It is loud. Honestly, if you are looking for a library on wheels, the 2022 Toyota Camry LE isn't going to give you that Lexus-level silence. You’ll hear the 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine buzzing when you merge onto the highway. You’ll hear the wind whistling past the A-pillars at 70 mph. But here is the thing: nobody buys an LE because they want a sensory deprivation tank. They buy it because they want a car that refuses to die.
The 2022 model year was interesting for the Camry. We were coming out of a global supply chain nightmare, and suddenly, "basic" became "premium" because you could actually find one on a lot. The LE is the entry-point. The base. The "rental car special," as some snobs call it. But after spending a lot of time looking at repair data from sites like CarComplaints and Consumer Reports, it’s clear that this specific trim is basically the sweet spot of modern reliability. It doesn't have the complicated adaptive dampers of the TRD or the complex hybrid battery cooling systems—though the hybrid LE is a different beast entirely. It’s just a car.
The 2022 Toyota Camry LE is actually better than the fancy trims
Most people think "entry-level" means "stripper model." In the past, that was true. You’d get crank windows and a radio that looked like a calculator. Not here. The 2022 Toyota Camry LE came standard with Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+. That’s a huge deal. You get pedestrian detection, lane departure alerts, and that adaptive cruise control that actually works in stop-and-go traffic.
Why do I say it’s better than the XLE or the XSE?
Tires. It sounds stupid, right? But the LE sits on 17-inch wheels with plenty of sidewall. The fancy XSE has those 19-inch thin-profile tires that look cool but feel every single pothole in the road. I’ve seen so many owners complain about blown tires or cracked rims on the higher trims. The LE? It just soaks up the bumps. It’s the "dad shoes" of the car world—not fashionable, but your knees won't hurt at the end of the day.
Inside, the fabric seats are actually quite durable. Toyota uses a high-grade cloth that doesn't hold onto heat like the "SofTex" synthetic leather does in the summer. If you live in Arizona or Florida, you know the pain of sitting on black faux-leather after the car has been baking in a 110-degree parking lot. The cloth in the LE is a savior.
The engine that just won't quit
Under the hood is the A25A-FKS. That’s the engine code for the 2.5-liter Dynamic Force four-cylinder. It puts out about 203 horsepower. It’s not fast. It’s not going to win any drag races against a Tesla or even a V6 Honda Accord. But it uses a very clever D-4S dual-injection system.
Basically, it uses both port and direct injection.
🔗 Read more: Finding the Right Word That Starts With AJ for Games and Everyday Writing
Why should you care? Because direct-injection-only engines often suffer from carbon buildup on the intake valves. It’s a messy, expensive problem that plagues a lot of modern European and American cars. By keeping the port injectors, Toyota ensures the valves stay clean. This is why you see these cars hitting 200,000 miles without breaking a sweat. It is engineered for the long haul, not just the lease term.
What most people get wrong about the 2022 interior
I hear this a lot: "The interior feels cheap."
Okay, look. If you touch the lower door panels, yeah, it's hard plastic. If you poke the underside of the dashboard, it’s not soft. But where your elbows rest? Soft. Where you grab the steering wheel? Solid. Toyota put the money where you actually interact with the car.
The 7-inch touchscreen is a bit small by 2026 standards, sure. It looks a little bit like a tablet glued to the dash. But it has Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. It just works. You don’t have to dive through five menus to turn down the air conditioning because—bless the engineers—there are actual physical buttons and knobs. You can change the temperature without taking your eyes off the road. That is a luxury that's disappearing.
One weird quirk: the folding rear seats. In the LE, they fold down in a 60/40 split, but the opening isn't massive. If you're trying to fit a mountain bike back there, it’s going to be a struggle. A RAV4 is obviously better for that, but the Camry has a surprisingly deep trunk. I’ve seen people fit four full-sized suitcases in there. It’s deceptive.
Real-world fuel economy vs. the sticker
The EPA says the 2022 Toyota Camry LE gets around 28 city and 39 highway.
In the real world? It depends on how you lead-foot it. On long interstate hauls, I’ve seen drivers pull 42 mpg without even trying. That’s hybrid territory from ten years ago. In heavy city traffic, though, that number drops fast. The stop-start system is okay, but it’s a little jarring when the engine kicks back over. Some people hate it and turn it off every time they get in the car. Honestly, I don't blame them. It’s not the smoothest transition in the world.
💡 You might also like: Is there actually a legal age to stay home alone? What parents need to know
Common gripes and the "Transmission Hesitation"
No car is perfect. If a reviewer tells you a Camry is flawless, they are lying to you. The eight-speed automatic transmission in the 2022 model can be... indecisive.
Sometimes, when you’re rolling at a low speed and then step on the gas to make a turn, there’s a half-second delay. It’s like the car is asking, "Are you sure? Do you really want to go?" It’s a fuel-saving tactic programmed into the ECU. You get used to it, or you put the car in "Sport" mode, which helps a little, but it’s definitely a thing.
Also, the paint. Toyota's "Super White" has had some peeling issues on older models. While the 2022 seems better so far, the water-based paints used today are thin. If you do a lot of highway driving, expect some rock chips on the hood. It’s worth getting a clear bra (PPF) on the front bumper if you want it to stay pretty for a decade.
Safety ratings and the "Why"
The IIHS gave this car a Top Safety Pick+ rating. That’s the highest they give. In the side-impact test—which they made harder recently—the Camry holds up remarkably well. If you’re putting your kids in the back or using this as a commuter, that's the peace of mind you're paying for.
It’s also surprisingly agile for a big sedan. It uses a MacPherson strut front suspension and a multi-link rear. Most budget cars use a cheap torsion beam in the back, which makes the car bounce around over mid-corner bumps. The Camry stays planted. It’s not a sports car, but it doesn’t feel like a boat either. It’s precise.
The ownership reality: What to check before buying used
If you’re looking at a used 2022 Toyota Camry LE right now, there are three things you absolutely have to check.
First, the battery. The OEM batteries Toyota used around this time were hit or miss. A lot of them died prematurely within two years. If the car is still on its original battery, have it tested.
📖 Related: The Long Haired Russian Cat Explained: Why the Siberian is Basically a Living Legend
Second, check the cabin air filter. It sounds minor, but the Camry's AC system can develop a "musty" smell if that filter isn't changed regularly. It’s a $20 fix you can do yourself in thirty seconds.
Third, look at the service records for oil changes. Toyota says every 10,000 miles. Most mechanics who want these engines to last 300,000 miles say every 5,000 miles. If you find one that had its oil changed every 5k, buy it. That owner cared.
Is it better than an Altima or a Malibu?
Yes.
I’m being blunt, but the resale value alone makes the Camry a better financial decision. A 2022 Camry LE will hold its value significantly better than a Nissan Altima with a CVT that might get moody at 80k miles. The Chevrolet Malibu is fine, but it feels like a rental car from 2015 inside. The Camry feels like a modern tool. It’s the difference between buying a generic wrench and a Snap-on. Both turn the bolt, but one is going to be in your toolbox forever.
Actionable steps for the 2022 Camry owner
If you just bought one or you're about to pull the trigger, here is how you make it the best version of itself:
- Upgrade the tires eventually: When the factory tires wear out, put on a set of Michelin CrossClimate 2s. It transforms the car's grip in the rain and makes it much quieter.
- Disable the Startup Song: You can go into the settings and turn off the annoying beeps and chimes that happen when you hit the ignition. It makes the car feel much more premium.
- Check the Drain Plugs: There are small rubber plugs in the bottom of the doors. Sometimes they get clogged with gunk, and water can sit inside the door shell. Just poke them with a zip tie once a year to make sure they're clear.
- Use the Hold Button: In traffic, hit the "Brake Hold" button. You can take your foot off the brake at red lights and the car stays put. It’s a small feature that makes commuting 50% less stressful.
The 2022 Toyota Camry LE isn't a car you buy with your heart. You buy it with your brain. It’s the hedge against inflation and rising repair costs. It’s the car that starts every morning when it’s -10 degrees outside and the car that doesn’t overheat when you’re stuck in a summer traffic jam. It’s not exciting, but in a world where everything is breaking, "boring" is actually pretty incredible.