2026 Camry XSE

Where sport meets the top trim

XSE is the only Camry that combines the 12.3-inch screen and leather-and-microfiber seats with genuine chassis changes — a sport-tuned suspension, not just sportier styling. The 19-inch smoked-gray-and-black wheels are the largest offered, aerodynamic air ducts and front-side canards clean up airflow at the front corners, and the single exhaust finishes in dual chrome tips instead of the SE and Nightshade's simpler setup. The grille goes color-matched rather than black or chrome, splitting the difference between the SE family's aggression and the XLE's restraint.

The one number worth sitting with before you decide on AWD: XSE AWD posts 43 mpg combined, the lowest in the entire 2026 Camry lineup. It's still a genuinely efficient sedan by any non-hybrid standard, but if mileage is your top priority, the FWD XSE at 46 combined — or the LE at 51 — makes more sense than pairing the sportiest trim with all-wheel drive.

XSE reviews from Route 22

The XSE draws buyers who know exactly what they came in for, and the dealership's reviews reflect that decisiveness. "Recently purchased my Camry XSE with Luis Diaz. He was great not pushy at all very knowledgeable and made feel like I had complete control over my purchase and laid out leasing and financing options," wrote one recent buyer, closing with a direct recommendation to "ask for Luis Diaz." Another shopper found the exact color and configuration she wanted in stock the same day: "I was able to work with George to pay the amount I felt comfortable with and was lucky enough that they had had in stock (which arrived that day) the 2025 Camry XSE... I had the pleasure to work with Kelvin in finance who was very personable and worked to complete that section of the purchase quick for me."

A third owner, describing a hybrid XSE purchase, credited the team with deepening an existing interest in the powertrain itself: his salesperson "not only excels in their role but also enhances the overall satisfaction of a significant purchase" — a detail that lines up with how often XSE buyers mention learning to appreciate the hybrid system, not just tolerating it for the mileage.

Frequently asked questions

What does the 2026 Camry XSE cost?

$36,000 MSRP with front-wheel drive, $37,525 with AWD, plus the $1,195 delivery fee, then New Jersey's 6.625% sales tax, title, and registration. The full pricing breakdown is in the pricing & leasing guide.

Is the XSE worth the jump from XLE?

If you want the XLE's screen and seats with genuinely sportier driving dynamics — a tuned suspension, bigger wheels, dual chrome exhaust tips — yes. If chassis tuning doesn't interest you and you'd rather keep the softer ride and slightly better mileage, the XLE covers the same tech for $1,200 less.

Should I get AWD on the XSE?

Weigh it carefully against mileage: AWD XSE drops to 43 mpg combined, the lowest figure in the 2026 Camry range. It's still worth it for buyers who genuinely need the winter traction, but if fuel economy matters more than all-weather grip, FWD XSE or a lower trim with AWD both return better numbers.

Does the XSE have a different exhaust?

Yes — a single exhaust system finished with dual chrome-plated tips, distinct from the simpler setup on SE, Nightshade, and lower trims. It's a styling touch rather than a performance change; horsepower is identical across every 2026 Camry trim at the same drivetrain.

How does the XSE compare to the Nightshade for looks?

Nightshade goes fully blacked-out on a smaller wheel; XSE keeps a color-matched grille and smoked-gray-and-black wheels with visible metal, plus the bigger screen and sport suspension Nightshade doesn't get. They're both sport-styled, but XSE is the more comprehensively upgraded car — the Nightshade guide lays out the direct comparison.

The bottom line

XSE is the Camry for buyers who don't want to choose between comfort tech and a car that actually handles like it looks. It's the priciest trim by sticker, but the jump from XLE buys real chassis hardware, not just wheels and a grille — and the dealership's XSE reviews consistently describe buyers who knew what they wanted and got it fast. Current XSE inventory is worth checking before the best colors move.