2022 Toyota Camry Cross revealed with hybrid power – UPDATE
Not content with 12-month waiting lists for the popular RAV4, Toyota has stretched its factories even further, applying its legendary Camry name to a new large SUV.
UPDATE, 12:00pm, 01/04/22: Well done to our readers on seeing through this April Fool's Day joke. The original story can be found below.
Toyota has turned its iconic Camry family sedan into an SUV, with the reveal of the 2022 Camry Cross – the latest addition to the company's growing SUV range.
Claimed to "blend the best of the award-winning Camry and RAV4", the new Camry Cross completes Toyota's SUV line-up for 2022, joining the Yaris Cross and Corolla Cross in adapting a familiar nameplate for the modern crossover era.
While the Camry Cross shares its 4.9m length and 1.8m width with its namesake, it scores wheel-arch cladding inspired by the popular RAV4, with larger wheels and tyres, matte plastic bumpers and a higher ride height designed for hardcore off-road use, including gravel car parks.
Inside, a 6.1-inch touchscreen from the LandCruiser 70 Series sits atop the dashboard – albeit without Apple CarPlay or Android Auto.
In Australia, the new model will be offered solely with hybrid power, pairing a decade-old 1.8-litre engine with a 0.2kWh nickel-metal hydride battery under the rear seats for a combined 100kW, and a PHEV-rivalling combined fuel economy claim of 1.422 litres per 100 kilometres.
Despite its rough-road focus, the Camry Cross will be front-wheel drive only – though senior Toyota sales executive Bill Printer says that won't dampen the model's appeal for its intended customer base.
"We're thrilled with the success of the RAV4, but we felt there was one type of buyer we had yet to capture: the taxi plus rideshare market. By injecting the DNA and name of an old favourite, we're confident the Camry Cross will quickly shoot to the top of the business sales charts," Printer said.
Toyota Australia has confirmed it will offer the Camry Cross only in base Ascent trim, with standard features including vinyl seat upholstery, rubber floor mats, door bins sized to house water bottles, and a dent in the tailgate.
A tissue box is available as a dealer accessory for an additional $49 (excluding installation), along with seat covers.
Pricing will be announced during a press conference at midday today (1 April). Stay tuned for more.