Toyota’s mid-size Camry traditionally had a reputation for dependability and strong resale value, not driving fun, but a 2018 redesign infused the sedan with some personality thanks to more aggressive styling, sportier road manners and a new Nightshade Special Edition that added darkened elements to the exterior. For 2023, the Camry SE Nightshade returns carrying minor changes.
Related: Toyota Camry: Which Should You Buy, 2021 or 2022?
What Is the Camry Nightshade Special Edition?
The Camry Nightshade Special Edition — an appearance package for the mid-tier SE trim, which is why Toyota also refers to it as the SE Nightshade — adds blackened elements that hint at the trim’s sport-tuned suspension, which it shares with the XSE and performance-oriented TRD trims. The appearance package is available in gas-powered models and was added as an option for the 2022 Camry Hybrid SE.
The SE Nightshade wears a black mesh grille, which it shares with the TRD, and adds a blackened rear spoiler, mirror caps and badging. The 2023 SE Nightshade replaces the outgoing model’s 18-inch wheels with 19-inch bronze aluminum wheels and new black trim for the headlights and taillights. A new Reservoir Blue exterior paint option joins the previously available black and white exteriors.
The Camry isn’t the only Toyota vehicle that offers the Nightshade’s darkened exterior trim — the Avalon Hybrid, C-HR, Corolla and Corolla Hatchback, Prius, Sequoia and Tacoma can all be outfitted with the nocturnal theme for the 2022 model year, and the 2023 Venza will be the latest model to get the special edition come the fall.
Powertrain and Performance
Apart from the styling, the Camry SE Nightshade doesn’t stray far from the standard SE. The gas-only model features a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that makes 203 horsepower with standard front-wheel drive or 202 hp when paired with available all-wheel drive. The four-cylinder makes 184 pounds-feet of torque and is paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission.
The Camry SE Hybrid pairs the 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with two electric motors for a total of 208 system hp. All hybrid models get a continuously variable automatic transmission and FWD. EPA ratings for the Camry SE with FWD are 28/39/32 mpg city/highway/combined, AWD-equipped models get 25/34/29 mpg, and the hybrid is most efficient with 44/47/46 mpg.
Interior, Safety and Tech
Inside, the Camry SE swaps the base Camry’s fabric seats for synthetic leather power-adjustable front seats. A 7-inch center touchscreen is standard for the SE and SE Nightshade, and Android Auto, Apple CarPlay and Amazon Alexa come standard across all Camry models.
Also standard on the Camry is Toyota’s Safety Sense 2.5 Plus driver-assist suite that includes adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking and pedestrian detection, lane departure warning with lane keep assist and automatic high beams.
Price
Toyota says more details on pricing and availability for the 2023 Camry will be available later in the summer. The current 2022 Camry SE Nightshade starts at $29,110 (including a $1,025 destination charge), and the SE Hybrid Nightshade starts at $31,240. Both variants carry a $700 premium over the standard SE and SE Hybrid.
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- Life With the Toyota Camry: What Do Owners Really Think?
- 2021 Toyota Camry and Camry Hybrid Get Safety, Tech Upgrades
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