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Toyota Camry (7th Gen)

12-17 · Toyota Camry

91out of 100

The XV50 finally made ESC standard and upgraded to the 2AR-FE, solving the 2AZ-FE oil consumption concern and making the Camry formula genuinely complete.

Score breakdown

95/ 100Reliability×2.584/ 100True Annual Cost×3.095/ 100Safety×2.090/ 100Practicality×1.5100/ 100Repairability×1.0

Our take

What it really is

Toyota's most polished Camry generation up to its release. The 2AR-FE 2.5L is chain-driven, makes 178hp, and doesn't share the oil consumption issue of the older 2AZ-FE. ESC is standard on all trims. Toyota Safety Sense is available from 2017.

Why it's on this list

The XV50 is the used midsize sedan benchmark. Sub-$400 annual maintenance, strong safety ratings, and a proven engine, all for $12k–$18k in good shape.

The honest trade-offs

No manual available. Fuel economy is mediocre for the segment at 28 MPG combined. The CVT-equipped hybrid variant is reliable but adds complexity. Takata airbag recall affected many XV50s, verify completion.

What to buy and what to avoid

15-17 SE or XLE with ESC (standard). Verify Takata recall closed. The 2017 TSS-P (Pre-Collision System, Lane Departure Alert) models are the best buy if budget allows. Avoid the 2012 first model year, minor quality issues sorted by 2013.

Annual cost of ownership

Fuel (12k mi)
$1,430 (USD)[5]
Maintenance
$388 (USD)[1]
Tires (prorated)
$187 (USD)
Insurance (25yr male)
$1,920 (USD)[8]
Insurance (40yr female)
$1,460 (USD)[8]
Total (25yr male)
$2,525 (USD)
Total (40yr female)
$2,065 (USD)

Key specs

MPG combined
28[5]
MPG city / hwy
25 / 35[5]
Engine
2.5L 4-cyl (2AR-FE)
Horsepower
178 hp
Torque
170 lb-ft
Seats
5
Cargo max
15.4 cu ft
Stock tires
215/55R17
Body
Sedan (trunk)
Rear seats
60/40 split

Safety

NHTSA overall
5/5 ★[2]
Rollover risk
13%[2]
IIHS rating
Good[4]
ESC standard
Yes

Rust vulnerability

Overall severity
Minimal
Frame rust risk
Low

Reliability data

RepairPal annual cost
$388 (USD)[1]
Industry avg annual cost
$652 (USD)[1]
RepairPal rating
4.5/5[1]
Unscheduled visits/yr
0.3[1]
Severe issue probability
8%[1]
250k-mile survival
65%[7]

Repairability

Headlight type
Halogen
DIY replacement cost
$20 (USD)
At major retailer
Yes
Headlight benchmark
10/10

References

Sources used to research and score this vehicle. Superscript numbers in the sections above link here.

  1. [1]dataset
    RepairPal

    Annual repair cost, visit frequency, and severe issue probability. Used in the reliability formula.

  2. [2]government
    NHTSA Crash Test Ratings

    Federal crash test star ratings and rollover percentages. Used in the safety formula.

  3. [3]government
    NHTSA Technical Service Bulletins

    Manufacturer-issued service bulletins flagging known defects. Used in the PPI checklist generator.

  4. [4]dataset
    IIHS Safety Ratings

    Insurance Institute crash test ratings (small overlap, side, headlight quality). Used in the safety formula and the repairability headlight benchmark.

  5. [5]government
    EPA Fuel Economy Guide

    Official combined/city/highway MPG figures. Used in the true annual cost formula.

  6. [6]forum thread
    CarComplaints

    Owner-reported defect patterns by mileage and year. Used in the known-issues list and PPI checklist.

  7. [7]dataset
    iSeeCars Long-Term Reliability

    Probability of reaching 250,000 miles by make and model. Used in the reliability formula.

  8. [8]publication
    Bankrate / Insurify Insurance Estimates

    Full-coverage insurance estimates by driver profile (25M, 40F). Used in the true annual cost formula.

Before you buy

Looking to buy a Toyota Camry?

Start with our fully customized pre-purchase inspection checklist for you or your mechanic. Three versions: one for buyers who are not mechanics, one for enthusiasts with tools, one for handing off to a professional. Print or save as PDF.

Get the checklist

Modernize this car

CarPlay, backup cameras, blind spot monitoring, TPMS, and dashcams. Researched picks and honest watch-outs.

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