The Camry is still at the top of its game, after 12 years as the top-selling sedan in America. Despite this success, the manufacturer has instituted a mid-generation refresh of unprecedented proportions.
Over 2,000 new parts fulfilled 1,900 points of change in the vehicle, which started with a bare chassis, adding spot-welds plus sound baffling, and continuing through a number of tech upgrades. All of these changes add up to over $1,200 in upgrades for which the brand is asking an additional $300, as they continue to add to the popular sedan’s value.
One of the Toyota executives told us that the sound improvements have augmented the car audio systems, making the base entertainment system sound like the JBL upgrade. The JBL system sounds even better than ever before in the 2015 Camry.
In short drives of the XLE and Hybrid models, we found the pre-production model to have surprising power from the 4-cylinder engine that develops over 200 horses while still getting 25 to 35-mpg.
The Hybrid model will still get you most anywhere you want to go, as long as it’s paved, for very little petrol. It still gets from 39 to 43-mpg, which should be fair enough for most folks.
The 2015 Yaris, a vehicle in a very competitive niche, has a bold new look, created via more aggressive styling that makes the car look agile and “froggy” – that is, like it’s ready to jump.
Even the Yaris has added another 25 percent to its sound-baffling materials. It has recalibrated the electric steering and still comes in three and five door models with a top price of $16,990.
We can’t find the fuel efficiency on the company site, but the little commuter has lost 44 pounds of weight so the 106 horsepower 4-cylinder is peppier than it was last year. The Yaris is fun to drive and has a fairly roomy cabin for a car this size, as my colleague Aaron Turpen and I fit without any discomfort whatsoever, and though thin my frame stretches across six feet, my buddy is neither skinny nor short.
So, maybe one will jump start life for you!
Meanwhile, a similar round of improvements and upgrades have been visited upon the Toyota Sienna, the minivan that truly believes it is a sports sedan.
The new model will have Soccer Mom arm wrestling with Soccer Dad to see who gets to drive this agile, forget-you’re-driving-a-minivan vehicle.
The 2015 model gets a new rear entertainment system with a fold-down two screen video display and the driver voice amplification that allows you to seem godlike without have to yell as the kids in the back – very cool.
The Sienna also comes with a new three-zone climate control capability and a chestnut brown interior selection reminiscent of the Toyota Tundra 1794 Special Edition.
What this minivan is asking, quite simply is, “How much swagger do you want in your wagon?” We’re thinking one heck of a lot!
If this is an indication of Toyota’s new model year offerings, buyers are going to be hard pressed to decide whether to take advantage of 2014 closeouts or wait for the new 2015 models.
After all, they would seem to be packed with much more value for very little more money and who can’t use a bit more of that! Nevertheless, as in most cases, the truth lies in the numbers. Do the math and see what it says.