The Toyota Camry moved to its eighth generation for the 2018 model year, adopting the Toyota New Global Architecture (TNGA) and adding the option of a 301-horsepower V6. The 2019 Camry XSE V6 was the sport-focused, V6-powered version of that sedan. Toyota built the XV70 generation for model years 2018 through 2024, so the 2019 XSE V6 is a real car with documented specifications rather than a future product.
This article covers what the 2019 Camry XSE V6 actually included, from engine output and chassis dimensions to pricing and equipment, using data from Toyota, Wikipedia and independent specification databases.
Was There a 2019 Camry XSE V6?
Yes. The XSE V6 was a genuine grade in the North American Camry range. The XV70-generation Camry was introduced at the 2017 North American International Auto Show, North American production started in June 2017, and US sales began in late July 2017. Toyota listed the sedan for model years 2018 to 2024, and North American trim levels included L, LE, SE, XLE, XSE, XLE V6 and XSE V6, along with LE, SE and XLE versions of the Camry Hybrid. A TRD grade was added for the 2020 model year.
The Camry was also sold in Australia after local production ended; for related coverage of sportier Camry grades see 2019 Toyota Camry Atara R Redesign, Review.
Engine and Performance
The XSE V6 used Toyota’s 3.5-liter 2GR-FKS V6, which produced 301 horsepower at 6,600 rpm and 267 lb-ft of torque at 4,700 rpm. Power went to the front wheels through an eight-speed automatic transmission coded UA80E. The EPA rated the car at 22 mpg city and 32 mpg highway, and Edmunds lists a combined figure of 26 mpg. Edmunds measured a curb weight of 3,572 pounds for the V6 XSE.
The rest of the 2019 Camry line-up used smaller engines. A 2.5-liter four-cylinder produced 203 hp (208 hp with the available quad exhaust), and the Camry Hybrid combined a 2.5-liter four-cylinder with an electric motor for a system output of 208 hp. All versions were front-wheel drive. All-wheel drive returned to the Camry for the 2020 model year, and it was offered only with the four-cylinder engine.
Exterior and Dimensions
The 2019 Camry measured 192.7 inches long, 72.4 inches wide and 56.9 inches tall, riding on a 111.2-inch wheelbase, with 5.7 inches of ground clearance. The XSE V6 sat on 19-inch alloy wheels with 235/40R19 all-season tires and added a rear spoiler, dark exterior accents and quad exhaust outlets to distinguish it from lower trims.
Interior and Features
Inside, the XSE V6 came with leather-trimmed seats, an 8-way power driver’s seat with lumbar support, an 8-way power passenger seat, heated front seats, dual-zone automatic climate control, keyless ignition and a rearview camera. A JBL audio system with nine speakers and an 8-inch touchscreen was available. Toyota Safety Sense was standard across the range, bundling a pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, full-speed radar cruise control, lane departure warning with steering assist and automatic high beams. For 2019 the Camry added Apple CarPlay compatibility, although Android Auto was not offered.
Price and Release Date
When new, the 2019 Camry XSE V6 carried a starting MSRP of $34,850 according to Edmunds, before options such as the Driver Assist Package at $1,550 and the Navigation Package at $1,040. Cars.com noted that a fully optioned top-trim Camry could approach $40,000. The 2019 model reached dealers in the second half of 2018, one year after the redesigned 2018 Camry launched.
For more Toyota sedan coverage, see the Car Review index and the 2019 Toyota Corolla Altis Review.
Specifications at a Glance
| Specification | 2019 details |
|---|---|
| Engine | 3.5-liter V6 (2GR-FKS) |
| Power | 301 hp at 6,600 rpm |
| Torque | 267 lb-ft at 4,700 rpm |
| Transmission | 8-speed automatic |
| Drive | Front-wheel drive |
| EPA fuel economy | 22 mpg city / 32 mpg highway |
| Wheelbase | 111.2 inches |
| Length | 192.7 inches |
| Curb weight | 3,572 pounds |
| Starting MSRP | $34,850 |
Trim Walk and Buying Notes
The 2019 Camry was sold in eight main variants: L, LE, SE, XLE, XSE, XLE V6 and XSE V6, plus hybrid versions of the LE, SE and XLE. The SE and XSE grades added a sport-tuned suspension and styling touches, while the XSE V6 combined those features with the larger engine, 19-inch wheels, a panoramic glass roof with power moonroof, paddle shifters and a rear spoiler. The XLE and XLE V6 prioritized comfort equipment such as leather upholstery, heated front seats and an 8-inch touchscreen.
Because the XV70 Camry was produced for seven model years, the 2019 XSE V6 sits in the middle of the run rather than at its start or end. A used shopper should confirm which optional packages a specific car was ordered with, because the Driver Assist Package and Navigation Package were extras that affect both equipment and resale value. The 2019 model year was also the first Camry with standard Apple CarPlay, while Android Auto remained unavailable. Buyers who want the V6 should note that it was the top non-performance engine and was never offered with the all-wheel-drive system that arrived for 2020.
Compared with the rest of the 2019 Camry range, the XSE V6 traded some efficiency for performance. The 2.5-liter four-cylinder made 203 hp and the hybrid made 208 hp, both with better EPA ratings than the V6. The V6’s advantage was outright acceleration and a more relaxed feel at highway speed, at the cost of the higher fuel consumption shown in the table above. A buyer who valued efficiency over performance was better served by the four-cylinder or the hybrid, while anyone who wanted the most powerful non-TRD Camry chose the XSE V6.
The XSE V6 also came with the sportier chassis settings that Toyota applied to the SE and XSE grades, which sharpened steering and body control relative to the comfort-oriented XLE. Combined with the 19-inch wheels and the V6, that made the XSE V6 the enthusiast’s choice within the mainstream Camry line-up of its time.
