2026 Toyota Camry Nightshade AWD: The Hybrid Sedan with a Sporty Appeal

 

Highlight: The Toyota Camry is only available as a hybrid.

Test Vehicle’s MSRP: $38,519 (Base MSRP): $30,295

Seating Capacity: 5

Standard Safety Equipment: ABS; air bags; a rear camera; a blind spot monitoring system; a lane departure warning system; a rear cross traffic alert system; and a tire pressure monitoring system; and a pre-collision system

Standard Equipment (on test vehicle): 19-inch black alloy wheels; AWD; a sport tuned suspension system; single exhaust with dual chrome tips; gloss black front grille; black exterior badging; black lower side rocker applique; a rear spoiler; a rear lower sport diffuser; an 8-inch multimedia center; a dual zone automatic climate control system; leather like seats mixed with cloth fabric; a leather heated steering wheel with paddle shifters; a power driver’s seat with lumbar support; a smartphone wireless charger; a push button ignition starter

Options: auto dimming rearview mirror; keyless entry front doors; heated front seats; a heated steering wheel; a premium; a power moonroof; a 12-inch touchscreen infotainment screen; and carpeted floor mats

Other Trim Levels:

LE

SE

XLE

XSE

Standard Audio On Test Vehicle: a 6-speaker AM/FM audio system with SiriusXM

Android/Apple CarPlay: Yes

Bluetooth Connectivity: Standard

USB Connectivity: Standard

Bumper-to-Bumper Warranty: 3 years or 50,000 miles

Hybrid Powertrain Warranty: 5 years or 60,000 miles

Hybrid Battery Warranty: 10 years/150,000 miles

Engine/Horsepower (Test Vehicle): 2.5-liter, 4-cylinder hybrid engine/225-hp

Standard Fuel Mileage: 46-city/46-hwy (test model)

What’s New: For 2026, the Camry Nightshade is a new trim for the iconic midsize sedan. This new trim was derived from the Camry's SE trim.

Why:

A hybrid powertrain

AWD or front wheel drive configuration

A brake hold feature

Available in several trims

A stylish exterior design

The 4-cylinder engine is appropriate in terms of power

Comfortable seating w/a compliant ride

A co-pilot assist steering system

A high-level of safety driving aids

An available panoramic rood

19-inch wheels available

Power trunk

Automatic highbeam alerts

One of the best hybrid battery warranties in the industry

But:

A power passenger front seat should be standard

Multimedia center is best used with the sketchy voice activation system

Unlike a number of vehicles, Toyota still uses a traditional gear shifter

Toyota’s powertrain team needs to design a performance-oriented hybrid powertrain, offering more horsepower for the sporty and higher-level trims

Verdict: As the midsize sedan market shrinks, the segment leader continues to be one of a handful of vehicles still thriving and surviving in a sea of trucks, crossovers and SUVs. In fact, the Camry, which is available in a front wheel drive or an all-wheel drive configuration, is the best-selling sedan in the midsize segment.

Moreover, Toyota continues to keep the Camry fresh adding an all-new Nightshade trim. This sporty trim was birthed from the model’s popular SE trim. The roomy sedan, which is only available with a 4-cylinder hybrid powertrain, adds 19-inch black alloy wheels, a gloss black mesh grille and black exterior badging. This new trim is approximately $1,000 more than the SE trim.

In addition to the exterior aesthetics, the Camry is also outfitted with the latest safety driving aids, including a co-pilot assist radar activated steering system. It's too bad they haven't added a gutsier turbo hybrid to enhance the horsepower.

So, while a number of automakers have walked away from the car market, Toyota is committed. 

Competition: Honda Accord; Hyundai Sonata; and Kia K5