Model comparison · Chicago Northside Toyota
Toyota Camry LE vs. SE: What Separates the Two
Every Camry since the 2025 redesign is a hybrid, so the LE and SE share the same engine, the same safety suite and the same cabin layout. The differences are wheels, suspension, seats and styling, and they add up to about 5 mpg. Here is the full split.
Quick answer
The Camry LE and SE use the same 2.5-liter hybrid system (225 hp with front-wheel drive, 232 hp with the available all-wheel drive) and the same Toyota Safety Sense 3.0. The LE rides on 16-inch alloy wheels with a standard suspension and woven-fabric seats, and is the most efficient Camry at an EPA-estimated 51 mpg combined with FWD. The SE adds 18-inch black wheels, a sport-tuned suspension with a larger front stabilizer bar, SofTex-trimmed seats with white accents, a sport-mesh grille, rear spoiler, diffuser and dual exhaust tips, and is rated at 46 mpg combined. Choose the LE for economy and ride comfort, the SE for the look and a firmer feel. Pricing is on our inventory pages and changes with incentives.
Side by side
| Camry LE | Camry SE | |
|---|---|---|
| Powertrain | 2.5L hybrid, 225 hp FWD / 232 hp AWD, eCVT | Same |
| EPA-estimated mpg (city/hwy/combined) | 52/49/51 FWD; 50/49/50 AWD | 47/45/46 FWD; 46/46/46 AWD |
| Wheels | 16-inch alloy | 18-inch black-finished alloy |
| Suspension | Standard tuning | Sport-tuned shocks and springs, larger front stabilizer bar |
| Seats | Woven fabric with embossed pattern; heated front seats available | SofTex trim with white accents; heated front seats available |
| Exterior | Horizontal-bar black grille | Sport-mesh grille, side rockers, canards, rear spoiler and diffuser, exposed dual-tip exhaust |
| Displays | 7-inch digital gauge cluster, 8-inch touchscreen (12.3-inch available) | Same |
| Safety | Toyota Safety Sense 3.0, blind spot monitor with rear cross-traffic alert, Safe Exit Alert | Same |
| Drive modes | Normal, Eco, Sport | Same |
From Toyota's 2026 Camry release and EPA ratings as reported by Cars.com. Toyota lists the 2027 Camry as a carryover of the 2026 grades and features.
Who the LE suits
Drivers who want the quietest, softest-riding and most efficient Camry. The 16-inch wheels carry taller tire sidewalls, which soak up Lake Shore Drive expansion joints and winter potholes better than the SE's 18s, and replacement tires cost less. The fabric seats are the warmer choice for a car parked outside in January. With AWD the LE still rates 50 mpg combined.
Who the SE suits
Drivers who want the sportier look and a firmer, flatter feel in corners. The SE's suspension and bigger wheels sharpen turn-in, the SofTex seats are easier to clean, and the body kit, spoiler and dual exhaust set it apart in a parking lot. The trade-off is 5 mpg and a busier ride on rough pavement. If you like the SE but want leather and more tech, the XSE sits above it with 19-inch wheels, a 12.3-inch cluster and leather trim.
Both trims, every Camry
- Push-button start, dual-zone automatic climate control, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and Qi wireless charging are standard on every grade.
- Electronic On-Demand AWD is available on both. It adds a rear electric motor and 7 hp, and costs about 1 mpg on the LE.
- Toyota's hybrid battery warranty runs 10 years or 150,000 miles; hybrid components are covered for 8 years or 100,000 miles.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between the Camry LE and SE?
Wheels (16- vs. 18-inch), suspension (standard vs. sport-tuned), seats (fabric vs. SofTex) and exterior styling. The hybrid powertrain, displays and safety equipment are the same.
Is the Camry SE faster than the LE?
No. Both make 225 hp with FWD and 232 hp with AWD. The SE's sport suspension changes how it handles, not how quickly it accelerates.
Which Camry gets the best gas mileage?
The LE with front-wheel drive, EPA-estimated at 52 city, 49 highway and 51 combined for 2026. The SE is rated at 46 combined.
Does the 2027 Camry change the LE and SE?
Toyota describes the 2027 Camry's grades, features and options as carryover from 2026.
Can I get AWD on the Camry LE or SE?
Yes. Electronic On-Demand All-Wheel Drive is available on every Camry grade.
Drive them back to back
We keep LE and SE Camrys in stock on the North Side. A 15-minute drive over the same stretch of road settles the ride question quickly.
Sources
Checked against Toyota's 2026 and 2027 Camry releases on October 19, 2026. Fuel economy figures are EPA estimates; prices change with incentives and are shown on inventory pages.
- Toyota Camry Brings Bold New Nightshade Edition to Lineup in 2026 (May 1, 2025), Toyota USA Newsroom
- 2027 Toyota Camry Brings Hybrid Power and Standout Style to Every Drive (Oct. 13, 2026), Toyota USA Newsroom
- What's the 2026 Toyota Camry's MPG? (March 2026), Cars.com
