A significant key to the Toyota Camry’s continued success is that way in which Toyota outfits the car, and the choices available to an increasingly demanding American consumer. That variety continues with the 2007 version, as Camry shoppers can choose between the base CE trim, the mid-range LE trim with a four- or six-cylinder engine, a sporty SE model, or the top-tier XLE model. For the first time, the Camry will also be available with a hybrid powertrain, a major development in Toyota’s continuing drive to sprinkle Hybrid Synergy Drive throughout its vehicle lineup and a natural extension of the successful Prius. Prices for the 2007 Camry were not available at press time, but Toyota representative say that stickers will stay about the same as the outgoing model.

All trims are admirably equipped and offer a strong value, such as side-impact and side-curtain airbags standard on all models. The CE, for example, offers value with a competitive list of standard features and an improved powertrain that features a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine mated to a five-speed manual transmission or a five-speed automatic transmission. The base Camry rides on 16-inch wheels and has four-wheel-disc brakes. Standard equipment on the 2007 Toyota Camry CE includes automatic headlamps, a tilt and telescopic steering wheel with audio controls, and a six-speaker stereo with a CD player and an auxiliary audio jack. Other standard features include dual color-keyed power outside mirrors, power door locks, power mirrors, and cruise control. In addition to side-impact and side-curtain airbags, the Camry is also fitted with a driver knee airbag. Camry CE models get a nice fabric interior, a manually-adjustable six-way driver’s seat, and a 60/40 rear split seat. Options for the Camry CE include Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) and Traction Control (TRAC).

That’s a nicely outfitted car – but choices expand a bit more when you get to the LE and SE models. First, the powertrain grows up, with the addition of an optional 3.5-liter V6 engine and a new six-speed automatic transmission. The Camry LE adds remote keyless entry and an eight-way power adjustable driver’s seat to the Camry CE’s standard feature list. Options on the LE include a JBL premium sound system with an in-dash CD changer, eight speakers and Bluetooth capability; a power moonroof, VSC, and TRAC.

The SE model, otherwise known as the “sporty” Camry, offers buyers standard features such as a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, sport fabric seat and door trim, metallic-style interior trim, a black sport grille, a re-tuned suspension, fog lamps, a subtle body kit, and 17-inch alloy wheels. The SE model has a fixed rear seat with center pass-through; a folding seat would weaken structural rigidity and thus affect the handling that Camry engineers wanted for the SE version. Options for the SE include leather trim and heated seats (with leather package).

Those shopping the 2007 Camry XLE will find standard features that include 16-inch alloy wheels; heated outside mirrors; an eight-speaker stereo with an in-dash six-disc CD changer, an MP3 player, and Bluetooth capability; dual-zone automatic climate control with pollen filter; rear climate vents; and Toyota’s new Plasmacluster technology, which eliminates airborne nasties. Other standard features include a driver’s auto up/down power window (all other trims get driver down functionality), a leather-wrapped steering wheel with auxiliary audio and climate controls, a power moonroof, an eight-way power driver’s seat, a four-way power passenger’s seat, fog lamps, a manually retractable rear window sunshade, and a 40/20/40 split reclining rear seat. Options include a navigation system, VSC and TRAC, push-button start and entry with the V6 powertrain, heated front seats, and the JBL premium stereo. With some of the upgrades, the XLE treads onto Avalon territory; indeed, a near-luxury sedan buyer would do well to seriously consider a well-appointed 2007 Camry XLE. All Camrys come with Toyota’s basic limited warranty coverage of three years or 36,000 miles comprehensive, five years or 60,000 miles powertrain, and five years and unlimited mileage corrosion protection.