Personally if you have 35,000 to spend on a camry I would move up to a Avalon. But that's just me. getting the v6 is going to determine what your buying the car for. I use mine as a commuter car and mostly drive by myself or 1 passenger. I don't need 270HP for that. the 4clynder has 170hp having the a/c doesnt effect it much.

 

Acceleration is fine all times of the year with the 4 cylinder. It's not going to rip your face off with insane acceleration, but it's "adequate" and nothing more. If you live in a very hilly area or frequently drive in the mountains, get the V6. The transmissions run low RPM on the highway for MPG and the I4 downshifts 1-2 gears constantly for hills.

Both are very smooth engines, but the I4 has an annoying tendency to idle too low and vibrate a lot with AC running, and it's a little gruff sounding when worked.

 

my 2013 le has never had any idle vibration. Infact with the windows up and ac on i cant hear or feel the engine running. I think cars with that issue have a motor mount going out.

 

If a motor mount goes out at 20,000 miles, that's the crappiest motor mount I've ever seen. Feels like the car just isn't bumping the idle speed as it should with an AC compressor load.

 

The V-6 is a waste of money and HP IMO and 35K for a Camry (no matter what kind of Camry) is just ridiculous.: even a V-6 XLE is still a mid size grocery getter vanilla family car. Unless you live in the middle of nowhere you wont be able to use all that power and as many V-6 Camry/Lexus owners I know they all averaging low 20's in DFW area and my buddy in San Francisco getting even less.
Now, if you really have to have 270 HP under your hood and ready to spend 35K, get a CPO or used ES350: the ES350 is much nicer looking, has much much nicer interior and better resale and much more comfortable, but that's just my opinion.
Back to the I-4: unless you floor the I-4 you want feel any difference between AC on and off. The 2.5 mated to 6AT makes more than enough power for an everyday driving and even merging on freeways. It's not a rocket by any means, but will go if you step on it. I'm not a conservative driver and was never obsessed with MPG, but I'm still averaging 24-25 and can hit high 30's on HWY easily. My personal record is 45.1 MPG per on-board comp.
p.s. check your PM.

 

The V-6 is a waste of money and HP IMO and 35K for a Camry (no matter what kind of Camry) is just ridiculous.: even a V-6 XLE is still a mid size grocery getter vanilla family car. Unless you live in the middle of nowhere you wont be able to use all that power and as many V-6 Camry/Lexus owners I know they all averaging low 20's in DFW area and my buddy in San Francisco getting even less.
Now, if you really have to have 270 HP under your hood and ready to spend 35K, get a CPO or used ES350: the ES350 is much nicer looking, has much much nicer interior and better resale and much more comfortable.
Back to the I-4: unless you floor the I-4 you want feel any difference between AC on and off. The 2.5 mated to 6AT makes more than enough power for an everyday driving and even merging on freeways. It's not a rocket by any means, but will go if you step on it. I'm not a conservative driver and was never obsessed with MPG, but I'm still averaging 24-25 and can hit high 30's on HWY easily. My personal record is 45.1 MPG per on-board comp.
p.s. check your PM.

I'm in DFW too. Currently driving a fully loaded HL Limited so just want to know more about this I-4 and how current owner say about that. Since majority of u are suggesting the I-4 and think it's more than enough for regular driving. I probably just gonna get the I-4.

 

bought a 2015 XLE 4-cyl mid-Aug; wife's daily driver. she is very picky; previous had a 6-cyl Maxima. she loves the Camry 4-cyl; plenty of pick-up and great gas mileage (low 30's) in stop'n'go traffic on the highway. she would say something if the power was not good enough. bought a pretty well loaded 2015 XLE for around $28k out the door. I would say go with the 4-cyl with the 6-speed auto.

you should take the 4-cyl on a lengthy test drive in mixed traffic. then you will know if it is for you.

 

Good to know. I am driving a V6 HL so going for a I-4 did concern me a little. Seeing your wife is satisfy about her ride it gives me comfort to get that I-4 now. I think the 2016 XLE I'm getting probably cost around 29K out the door. Don't think it's that bad. Now I might also get that tech package too .... Which I haven't even think about that before.

 

^ check your PM.

 

of stop n' go LA traffic everyday and managing avg. 28 MPG each week. I get 32 mpg on the highway.

That's 2MPG more than EPA's average and I doubt their testing included stop and go traffic. How much traffic? How much HWY? 32 on an open HWY- easy, 28 average in stop and go traffic.... well, some say Anna Nicole Smith married for love...

 

Yea I have the I4 2015 Camry & get around 20mpg in the city stop & go traffic.

IMO 28mpg w/ stop & go city driving is impossible on a V6 regardless of how conservative one drives.

 

2015 Toyota Camry XLE V6 here ... Paid $36,800 Canadian for my car ... not sure how much in USD

If you do alot of traveling, I'd get the V6. If you're just going short distance or don't care much for power 4 Cylinder is good for basic get around.

I came from a 2.4L '13 Kia Optima [using as a comparison] .... drove it for 2 years 9 months before trading it in for the '15 Camry XLE V6

With the Camry, I don't have to floor it like I did with Optima *BUT* ... the Optima has the power to drive around town and cruise

 

I ordered the 6 because only 3 mpg difference and you have more oompf. Car suppose to be delivered tomorrow. 2016 Camry XLE all options.

 

Congrats, now be prepared for the v6 haters...

 

I had the 15' SE I4...great commuter and perfect appliance vehicle. If u like vanilla, that is the way to go.

However, I got quickly bored of it and traded it in 2 months in for XSE V6. Positives: Never have to worry about merging or passing, and always look forward to freeway onramps. Negatives: my leadfoot makes me get around 19-20mpg in most city traffic, otherwise no regrets whatsoever (even after losing $2.5k in the process).

 

If I could have afforded the V6, I would have TOTALLY gone for it but my bank account wouldn't have forgiven me

Although am no NASCAR racer, I do enjoy hitting the gas pedal from time to time & do a good bit of HWY passing & merging. IMO the 4-Cyl just doesn't cut it. There is a clear lag btw hitting the gas pedal & actually taking off when trying pass other drivers on the HWY.

My next car will definitely be a V6. But it MUST be a RWD as IMO a V6 + FWD = 24/7 torque steer.

 

Get the v6. Four cylinders are underpowered, noisy and only get a few more mpg's as they are working too hard when trying to merge onto a freeway or passing another vehicle. It is an expensive upgrade though, but you get what you pay for. If you're use to a v6 it's very difficult to be happy with the four.

 

I agree. The V6 is a great engine which gives you all of the power you could ask for on demand. For me, one of the biggest advantages of the 6 is that it gives you a greater margin of safety for getting out of a tight or potentially dangerous spot when things can happen very suddenly. Hit the gas peddle and you're gone. The added power also is very useful when you have to get on freeway ramp, especially if it's fairly short or uphill. There are too many clowns who, if they see you about to merge into the right lane from the ramp, will actually speed up because they think that they get ahead of you before you are actually in the lane. Well, the last jackass who tried that with me was left flatfooted when I hit the gas and he quickly became a small image in my rear view mirror. The V6 just gives more you that extra jump that can be handy or critical.

 

I had driven Camry SE's with the 4 cylinder as rentals a few times and was surprised by how much pickup they had. Loaded down with 4 American-sized adults it seemed a bit strained, but was still no slouch. They all seemed to get me about 32MPG in highway driving and 30 combined.

I was driving a 2014 Corolla after a major rear-end impact repair. A dealer had a loaded 2015 XSE V6 with an MSRP of 34,500 on special for 30,000 because it had been on the lot for a while. I had the income and credit to support it so I went, traded in the Corolla, and drove off in the Camry. I haven't regretted it for a second. With a bit of a lively right foot I've been averaging 30 on pure highway (in the hilly northeast) and 27.2 overall. Not a huge difference from the 4 cylinder, but if you're stretching yourself it could make a difference over time, especially when gas prices go back up.

Aside from the initial higher price and lower fuel economy, maintenance will run you more for the V6 over time. It takes over 5 quarts of oil, so you'll get charged a bit extra after the Toyota Care runs out with each oil change (or have to buy more oil if you do it yourself). It's also more labor intensive to change the rear bank of spark plugs when the time comes. I'm sure most other jobs will either take a bit more materials and labor as well.

If you feel you can afford it go ahead and get yourself the V6. You'll love that engine. But if you feel you can't, or just want to save some $$ overall, there's nothing wrong with the 4 cylinder at all.

 

I would have purchased an I4 but the missing muffler in the rear diffuser cutout is as gay looking as two boys ....?

Unlike the 6th gen Camry SE (2010-2011) where no telltale difference was present, the 2015 -2016 V6's assclown the the 4 bangers in style and functionality.

 

I have the 2014.5 Camry SE V6. The car handles well in the mountains. Gets great gas mileage on the highway and way better gas mileage than my Tundra in the city. Gas is cheap. The rated miles per gallon between the 14 and V6 is negligible to me. I was not looking for a car strictly for commuting. I wanted a car that I could drive, have decent power, and still get great mileage, and be fun to drive.

I had a 2009 XLE V6 and the straight line acceleration will spank many cars in its class. The suspension was soft. I looked for a low mileage Camry SE V6 in great condition and found one. The suspension in the mountains is great.

In the end, are you looking for strictly utilitarian transportation, or do you want something that is fun to drive. I do not remember the I4 owners describing their cars as fun to drive, just adequate. Paid less than $20,000 w/o TTT. Got the rest of the factory warranty and 7yr, 100,000mile powertrain warranty. So you can find a certified preowned and save $10-12,000, have the rest of the warranty and an extended powertrain warranty that lasts longer than if you bought new. My car in my opinion is brand new on the outside, inside, ride, and smell inside.

 

I have the 2014.5 Camry SE V6. I looked for a low mileage Camry SE V6 in great condition and found one.
Paid less than $20,000 w/o TTT. Got the rest of the factory warranty and 7yr, 100,000mile powertrain warranty. So you can find a certified preowned and save $10-12,000, have the rest of the warranty and an extended powertrain warranty that lasts longer than if you bought new. My car in my opinion is brand new on the outside, inside, ride, and smell inside.

Congrads on a car. It's a great car for a great price, but your case confirms that the V-6 has a shitty resale and that's why buying a brand new V-6 is less than wise IMO.

 

I haven't read through the other replies but I'll give you my insight. I have a 2015 I4 Camry XSE and I love it. No torque steer problems; I noticed some in the V6 I tested. Even with the A/C on, I don't have problems with acceleration. I do a lot of city driving and the acceleration has been adequate everywhere I've driven. The ONLY place I have a small problem is merging on short ramps onto the interstate; you have to punch it with the A/C on or drop some gears with the paddle shifter to get peak torque.

That being said, the V6 is a great car! If you don't mind spending the money, then it's a no brainer in my opinion. But for me, as a daily driver, the I4 is more than enough. My only gripe is that the torque peaks @ 4000 RPM. I kind of wish that was around 2500-3000 instead.

Good luck!

 

The ONLY place I have a small problem is merging on short ramps onto the interstate; you have to punch it with the A/C on or drop some gears with the paddle shifter to get peak torque.

My only gripe is that the torque peaks @ 4000 RPM. I kind of wish that was around 2500-3000 instead

@DTStephs, I forgot to mention a key point about the I4 that @Snapptastic observantly brought up.

Due to the "throttle lag" I speak of earlier, on the HWY (and sometimes in city driving) I have to down shift a gear using the paddle shifters (I feel so cool when I do this ) to pass other drivers & then upshift prior to getting to redline.

Also, the lag I speak off as Snapptastic brings up is due to the high RPM torque peak. Again, if ur a very conservative driver, this might not affect you.

 

Agreed. I think all of the "sporty" aspects should be found on the SE trim, which means a V6 option. The XSE should only add creature comforts and slight suspension tweaks to differentiate it from the SE. But I think I'd still be in an I4 XSE regardless; I chose the trim, not the engine.

Don't start throwing around accounting terms here S_T, it might be too much for some to handle!

 

All I wanted was a 2013 le with the upgraded radio but no I had to get everything else. so I declined.

 

I owned an older Maxima, IS350 and my other ride is a 528 and I see very little sport in SE and XSE-V6 and see no need in such engine in a FWD Camry. Yes it's pretty quick at 0 to a gas station and can handle corners a bit better than an average family sedan, but it's very nose heavy, thirsty and pretty undesirable on the second hand market. Someone getting 28 MPG on a 3.5 Camry? Most likely he lives in a small "one intersection and two stop signs" town and doing a lot of highway driving, because even if one drives the V-6 like an old lady on her way to church, he wont get more than 20 MPG in a city compared to my TCH's 37-38 MPG.
Per advise of my good friend that owns a 2012 LE on 17" wheels/tires I put 17" wheels on my TCH too and I was very impressed with how my pretty heavy car handles now and even close to 40 PSI tire pressure doesn't take away much from LE's suspension and doesn't add any noise, compare to the 2013 SE-V6 that was uncomfortably bumpy, stiff and noisy on factory wheels and tires.
I got my TCH after I got very disappointed with 2013 Accord Sport CVT and in my mind I was buying an appliance for my work related driving and was not expecting much from it, but after I replaced my stock 16" wheels it turned into a pretty capable ride with more than adequate power and acceleration. The stock brakes suck, but with 90 extra HP under the hood they would suck even more, but besides brakes there is nothing wrong with my hybrid or my friend's 2.5 Camry and they both are pretty cable around the city and can deliver plenty of driving pleasure and fun.
Just because I'm getting paid for the mileage and actually making money on my hybrid I would get another hybrid even despite the fact that in my opinion the 2015 body is ugly and the interior is as plain and cheap as never before, but I'm not interested in a 4 door FWD V-6 Camry unless I can get it dirt cheap, for a few grand less than a hybrid LE.
If OP is still on the market and doing at least 30-40% of his driving in a city, I would strongly recommend to consider and get a hybrid.

 

I owned an older Maxima, IS350 and my other ride is a 528 and I see very little sport in SE and XSE-V6 and see no need in such engine in a FWD Camry. Yes it's pretty quick at 0 to a gas station and can handle corners a bit better than an average family sedan, but it's very nose heavy, thirsty and pretty undesirable on the second hand market. Someone getting 28 MPG on a 3.5 Camry? Most likely he lives in a small "one intersection and two stop signs" town and doing a lot of highway driving, because even if one drives the V-6 like an old lady on her way to church, he wont get more than 20 MPG in a city compared to my TCH's 37-38 MPG.

Glad to know my lifetime average of 28-29mpg is a figment of my imagination. Or maybe my odometer is optimistic and the meter on every fuel pump I use is giving me more gas than I am paying for. I'm glad your Hybrid gets good city mileage, it should. But to claim it's thirsty is wrong, if people drive it carefully I would say getting around 25-26mpg on 50/50 mixed is the norm. But then I rarely rev over 2.5k unless really needed, and I never have issues keeping up with traffic. Best tank ever of about 70/30 highway was 32mpg, I've never taken it on a road trip to see pure highway

I just love how on this forum the model/year of Camry the person posting has is always the best ever, while everyone else's is a stupid/cheap/overpriced piece of crap. The V6 is great for people who want more power and do lots of highway driving and with a little careful driving gets solid MPGs. The I4 is a better option for people in the city, who don't need/want the extra power, and want a good value. If you do enough city driving to make up the Hybrid's premium of the gas models in terms of savings, it's the perfect option then. Watching people split hairs on material quality and driving characteristics then treat the differences like canyons to justify their opinion is absurd. I don't need to try to justify my purchase by putting down everything else.

 

Thank you all for your honest opinions and some car 101 which I definitely do not know before reading all these. So today I went to test drive the I-4 & V6! Oh gesss. So glad I did that. Because if I didn't I will punch myself in the face when I get the car (I did not even consider a test drive until today). Therefore the final verdict is .... V6!!!

Well the I-4 is just fine but as other had pointed out it need to work harder to merge .... Doesn't feel like I'm in danger or something even though it's not as fast as the passing car. I can definitely see it can get the regular city drive just fine but if I want more, then the I-4 might not seems to be for me. The V6 definitely feel more powerful and the ride is smoother to me. I don't know what am I thinking when I decided to get the I-4 and got all excited. Btw I am driving a V6 now. U guys probably think I'm crazy asking about the I-4.

 

Glad to hear it! I think you'll be incredibly happy with your purchase; the V6 Camry is one of the most fun midsize sedans to drive on the market. I'm glad you actually test drove the cars instead of listening to the biases and prejudices of people on this forum. I have an I4 XSE but I don't feel the need to promote that trim/engine in order to justify my purchase. I'm extremely happy with what I bought and you should be too!

Congratulations!

 

I have the 2015 V6 XSE and my car averages 9.8 L/100 km. That's a healthy mix of city stop-go, and highway driving. I absolutely do not regret the V6. I used to have a Subaru WRX STi and this thing is WAY better in the fuel economy department. Also, I paid 31k out the door.

 

Truthfully, these arguments about the I4 and V6 and the MPG that they achieve are getting increasingly pointless. The two engines have been around for a long time and the pros and cons of each are well known. Bottom line: if the I4 is your preference because of the additional sales cost of the V6, the increased MPG, you don't feel that the V6 is a good "bang for buck" deal or whatever, good for you. Nobody should knock your choice. If you prefer the V6 for it's power, speed and overall smoothness and you accept the fact that you will get a lower MPG result than the I4, great. You decided that the extra cost of the V6 and the increased fuel cost was worth it you. Nobody should criticize your choice either. The Camry has always been a solid performer with an excellent reliability track record so whichever model you bought, enjoy.

 

The original post was to ask for opinions on the I4 and V6. I stated why I bought the V6 and others posted why they bought the I4. Some decided to take the opinions personal. That being said, a test drive of both vehicles was done and a decision was made. I do not believe many people have done such a test drive of both versions. I think most of us were already decided on the version of Camry we wanted, sought out that version, test drove the vehicle and bought as a result of our impression of the vehicle.

 

Wendel, that's how some people on this board are. Don't let it get you down.

 

...some "the bold new" owners are just too thin-skinned and way too sensitive to other ppl's opinions...

 

One item that may have been overlooked. No one is complaining about their V6 torque converter on the '12+ Camry's.

 

I am in a small town in Florida. Drive carefully, watch traffic, and usually drive in the early morning or late afternoon avoiding as much traffic as possible. I am averaging 29.9 mpg. It would be less if I drove more in the day when traffic was heavy and all the traffic lights were timed to stop the constant flow of traffic. I am careful on the gas normally, and enjoy the occasional burst of power from the v6. I try to take routes with less lights.