Straight to its USP — the powertrain. The Camry, though powered by a 178bhp 2.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine, it’s a self-charging hybrid car and comes paired with a 120bhp permanent magnet synchronous motor. This helps it put out a combined power output of 218bhp and it comes mated to an automatic gearbox (CVT). It’s a very silent car, so much so that the engine couldn’t be heard inside, especially with the blower on in this sweltering heat. Nonetheless, it’s fairly silent and refined, and you won’t instantly realise if it’s running on electric power or not.

And since we are speaking of the highway, passengers are going to be very comfortable with its pliant ride. Even at slow speeds for that matter. Also, while most crossover buyers today dream and boast of going on an off-road adventure, a lot end up using it within the confines of the city. But when it comes to doing cross-state runs, the Camry won’t face major issues in taking diversions. We never felt nervous while taking the numerous speed-breakers in its stride on the way to Karjat and back. And never did it scrape its under-belly, not even once. But you will have to be careful and can’t just glide over rough sections given its low overhangs. Yet, there’s good suspension movement and it does absorb the undulations pretty well. However, here the wider contact patch and slimmer sidewalls of the 235/45 R18 sized Bridgestone tyres add to some noise.

The interior is slightly tweaked with the highlight being a larger floating 9.0-inch infotainment screen, which replaces the previous integrated 8.0-inch screen. Look closely, and you’ll notice that the AC vents have been repositioned below the display. Then, there’s a new trim finish for the dashboard, centre console, and even armrests, adding to the appeal. The quality of materials used is good, but the design still looks dated. High riding vehicles and SUVs have spoilt everyone as these cars are easier to get into and out of. On the other hand, the low stance of the sedans means the elderly find them difficult to access, like the Camry.

The Camry is pretty well-equipped for a single fully-loaded trim. Its touchscreen infotainment system is paired to a nine-speaker JBL audio system, supports Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity, and gets improved software. There’s cruise control, a reverse camera, an electric sunroof, a wireless charging pad, and even a head-up display. Moreover, there are powered and ventilated front seats with a memory function for the driver’s seat, power-reclining rear seats, powered sunshades for rear passengers, and many more luxurious features. Still, compared to the competition, it should have had some high-end feel-good features, like a 360-camera. Meanwhile, the safety equipment includes nine airbags, ABS with EBD, ESP, etc., all that one can expect from a car in its class.

The Toyota Camry Hybrid with its spacious cabin, features, efficiency, refinement, and overall ease of driving can still stand up strong against the new-age SUVs storming the market. Yes, it might not literally stand as tall and won’t smother bad roads. But then, it’s a sedan with great seats, is quiet, stable, and comfortable to drive at highway speeds, making itself a perfect grand-touring vehicle. It has the capability to reduce fatigue over a very long drive and then also has a good safety margin overall. Then, the Hybrid tech helps reduce the carbon footprint and even betters the driving range. It’s in fact, a torch-bearer for the last few luxury sedans that can be recommended to anyone.