked up road imperfections well. It’s not Lexus-smooth, nor is it whisper-quiet, but if you’re looking for a sedan that won’t wake the kids sleeping in back on a road trip, this car is a good candidate. The Toyota Camry is spacious enough for most familiesOne of the reasons SUVs are gaining in popularity again is interior space. And while the Toyota Camry may not have three rows, the truth is, most drivers likely don’t need that much seating space. They just like to have it. In that case, I found that the Camry has more than enough room in its cabin to seat a family of five. There’s plenty of legroom in the rear seat, and the middle position is actually usable. Although I wouldn’t recommend an adult sitting there for too long. The cargo space measures 15.1 cubic feet, which is large enough for a few carry-on suitcases and moving boxes, and the rear seat folds down to accommodate longer items. The Nightshade trim comes with SofTex-trimmed seats with white accents, and there are aluminum sport pedals to spruce things up, along with a leather-wrapped steering wheel that feels nice in your hands. As for technology, a seven-inch digital gauge cluster sits in front of the driver, and a standard eight-inch touchscreen infotainment system sits in the middle of the dash. My test car came with the Multimedia package that upgrades the touchscreen to 12.3 inches, which I highly recommend. It also came with the Cold Weather package that included heated front seats and a heated steering wheel, which is also recommended if you live in colder climates during the wintertime. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are also present, as are a few USB ports and a wireless charger, so keeping your family calm and connected is easy, no matter how far your destination is. Final thoughts Although most drivers with families are favoring SUVs over sedans these days, some of the four-door cars, like the 2026 Toyota Camry, are worth looking into. Its spacious cabin, thrifty hybrid engine, and tech-savvy interior features make it (in my opinion) an ultimate family sedan. Because it's not how much space or power you have, it’s how you make use of it. And the Toyota Camry Nightshade checks all the right boxes, despite not being an SUV.
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