The Toyota Camry has been a staple in the sedan market for decades, known for its reliability, comfort, and efficiency. Among its various trims, the Camry LE and Camry SE models are especially popular for various reasons.
With that popularity comes comparison, and that’s why the two cars, Toyota Camry LE and SE, are often compared; however, each model has distinctive characteristics. Toyota Camry LE and SE models cater to different preferences and priorities.
Ultimately, choosing between the Camry LE and SE comes down to individual preferences regarding style, driving dynamics, and budget. Yet, if you are thinking about getting one of them and are unsure which one you should choose, coming up next, we take a closer look at each model of these two. So, buckle up as we take a closer look at these two finely engineered masterpieces together!
Toyota Camry LE vs SE: What Makes Each of Them Special?
The comparison between the Toyota Camry LE and SE remains prevalent due to their contrasting characteristics, popularity, marketing strategies, media coverage, and their alignment with diverse consumer preferences within the sedan market. So, how are these two models similar yet so sifferent? Let’s find out!
Price
Generally, the LE model tends to be priced lower than the SE due to its focus on standard features and a more straightforward approach. It offers excellent value for those looking for a reliable, comfortable sedan without additional frills or performance enhancements.
Conversely, the SE’s sportier design and additional features may come at a slightly higher price point. However, the SE might be worth the extra cost for buyers seeking a more engaging driving experience and a more aggressively styled vehicle.
The cost for the latest LE to date starts at $26,420 MSRP. However, the SE trim level has a higher starting price of $27,960 MSRP. For some car lovers, this slight difference in pricing can be big when picking between these two models.
Features
The LE has standard features such as power windows, a 7-inch touchscreen display, and a rearview camera. On the other hand, the SE offers additional features like sportier styling elements, paddle shifters, and an upgraded audio system.
You get a lot in the Camry LE! It has an integrated rearview camera, which helps you see behind your car when backing up. Plus, it shows the path your vehicle will take. The seats are covered with fabric for a cosy feel. They also have layered wood trim to give them style.
The wheels on the Camry LE are pretty eye-catching, too! They are 17 inches long and painted silver. Roadside assistance is ready to help out if any trouble arises while driving. Also, let’s not forget about the steering wheel design — it feels good in your hands and adds a classy touch to this car model. The LE’s styling emphasizes elegance and sophistication, appealing to those who prefer a timeless aesthetic.
Contrastingly, the SE model aims for a sportier and more aggressive look while still offering prime comfort. You find Sport SofTex®-trimmed front seats inside it. The layered wood trim gives it a rich, high-end look. It has 18-inch black-finished alloy wheels that make it stand out on the road.
Unlike the LE model’s silver-painted wheels, these add to its sporty look. The car also provides smart control over climate with a dual-zone automatic setting. This makes any drive relaxed and cool in hot weather or warm in cold weather! With a more assertive stance and bolder design elements, the SE caters to drivers who seek a dynamic and visually striking presence on the road.
Performance and Handling Comparison
The Camry LE has a 2.5-liter inline-four engine, offering smooth acceleration and adequate power for daily driving. This engine packs plenty of power, kicking out 203 horsepower to make your drive smooth and quick.
It has front-wheel drive, which gives excellent control on the road. The car’s size is perfect for city roads and highways. Also, it saves fuel! In the city, you get about 28 miles per gallon (mpg), up to 39 mpg on open roads.
The Camry LE focuses more on fuel efficiency and smooth, comfortable driving than aggressive performance. The LE’s suspension setup prioritizes a plush ride, which makes it a great option for daily driving and long drives.
On the other hand, the Camry SE trim level offers a more dynamic driving experience with its sport-tuned suspension and paddle shifters, providing better handling and responsiveness on the road. The Camry SE comes with a strong engine.
It has a 2.5L dynamic force four-cylinder engine under its hood. This beast can pack up to 203 horsepower and a torque of 184 pound-feet. For the XSE variant, you get an even higher push at 206 hp and 186 lb-ft. Fuel use is another plus for the Camry SE; it is excellent on gas!
You can enjoy about 28 miles per gallon (mpg) when driving in the city and up to around 39 mpg on open highways. This balance between power and fuel efficiency makes it stand out among other cars in its class. Additionally, the Camry SE might offer a more potent engine option or a sport-tuned suspension for those seeking a more engaging driving experience without compromising fuel efficiency.
Differences in Handling and Driving Experience
The Camry LE is smooth on any road. In fact, it can handle rough roads better than most cars. The Camry LE prioritizes comfort, offering a nice driving experience. Its suspension is tuned for comfort, soaking up road imperfections and providing a relaxed ride quality.
The Camry LE’s handling is more standard, geared towards easy driving rather than sporty performance. It provides stable and predictable handling, suitable for daily commuting and highway driving.
On the other hand, the Camry SE gives a more fun and sporty ride. The car’s feel may change based on your driving style and what you like in a drive. The Camry SE tends to have a sport-tuned suspension, offering more responsive and agile handling. It feels more connected to the road, providing a sportier driving experience with tighter cornering capabilities.
Steering in the Camry SE may be more precise and responsive, contributing to a more engaging driving feel, especially on winding roads or during spirited driving.
Interior and Comfort Comparison
The LE’s interior design leans towards comfort and practicality. It often boasts premium cloth upholstery, power-adjustable front seats, a 7-inch touchscreen, and a suite of standard safety options such as lane departure warning and adaptive cruise control.
The Camry LE’s interior design is all about providing a comfortable and user-friendly cabin for everyday driving. In the Camry LE, you will find fabric-trimmed front seats. They are made tough and strong, yet they feel soft and cosy.
The shape of these seats hugs the body just right. You also get good back support from them. Armrests on each side give extra comfort when you drive long miles. These seats are perfect for a pleasant drive in the city or a quick trip.
On the other hand, the SE model emphasizes a sportier and more driver-centric interior. It might feature sport seats with fabric or synthetic leather upholstery, a leather-trimmed steering wheel, paddle shifters (for automatic transmissions), and additional tech options like a larger touchscreen or upgraded audio systems.
The SE’s interior aims to blend sportiness with comfort, appealing to drivers seeking a more engaging driving experience. The Toyota Camry SE trim offers sport SofTex-trimmed front seats specifically designed to provide a sportier look and feel compared to the LE trim. These front seats offer comfort and durability, thanks to the sport SofTex upholstery.
The materials used add a touch of luxury and sophistication to the interior of the Camry SE. With its sporty upholstery, choosing the seating materials for the Camry SE enhances its overall athletic appeal.
Whether you are cruising around town or going on long drives, these seating options in the Camry SE ensure you will ride in style and comfort.
Differences in Cabin Space and Comfort Features
The Toyota Camry LE and SE trims offer similar cabin space and comfort features. Both models have the same cargo space, providing 15.8 cubic feet for storage. In terms of legroom, the LE and SE trims offer 42.1 inches in the front seats and 38 inches in the rear seats.
This means that there are no significant differences between the two trims when it comes to interior dimensions and comfort amenities. However, if you’re looking for additional comfort, convenience upgrades, and tech features, you might want to consider the XLE trim of the Toyota Camry, which offers more upgrades compared to the LE or SE trim levels.
Safety Comparison
The Toyota Camry LE has many safety features to ensure the safety of the driver and the passengers on the road, including advanced airbags, a rearview camera, and Toyota Safety Sense-P. It comes standard with the Toyota cars Safety Sense P suite, which includes useful driver-assist technologies like a pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, lane departure alert with steering assist, automatic high beams, and dynamic radar cruise control.
Additionally, the Camry LE features the Star Safety System™, which provides enhanced vehicle stability control, traction control, and an anti-lock brake system. These advanced safety technologies help prevent accidents and provide peace of mind while driving.
On the other hand, the Camry SE has extra safety features to keep you and your passengers safe on the roads. One of these features is blind-spot monitoring, which alerts you if there’s a vehicle in your blind spot when changing lanes.
Another essential feature is rear cross-traffic alert, which warns you about approaching vehicles when backing out of a parking space or driveway. These additional safety features can provide peace of mind and help prevent accidents on the road.
Crash Test Ratings and Reliability
Several versions of the Toyota Camry LE and the Camry SE have undergone crash test ratings conducted by the IIHS and NHTSA. These crash safety evaluations assess how well the vehicles protect occupants during front, rear, and side-impact collisions. By considering these safety assessments, consumers can make informed decisions about vehicle safety when buying a car.
In conclusion, the Toyota Camry LE and the Camry SE are two distinct trim levels of the most popular sedan cars. The Camry LE typically appeals to buyers seeking a more conservative, comfortable, and budget-friendly option, while the Camry SE targets those interested in a sportier design and more engaging driving experience. Ultimately, choosing between the LE and SE depends on your budget and desired features.
