The 2026 Toyota Camry continues its reign as a top choice for Australian buyers, especially those seeking value and reliability. Recently crowned Australia’s best affordable mid-size car by CarExpert in the inaugural 2025 CarExpert Choice Awards, the Camry has carved a reputation for itself as an exceptionally practical and economical vehicle, particularly beloved by fleet operators and rideshare drivers.
This dominance stems from the Camry’s core strengths: exceptional fuel efficiency thanks to its hybrid powertrain, generous interior space, and renowned Toyota reliability. The Ascent trim, starting under $40,000 before on-road costs, focuses on maximizing affordability for commercial buyers while still delivering these key benefits.
But is this stripped-down Camry still a compelling choice for those seeking more than just transportation? Let’s delve into the details.
Inside and Out: Practicality Meets Simplicity
While the Camry boasts an attractive exterior design, its interior in Ascent trim prioritizes functionality over luxury. The cabin exudes a utilitarian feel consistent with its target audience – budget-conscious businesses rather than individual buyers seeking plush interiors.
The steering wheel lacks leather, a common feature found even in entry-level models from some competitors, while the infotainment and instrument screens are noticeably smaller compared to higher Camry trims.
Yet, practicality shines through. Comfortable seats with ample bolstering ensure long drives don’t translate into back pain. Though lacking heating or power adjustment, they offer great ergonomics and support. All essential controls are within easy reach, creating a logical layout for both novice and seasoned drivers. While the 8-inch infotainment screen feels dated compared to the larger displays in other Camry versions, it is responsive enough, and thankfully, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto functionality comes standard across the entire range.
The overall impression? The Ascent’s cabin prioritizes usability over flashiness, a trade-off that might disappoint those accustomed to more premium touches.
Under the Bonnet: Efficient Hybrid Performance
Driving experience is where the Camry truly excels, regardless of trim level. Powering every model is a proven hybrid system – a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine paired with an e-CVT transmission. The result? Exceptional fuel efficiency averaging around 4.5L/100km in real-world driving conditions, effortlessly merging performance and economy.
While not a sports sedan, the Camry defies expectations with its surprisingly peppy acceleration and agile handling for a vehicle emphasizing comfort. Steering provides adequate feedback, and body roll is well-controlled, making it enjoyable even on winding roads.
Comfort and Convenience: A Quiet Haven on Wheels
The Camry excels at creating a serene driving experience. Wind and road noise are remarkably subdued, both in city traffic and on highways, making long commutes effortless. Visibility is good all around, aided by well-placed cameras and sensors that make parking maneuvers stress-free.
Adding to the comfort factor is an abundance of standard driver assist systems including adaptive cruise control with lane centering, blind-spot monitoring, and lane keep assist, transforming highway driving into a truly relaxing affair.
Safety: Uncompromising Protection
Safety remains paramount in the Camry’s design. Its five-star ANCAP rating reinforces this commitment. The comprehensive suite of standard safety features includes autonomous emergency braking, pedestrian detection, adaptive cruise control with stop & go function, lane departure alert, and much more.
Ownership Costs: Budget-Friendly
Toyota backs the Camry with a generous five-year/unlimited kilometer warranty, extending to seven years on the drivetrain if serviced within its network. Capped-price servicing for the first five years adds further peace of mind. While roadside assistance isn’t included (an additional $99 per year), the overall ownership cost remains exceptionally competitive.
Verdict: Workhorse and Everyday Hero
The 2026 Toyota Camry Ascent is, undeniably, a car that prioritizes function over frills. It may lack the premium touches of its pricier siblings or competitors like the Hyundai Sonata and Honda Accord, but it makes no apologies for its purpose – to be an economical, dependable, and practical choice.
While private buyers might find better value in higher trims with larger screens and leather accents, for those prioritizing affordability and core functionality, the Ascent delivers exceptional value. It stands as a testament to Toyota’s enduring strength: building vehicles that simply get the job done exceptionally well.
