For decades, the Toyota Camry has been a household name in the midsize sedan category, consistently earning top marks for reliability, value, and practicality. By 2023, Toyota sharpened the formula further, ensuring the Camry wasn’t just a dependable commuter but also a refined daily driver. The XLE trim is positioned as the more luxurious side of the lineup, focusing on comfort, upscale styling, and a smooth driving experience.
Here’s an in-depth look at what the 2023 Toyota Camry XLE brings to the table.
Powertrain and Performance
The 2023 Camry XLE comes standard with Toyota’s familiar 2.5-liter Dynamic Force 4-cylinder engine, producing 203 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque, paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. Front-wheel drive is standard, but all-wheel drive is available for those who want extra security in adverse weather conditions.
For buyers craving more power, the Camry XLE also offers an optional 3.5-liter V6. That engine bumps output to 301 horsepower and 267 lb-ft of torque, making the Camry one of the more athletic sedans in its class when properly equipped. The V6 transforms the driving character, providing quicker acceleration and more confidence on the highway.
Fuel economy is competitive. The 4-cylinder XLE returns an estimated 27 mpg city, 38 mpg highway, and 31 mpg combined, while the V6 achieves 22 mpg city, 33 mpg highway, and 26 mpg combined.
Ride and Handling
Toyota tuned the XLE trim to prioritize comfort over sportiness, setting it apart from the Camry SE or XSE. The suspension is softer, absorbing bumps gracefully, and the cabin remains quiet at highway speeds. Steering is light and predictable, making the sedan easy to maneuver in urban traffic or tight parking lots.
For most buyers, the Camry XLE strikes the right balance: a confident commuter that delivers composure on longer road trips without sacrificing everyday comfort.
Exterior Styling
The 2023 Camry XLE embraces an elegant design theme, distinguishing itself from sportier trims with chrome accents and a more conservative fascia. Key highlights include:
- 18-inch multi-spoke alloy wheels (unique to XLE)
- LED headlights and taillights with auto on/off function
- A refined front grille with chrome detailing
- Power-adjustable heated side mirrors
- Optional panoramic glass roof
The result is a midsize sedan that leans upscale and professional — ideal for families and business commuters alike.
Interior Comfort and Space
Inside, the XLE continues its focus on refinement. Soft-touch materials, contrasting stitching, and wood-grain style accents create a near-luxury ambiance. The seating is among the most supportive in the segment, with the driver’s chair offering 8-way power adjustability (and memory settings if equipped with the package). Both front seats are heated and ventilated on higher XLE configurations, while rear passengers enjoy spacious accommodations.
The Camry XLE provides:
- 38 inches of rear legroom, enough for tall passengers to stretch out
- 15.1 cubic feet of trunk space, with split-folding rear seats for larger items
- Dual-zone automatic climate control with air-filtering
Toyota designed the XLE to be comfortable for long hauls as well as local errands, giving it an edge over sportier trims that sacrifice ride quality.
Technology and Infotainment
The Camry XLE benefits from Toyota’s latest Entune 3.0 infotainment system, displayed on a 9-inch touchscreen mounted in the center stack. Standard features include:
- Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™
- Amazon Alexa integration
- Wi-Fi Connect capability
- Bluetooth streaming
- Six-speaker audio system
Buyers can also upgrade to the available JBL® premium audio system with nine speakers, delivering richer sound quality. A 10-inch color Head-Up Display (HUD) and 7-inch multi-information display (MID) are also available, further enhancing the driver-focused technology.
Wireless phone charging and multiple USB ports are standard in the XLE, ensuring connectivity for all occupants.
Safety and Driver Assistance
Safety has always been a Toyota hallmark, and the 2023 Camry XLE includes the latest Toyota Safety Sense™ 2.5+ (TSS 2.5+) suite as standard. This package equips the sedan with:
- Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection
- Dynamic Radar Cruise Control (full-speed range)
- Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist
- Lane Tracing Assist
- Road Sign Assist
- Automatic High Beams
Additional safety features standard on the XLE include Blind Spot Monitoring with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert and a backup camera with dynamic gridlines. Available upgrades such as 360-degree Bird’s Eye View Camera and Front/Rear Parking Assist with Automatic Braking take safety even further.
The 2023 Camry earned top crash-test results, including a 5-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA and an IIHS Top Safety Pick+ designation, underscoring its reputation as a family-friendly sedan.
Key Features Unique to the XLE
Compared to the lower LE trim, the XLE brings a long list of upscale features that elevate daily driving:
- Standard 18-inch alloy wheels (vs. 17-inch on LE)
- SofTex® or leather-trimmed upholstery
- Power-adjustable front seats with heating
- Larger 9-inch touchscreen (vs. 7-inch on LE)
- Full suite of TSS 2.5+ driver assistance
- Optional V6 engine not available on LE
The Camry XLE is positioned as the comfort-oriented model, making it the perfect alternative to the sport-tuned SE or XSE.
Competitor Comparison
Here’s how the 2023 Toyota Camry XLE stacks up against two popular midsize sedans:
| Feature | 2023 Toyota Camry XLE | 2023 Honda Accord EX-L | 2023 Nissan Altima SL |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 2.5L I4 (203 hp) or 3.5L V6 (301 hp) | 1.5L Turbo I4 (192 hp) | 2.5L I4 (188 hp) |
| Transmission | 8-speed automatic | CVT | CVT |
| Drivetrain | FWD / AWD available | FWD only | FWD / AWD available |
| Fuel Economy (I4) | 27/38/31 mpg | 29/37/32 mpg | 27/39/32 mpg |
| Safety Rating | 5-Star NHTSA / TSP+ | 5-Star NHTSA / TSP+ | 5-Star NHTSA |
| Trunk Space | 15.1 cu ft | 16.7 cu ft | 15.4 cu ft |
| MSRP (USD) | ~$28,000 (base XLE) | ~$29,600 | ~$31,000 |
This comparison highlights the Camry XLE’s strong balance between value, performance, and safety. The optional V6 gives Toyota a performance edge that few rivals can match.
Pricing and Value
In 2023, the Toyota Camry XLE started at around $28,000 USD (approx. $37,500 CAD) with the 4-cylinder, while the V6 model stretched closer to $35,000 USD ($47,000 CAD).
Given Toyota’s reputation for durability and high resale value, the Camry XLE remains one of the smartest long-term buys in the midsize sedan market. It appeals to buyers seeking near-luxury comfort without paying luxury-brand premiums.
Final Thoughts
The 2023 Toyota Camry XLE takes everything people love about the Camry — reliability, efficiency, practicality — and adds a healthy dose of comfort and refinement. With a plush interior, a smooth and quiet ride, advanced safety tech, and the option of a powerful V6, the XLE stands as a well-rounded sedan that caters to both families and professionals.
For anyone seeking a midsize car that balances dependability with upscale touches, the 2023 Camry XLE proves why the Camry name continues to dominate driveways across North America.
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