Autoblog and Yahoo may earn commission from links in this article.As is clearly evident by the sales figures, the Toyota Camry is the default midsize sedan for most Americans. It outsold its nearest competitor (the Honda Accord) 2:1 last year, and continues to be the go-to family sedan in 2026.So, the question for many isn't which mid-size sedan, but which trim should they order their Camry in. Thankfully, Toyota has kept things relatively simple in this regard, and there are five distinct trim levels to pick from. We dissected each one to make it easier for you to decide which trim suits your needs the best.The 2026 Toyota CamryToyotaView the 3 images of this gallery on the original articleModel2026 Camry HybridEngine2.5L 4-Cylinder Gas + HybridCombined Power225 hp (FWD) / 232 hp (AWD)Torque163 lb-ftDrivetrain OptionsFWD / AWDTransmissionElectronically Controlled Continuously Variable Transmission (eCVT)0-60 mph7.0 seconds est.Model Years2025, 2026Base MSRP$29,300 to $35,700The current Camry is now exclusively hybrid-powered, some may bemoan the loss of the old optional V6, but for most, the vastly improved efficiency, as well as the smooth and quiet performance provided by the latest 2.5-liter inline-four hybrid engine is the more logical choice. And logical thinking is where the Camry excels, for example, it has available AWD for customers who need additional traction, and a simple and efficient eCVT electronically controlled Continuously Variable Transmission.AdvertisementAdvertisementToyota's AWD system is also electronically controlled now, driving the rear wheels using an independent electric motor when extra traction is needed. This means that AWD versions have three electric motors (and an additional 7hp) versus the FWD's two, and don't have a physical driveshaft connecting the wheels.All five trims come standard with FWD and AWD is a $1,525 option across the board. But there's a lot more to each trim, so let's take a look at each one in detail.Which Trim Is Best?ToyotaView the 3 images of this gallery on the original articleTrim NameBase MSRPNotable FeaturesLE$29,3008-inch touchscreen, wireless charging, Toyota Safety Sense 3.0SE$31,80018-inch black alloy wheels, SofTex/fabric seatsNightshade$32,80019-inch satin-black wheels, gloss-black exterior trim accentsXLE$34,50012.3-inch touchscreen, 12.3-inch digital cluster, leather/microfiber seatsXSE$35,70019-inch smoked gray wheels, sport-tuned suspensionThe base LE is a perfectly capable daily driver, offering the full Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 suite, a standard Qi-compatible wireless charging pad, dual-zone automatic climate control, and an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen. The 16-inch wheels may not be pretty, but they help smooth out the ride over bumps, and the fabric seats are perfectly fine, too. It offers the best fuel economy, at 52/49 MPG in City/Hwy driving, compared to the 47/45 mpg the rest of the range manages. A Cold Weather Package for $610 adds front seat and steering wheel heating, and a power moonroof can be had for an additional $610.AdvertisementAdvertisementThe SE steps things up with a sport-tuned suspension, 18-inch black-finished alloy wheels, SofTex/fabric upholstery, and more aggressive exterior styling for an extra $2,400. It may look sharper than the base model, but the ride is firmer and the SofTex seat inserts look great but aren't really worth the extra outlay. However, the $735 Multimedia Package Upgrade becomes available at this trim level, which adds the 12.3-inch touchscreen, but you'll have to pair it with the $600 Convenience Package which adds an auto-dimming rearview mirror and a front door smart key system.Joe SantosThe Nightshade Edition is new for 2026, and slots in just above the SE for an extra $1,000. It utilizes the SE's sport-tuned suspension but adds distinctive, 19-inch satin-black finished wheels, a black rear spoiler, and completely blacked-out badges, mirror caps, and window trim. It gives the Camry serious visual appeal, and better handling, but not much else.This brings us to the XLE. Starting at $34,500, this trim seems pricey compared to the others, but it comes standard with the 12.3-inch Toyota Audio Multimedia touchscreen and a matching 12.3-inch fully digital gauge cluster. It also has light grey or black leather and Dinamica seats with heating for the front row as well as a heated steering wheel.It comes standard with 18-inch alloy wheels and does without the sporty suspension settings of the SE and Nightshade versions. A $3,810 Premium Package adds features like a panoramic glass roof, ventilated front seats, 10-inch head-up display and a premium audio system, while the $4,760 Premium Plus Package builds on this with a full set of driver assist features like lane change assist, traffic jam assist and rear-cross traffic braking. Factor in AWD and the delivery fee, and your Camry will soon be well over $42,500.ToyotaThe XSE tops the Camry range, and the extra $1,000 you pay over the XLE gets you the sport-tuned suspension and aggressive exterior styling of the SE, and large 19-inch wheels. The interior can be trimmed in higher grade black or red leather, and there are a selection of optional two-tone exterior paint colors as well. The options list aside from these XSE-specific items is the same as it is for the XLE.AdvertisementAdvertisementWhen we consider the practical benefits each trim offers, the entry-level LE is a great fit for those wanting the best value with the extra frills. It has wireless charging and smartphone connectivity, as well as a decent infotainment system and offers the best ride and fuel economy. A completely stock FWD Toyota Camry LE will cost $30,595 including destination charges. That's serious value considering the decent size of the Camry and its rock-solid reputation for reliability.ToyotaThe XLE, meanwhile, costs an additional $5,200, which is not insignificant, but it does offer several upgrades over the lower trims that make it worth the extra outlay. The 12.3-inch infotainment screen, and seat heating alone add $1,835 to the SE trim (the base model can't be had with the larger infotainment screen), and that's before you factor in the digital gauge cluster and leather-clad seats.We'd avoid the visually appealing SE and Nightshade trims, and the XSE is great, but the sportier suspension tune and large 19-inch wheels are unnecessary in a 225-hp family car that will spend most of its time cruising between piano lessons and the shops. So, if you are after a comfortable. Luxurious, and well-specced Camry, then we'd recommend the XLE as the pick of the bunch. Including destination charges, a stock FWD Toyota Camry XLE is $35,795. Go get one.This story was originally published by Autoblog on Jul 10, 2026, where it first appeared in the Features section. Add Autoblog as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
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