The best option under $30,000: Toyota ignores SUV fad and updates Camry in the US

While in Brazil, R$160,000 will bring you a compact SUV with a 1.0 engine, in the United States a similar amount will get you the entry-level version of the Toyota Camry 2026, a sedan far superior to the Corolla, which here costs more than R$200,000.

While many manufacturers have abandoned sedans, Toyota He kept his bet firm — and the numbers prove that the strategy worked.

Em 2024, from Camry sold almost 310 thousand units in the United States, easily leading among models that do not belong to the universe of utility vehicles.

Part of this success is due to the solid reputation the model has built over the decades.

With recognized reliability, low maintenance costs and good resale value, the Camry continues to be the rational choice for those looking for a comfortable, spacious and efficient car for daily use, without having to pay more for an SUV that delivers less for more.

Toyota has just released prices for the 2026 Camry, which hits American stores in the fall.

The entry-level LE version will have a suggested retail price of US$29,000 — just US$300 more than the 2025 model, keeping the Camry as the best hybrid sedan under the US$30,000 range.

The range also includes the SE versions (US$ 31,300), XLE (US$ 34,000), XSE (US$ 35,200) and the new Nightshade Edition, for US$ 32,300. The shipping cost of US$1,195 is charged separately, and all-wheel drive adds another US$1,525 to the bill.

As the Camry underwent a profound redesign in 2025, the 2026 model brings specific changes.

The main new feature is the Nightshade edition, which features a darkened look with black details on the grille, mirrors, antenna and 19-inch wheels.

Another addition is the new Dark Cosmos color, a greyish blue tone available in the SE, XLE and XSE versions.

Inside, the LE, SE and Nightshade versions come with a 7-inch digital dashboard, while the XLE and XSE have a larger 12.3-inch screen.

The latter can also receive a 10-inch head-up display as an option, in addition to a multimedia system with a screen of up to 12.3 inches. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, induction charger and subscription voice assistant are among the connectivity features.

All versions of the Camry are now hybrids, with a combined engine that delivers 225 hp with front-wheel drive. With all-wheel drive, power increases to 232 hp thanks to an additional electric motor on the rear axle.

Toyota says it has worked to make the package deliver a more natural and smoother drive, eliminating the annoying over-rev sound common in hybrid systems. previous ones.

Consumption figures have not yet been officially released for 2026, but they should be similar to those of the 2025 model: up to 22.5 km/l in the city, 21.2 km/l on the highway and 21.6 km/l in the combined cycle with front-wheel drive.

With all-wheel drive, the data is slightly lower, but still impressive.

While many manufacturers treat sedans as a dying category, Toyota seems to have understood that there is still a large audience for cars that offer practicality, efficiency and comfort without exaggeration.

The 2026 Camry proves that, even in the age of giant SUVs, there’s room — and demand — for a good old-fashioned, well-made sedan.