Is Camry SE or LE better?
Bottom line: for most buyers, the LE trim offers better value and a comfortable ride, while the SE trim provides sportier styling and sharper handling. The right pick depends on your budget and what you want from your daily driver.
Both trims share the Camry’s core strengths—reliability, a smooth four-cylinder engine in most configurations, and a strong safety package—yet they diverge in ride feel, equipment, and price. Here’s how to weigh the choice.
Key differences at a glance
The following list highlights the main areas where LE and SE diverge in price, performance, ride, and equipment.
- Price and value: LE is typically the more affordable entry point; SE costs more but adds sport-oriented hardware and styling cues.
- Performance and power: In most configurations, both LE and SE use the same 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine (about 203 horsepower) with an eight-speed automatic; a more powerful 3.5-liter V6 is available on higher trims (XLE/XSE), not on LE or SE.
- Ride and handling: SE features a sport-tuned suspension and larger wheels for crisper handling but a firmer ride; LE emphasizes comfort with a softer setup and a quieter cabin on typical roads.
- Interior and comfort: SE trims often include sport-styled seats and interior trim; LE prioritizes practicality and durability with more straightforward materials and seating.
- Technology and features: Both trims include Toyota Safety Sense as standard, but higher trims offer larger displays, premium audio, and additional convenience features depending on the year and options.
- Ownership considerations: Real-world fuel economy and reliability are similar; LE tends to cost less upfront and may carry lower insurance costs, while SE adds a premium for sportiness and appearance.
In short, if you want a comfortable daily driver with a lower price tag, the LE is usually the smarter choice. If you crave a more athletic look and a sportier feel behind the wheel, the SE is the trim to pick.
Head-to-head: specs and features
Powertrain and performance
Most Camry LE and SE models use the 2.5-liter Dynamic Force four-cylinder engine paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. Output is around 203 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque. A more powerful 3.5-liter V6 is available on higher trims like XLE and XSE, not on LE or SE. While acceleration feels similar for the 2.5L-equipped LE and SE, the SE’s sport-tuned chassis and bigger wheels can deliver a more engaging cornering experience.
Ride quality and handling
The SE’s sport-oriented suspension and larger wheel options deliver quicker steering response and more aggressive cornering behavior, at the expense of ride harshness on rough roads. The LE prioritizes comfort, providing a smoother, more forgiving ride that’s well suited to long commutes and family duties.
Interior, comfort, and features
Cargo space and everyday practicality
Ownership costs and reliability
Who should buy each trim?
Choose LE if you want maximum value, a comfortable ride, and sufficient features for daily driving. Opt for SE if you value sportier style, a more engaged driving feel, and are willing to pay a premium for those attributes.
Buying tips and test-drive guidance
To decide confidently, test-drive both trims with similar option packages that you’re considering. Pay attention to ride comfort on your usual roads, steering feel, seating support, and how you like the interior ambiance. Confirm which features are standard versus optional for your chosen year and trim, and consider whether upgrades (like a larger touchscreen or upgraded audio) are worth the extra cost for you.
Summary
Across recent model years, the Camry LE and SE deliver strong value within the midsize sedan segment. The LE stands out for comfort and affordability, while the SE appeals to buyers seeking sportier styling and sharper handling. Both share Toyota’s reliability and safety features, so the deciding factor is whether you prioritize everyday comfort and price (LE) or sportier aesthetics and driving dynamics (SE).
Is the Toyota SE faster than the LE?
The SE trim has the same engine as the LE and there are YouTuber who have shown that LE is faster than the other trims.
What do SE and LE mean on a Camry?
On a Toyota Camry, LE stands for Luxury Edition and refers to a trim with a focus on comfort and efficiency, while SE stands for Sport Edition and is a sportier trim with a focus on performance and style. The SE trim typically includes sport-tuned suspension, a more aggressive exterior design, and interior features like SofTex® and fabric seats, a leather-trimmed steering wheel, and sport pedals, which are often not found on the standard LE model.
LE (Luxury Edition)
- Focus: Comfort, efficiency, and value.
- Interior: Features a classic design with cloth seating and more basic controls.
- Exterior: Standard design with a less aggressive look.
- Driving: A more standard, comfortable ride.
SE (Sport Edition)
- Focus: Sportier performance and aggressive styling.
- Interior: Includes sportier touches such as SofTex® and fabric seats, a leather-trimmed steering wheel, sport pedals, and a power-adjustable driver's seat.
- Exterior: Features a sportier design with elements like a black sport mesh grille and other athletic styling cues.
- Driving: Comes with a sport-tuned suspension for a more dynamic driving experience.
Is Camry Le or SE better?
The Camry LE is better for prioritizing a comfortable ride, better fuel economy, and a lower price, while the Camry SE is better for those who want a sportier look and feel, including a sport-tuned suspension and more aggressive styling. The SE also has more premium interior features like a power-adjustable driver's seat and SofTex-trimmed seats. The choice depends on whether you value a smooth, efficient commute or a more engaging and stylish driving experience.
Camry LE
- Ride: Smoother and more comfortable ride due to a standard suspension.
- Fuel Economy: Slightly better EPA-estimated fuel economy (e.g., 53 city/50 hwy for the 2025 hybrid LE).
- Price: Lower starting price.
- Features: Fabric-trimmed seats and 17-inch alloy wheels.
Camry SE
- Ride: Sport-tuned suspension provides a stiffer, more responsive feel, which can be less smooth over bumps.
- Fuel Economy: Slightly lower EPA-estimated fuel economy compared to the LE.
- Price: Higher starting price.
- Features: Sportier exterior and interior, including 18-inch black wheels, a sport mesh grille, rear spoiler, and dual exhaust tips.
- Interior: Upgraded SofTex-trimmed sport seats and a leather-trimmed steering wheel with paddle shifters.
- Driver Seat: Includes an eight-way power-adjustable driver's seat with power lumbar support.
Which Camry to stay away from?
You should stay away from the 2007–2014 Toyota Camry, particularly the 2007–2011 models with the 2.4L 2AZ-FE engine due to oil consumption issues, and the 2012–2014 models that had transmission and AC problems. The 2018–2019 models also had reports of transmission issues with their 8-speed automatics.
Specific model years to avoid and why
- 2007–2011: These models, especially those with the 2.4L 4-cylinder engine, are prone to excessive oil consumption due to a design flaw in the piston rings. This can lead to serious engine damage, like rod knock, if not maintained meticulously.
- 2012–2014: These years experienced recurring problems with the automatic transmission, including slipping and torque converter issues. Owners also reported a musty smell from the AC system due to mold growth, and other issues with the AC compressor or heating.
- 2018–2019: Some of these models had problems with the 8-speed automatic transmission, leading to funky shifting.
What to consider instead
If you're looking for a reliable used Camry, focus on other model years like 2005–2006, 2015, or 2016–2017 models. You may also consider models from 2010 onwards, which had more reliable engines and safety features like standard stability control.
