Toyota Camry SE vs. XSE: What's The Difference?

in Model Info and Features

When researching Toyota Camry trim options, you'll see options like the SE or the XSE. Here's the difference between these two vehicles.

White Toyota Camry XSE
Source: Flickr

The Toyota Camry is an iconic mid-size car, serving as one of the most popular commuter vehicles on the market. If you decide to make the Toyota Camry yours, you must select a trim level. You’ll find several options. Two of the most popular are the SE and XSE selections. What are some of the most significant differences between the Toyota Camry SE and XSE?

While they have some of the same letters and some similarities, the Toyota Camry SE and XSE are far from the same machine. One trim level is more expensive than the other. That’s for a reason. Keep reading to understand the most significant separation between the iconic Toyota Camry SE and XSE and determine which is worth putting your money on for the long term.

Toyota Camry SE Vs. XSE: What’s the Difference?

The difference between the Toyota Camry SE and XSE is the trim level, which influences every other detail. The XSE is a higher trim level that costs more, but that doesn’t mean you get more bang for your buck. There are differences in performance, interior features, price points, and more. Let’s dive into some of the most significant. 


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Performance and Handling: Tie

Of course, performance is an area that matters, especially for those who have places to be when they get behind the wheel. Luckily, if performance is a significant consideration in your vehicle investment, you will find the same performance ability in the Toyota Camry SE and XSE.

The following details come in both trim levels, according to iseecars.com:

  • 2.5-liter, inline four-cylinder system
  • Continuously variable transmission
  • Standard FWD and available AWD

Other information about the performance isn’t yet available.

Those worried about getting the best possible for their engine and car’s system can relax in this category. Whichever car you go within the argument in the Toyota Camry SE vs. XSE, you will access a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with an inline system, CVT, and standard FWD with the option to upgrade to AWD.

Interior Features and Styling: Toyota Camry XSE

Since the Toyota Camry XSE is the more expensive and high-class trim when considering the Toyota Camry SE vs. XSE, there are more features you will find standard. These add to the comfort of the driver and passengers without adding more to the bill than you already paid on the front end.

Here are the features the Toyota Camry XSE offers standard that the Toyota Camry SE does not:

  • Heated seats
  • Heated steering wheel
  • Navigation system

These make for a much easier ride.

On top of that, the Toyota Camry XSE comes with available features you have no chance of accessing in the SE. With the XSE, you can add parking sensors, cooling/ventilated seats, and a sunroof/moonroof to your design.

The interior sizing of these trims is the same, so there are no worries about one conquering the other. Both trim levels offer standard interior and styling features like bench seats, Bluetooth, roadside assistance, satellite radio, keyless ignition, leather upholstery, voice recognition, wireless charging assistance, and more. 


TOYOTA CAMRY TOP SPEED

If you’re interested in speed, you might wonder - how fast is the vehicle? What does the Toyota Camry top speed look like on the road?


Exterior: Tie

When looking at the exterior of the car, there’s another tie. These vehicles have the same outside measurements and the same standard features that might impact the exterior appearance of the Camry choices.

Here are the specifications you’ll find in each machine:

  • Width: 72.4 inches
  • Height: 56.9 inches
  • Length: 193.5 inches
  • Wheelbase: 111.2 inches
  • Ground clearance: 5.4 inches

These are the same with either car, although the XSE is slightly heavier than the SE selection.

The cars also come with standard selections like alloy wheels, which will provide a significant appearance on the road. There aren’t any other updates past that point.

If you care about what your vehicle looks like, you won’t find any noticeable differences between the Toyota Camry SE and the XSE. If anything, the Toyota Camry SE has outside details like a sport mesh grille insert that might make it stand out, but that’s about it.

Price Point: Toyota Camry SE

One of the most popular considerations with the Toyota Camry SE vs XSE is the price point. Some want to invest in the cheapest car possible, while others simply want to get the most bang for their buck.

In this category, the winner is the Toyota Camry SE. This system has a price that ranges from $32,000-$37,000, with a starting price somewhere around $30,000. There are ample standard features that come with this system at a decent price point.

On the other hand, the Toyota Camry XSE has a price point that ranges from $37,000-$43,000. It’s more expensive and doesn’t seem to have enough features to balance out the high cost.


DO TOYOTA CAMRYS HOLD THEIR VALUE?

For shoppers contemplating new or used Camry ownership, a natural question arises. Do Toyota Camrys hold their value?


Infotainment and Technology: Toyota Camry XSE

Technology is another helpful item to consider, and this is where the XSE shines. It has a few items you won’t find in the other selection. 

The Toyota Camry XSE has the following pieces of tech that are available, and the SE doesn’t have them even as a choice:

  • 360-degree camera
  • Driver attention monitoring
  • Parking sensors

These aren’t a choice for those who invest in the Toyota Camry SE.

If you care about these features, the Toyota Camry XSE is well worth it. You won’t even have access to the Toyota Camry SE.

Which Vehicle Is the Winner?

We’ve gone over significant details surrounding the Toyota Camry SE vs XSE. They are both powerhouses of vehicles with ample features and a solid driving experience. Now, there remains one final question - which of these cars is worth the investment?

Although the Toyota Camry XSE is more advanced and has a higher trim level, we recommend the Toyota Camry SE. It matches the Toyota Camry XSE in most departments and is available at a much lower price point. Although you’ll miss out on a few optional upgrades, you’ll get the same features. Go for the Camry SE for a practical ownership time.



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