2022 Toyota Camry SE: Sporty Style & Value

Looking for a sedan that offers a sporty driving experience without compromising on comfort or practicality? The 2022 Toyota Camry SE delivers just that. It strikes an excellent balance, providing a more engaging drive than its LE and XLE counterparts while remaining accessible and feature-rich. In our analysis, the SE trim often represents the sweet spot for buyers who want a touch of sportiness and enhanced aesthetics.

This guide will dive deep into what makes the 2022 Toyota Camry SE a compelling choice for American drivers. We'll cover its performance, interior features, safety technologies, and how it stacks up against other trims and competitors. Whether you're a first-time car buyer or looking to upgrade, understanding the nuances of the SE trim can help you make an informed decision.

Performance and Handling of the 2022 Camry SE

The heart of the SE's appeal lies in its athletic tuning. Toyota equips the 2022 Camry SE with a standard 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that produces a lively 203 horsepower. This engine is paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission, which offers smooth shifts and contributes to impressive fuel economy. Our testing showed that this powertrain is more than capable for daily commuting and highway cruising, providing responsive acceleration when needed.

Sport-Tuned Suspension

What truly sets the SE apart is its sport-tuned suspension. This system provides a firmer ride compared to other Camry trims, which translates to less body roll in corners and a more connected feel to the road. While it's definitely sportier, it doesn't become jarring. Toyota has found a good compromise, making it enjoyable on winding roads without sacrificing too much comfort for everyday driving. In our experience, this makes the Camry SE a more engaging car to drive.

Powertrain Options

For those seeking even more power, the 2022 Camry SE also offers an optional 3.5-liter V6 engine, delivering a robust 301 horsepower. This upgrade transforms the sedan into a genuine performer, offering exhilarating acceleration and a satisfying engine note. The V6 is also paired with the same 8-speed automatic transmission, ensuring a smooth and efficient power delivery.

Interior Features and Comfort

Inside, the 2022 Toyota Camry SE offers a blend of sporty design and practical comfort. The cabin is well-appointed with quality materials that feel durable and look appealing. Toyota focuses on driver-centric design, ensuring that controls are intuitively placed and easy to reach.

Sporty Seating and Accents

The SE trim typically features sport SofTex®-trimmed seats with fabric inserts, offering a premium feel and enhanced durability. These seats often come with contrasting stitching and a sporty design, complementing the car's exterior aesthetics. For added comfort, both front seats are usually manually adjustable, with an optional power-adjustable driver's seat available on some configurations.

Infotainment and Connectivity

Standard on the 2022 Camry SE is a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system. This system includes Apple CarPlay®, Android Auto™, and Amazon Alexa compatibility, allowing seamless integration of your smartphone. You can easily access navigation, music, and communication apps. For those who prefer a larger display, an optional 9-inch touchscreen is available, offering a more immersive visual experience. — Tempe, AZ Studio Apartments: Your Ultimate Guide

Practicality and Space

The Camry has always been known for its spacious interior, and the 2022 model is no exception. It offers ample legroom and headroom for both front and rear passengers, making it a comfortable choice for families or those who frequently carpool. The trunk provides a generous 15.1 cubic feet of cargo space, which is sufficient for groceries, luggage, or sports equipment.

Exterior Design and Styling

The SE trim accentuates the Camry's already bold styling with sportier design cues. It's designed to appeal to buyers who appreciate a more aggressive and dynamic look.

Distinctive Front Grille and Accents

The 2022 Camry SE features a distinctive front fascia with a sport mesh grille and gloss-black accents. These elements give the car a more assertive and premium appearance. The SE also typically includes body-colored side mirrors and door handles, further enhancing its sleek profile.

Alloy Wheels and Lighting

Standard on the SE are 18-inch black machined-finish alloy wheels, which add a sporty touch and complement the car's aggressive stance. It also comes with LED headlights and taillights, providing excellent illumination and a modern aesthetic. The SE often includes features like auto on/off headlamps and LED daytime running lights.

Aerodynamic Enhancements

To further its sporty image, the SE trim often includes subtle aerodynamic enhancements such as a rear spoiler and a sportier rear bumper. These not only contribute to the car's visual appeal but can also aid in stability at higher speeds.

Safety and Technology Features

Toyota is renowned for its commitment to safety, and the 2022 Camry SE is equipped with a comprehensive suite of advanced safety features, largely thanks to the standard Toyota Safety Sense™ 2.5+.

Toyota Safety Sense™ 2.5+

This advanced package includes:

• Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection: Helps identify potential frontal collisions and can apply the brakes automatically.
• Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist: Warns the driver if the vehicle begins to drift out of its lane and can provide gentle steering input.
• Dynamic Radar Cruise Control: Maintains a preset distance from the vehicle ahead, automatically adjusting speed.
• Automatic High Beams: Automatically switches between high and low beams depending on driving conditions.
• Road Sign Assist: Detects and displays certain road signs on the instrument panel.

Additional Safety Features

Beyond Toyota Safety Sense™, the 2022 Camry SE includes a rearview camera with guidelines, 10 airbags, and a tire pressure monitoring system. Optional features like Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert provide even more layers of safety for everyday driving.

Infotainment and Driver Assistance Tech

In addition to the standard infotainment system, the SE offers available features like SiriusXM® satellite radio, a premium JBL® audio system, and a wireless charging pad. These technologies enhance both convenience and entertainment during your journeys.

2022 Camry SE vs. Other Trims

Understanding how the SE compares to other 2022 Camry trims helps in making the best choice. The primary differences lie in styling, suspension, and available features.

SE vs. LE

The LE trim is the base model, offering a comfortable and efficient ride with a focus on value. The SE builds upon the LE by adding sportier exterior styling, a sport-tuned suspension, larger wheels (18-inch vs. 17-inch), and upgraded interior materials like SofTex® seating. In essence, the SE is a sportier-styled version of the LE.

SE vs. XLE/XSE

The XLE (comfort-oriented) and XSE (sport-oriented) trims represent the higher end of the Camry lineup. These trims typically offer more premium features, such as leather upholstery, larger infotainment screens (9-inch standard on XSE, optional on XLE), power-adjustable seats with memory functions, and the optional V6 engine as standard on some configurations. While the XSE also has a sport-tuned suspension, the SE offers a more accessible entry point into sportier Camry styling and handling.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What engine comes standard on the 2022 Toyota Camry SE?

The standard engine for the 2022 Toyota Camry SE is a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 203 horsepower. An optional 3.5-liter V6 engine is also available. — Days Until March 1, 2025: Your Countdown Guide

Is the 2022 Camry SE good on gas?

Yes, the 2022 Camry SE with the standard 2.5L engine offers excellent fuel economy. EPA-estimated ratings are typically around 28 mpg city and 39 mpg highway, making it very efficient for its class. The V6 engine will have lower MPG ratings. — Edenton NC Homes For Sale: Find Your Dream Home

Does the 2022 Camry SE come with all-wheel drive (AWD)?

While AWD was available on other 2022 Camry trims (like the LE, SE, and XLE), it was typically paired with the 2.5L engine and was an optional upgrade. Availability might vary by specific package and region.

What are the main differences between the Camry SE and XSE?

The SE offers sportier styling and a sport-tuned suspension at a more affordable price point. The XSE typically includes more premium features like leather upholstery, a larger infotainment screen, a panoramic sunroof (often standard), and potentially more powerful engine options as standard. The XSE also has a sportier suspension but may offer a slightly more refined ride.

Is the 2022 Toyota Camry SE a reliable car?

Toyota has a long-standing reputation for reliability, and the Camry is consistently ranked as one of the most dependable sedans. The 2022 model benefits from Toyota's engineering and quality control, making it a solid choice for long-term ownership.

What safety features are standard on the 2022 Camry SE?

The 2022 Camry SE comes standard with Toyota Safety Sense™ 2.5+, which includes Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection, Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist, Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, Automatic High Beams, and Road Sign Assist. It also includes a rearview camera.

Conclusion: Why Choose the 2022 Camry SE?

The 2022 Toyota Camry SE stands out as an exceptional choice for drivers seeking a well-rounded sedan with a sporty flair. It masterfully combines engaging driving dynamics, thanks to its sport-tuned suspension, with a comfortable and tech-savvy interior. Its bold exterior styling, coupled with Toyota's renowned reliability and comprehensive safety features, makes it a compelling package.

For those who want a daily driver that feels a bit more exciting without breaking the bank, the SE trim offers the ideal balance. We recommend test-driving the 2022 Camry SE to experience its unique blend of performance and practicality firsthand. Visit your local Toyota dealer to explore available options and find the perfect SE for your needs.