2024 Camry XSE V6, 6 months in: 6 things we love, 6 things we don’t!

Hey y’all! We're coming up on 6 months of ownership with our 2024 Camry XSE V6, the VERY LAST Camry V6 that Toyota will ever make, and so let's talk about 6 things we love and 6 things we don't. Further, because the 2025 Camry is a refresh and not a completely new generation, production is rumored to switch over far earlier than normal for a new model year and 2025 Camrys are expected to hit dealers in the next couple months. So we are really in the last few months that you may be able to get one of these amazing V6 sedans before they go away forever!
CHAPTERS:
00:00 Introduction
01:53 LIKE #1: The styling of the 8th gen Camry
04:39 LIKE #2: The LEGENDARY 2GR V6 engine
07:17 LIKE #3: The drive & dynamics of the 2GR V6
13:54 LIKE #4: The material quality, fit, and finish
15:15 LIKE #5: The SUPER effective heated & cooled seats
16:54 LIKE #6: The perfect paradox
20:03 DISLIKE #1: The outdated & low-res displays
22:07 DISLIKE #2: The oddly firm sport seats
23:43 DISLIKE #3: The (longtime) lack of all wheel drive
25:25 DISLIKE #4: The lackluster JBL sound system
27:16 DISLIKE #5: The terrible Turanza stock tires
29:58 DISLIKE #6: The fact that this is it for the Camry V6

[@TEQLC]

You guys own the last V6 Camry, and the last V8 GX 460. What a great feeling that must be. ;). There's a lot of trouble free miles in your future. :)

[@joshjamescars]

Yes!! That is the hope!! I’m rather sad to say there’s nothing in the current lineup that I’m even remotely interested in so our current cars are going to have to last for a long, long time. 😂

[@RobBevilacqua]

That "PUNCH IT" at 0:15 was incredible, specifically the lip thing she did lol

[@joshjamescars]

Right!? Legend. 😂

[@phizix5023]

After years of the XSE V6 being slightly out of my reach for one reason or another and having to settle for the 4 cylinder versions, I finally got my XSE V6 tonight. Just in the nick of time. It's everything so far that I imagined it would be. Coming from the 4cylinder that was loud, always felt rough, and having to rev the crap out of it to keep it going or just getting it moving, this V6 is a dream. Just cruising around for a while when I left the lot with it, your description is perfect. Insanely quiet, buttery smooth, and effortless acceleration even on light throttle. I also feel the same sentiment about this generation. I've always loved Toyotas. My first ever car was a 1986 MR2. For years though, their designs were just really bland. The first time I saw this generation I did a double take with how good it looked and then my jaw dropped when I realized it was a Camry. This is now my third version of this generation and I still look back at it every time I walk away. The new generation about to release feels like they went overboard. Don't really like the styling in the front and rear. Especially the headlight and taillight design. The pattern the rear taillights make at night in this gen just looks so good and unique versus the more simple design they're about to switch to. I got the Wind Chill Pearl with red interior and all the bells and whistles.

[@joshjamescars]

Congratulations on the new car!!! It’s an absolutely incredible machine and I agree with everything you say here! We had a Camry hybrid from earlier in the generation and I agree-the four cylinders are fine but nothing compared to the V6. Here’s hoping it brings you decades of wonderful driving!

[@user-nv8eo4fc2n]

Congratulations. I've had mine for 6 weeks. Absolutely love it. The wind chill pearl color with the cockpit red interior is a great color combination

[@ashwalk781]

Yes!!! I just got one this past Tuesday and I am in love 🩵🩵

[@joshjamescars]

@ashwalk781 Congratulations!!! It’s an amazing car and I hope it brings you many years of great driving!

[@phizix5023]

@@ashwalk781 congrats!!!!

[@jeff01922]

That is one sharp looking car!

[@seanh2390]

thanks for the very interesting video!

[@joshjamescars]

Thanks as always for watching!!

[@lukex1337]

Doing the deep dive on wether to get the Camry or Accord. Thank you for the review!

[@joshjamescars]

I love the Camry but I think if you’re not getting the V6, I’d probably go with the Accord.

[@jaberoujourney]

I have a 2022 in the same color/Spec and agree all your points....but a $40K vehicle should have memory seats imo.

[@joshjamescars]

Oh yes, completely agree! And it’s a weird omission here because I think the top spec Rav and Venza which are around the same price have them.

[@k24wkevin]

A legendary engine. Port and direct injection, no need for cylinder deactivation and timing chain driven. With proper maintenance and an eye on timing cover leaks, it will be a dream to own.

[@joshjamescars]

Yes!! Thats the hope!

[@LANDIIIIIOFIIIIIFIRE]

Great video, thanks. Found a TRD V6 trim starting from 32K.

[@joshjamescars]

Awesome!! Yes, discounts are plentiful on the V6 Camrys.

[@metalcrazier]

All That Remains \m/ Nice haha! I have a 2022 Camry Hybrid XSE in Ice Edge color about 32600 miles. Such a nice car!

[@joshjamescars]

Great choice!! Ice Edge is beautiful. I think for 24 or at least with the V6 you can’t get Ice edge with the red interior.

[@Trisglen]

This review renewed my appreciation for my 2018 XSE V6. Been wanting to get a new Toyota hybrid, but I think I’ll hold off for now. I agree with all your likes and dislikes. 6 years later, and I still get compliments from people. They’re surprised it’s a Camry. And yes, I find the front seats too hard as well that I had to buy a cushion and the JBL is ok at best. Another dislike for me, is the someone “tinny” feeling doors when they close, especially if the windows are down. One potential red flag is the reliability of the panoramic sunroof. I hear a lot of owners having problems and are spending $8-$10k to get it repaired.

[@joshjamescars]

That’s awesome!! Toyotas hybrids are absolutely fantastic, so if you decided to go that way you can’t really go wrong. But there’s nothing like this old V6. If you wanted to replace your car and wouldn’t mind another one, you could also go for a brand new 24 Camry V6 and drive that for the next 6 years too! Also, I think they have fixed the tinny sounding/feeling doors because ours definitely don’t feel that way, though I remember our previous Camry hybrid feeling that way too.

[@Trisglen]

@@joshjamescarsyes might be due to being a first model year. But overall, very happy with the Camry. Keep up the great reviews. Looking to upgrade to the Crown Signia Limited. Hope to see your review when it comes out. Thank you.

[@justahumbledude]

And here's an update to my adventure. I got my 2024 Camry XSE v6 about two weeks ago. I love it! Unfortunately, one week in and a rock chip put two small marks in my driver side door. Got it taken care of but it's super frustrating. I chose the bi-color supersonic red with black and black interior. I almost changed it to match your color and decor. It literally has everything except for heated steering wheel. The interface on the screen is outdated, but I already knew that. I don't care we don't have bluetooth connectivity, because if you buy a data plan for he car you can't do both at the same time - figured that out on my RAV4. Averaging 28mpg which is only 3pmg behind my v4. Your dislikes match mine, and I knew that going in knowing the next year model was going to address them. Life is about compromises, and I did this knowingly and willingly. Very happy, even with the new videos on the 25 XSE out. I hate the new honeycomb front grill. IMO our model looks better aesthetically. They are definitely putting more into the base models now, and I am curious to see how "punchy" the new hybrid is, but I'll never regret this purchase.

[@joshjamescars]

Hello and congrats on the Camry! Check out my Paint Protection Film video (linked at the end of the comment). I hate rock chips with a passion and so PPF is something we always do with cars that we love and intend to keep around for a while. The Camry gets daily driven but is still in pristine condition because of it. In regard to the Bluetooth, you do have Bluetooth and wired Apple CarPlay, and absolutely don’t need a data plan for the vehicle. Absolutely agreed with everything else you say here and having had a Camry hybrid in the past, it’s good, but nothing like the V6. ;) Here’s the PPF video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/i3a2gYhnlKipsMksi=mhVWNmU1RuXt1X4q

[@justahumbledude]

@@joshjamescars Ironically I was already looking into PPF as I've heard a lot of mis-information. I'm not sure what's up with me and Camry rocks...my 19 Camry got a rock to the windshield. I was referring to Bluetooth Wirelress Carplay--does the 24 have that?

[@lisaw5003]

Hi Josh, Great video, your first video about the 2024 Camry xse v6 is the reason I bought mine. Exact same trim and color. And I love it. My question is have you had your windows tinted and if so what are your recs. Thanks!

[@joshjamescars]

Thank you! And how cool that we have the same car! So glad I could play a part in that for you! And yes, the dealer here tints all their cars since we live here on the surface of the sun, LOL. I’d recommend finding a good detail shop that does 3M ceramic tint and you can decide how dark you want to go!

[@trdrav4]

Folks that buy Camry SEs are like "I want all LEDs" and they end up spending as much on headlight & taillight assemblies and what not when they should've just bought the XSE to start with.

[@joshjamescars]

Right! Exactly and then they still are missing all the other things. Same with the Camry TRD.

[@trdrav4]

@@joshjamescars I think if they offered the TRD with an option package that also included the nicer interior trim and things like a moonroof, there would be a decent take rate as well. The Canadian TRD has a moonroof standard. (Not having one is a deal breaker for me lol)

[@RCexplained]

Great Video. I was hoping for a 2024 V6 but the local Dealership (ON, CANADA) said the XSE and TRD are done. Settled for the lowest mileage V6 which happened to be a 2018, ah well. Now I'm looking for a Hybrid Highlander or RAV4 Prime for the wife. Have an order for XLE Highlander but its been almost 11 months already.

[@joshjamescars]

Oh no! This is the first I’m hearing of that, thanks for the info. I knew it was only a matter of months, but I thought it would be a little longer before the V6 was officially finished.

[@jiselle5402]

Love this breakdown. When do you think production will officially stop for this vehicle? I keep hearing different answers.

[@joshjamescars]

Thank you! From what viewers have told me, it seems production may have already ended. I’ve had four or five folks in the last few weeks tell me that dealers have told them that whatever they have in inventory or inbound is all they’re getting. Which I’d believe since the 25s are arriving at dealers and in people’s driveways.

[@gianniclaud]

LOL at the TX shade! I feel the same way! It’s the most uninspiring design I’ve seen from Lexus in recent years.

[@joshjamescars]

It’s so bland and dumpy! I’d rather have a loaded Grand Highlander and have saved some money.

[@jacksquat1265]

I’ve been looking to buy the new 2025 Camry as a second car and I think Toyota going full hybrid across all trims is a step in the right direction. That said, that v6 engine will be surely missed. It will outlive all of us. Great informative video! There’s just something about the humble Camry that you can’t get in any of its competitors.

[@joshjamescars]

I completely agree at it being the right decision given what most people buy a Camry for. Plus, it’ll keep the resale on ours high. 😅

[@danielbarton2440]

I bought a 2024 Camry TRD in underground with the JBL audio package. I ordered it a couple months ahead of time. Shoutout to Brandon at Fred Anderson Toyota in Ashville

[@joshjamescars]

Congrats! I didn’t realize the TRD had gotten underground as a color, that must look fantastic.

[@mercboy111]

Agreed on all counts my friend 😊 Bravo 👏 My mum has two XV50’s with the 2GR. We only use Liquimoly for their oil changes and Shell V Power 95 for petrol requirements 😊 On your sound system would you swap over your JBL for a Pioneer system?

[@joshjamescars]

Wow!! That’s a great car that you all have two of! That was a great generation too. And on the sound system note, I personally wouldn’t just because I wouldn’t want to take the entire car apart and end up with squeaks and rattles as a result of some AV shop installing a new sound system, LOL!

[@mercboy111]

@@joshjamescars haha fair enough bro. Yes thank you for that. I discouraged mum from buying the new XV70’s here in SEA because they only come in the A25 and 2AR hybrid and regular four pot respectively. Plus the new Camrys don’t come with Panasonic’s Nanoe ion filter which she needs coz she’s asthmatic. And going back, no replacement for displacement.

[@ahmedsi]

I just wish that display was not creeping up like a tower. I liked the display nicely placed in the 2020 model.

[@joshjamescars]

Me too. I have honestly toyed with the idea of trying to swap the center stack for the pre-facelift model but it would probably cost more than it would be worth.

[@baronvonjo1929]

My mom owns a XLE V6 2016. I know it's a different gen but my biggest issues with it were the low roof line and low ground clearance. I suspect it's the same here. The Camry is very limited when the roads get bad or when you try to leave them. Also we had this gen as a rental once. The back seats having sensors for seat belts and beeping when no one was sitting there was very annoying. Sedans just kinda feel style over practicality these days. I know my mom wants to go back to a crossover or SUV.

[@joshjamescars]

That’s totally fair, everyone should buy what they like and or what they need. Personally I wouldn’t have bought a Camry if I intended to leave the road, LOL. We have three cars, two of which are SUVs with 4WD and so that allowed us to also have a style-centric sedan without compromising on practicality. Also, you can kill the rear seat minder in the gauge cluster menus, though it is a good feature to have for parents with kids.

[@baronvonjo1929]

@@joshjamescars We don't really go off road at all and the car was just a easy option at the time. It's mostly the bad roads. Just a few more inches would make it a perfectly fine commuters for every thing thrown at it

[@Kinkabi]

This 2GR V6 engine is in a Lotus Evora. Just supercharged. I wish we could get that in the camry. XSE or TRD.

[@joshjamescars]

Wouldn’t that be amazing!? And it sounds so good in the Evora too. Although, I think the Evora used the older port-injected 2GR-FE and not the FKS. In either case, such a great engine.

[@cuivincent9744]

It does felt wired the XSE trim won't have AWD for V6, but it has on V4.

[@joshjamescars]

Toyota has said that it’s because the expense to add AWD to the V6 wouldn’t have been worth it because only around 5% of Camry sales are the V6. Though I’ve always been skeptical of that because more than half of all ES sales are the V6 and it never got AWD with the V6 either.

[@cuivincent9744]

@@joshjamescars Thanks for your sharing, lots of v6 Sedan only offer FWD. I guess they make strategy to avoid conflict their primier model like crown or maxima or Q50, the accord won't offer AWD as well. For AWD, only Altima insist to compete with camry

[@user-nv8eo4fc2n]

What was the Michelin tire replacement you mentioned in the video vs. the Bridgestone Turanza tire that is the OEM on the Camry XSE V6?

[@johnjames7712]

He mentioned Michelin Pilot Sport AS4

[@joshjamescars]

Hello! Yes, that’s what we are looking at, but most Michelin tires are great. Cross Climates would be great too if you live someplace where there is inclement weather.

[@seanh2390]

if you are interested in the michelin cross climates, make sure you get the cross climate 2 (it is the latest iteration)

[@user-nv8eo4fc2n]

@@seanh2390 thank you 😊

[@SABMONEY215]

Where did you get your V6 emblem?. I ordered one from Amazon a few months ago and it was just an overlay V6. Nothing forward to clamp on too

[@joshjamescars]

Hello! It’s the OEM emblem that was used on the older generations of Highlander V6, but also looks great on this Camry. Search for part number: 75443-35040 or 75444-48090. Not sure what the difference is but they look the same.

[@SABMONEY215]

Thanks you so so much 😊

[@johnr9528]

Just put a deposit today on V6 XSE 40,658 MSRP, they sold it for $37,150. Very nice deep blue with grey interior. The thing is , I think they would have sold it for another $500 off, but I don’t have killer negotiating instinct.

[@joshjamescars]

Congrats!! If you haven’t actually signed the papers yet, there’s still time! Go in, say hey this is great could you do another $500 off (or if you’re trading, negotiate the value of that up by $500-$1,000) and done! :)

[@johnr9528]

@@joshjamescars papers not signed. I had the power position and I gave it back. But, I don’t have to have this car, but their numbers are dwindling and everyone is now turbo or hybrid.

[@joshjamescars]

Oh then you still have time! Never hurts to ask, the worst thing they can say is no. But, they’ll want to move it since most people buying Camrys don’t care about engines. And even if not, at $37,150 is a great deal considering how much cars cost these days. And it’s worth buying the V6, trust me.

[@johnr9528]

@@joshjamescars I’ll see if I can get the rear USB ports as an inexpensive option added. BTW. Excellent reviews. Your 6 things you like best Camry, I loved that “75”. MPH test on the Interstate. 😎

[@joelthorne7434]

My Japan-built Corolla is awesome and very impressive.

[@joshjamescars]

You know how much I love the Japan built Corolla and Prius! ;)

[@Ken-vl4wk]

One of the best looking sedan Toyota ever made is the 2007 Crown Athlete in my opinion. Ps: All That Remains !!!

[@CarGeek360]

You should add an IS500 to the fleet, it’d make the ultimate Toyota/Lexus garage

[@joshjamescars]

Love the IS500, but I don’t think it would ever get driven since we have the Camry and Rav Prime. My GX is 9 months old and only has 2,400 miles on it because it doesn’t get daily driven. We don’t need two garage cars that just sit around. 😅

[@CarGeek360]

@@joshjamescars fair enough lol

[@Saintvinicio]

You have all the 6 things I hate but if I had to add 1 more it would be the inside ceiling color, the grey is very random for me everything is black and red I feel as if they top should’ve been a darker tone grey or just black

[@joshjamescars]

The gray headliner is because it’s at its core it’s a Toyota economy car. Most of their models from that time have that basic gray headliner. Personally I don’t mind it because when the moonroof is closed, a black headliner can make the car feel Reilly claustrophobic. HOWEVER, on cars without the moonroof I agree it looks terrible.

[@wonderboy1998]

Since you a Toyota buyer, you never considered asking your dealership to borrow their Crown so that you can do a comparison with your Camry

[@joshjamescars]

Haha! Actually, our dealer also rents out cars too thru the Toyota rental car program and I’ve thought about renting out a Crown to try out! Just haven’t found the time to do that yet. But it’s on the list!

[@wonderboy1998]

@@joshjamescars Ill be here don worry...Cause ... I know its bout to be good

[@nibbleboosm949]

Does the v6 come with awd?

[@joshjamescars]

No, that’s discussed in the video.

[@brentpodshow]

2025 Toyota Camry hybrid is out how soon before you two are trading it in? It looks real nice but no V6.

[@joshjamescars]

Not happening, LOL. We’ve actually been there and done that with a 2018. It was a great car, but most definitely an appliance. And I really don’t like the looks of the new Camry.

[@brentpodshow]

All the KZbin car reviewers/influencers are going gaga over the 2025 Camry. But I guess that’s their job. They act like it’s the 2nd coming. LOL

[@johnjames7712]

@@brentpodshowOne particular KZbinr that shall not be named, was doing a review of the new Camry and said “the V6 is gone but I’m not sad about that, because this hybrid is pretty similar” like what?! There is a vastly significant difference between a 4 cylinder engine and a 300hp V6. It’s their job to hype up the vehicles, otherwise they risk not being able to get press vehicles or be invited to launch events.

[@joshjamescars]

@brentpodshow I think you hit the nail on the head. Their job is to hype Toyota and their products. They’re flown out to these events and put up in luxury hotels in exchange for creating what is essentially ad content for the manufacturers. The days of Brian Cooley and John Davis, actual journalists, are long gone.

[@brentpodshow]

@@joshjamescars I still love watching MotorWeek on PBS. Long live John Davis and I do miss Brian on CNET.

[@bmcneil112]

🥳🎉

[@BAMFRS]

I don't do anything illegal but you can hit 115mph and not realize you're going that fast.

[@Mo-qb5fb]

why did you get the 2024 camry xse v6 vs a lexus es 350 same engine but more luxury in a lexus

[@joshjamescars]

Great question! First, we already have the GX460 which has the Lexus luxury. And then second, the Camry V6 is way more rare (only about 5% of Camrys are sold with the V6 and even fewer are the XSE) so that will help with resale if we decided to sell later on. ES350s are a dime a dozen where we live and the only super desirable ESs on the pre owned market are the Ultra Luxury trim which would be around $55K to buy in the first place.

[@jeffreyerickson6766]

The local Toyota is asking $41,000 for the V6 Camry, is that a good price Josh?

[@haroldsantos2526]

If you shop around you can get a discount although i think there's no more v6 or maybe very few available since Toyota is pushing more the 4cyl and some hybrids of this gen until the new 2025 comes out this summer

[@joshjamescars]

@haroldsantos2526 that’s not true, there are still many brand new V6s out there since production hasn’t ended on the 24 model year yet. It’s not until production flips over to 25 that the V6 will go away.

[@joshjamescars]

@jeffreyerickson6766 I think $38-$40 MSRP is the ideal price for a fully loaded Camry XSE V6 like ours but you can get lower spec V6s as low as $32-34 with the TRD or a little more for an base XSE or XLE V6

[@jeffreyerickson6766]

The vehicle in question is fully larded up with stuff I don't need like door sill enhancements, etc.

[@joshjamescars]

@jeffreyerickson6766 Ah that’s rather annoying. Ours has all of that and was still discounted by $4K, though. I would say take whatever the MSRP is and a good deal would be anything between $3-5K off of that.

[@wonderboy1998]

Josh: Oh my ma gah, this is scary Min 11:17 : 🏎 🏎 vrum vrum Josh: should we open one more time....I think we can 🏎🏎 vrum vrum. Love it. Nothing like driving a car that you like.

[@joshjamescars]

Hahaha!! The car’s governed speed is in the mid-130s I think and it has no trouble getting there but then the lack of confidence in the stock tires comes into play, LOL! Maybe when we upgrade the tires. And again, I really wish there was AWD here so you could really push the car around.

[@AllyG-ig4yv]

Dislikes-Low res display, gas cap, two of the exhaust pipes are fake, Turanza tires.

[@joshjamescars]

The exhaust pipes are “real” as in gas can travel thru them, they’re just Y tips where the outer two are branches of the main pipe. Look underneath the car and you’ll see the pipes

[@Rissybear]

Awesome video as always.. you are so informative! I definitely agree with all your points having had a 22 Camry😊 You look like you’re having so much fun driving, like me in my GTS lol 😂 I did a couple of short videos but nothing to your level of professional videos still playing around on KZbin. Rissy kzbin.infogf4ZZFG0NCM?si=Elq9hLhJgtSNuDwT

[@joshjamescars]

Omg I LOVE the new handle!!! I saw it and was like wait is that Rissy? And then I read the comment. 😂 I’m so glad you’re enjoying your GTS!!! And saving the link, can’t wait to watch!! ❤️❤️❤️

[@Rissybear]

@@joshjamescars lol 😂 thank you.. I thought it was fun since owning a Porsche is expensive. I am just starting out with short videos lol Too scared to speak just yet. Look forward to your next video ❤️