Toyota Camry vs. the competition

With sports utility vehicles and crossovers on the rise in the Philippine market, sedans now have a smaller slice of the pie. Regardless, specific models, such as the Toyota Camry, have continued to show a good amount of presence in the local market.

Toyota Motor Philippines even introduced the next-generation version of the Camry back in 2024. The midsize executive car now boasts more power and a lot of on-board technologies. So, with the aforementioned characteristics, there is no doubt that many who are keen on getting behind the wheel of a cushy sedan will place the Toyota on their shortlists. 

When it comes to car shopping, however, a good buyer should be aware of a particular model’s rivals. As such, we’re listing down below the biggest locally available competitors of the Toyota Camry. But before showing the car’s key rivals, let’s have an overview of what the said sedan is offering. 

Toyota Camry

As of the latest XV80 series model, the mid-size Toyota sedan sports a shaper overall look. Its front end wears a tapered front fascia with a large mesh grille, slim LED headlamp clusters, and a small tailgate spoiler. 

Notable exterior features of the Camry, apart from what was mentioned above, include power-folding side mirrors, LED rear lamps, a panoramic moon roof, rain-sensing wipers, and a set of 18-inch alloy wheels. 

Inside, the sedan now comes with a heavily revamped cabin. It now sports a two-tone dash with plenty of soft-touch surfaces, a leather steering wheel, leather-upholstered seats, power-adjustable front seats, dual-zone automatic climate controls, and a 40:20:40 split-folding power-reclining rear seat. 

For onboard entertainment and navigation, the vehicle depends on a  12.3-inch central display. For connectivity, the central screen has wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. 

Other notable interior features of the next-gen Philippine-spec Camry are listed here:

• 9-piece JBL sound system
• Wireless smartphone charging pad
• Drive mode selector
• Electronic parking brake
• Heads-up display
• Type C USB ports
• 12-volt accessory outlet
• Tilt and telescopic steering column
• 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster

For its basic safety kit, the Toyota comes standard with seven airbags, anti-lock braking, hill-start assist, safety exist assist, ISOFIX, as well as a total of eight parking sensors for the front and rear. 

Supporting the aforementioned is an array of advanced driver-assist systems (ADAS) listed below:

• Dynamic radar cruise control
• Blind-spot monitoring
• Lane trace assist
• Lane departure alert
• Pre-collision system

Propelling the Philippine-spec Camry is a 2.5-liter inline-4 gasoline engine paired with an electric motor. Alone, its internal combustion component can produce up to 176 horsepower (hp) and 221 Newton-meters (Nm) of torque. The hybrid electric vehicle’s (HEV) electric motor, on the other hand, can churn out an additional 134 hp and 208 Nm of torque. 

Like its predecessor, the current Camry is a front-wheel-drive model. It uses a continuously variable transmission (CVT), as well. 

Price-wise, the locally available variant of the Toyota Camry starts at P2.651 million.

Here is a table showcasing the specifications of the Toyota Camry 2.5 V HEV:

Model	Toyota Camry 2.5 V HEV
Exterior
Dimensions (L x W x H, in mm)	4,920 x 1,840 x 1,445
Wheelbase (mm)	2,825
Ground clearance (mm)	135
Wheel size	18-inch
Lighting system	LED
Interior
Material	Leather
Amenities	9-piece JBL sound system Wireless smartphone charging pad Drive mode selector Electronic parking brake Heads-up display Type C USB ports 12-volt accessory outlet Tilt and telescopic steering column Power-adjustable front seats Power reclining rear seat Dual-zone automatic climate control Power-folding side mirrors Panoramic moonroof Rain-sensing wipers
Instrument cluster	12.3-inch digital gauge cluster
Infotainment system	12.3-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
Seating capacity	Five
Powertrain
Engine	2.5-liter inline-4 HEV
Fuel type	Gasoline
Transmission	CVT
Horsepower	176
Torque	221 Nm
Electric motor performance	134 hp, 208 Nm
Brakes	Front and rear discs
Technology
ADAS	Dynamic radar cruise control Blind-spot monitoring Lane trace assist Lane departure alert Pre-collision system
Safety	Seven airbags Anti-lock braking  ISOFIX Stability control Safe exit assist Hill-start assist 360-degree-view camera Front and rear parking sensors
Security	Engine immobilizer Car alarm
Price	P2.651 million

BMW 318i (3 Series)

With a starting price of P3.59 million, the BMW 318i Business obviously sits at a more premium market position than the Camry. Regardless, the German-made sedan likewise belongs to the executive class and can be a potent alternative to the Toyota-made model. 

On the outside, the 318i Business boasts familiar BMW design beats. It has the German marque’s signature kidney grille, a detailed front bummer, a long-ish hood, a sleek but sporty silhouette, and a smattering of chrome decorative trims. 

Noteworthy exterior amenities fitted to the BMW model include LED fixtures, 18-inch alloy wheels wrapped in run-flat tires, rain-sensing wipers, an automatic tailgate, and a subtle trunk lip spoiler. 

The interior, meanwhile, was appointed with leather upholstery and high-gloss black decorative trimmings. An automatic triple-zone climate control system keeps everyone inside cool, while the front occupants have access to sport seats with extra bolstering and electronic adjustability. 

For onboard entertainment, the 3 Series has an 8.8-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. It also has a digital gauge cluster and a wireless smartphone charging pad. 

Other noteworthy features of the BMW 318i Business include, but are not limited to, the following: 

• BMW Live Cockpit Plus
• Sport leather steering wheel
• Ambient lighting
• Automatic rear-view mirror with anti-dazzle
• High-fidelity speaker system
• 12-volt accessory outlet
• USB ports
• Electronic parking brake
• BMW iDrive controller

Safety-wise, the BMW depends on several features, such as six airbags, anti-lock braking, ISOFIX child seat anchors, stability control, traction control, cruise control with brake assist, and the BMW Parking Assistant - among others. 

Under the hood of the BMW 318i Business is a 2.0-liter twin-scroll turbocharged inline-4 gasoline engine paired with an eight-speed automatic gearbox sending power to the rear wheels. At maximum, the said powertrain can generate up to 156 hp and 250 Nm of torque. 

Here is a table showing the specifications of the BMW 318i Business: 

Model	BMW 318i Business
Exterior
Dimensions (L x W x H, in mm)	4,709 x 2,068 x 1,435
Wheelbase (mm)	2,850
Ground clearance (mm)	140
Wheel size	18-inch
Lighting system	LED
Interior
Material	Leather
Amenities	BMW Live Cockpit Plus Sport leather steering wheel Ambient lighting Automatic rear-view mirror with anti-dazzle High-fidelity speaker system 12-volt accessory outlet USB ports Electronic parking brake BMW iDrive controller
Instrument cluster	Digital gauge cluster
Infotainment system	8.8-inch touchscreen Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
Seating capacity	Five
Powertrain
Engine	2.0-liter twin-scroll turbocharged inline-4
Fuel type	Gasoline
Transmission	Eight-speed automatic
Horsepower	156
Torque	250 Nm
Brakes	Front and rear discs
Technology
Safety	Six airbags Anti-lock braking ISOFIX Stability control Traction control Cruise control with brake assist BMW Parking Assistant
Security	Car alarm Engine immobilizer
Price	P3.59 million

BYD Seal

Another sedan model gunning after the popular Toyota Camry is the BYD Seal. As of its local introduction to the Philippine market, its Performance variant is priced at P2.548 million, which is quite close to the Toyota-made model. 

The Seal, however, has one clear difference, which makes it stand out among other models on this list - its all-electric electric motors and its all-wheel-drive drivetrain. As such, the said nameplate makes for a good choice for folks wanting the convenience and driving dynamics of a sedan, as well as the sustainability of an electric vehicle (EV). 

For reference, the Seal uses a dual motor setup that is capable of pushing out 521 hp and 670 Nm. It also has a range of 580 kilometers and an advertised 30-80 percent charging time of just 30 minutes. 

Like its rivals, the BYD model comes with a stylish exterior. It boasts a sleek profile, a closed-off front fascia, sharp LED fixtures, and a low-riding stance. 

Its list of notable exterior features includes a glass roof (with opaque mode), power-folding side mirrors, LED fixtures, rain-sensing wipers, and a set of 19-inch alloy wheels. Its interior, on the other hand, likewise boasts plenty of features listed here: 

• Keyless entry
• Front and rear center armrests
• Leather-wrapped steering wheel
• Ambient lighting
• Auto-dimming rearview mirror
• Acoustic glass
• Glass-decorated gear selector
• Dual-zone automatic air-conditioning
• Negative ion air purifier and CN96 filter
• 12-piece Dynaudio speaker system
• Dual wireless smartphone charging pads
• Power-adjustable and ventilated front seating

Positioned in the middle of the BYD Seal’s dashboard is a 15.6-inch central display with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The model was also kitted out with a 10.25-inch digital gauge cluster. 

For safety, the BYD EV sedan comes with what one would expect from a modern ride. Plus, its standard safety kit is reinforced by an ADAS suite, which includes a 360-degree view monitor, adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, front and rear cross-traffic alert with braking, traffic sign recognition, blind-spot detection, and lane keep assist - among others. 

Model	BYD Seal Performance
Exterior
Dimensions (L x W x H, in mm)	4,800 x 1,875 x 1,460
Wheelbase (mm)	2,920
Ground clearance (mm)	120
Wheel size	19-inch
Lighting system	LED
Interior
Material	Leather
Amenities	Front and rear center armrests Flat-bottom leather steering wheel Glass-decorated gear selector Tilt and telescopic steering column Auto-dimming rearview mirror Ambient lighting Acoustic glass Keyless entry Glass roof Dual wireless charging pads USB ports Power-adjust seats with ventilation/heating Dual-zone automatic air-conditioning 12-piece Dynaudio speaker system Electronic parking brake Drive mode selector
Instrument cluster	10.25-inch LDC
Infotainment system	15.6-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
Seating capacity	Five
Powertrain
Motor	Front and rear asynchronous electric motors
Range	580 Km
Horsepower	521
Torque	670 Nm
Brakes	Front and rear disc brakes
Technology
ADAS	360-degree view monitor Adaptive cruise control Automatic emergency braking Lane keep assist Lane change assist Lane departure warning Intelligent speed limit control Front cross traffic alert and braking Rear cross traffic alert and braking Traffic sign recognition Blind-spot detection
Safety	9 airbags Anti-lock braking ISOFIX Traction control system Electronic stability control Electronic brake-force distribution
Security	Electronic anti-theft system
Price	P2.548 million

Lexus IS

While the Lexus IS is a compact car, its 300h Executive trim has a price of P2.868 million, which is a mere P217,000 more expensive than the Camry. As such, the Lexus nameplate can be considered an alternative to the Toyota model. 

Style-wise, the locally available version of the IS combines elegant styling with sportiness. Much of its road presence is provided by its large “Spindle” grille, its sharp LED fixtures, and its rakish overall shape. Otherwise, the Executive trim adds to the aforementioned with chrome trimmings.

For its exterior amenities, the luxury four-door ride comes with acoustic glass, 19-inch wheels, and power-folding side mirrors. Its interior, meanwhile, is packed with creature comforts listed here:

• Leather upholstery
• Power-adjustable front seats
• 60:40 split-folding rear seats
• Power tilt and telescopic steering column
• Keyless entry
• Drive mode selector
• Electronic parking brake
• 10-piece speaker system
• USB ports
• 12-volt accessory outlet
• Dual-zone automatic climate control
• Optitron guage cluster with 4.2-inch multi-information display

For its central display, the Executive trim of the hybrid model is an eight-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The said system also has Miracast and a remote-touch auxiliary control positioned on its center console. 

Safety-wise, the IS comes with a comprehensive kit, which consists of eight airbags, ISOFIX, hill-start assist, anti-lock braking, tire pressure monitoring, stability control, and traction control. To note, only the higher-spec F-Sport and Premier come with an ADAS kit. 

Propelling the Lexus IS 300h is a 2.5-liter inline-4 engine paired with an electric motor. At maximum, the Lexus model’s four-banger can produce 178 hp and 221 Nm of torque. Its hybrid component, meanwhile, provides an additional 141 hp and 300 Nm of torque. Power is sent to its rear wheels via a CVT. 

Here is a table showing the specifications of the Lexus IS 300h Executive:

Model	Lexus IS 300h
Exterior
Dimensions (L x W x H, in mm)	4,710x1,840x1,435
Wheelbase (mm)	2,800
Ground clearance (mm)	140
Wheel size	19-inch
Lighting system	LED
Interior
Material	Leather
Amenities	Power-adjustable front seats 60:40 split-folding rear seats Power tilt and telescopic steering column Keyless entry Drive mode selector Electronic parking brake 10-piece speaker system USB ports 12-volt accessory outlet Dual-zone automatic climate control
Instrument cluster	Optitron guage cluster with 4.2-inch multi-information display
Infotainment system	Eight-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
Seating capacity	Five
Powertrain
Engine	2.5-liter inline-4 engine
Fuel type	Gasoline
Transmission	CVT
Horsepower	178
Torque	221 Nm
Electric motor	141 hp, 300 Nm
Brakes
Technology
Safety	Eight airbags ISOFIX Hill-start assist Anti-lock braking Tire pressure monitoring Stability control Traction control
Security	Car alarm Engine immobilizer Intrusion sensor
Price	P2.868 million

Final thoughts

To sum it all up, the Toyota Camry rivals listed here are within the P2.5 million-P3.5 million price range. All of them are premium rides with loads of styling details, technologies, and creature comforts. 

However, all cars are pretty different on paper in terms of performance. As such, it would be a good idea for sedan buyers to give each ride a test drive. 

Also read: 

9th PIMS: Toyota PH previews new Camry

Toyota Raize: comprehensive colors

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