2021 Toyota Camry SE Nightshade Edition: Belong to the night

Darkness on the edge of town

Built in Georgetown, Kentucky since the opening of TMMK in 1988, the Camry in all of its forms today is the best-selling passenger car. And no wonder. The family sedan carried me through a few medical trips, including one to the ER the night before its photoshoot at Draper Valley Overlook in Pulaski, Virginia. It also helped carry the groceries when I took my mom to do her bi-weekly shopping run; having a deep trunk certainly helps.

The Camry SE Nightshade Edition with all-wheel drive did amazingly well on fuel over the 180 miles I spent with it on the road. Toyota says it averages a combined 29 mpg, 25 city, and 34 highway. I managed to get nearly 40 mpg on the trip from the overlook to my house along U.S. Route 11. With gas prices currently approaching $3/gallon, you can\’t beat that (unless you buy a Camry hybrid or a Prius, of course).

As for the rear passengers, with the front seats pushed all the way back, I was still able to get decent legroom. As always, though, I\’m 5 ft 6; your mileage will vary.

In closing

Despite the still-looming darkness over our heads, there are signs of first light over the horizon. Either way, the Camry SE Nightshade Edition brings a comfort and familiarity built for these times and beyond, one shared by the entire Camry lineage since time immemorial.

After all, if you have to drive through the night to see the sunrise, may as well do it with some style, right?

Photos: Aubernon Highway/Cameron Aubernon