2020 vs 2021 Toyota Camry

Both years are the same generation, so most of what they offer is shared.

Watch out for

Reputation: what owners and the press report. Tap one to see what to check.

Failing low-pressure fuel pump 2018–2020

What to check: Ask a Toyota dealer whether fuel pump recalls 20V012000, 20V682000 and, on a 2018, 25V028000 were done.

Three recalls replaced low-pressure fuel pumps in the tank that may fail.

NHTSA

Nothing that 2020 lacks.

Hesitant or harsh shifts in the 8-speed All years

What to check: On a test drive from cold, pull away gently and firmly and drive in stop-and-go traffic, feeling for hesitation, lurches or harsh shifts. Shift from R to D and see that it engages without a delay, and look for a check-engine light.

Toyota bulletin T-SB-0122-20 covers 2018 Camrys with the 8-speed that, after a delay engaging from R to D, show a lock-up concern and a check-engine light with codes P07407E or P27567F; the fix is new engine computer software. Bulletin T-SB-0010-18 warns that a mismatch of gearbox and software can cause harsh shifts or flare. In one CarGurus thread, an unofficial source, eight owners of 2018 and later Camrys report hesitation, lag, jerking or harsh shifts, and none says a software update cured it.

Toyota, owners' reports (unofficial)

20V064000 2020
Porosity in the engine castings may crack and let coolant leak inside or outside the engine. NHTSA
20V682000 2018–2020
The low-pressure fuel pump in the tank may fail. It is replaced. NHTSA

Nothing that 2020 lacks.

23V865000 2020–2022
A short circuit may develop in the passenger seat occupant sensor, stopping the passenger front airbag from deploying. NHTSA

After 2020, up to and including 2021.

2021Facelift with styling tweaks, an optional 9-inch screen and refined safety aids. The L is dropped and an XSE Hybrid added. Edmunds, a published reference

Engines: 2.5L four-cylinder Toyota, a published reference, 3.5L V6 Toyota, 2.5L four-cylinder hybrid Toyota, a published reference
Motors: Electric drive motor Toyota
Batteries: Lithium-ion, 1.0 kWh Toyota, a published reference, Nickel-metal hydride, 1.6 kWh Toyota, a published reference
Transmissions: 8-speed automatic Toyota, a published reference, Electronic continuously variable (e-CVT) Toyota, a published reference
Drivetrains: Front-wheel drive A published reference, All-wheel drive (2020–2024) Edmunds, a published reference
Trims: LE Toyota, Edmunds, SE Toyota, Edmunds, XLE Toyota, XSE Toyota, Hybrid LE Toyota, a published reference, Hybrid SE Toyota, a published reference, Hybrid XLE Toyota, a published reference

Nothing that 2021 lacks.

Nothing that 2020 lacks.