Rx For Excess: The 2017 Toyota Camry XSE

The 2017 Toyota Camry XSE.

As you read this, truckloads of 2018 Toyota Camrys are heading for your local dealer.  Toyota, in its continuing quest to put its "beige" image behind it, has styled the new Camry very aggressively, causing some, even those who believe Toyota needed to be more exciting, to wonder how far is too far (see the current Prius).

If you are among that group, now is a wonderful time to get what is still this year's car---the 2017 Toyota Camry XSE.

2017 Toyota Camry XSE.

The XSE is the sporting Camry, coming standard with a 268-horsepower V6, a sport-tuned suspension and paddle shifters for its six-speed automatic transmission.  It looks aggressive thanks to 18-inch machined alloy wheels with black painted accents, black sport trim bezels around the headlamps, a color-keyed rear spoiler and chrome-tipped dual exhausts.  Despite the V6 and only six gears, the EPA fuel economy estimate is still decent at 21 city/30 highway.

For $31,370, the standard equipment list is impressive---electronic brake force distribution, enhanced vehicle stability control, smart stop technology, LED headlamps and running lights, a power tilt/slide moonroof, an Entune Audio Plus/JBL audio system with a seven-inch touchscreen, sport leather-trimmed front seats with eight-way power adjustment for the driver and four-way power adjustment for the passenger, a leather-trimmed steering wheel, backup camera, tire pressure monitoring, Qi wireless charging (still not compatible with iPhones---Ed.) and dual-zone climate control.

2017 Toyota Camry XSE interior.

Our test vehicle had a few options, as well:

• Blind spot monitor ($500)
• An upgraded audio system with navigation ($710)
• The advanced technology package with pre-collision system, lane departure alert, dynamic radar cruise control and automatic high beams ($750)
• Carpeted floor and trunk mats ($224)
• Paint protection film ($395)
• Cargo tote ($49)
• Wheel locks ($65)
• Illuminated door sill enhancements ($299)
• Remote engine starter ($499)

With $865 delivery processing and handling fee, the as-tested price was $35,726.  And, as dealers will need to clear space for the 2018 models, it is very likely you will be able to get a deal.  The XSE has been our favorite Camry of this generation, and we recommend it highly.