Motor Oil: 0W-16 (2.5L I4 engine) or 0W-20 (3.5L V6 engine)
The all-new 2018 Toyota Camry rolled into dealerships late last summer. The new Camry uses Toyota New Global Architecture (TNGA), which represents a completely new strategy to the way the company designs, engineers and packages its vehicles.
The all-new Camry’s TNGA-based body/platform includes an extended wheelbase and a wider vehicle stance, realizing a stylish and sporty new design.
Along with the new platform, an all-new 2.5-liter four-cylinder Dynamic Force Engine, new Direct Shift-8AT eight-speed automatic transmission and a new double wishbone rear suspension design are all representative technologies that have evolved through TNGA.
Three new powertrains are available on the new Camry. They include the all-new 2.5-liter inline-four-cylinder (I4) D-4S gasoline engine and a new 3.5-liter V6 with D-4S fuel injection, both of which are paired to a new eight-speed Direct-Shift automatic transmission (8AT), and a next-generation Toyota Hybrid System.
New 2.5L I4, Requiring 0W-16
The Camry’s new 2.5-liter I4 Dynamic Force Engine has outstanding combustion efficiency, and it is also one of the first engines in the US to require 0W-16 oil. This new powerplant incorporates an array of Toyota’s most advanced technologies including Dual VVT-I with VVT-iE (variable valve timing intelligent system by electric motor), D-4S (direct injection four-stroke gasoline engine superior version), direct injection and laser-clad valve seats for optimal power production, emissions performance and fuel efficiency.The engine features VVT-iE on the intake side while utilizing VVT-I (variable valve timing with intelligence) for the exhaust, a compression ratio of 13:1 (14:1 for the hybrid version) and a bore and stroke measuring 3.44 inches and 4.07 inches, respectively.
The dual VVT-I with VVT-iE variable valve timing system uses an electric motor instead of oil pressure to control variable valve timing, helping the system enhance fuel efficiency with cleaner exhaust emissions.
Other important new technological innovations for the 2.5-liter four-cylinder Dynamic Force Engine include a variable cooling system, full variable oil pump and a cooled exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) system.
Peak horsepower is rated at 206 at 6,600 rpm with torque rated at 186 pound-feet at 5,000 rpm.
New 3.5L V6
Like the 2.5-liter I4 Dynamic Force Engine, the Camry’s newly-developed 3.5-liter V6 is equipped with the D-4S direct injection system, along with a new VVT-iW (variable valve timing-intelligent wide) variable valve timing system.The 24-valve DOHC 3.5-liter V6 engine employs the VVT-iW system for the intake, with VVT-I on the exhaust, a 11.8:1 compression ratio and bore and stroke of 3.70 inches and 3.27 inches, respectively. Power output is rated at 301 horsepower and 6,600 rpm with a torque rating of 267 pound-feet at 4,700 rpm.
Behind the Engine
Both the 2.5-liter I4 Dynamic Force Engine and the 3.5-liter V6 are equipped with the new Direct Shift eight-speed automatic transmission. The new gearbox includes a torque converter that offers a wider range of lock-up when compared to the previous six-speed automatic transmission.The new Camry provides a high-quality comfortable and stable ride manner with superior handling characteristics using a lightweight, high-rigidity body/platform structure with a 30-percent increase in torsional rigidity.
Despite the increased use of high-tensile-strength sheet metal and hot stamping materials resulting in a lightweight body, further weight reduction has been achieved through the fitment of an aluminum hood, while new construction techniques have led to the use of thinner body panels for the roof, hood, trunk lid, front and rear doors and front fenders when compared to the previous model.
Laser screw welding has been incorporated at key junctures throughout the body/platform for increased joint rigidity. A special high-rigidity urethane adhesive has been applied to both the windshield and rear window where it meets the vehicle body, which helps to realize increased body rigidity. The fortified body includes additional gussets for the front/rear doorframe that have greatly increased the frame/joint strength.
Toyota engineers incorporated a variety of new noise, vibration and harshness countermeasures that were previously found exclusively on luxury models. These include sound absorbing/insulation through the fitment of a hood insulator and upper and lower fender separator. The passenger compartment is further insulated from the engine and road noise using foam/vibration dampening materials throughout the vehicle along with a thicker dash silencer mat across the entire interior firewall section. Furthermore, a special vibration-damping coating has been applied over a wider area of the underfloor, joined by noise-proofing material encompassing more surface area of the interior’s ceiling. Wind noise has been suppressed through a newly-designed rain gutter molding and a reduction in the step at the bottom of the windshield.
The Camry is available in five grades: L, LE, XLE, SE and XSE. Three new colors join an expanded exterior palette for the new Camry. New colors include Wind Chill Pearl, Brownstone and Galactic Aqua Mica. Other available colors are Super White, Celestial Silver Metallic, Predawn Gray Mica, Midnight Black Metallic, Ruby Flare Pearl, Blue Streak Metallic and Blue Crush Metallic. Camry XSE models also offer a Midnight Black Metallic roof option mated to a choice of Blue Streak Metallic, Celestial Silver or Wind Chill Pearl body colors.
The exterior palette is mated to interior colors in Ash, Macadamia or Black. A sporty Cockpit Red interior is available on the XSE.
The new Camry features Toyota’s latest in-vehicle information technology whose next-generation displays offer a unique level of integrated information with minimal distraction. It relays information through three available interlinked displays: a 10-inch color head-up display; a seven-inch multi-information display with the instrument cluster; and an eight-inch audio/navigation/HVAC control panel that’s seamlessly integrated into the center console.
Among the many features on the 2018 Camry is the standard Toyota Safety Sense P (TSS-P) suite of safety systems and technologies. This multi-feature advanced active safety suite bundles cutting edge active safety technologies including pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, dynamic radar cruise control, lane departure alert with steering assist and automatic high beams. Select models also come with standard blind spot monitor with rear cross traffic alert. The available intelligent clearance sonar also includes a new rear cross traffic braking system. All 2018 Camrys have 10 standard airbags and Toyota’s Star Safety System, which includes enhanced vehicle stability control, traction control, electronic brake-force distribution, brake assist, anti-lock braking system and smart stop technology. All Camrys also come equipped with a standard backup camera.
Camry drivers enjoy enhanced connectivity and entertainment through the new Toyota Entune 3.0 multimedia system. The Entune 3.0 system features navigation and the Entune 3.0 App Suite Connect for everyone. It delivers several new technologies including available remote connect, which provides remote start and door unlock capability, vehicle status notifications, a guest driver monitor and vehicle finder. Available service connect provides up-to-date vehicle information on fuel level, maintenance alerts and more. Entune 3.0 also offers available in-vehicle Wi-Fi Connect powered by Verizon, allowing up to five mobile devices to connect using 4G LTE.
The MSRP for the new 2018 Toyota Camry gas models ranges from $23,495 for the L-grade I4 to $34,950 for the Premium XSE V6.
Servicing the 2018 Toyota Camry
Toyota recommends servicing the Camry every 5,000 miles or every six months.Every 5,000 miles (8,000 km) or every six months:
- Add Toyota EFI Tank Additive or equivalent (Hawaii, Puerto Rico and American Samoa only)
- Check installation of driver’s floor mat
- Inspect and adjust all fluid levels
- Inspect wiper blades
- Rotate tires
- Visually inspect brake linings/drums and brake pads/discs
Every 10,000 miles (16,000 km) or every 12 months:
- Replace cabin air filter
- Replace engine oil and oil filter
Every 15,000 miles (24,000 km) or 18 months:
- Inspect ball joints and dust covers
- Inspect brake lines and hoses
- Inspect drive shaft boots
- Inspect engine coolant
- Inspect exhaust pipes and mountings
- Inspect radiator and condenser
- Inspect steering gear
- Inspect steering linkage and boots
Every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) or 36 months:
- Replace engine air filter
- Inspect automatic transmission fluid cooler hoses and connections
- Inspect automatic transmission for signs of leakage
- Inspect fuel lines and connections, fuel tank band and fuel tank vapor vent system hoses
- Inspect fuel tank cap gasket
Every 60,000 miles (96,000 km) or 72 months:
- Replace spark plugs (3.5L V6 engine only)
At 60,000 miles (96,000 km) or 72 months and then every 15,000 miles (24,000 km) or 18 months thereafter:
- Inspect drive belts
Every 120,000 miles (192,000 km) or 144 months:
- Inspect vacuum pump for brake booster (2.5L I4 engine only)
- Replace vacuum pump for brake booster (3.5L V6 engine only)
ADDITIONAL MAINTENANCE FOR SPECIAL OPERATING CONDITIONS
Driving on Dirt Roads or Dusty RoadsEvery 5,000 miles (8,000 km) or six months:- Inspect ball joints and dust covers
- Inspect drive shaft boots
- Inspect engine air filter
- Inspect steering linkage and boots
- Replace engine oil and oil filter
- Tighten nuts and bolts on chassis and body
Driving While Towing, Using a Car-Top Carrier or Heavy Vehicle Loading Every 5,000 miles (8,000 km) or six months:
- Replace engine oil and filter
- Tighten nuts and bolts on chassis and body
Every 60,000 miles (96,000 km) or 72 months:
- Replace automatic transmission fluid
Repeated Trips of Less Than Five Miles in Temperatures Below 32 F/0 C Every 5,000 miles (8,000 km) or six months:
- Replace engine oil and filter
Extensive Idling and/or Low Speed Driving For a Long Distance Such as Police, Taxi or Door-to-Door Delivery Use Every 5,000 miles (8,000 km) or six months:
- Replace engine oil and filter
Every 60,000 miles (96,000 km) or 72 months:
- Replace automatic transmission fluid
