2018 Toyota Camry XSE V6: Is It Really That Sporty? [Video Review]

The Camry gets an attitude with new styling and a more powerful V6 engine.

Sure, putting 301 horsepower in a Camry sounds great on paper, but does it really translate to quick performance on the road?

While most automakers continue the downsizing trend, Toyota has stuck with its V6 powerplant in the Camry. Even its chief competitor, the Honda Accord, has switched to a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine. However, the 2018 Toyota Camry XSE V6 still comes with a 3.5-liter, naturally aspirated unit. Putting down 301 horsepower and 267 lb-ft of torque, the plain Jane Camry has some guts to match its more aggressive styling. It’s more powerful than the last-generation Camry, which put out just 268 horsepower. In this new generation, that power is routed through an eight-speed automatic transmission.

2018 Toyota Camry XSE V6
2018 Toyota Camry XSE. [Photo: Toyota]
While the bump in power is welcome news, does it still work in a front-wheel drive platform? In this video, Sarah tests out the 2018 Toyota Camry XSE V6 around the scorching desert roads of Arizona to find out. Find out what she thinks by watching the video above!

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