Since there aren’t many creatures comforts offered with the lower trims and the prices too do not rise considerably with the higher trims, it is recommended to opt for the sportier 2013 Camry SE trim for better handling and ride quality and added functionality. Additionally, the V6 engine comes with a handful of additional features and one can also opt for the optional driver safety aids, all for an MSRP of $23,400.

Toyota offers the 2013 Camry in four different trims and two engine options with a single six-speed transmission choice available. Prices for the same start from an MSRP of $22,235 for the L trim, and go up to $24,855 for the XLE trim. The base L and LE trims feature only the essential features and a couple of convenience features while the higher SE and XLE trims get the most creature comforts.

The powerful V6 is also available only with the SE and top-spec XLE trim. The SE trim is also the sportier version in this lineup and gets a sport-tuned suspension setup for that extra oomph. Apart from the standard features on offer, Toyota also offers plenty of optional features, including a 10-speaker JBL audio system, which is optional for both the SE and XLE trims. Further, exclusive to the XLE v6 trim is a hard-drive-based navigation system.

The 2013 Toyota Camry is powered by a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine as standard that is rated for 178 hp and 170 lb-ft of torque. The higher trims though can also be had with a meatier 3.5-liter V6 engine which produces a healthy 268 hp and 248 lb-ft of torque. Both the engines are mated with a six-speed automatic transmission that sends power only to the front wheels with no AWD option available.

The performance of the base engine is sufficient for most buyers but does not offer any fun element at all. While the base Camry engine takes 8.4 seconds to reach 60 mph from a standstill, the 0-60 mph for the V6 engine is also just on par with the segment at 6.6 seconds. The handling is pretty mundane on regular models with no feedback whatsoever from the steering, but the SE trim adds a hint of sportiness to the otherwise no-nonsense executive sedan.

The Nissan Altima might be the only car here to not have seen a refresh in recent times, but it is very potent in terms of acceleration and is also the most affordable sedan in this comparison. The Ford Fusion too is pretty affordable but then is also the slowest of the lot. Both the Japanese sedans are marginally costly but the Honda Accord is the quickest off the line and is also the most expensive one here.

Fuel efficiency is one of the biggest selling points for a Toyota Camry and it doesn’t disappoint this year as well. Although it isn’t the most frugal one in the segment, the 28 MPG of fuel economy for combined city and highway driving puts it higher up in the efficiency rankings. The powerful 2013 Camry V6 is rated for 21/31/25 MPG for city/highway/combined by the EPA which is also above average for the segment. The large 17-gallon fuel tank further aids in this regard, offering over 400 miles of driving range on a single tank of gas even with the V6.

The Ford Fusion clearly is the one that gulps the most amount of gas amongst all the sedans present here and the smaller gas tank means its driving range is on par with the Camry V6. The oldest Altima still is the most frugal of the lot and also employs the largest gas tank and hence has an exceptional driving range to offer. The Accord sips a bit more fuel than the Altima but is quite frugal than the Camry and also offers a superior range.

The Toyota Camry cabin has received a welcome change after the redesign last year and now with the slim pillar, the car now not only feels roomier, it also offers better outward visibility. The improved materials quality is something that is worth appreciating and the 2013 update sees upgraded materials for the door trim which now complements the stitched dashboard. That being said, the cabin lacks a sense of cohesion as some interior elements still feel a bit cheap to look at and feel.

There have never been any issues regarding the build quality of a Toyota, and the 2013 Camry offers a solid build quality that should outlast the lifetime of the car. In terms of space, the front row has a decent amount of room while the perfectly reclined rear seat offers impressive legroom and headroom and can accommodate even taller passengers rather comfortably. The Toyota Camry's trunk volume is pretty large and on par with the segment at 15.4 cu-ft and folding down the rear seat can open up even more space when needed.

Toyota has made the 6.1-inch Entune touchscreen standard across the trim lineup and features a suite of smartphone-connected services that includes features like the Bing search engine, sports and stock information, fuel prices, and also comes with the ability to reserve movie tickets or a table at a restaurant while on the move. Along with satellite radio, Camry also features HD Radio and Pandora internet radio while the navigation system is offered along with real-time traffic.

Some of the infotainment features on offer are-

• 6.1-inch touchscreen Entune infotainment system
• 6-speaker audio system
• iPod connectivity & control
• SiriusXM satellite radio w/3 months subscription 
• Navigation system w/real-time info for traffic/weather/fuel prices/sports/stocks
• Entune w/3 years subscription 
• HD Radio and Bing & Pandora
• Bluetooth hands-free phone system w/phone book access & music streaming
• Voice recognition

The exterior of the 2013 Toyota Camry looks pretty sharp and appealing as standard while the SE trim adds a bit more sporty appeal for the ones who want their daily driver to carry them in a bit of style. The sleek swept-back headlamps with the chrome front grille and large air dam below it give the car an aggressive front fascia while the chrome treatment on the sides also adds to the premium feel of the car.

Although the Honda Accord is larger than the Camry, both offer very similar cabin space as both have an identical wheelbase to offer. The Nissan Altima too has a wheelbase identical to its Japanese counterparts and also weighs pretty much the same as the Camry, with the Honda weighing a bit more. The Ford Fusion on the other hand is the largest and heaviest and also has the highest ground clearance on offer.

Some of the exterior features on offer are-

• Projector-beam automatic halogen headlamps
• Integrated fog lamps
• Color-keyed heated power mirrors
• Acoustic noise-reducing windshield
• 17-inch alloy wheels

Safety is of paramount importance for all Japanese manufacturers and Toyota is the one setting trends in this regard. Therefore, it shouldn’t be a surprise the great safety ratings the 2013 Toyota Camry has received from both the private and government safety testing agencies. The NHTSA has rated it with a perfect 5-star rating while the IIHS has chosen the Camry as its “Top Safety Pick” for the 2013 model year. There are plenty of safety features available as standard and the optional driver aids take things a step further in terms of providing safe haven for its occupants.

Some of the standard safety features on offer are-

• Vehicle stability control and Traction control
• Smart stop technology
• Front & rear energy-absorbing crumple zones
• Whiplash-lessening front seats
• Driver & front passenger advanced airbags w/occupant sensor & knee airbags
• Front & rear seat-mounted & side curtain airbags
• Rearview camera
• Tire pressure monitor system

2013 Toyota Camry vs. 2013 Ford Fusion

The Toyota Camry is positioned slightly higher in terms of the price but the amount of difference and additions the Camry holds over the Ford Fusion is tremendous. The Toyota feels like a much more engaging car to drive as it manages to push out more power even though both the cars are based on similar engine configurations. The Camry also happens to be the more fuel-efficient choice out of the two and the larger gas tank means, you will have lesser fuel breaks in comparison.

2013 Toyota Camry vs. 2013 Honda Accord

Even though the Honda Accord manages to make more power, there isn’t much of a difference in terms of the drive but the real difference is in the fuel consumption and total range as the Accord manages to offer better than the Camry. In terms of the overall comfort, the Honda feels more like a driver’s car while the Toyota offers better rear row space and seat comfort. The feature list on both these cars is equally impressive and it all comes down to priorities of whether you need a comfortable rear passenger space or a driver-focused car.

The 2013 Toyota Camry is one of the most exciting prospects in the midsize sedan segment as it is not only spacious and well built, but has a good amount of equipment, powerful and frugal powertrains, and decent levels of performance too. Add to that the affordable price tag and built-to-last reliability with low maintenance costs, and it is difficult to overlook this car. The Toyota Camry has served hundreds of thousands of families in the past and with the 2013 Camry being such a well-rounded package, it shall continue to do so for a long period of time in the future as well.