Kiwis’ love for SUVs shows no sign of slowing, with recent trends confirming their position as the most popular vehicle body style. While there remains a loyal following for sedans, Toyota New Zealand is refining its offering to focus on the executive-level Camry ZR.
This strategic move reflects evolving customer preferences and ensures Toyota continues to deliver vehicles that meet the needs of today’s drivers.
While sedan sales have declined, Toyota New Zealand will continue to offer the Camry, although in just one grade, the ZR. Other grades will be phased out and production of the GX and SX for this market will discontinue in October 2025.
While many Kiwis now favour SUVs like the RAV4 or Highlander, the Camry continues to hold its place in New Zealand, appealing to passionate drivers who value the refined handling and sleek profile of a sedan. Designed for effortless highway cruising yet agile on winding back roads, the Camry offers a driving experience that stands apart. Its spacious interior and passenger comfort have long made it a favourite among rental and taxi operators, but shifting preferences now position the Camry as a complete package for discerning, premium customers.
Toyota New Zealand Chief Strategy Officer, Andrew Davis says Camry has served Toyota and Kiwi customers well for three decades, taking a key role in the ‘no customer left behind’ approach of Toyota.
“Camry is the only remaining model in our medium sedan sales segment, a segment that has declined steadily as customers shift to SUVs. The ZR grade remains the most popular. We’ve listened to our customers and will be keeping the ZR in our portfolio – it’s a way of streamlining our efforts into providing cars that Kiwi’s want to drive,” Andrew says.
In its current guise, the Camry ZR combines performance, efficiency, function and quality. Powered by a 2.5L petrol hybrid engine with a smooth e-CVT transmission, the fuel-efficient hybrid sedan delivers responsive acceleration, whisper-quiet performance, and outstanding economy of 4.5L per 100kms*.
With bold 18-inch alloy wheels on a 2,825mm wheelbase, LED headlights, and a sporty ZR styling package, the Camry turns heads on every drive. Inside, enjoy luxury with leather-accented seating, dual-zone climate control, head-up display and Toyota's latest infotainment technology.
The 2024 ANCAP 5-Star rated Camry sets a new benchmark for safety, featuring the latest Toyota Safety Sense technology. This advanced suite includes a Pre-Collision System with Autonomous Emergency Braking, Intersection Collision Avoidance Support, and Emergency Steering Assist. Drivers also benefit from a Driver Monitor Camera, All-Speed Dynamic Radar Cruise Control with Indicator-Linked Control, Lane Tracing Assist with Lane Departure Alert, and an Emergency Driving Stop System. Every innovation is designed to protect both occupants and pedestrians - giving you complete confidence behind the wheel of your new Camry ZR.
With its blend of performance, luxury, and advanced safety, the Camry ZR remains a true driver’s sedan - crafted for those who value confidence, comfort, and style on every New Zealand road.
