DecodedCars2021 Toyota Camry
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2021 models.
- Class
- Midsize Cars
- Body styles
- 4dr Sedan Le, 4dr Sedan Se/Xse/Xle, 4dr Sedan Xse V6/Xle V6, Hybrid 4dr Sedan Le
- Engines
- 2.5L 4-cyl, 3.5L 6-cyl
- Horsepower
- 176–206 hp
- Transmission
- 8-speed automatic, CVT
- Drivetrain
- Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
- Seats
- 5
- Fuel
- Hybrid, Regular Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 52 combined · 51 city / 53 hwy
- Length
- 192.5 in
- Curb weight
- 3,296–3,549 lb
- NHTSA rating
- ★★★★★
- Recalls
- 1 campaign
Pros & cons
What's good
- Excellent fuel economyUp to 52 MPG combined — 90% better than the average 2021 midsize car (27.4 MPG).
- Hybrid version availableOffered as a hybrid as well as gas.
- AWD / 4WD available
- 5-star NHTSA safety ratingTop overall score in federal crash tests.
Watch out for
- Modest powerUp to 206 hp, versus about 260 hp for similar 2021 models.
- Many owner complaints165 complaints filed with NHTSA versus about 31 for similar models — most often about the air bags.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 26 similar 2021 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2021 Toyota Camry is a midsize car offered with 2 engines (2.5L 4-cyl and 3.5L 6-cyl), including a hybrid version and front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive.
It measures about 193 inches long and 72 inches wide on a 111-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 3,296 lb (4dr Sedan Le).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 52 MPG combined (51 city / 53 highway), 90% better than the 2021 midsize car average of 27.4 MPG, for an estimated $1,300 a year in fuel.
In NHTSA crash testing it earned the top 5-star overall rating.
It has 1 recall campaign on file and owners have filed 165 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the air bags.
What changed for 2021
No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2020 Camry — a carry-over year in the data.
Compared with 2020; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2020 Camry →
Trims, performance & features
Trims
Safety & driver-assist features
Built in: Georgetown, Kentucky
NHTSA vPIC, as reported by the manufacturer for 5 2021 Camry configurations; may not list every trim. How we calculate this →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4dr Sedan Le | 192.5 in | 72 in | 58.3 in | 111.4 in | 61.8 / 62.2 in | 3,296 lb | 60/40 |
| 4dr Sedan Se/Xse/Xle | 192.5 in | 72 in | 58.3 in | 111.4 in | 61.8 / 62.2 in | 3,351 lb | 60/40 |
| 4dr Sedan Xse V6/Xle V6 | 192.5 in | 72 in | 58.3 in | 111.4 in | 61.8 / 62.2 in | 3,549 lb | 60/40 |
| Hybrid 4dr Sedan Le | 192.5 in | 72 in | 58.3 in | 111.4 in | 61.8 / 62.2 in | 3,472 lb | 59/41 |
| Hybrid 4dr Sedan Se/Xle | 192.5 in | 72 in | 58.3 in | 111.4 in | 61.8 / 62.2 in | 3,549 lb | 59/41 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Camry Hybrid LE Hybrid | 2.5L 4-cyl | Automatic (AV-S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 51 / 53 / 52 | +90% | $1,300 | 170 |
| Camry Hybrid SE/XLE/XSE Hybrid | 2.5L 4-cyl | Automatic (AV-S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 44 / 47 / 46 | +68% | $1,450 | 195 |
| Camry LE/SE | 2.5L 4-cyl | Automatic (S8) | Front-Wheel Drive | 28 / 39 / 32 | +17% | $2,100 | 279 |
| Camry XLE/XSE | 2.5L 4-cyl | Automatic (S8) | Front-Wheel Drive | 27 / 38 / 31 | +13% | $2,150 | 284 |
| Camry AWD LE/SE | 2.5L 4-cyl | Automatic (S8) | All-Wheel Drive | 25 / 34 / 29 | +6% | $2,300 | 309 |
| Camry AWD XLE/XSE | 2.5L 4-cyl | Automatic (S8) | All-Wheel Drive | 25 / 34 / 28 | +2% | $2,400 | 315 |
| Camry | 3.5L 6-cyl | Automatic (S8) | Front-Wheel Drive | 22 / 33 / 26 | -5% | $2,600 | 338 |
| Camry XSE | 3.5L 6-cyl | Automatic (S8) | Front-Wheel Drive | 22 / 32 / 26 | -5% | $2,600 | 345 |
| Camry TRD | 3.5L 6-cyl | Automatic (S8) | Front-Wheel Drive | 22 / 31 / 25 | -9% | $2,700 | 354 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2021 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Driver / passenger | Side | Side pole | Rollover | Rollover risk |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 Toyota CAMRY 4 DR AWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 5★ / 5★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 9.9% |
| 2021 Toyota CAMRY 4 DR FWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 5★ / 5★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 9.9% |
Similar 2021 midsize cars
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 Toyota Camry (this car) | 52 MPG | ★★★★★ | 1 |
| 2021 Toyota Corolla | 52 MPG | ★★★★★ | 1 |
| 2021 Ford Mustang | 25 MPG | ★★★★★ | 6 |
| 2021 Honda Accord | 48 MPG | ★★★★★ | 4 |
| 2021 Chevrolet Camaro | 25 MPG | ★★★★★ | 4 |
| 2021 Nissan GT-R | 18 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
| 2021 Dodge Charger | 23 MPG | ★★★★★ | 2 |
Recalls (1)
Air Bags › Sensor › Occupant Classification · Dec 20, 2023
NHTSA campaign 23V865000 · 999,901 vehicles
- Problem
- Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Avalon, Avalon Hybrid, Corolla, Highlander, Highlander Hybrid, RAV4, RAV4 Hybrid, Lexus ES350, Lexus RX350, Lexus RX450H, 2021 Sienna Hybrid, Lexus ES250, 2020-2022 Camry, Camry Hybrid, and ES300H vehicles. A short circuit may develop in the Occupant Classification System (OCS) sensor, preventing the front passenger air bag from deploying.
- Risk
- An air bag that does not deploy during a crash increases the risk of injury.
- Fix
- Dealers will inspect and replace the sensor as necessary, free of charge. Interim letters notifying owners of the safety risk were mailed in February 2024. Some final remedy owner letters were mailed October 31, 2024. Letters will continue to be mailed in phases through January 2026. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's number for this recall is 23TB15/23TA15 Lexus 23LB03/23LA03.
Not every 2021 Toyota Camry is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2021 Toyota Camry buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 1 recall this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Air Bags — 86 owner reports. Confirm the airbag warning light turns off after start-up and any airbag recall was completed.
- Service Brakes — 13 owner reports. Brake firmly from speed; check for pulling, pulsing pedal or ABS warning light.
- Power Train — 12 owner reports. Test-drive through all gears, including reverse; note slipping, harsh or delayed shifts.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 21,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Hybrid system. Check for hybrid-system warning lights and ask whether the high-voltage battery has been replaced or is still under warranty.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2021 Toyota Camry. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other Camry years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 Camry | 51 | 193.7 in | Not rated | 3 | 144 |
| 2025 Camry | 51 | 193.7 in | Not rated | 6 | 173 |
| 2024 Camry | 52 | 192.5 in | ★★★★★ | 1 | 52 |
| 2023 Camry | 52 | 192.5 in | ★★★★★ | 2 | 66 |
| 2022 Camry | 52 | 192.5 in | ★★★★★ | 1 | 65 |
| 2020 Camry | 52 | 192.5 in | ★★★★★ | 3 | 284 |
| 2019 Camry | 52 | 192.5 in | ★★★★★ | 7 | 411 |
| 2018 Camry | 52 | 192.5 in | ★★★★★ | 8 | 779 |
| 2017 Camry | 40 | 190.9 in | ★★★★★ | 3 | 153 |
| 2016 Camry | 40 | 190.9 in | Not rated | 3 | 189 |
| 2015 Camry | 40 | 190.9 in | Not rated | 1 | 285 |
| 2014 Camry | 40 | 189.4 in | Not rated | 3 | 432 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Toyota. How we calculate this →