For the past 13 years, the Toyota Camry->ke246 has been the best-selling car in America, thanks to a well-appointed interior, non-offensive exterior design, acceptable performance figures, and of course, bulletproof reliability.

But to stay at the forefront of vehicle sales for that long requires a constant cycle of refreshes. For 2015, Toyota->ke88 rejuvenated the Camry by re-engineering nearly 2,000 parts, leaving “only the roof” unchanged. These alterations included new interior materials and equipment, an updated suspension, and revised exterior styling.

Now, Toyota is ready to debut a limited-production, special edition of America’s favorite four-door at the Chicago Auto Show->ke225 next week. On top of the 2015 redesign, the Japanese automaker hopes to inject the Camry with “an extra dose of both aggressiveness and technology.”

Based on the new Camry SE, this special edition adds several new features to both the cabin and exterior, creating a Camry that, Toyota feels, should stand above the rest.

Updated 07/17/2015: Toyota announced prices for the Camry Special Edition, which will be produced between August 2015 and January 2016. Prices will start from $25,715 and Toyota will build only 12,000 units.

Continue reading to learn more about the 2016 Toyota Camry Special Edition.

toyota-camry-special-edition

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: toyota-camry-special-edition
Pros
Cons

2016 Toyota Camry Special Edition

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2016 Toyota Camry Special Edition
Pros
Cons

Exterior

Building on the 2015 exterior update, the Camry Special Edition has new body panels with elements which, though minor, combined create a different look than the Camry SE.

The first thing you’ll notice is the vibrant paint, in two color choices: Blizzard Pearl and Blue Streak Metallic. I think any special-edition vehicle requires a hue that steps away from the black-white spectrum, so I like the blue. 

Next, you’ll find 18-inch wheels, an inch larger than those found on the SE. These are made of a lightweight alloy and feature a machined face accented by glossy black paint.

The taillights are also changed, with a smoked exterior housing that complements the new paint quite well.

Interior

Given the fact that the Camry was designed to function primarily as an A-to-B commuter, careful attention was paid to make the interior as enjoyable as possible. The car already boasts satin chrome accents, leather upholstery, and wood trim, and the Special Edition adds to this with a slew of additional features.

You’ll notice “sport appearance” seats bolstered by black SofTex lateral supports, including blue patterned inserts and contrasting blue stitching. This stitching also adorns the shift boot and dash, while the floor mats receive exclusive Special Edition logos.

A standard power tilt/slide moonroof and a sporty blue/white gauge cluster sweeten the deal. Keyless entry and push-button start are also standard, as is Toyota's Entune Audio Plus sound system. Music lovers can opt for the Entune Premium Audio sound system, which adds Navigation and an App Suite. Finally, the QI Wireless Charging interface keeps your mobile phone topped off.

Drivetrain

Like most special-edition vehicles, the drivetrain for the Camry Special Edition remains unaltered from the SE model, with only one powerplant and gearbox option on the table: the 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with the six-speed automatic transmission. The engine delivers 178 horsepower and 170 pound-feet of torque. With it, 0-to-60 time is estimated at 8 seconds, with a top speed of 125 mph.

It would be nice to see the inclusion of Toyota’s 268-horspower V-6, which comes as an option on the XLE and XSE trim levels. However, the standard inline-four is more than up to the task at hand, with power delivery that’s tractable and quiet. The EPA rates fuel mileage for the four-cylinder at 25-mpg city and 35 mpg highway. Anyone looking for greater fuel efficiency should investigate the Camry Hybrid,->ke147 which is capable of delivering up to 39 mpg in the city and 43 mpg on the highway.

Prices

The new Toyota Camry Special Edition will be priced at $25,715 and will be produced between August 2015 and January 2016. Only 12,000 units will be available.

Competition

Honda Accord

When it comes to affordable, dependable, comfortable commuters, the Honda->ke34 Accord is a top contender. This mid-size sedan has been around since 1976, with the latest iteration currently available in a range of trim levels and prices. Starting at $22,105 for a base model LX, buyers can choose between eight different models, all the way up to the $33,630 Touring.

The Touring trim features a naturally aspirated V-6 engine with 278 horsepower and 252 pound-feet of torque. Performance figures include a 0-to-60 time of approximately six seconds and a top speed of 130 mph. Considering its output, the V-6 also gets decent mileage, with 21 mpg in the city and 34 mpg on the highway. The interior has been updated with nicer materials, standard Bluetooth and USB connectivity, and dual-zone automatic climate control for each of the eight models. The exterior has been updated as well, with new styling and standard alloy wheels.

Hyundai Sonata

Making its North American debut at the New York Auto Show->ke226 last year, the all-new Sonata features a totally redesigned exterior, a more comfortable interior, and a top-range, turbocharged inline-four engine.

The Sonata looks sportier than the Accord and Camry, with a restyled exterior that’s bolder and less-angular than the 2014 model. I also think the LED daytime running lights placed below the Xenon headlamps look fantastic. Inside, the dash is all-new, with a design that Hyundai claims is more driver-focused than in previous generations, which means buttons are more accessible and the steering wheel is more ergonomic. There’s also an available 8-inch touchscreen display, Bluetooth and USB connectivity, and voice recognition.

The GDI turbo engine in the Sport 2.0T model loses a bit of output over the 2014 model, generating 245 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque. However, the torque curve has been lowered, which helps in everyday driving. The suspension has been reworked to offer a ride that is suppler than before. The Sonata comes in six trim levels, starting at $21,150 for a base model SE, up to the $33,525 Limited 2.0T.

Conclusion

Toyota did a good job enhancing the SE with this Special Edition. The exterior looks better and the new interior features are nice to have. It’s a shame overall performance remains unchanged, but that’s to be expected -- more power would bump up the price significantly and a stiffer suspension might spoil those easy-going highway ride characteristics.

If Toyota prices the Camry Special Edition in the $28,000 range, it’s a package that promises to sell very well. The Camry is an extremely popular car, and the option to own a limited iteration that builds on the car’s traditional characteristics, with features that spruce up the sheet metal and enhance the interior, should prove to be quite enticing.

Production of the Camry Special Edition will be limited to approximately 12,000 units, and will run from August 2015 to January 2016.