Renault Talisman vs. Toyota Camry: Complete comparison 2026

The Renault Talisman, also known in some markets as the Renault Samsung SM6, represents an elegant French vision of an executive car, targeting drivers looking for sophisticated design and comfortable driving characteristics. Opposing it is the globally successful Toyota Camry, also sold under the name Daihatsu Altis in its domestic Japanese market, which, on the other hand, has built an unshakable reputation as an exceptionally reliable and economical sedan with an advanced hybrid drive. The following comparison will detail these two completely different approaches to the mid-size class and help you find out which of them represents a smarter choice on the used car market.

Looking at the exterior dimensions, it is clear that both the Renault Talisman and the Toyota Camry belong to the mature and larger representatives of the mid-size class, which impress with their representative proportions. Focusing on the models from the latest generations available on the used car market (roughly from the 2019 model years until the end of their production), the Japanese representative measures 4885 mm in length, making it 36 mm longer than the base sedan from Renault. However, the French competitor clearly counters in the width parameter, where it reaches exactly 1868 mm compared to 1840 mm for the Toyota. For future owners, this means in practice that while the wider Talisman will offer a slightly airier interior in the shoulder area for the crew, the narrower Toyota will be noticeably easier to maneuver and open doors in tight parking spaces or underground garages.

A significant indicator of interior spaciousness is the wheelbase, which always directly affects the longitudinal legroom in the cabin. Here, the Toyota Camry with its 2825 mm has a clear advantage over the Talisman, whose wheelbase is a maximum of 2809 mm. This difference of roughly 16 mm gives the Toyota a great advantage in knee room for rear-seat passengers, which is ideal for frequent and long journeys by adult passengers. Renault, on the other hand, slightly wins in height – offering up to 1463 mm (or 1465 mm for the estate version) compared to 1445 mm for the low-cut Camry. The slightly higher roof structure thus plays into the hands of the French car when it comes to more comfortable boarding and a small reserve in headroom for taller passengers.

A fundamental difference in the final choice between these two models in terms of bodywork is the overall diversity of the offer on the used car market. While Toyota offers its modern Camry (XV70 generation) in Europe exclusively as an elegant three-box sedan, the Renault Talisman also gives customers the choice of a popular and very practical estate body, sold under the Grandtour designation. With a length of 4865 mm, this version is almost as long as the sedan, but thanks to the extended roof and differently shaped rear, it fundamentally facilitates the transport of bulkier items. So if you are primarily looking for a practical car for the family or the regular transport of dogs and strollers, the presence of the estate variant for the Talisman is often the main argument for buying, while the Camry will appeal more to drivers requiring a classic corporate or executive sedan.

When choosing an executive or family car, the luggage compartment volume often plays a key role, not only for everyday practicality but also for comfortable traveling. Both the Renault Talisman and the Toyota Camry target customers who require a spacious and representative car, but their approach to the luggage compartment differs noticeably. While the French representative offers a choice between an elegant sedan and a highly practical estate (Grandtour) on the market of approximately four-year-old used cars, the Japanese automaker relies exclusively on the classic sedan body type for its eighth generation (XV70) on the European market.

Looking closer at the numbers, we encounter a very interesting paradox. The Renault Talisman in the sedan version offers a huge basic volume of 608 liters, which on paper is even slightly more than the 572 liters available in the estate version. This difference is due to the different methodology of measuring under the luggage compartment cover and the different shape of the rear; however, the Grandtour model more than makes up for it with incomparably better access and the possibility of easily folding down the rear seats, creating a giant space with a volume of 1,681 liters. The competing Toyota Camry counters with a solid 524 liters in its sedan. Although its luggage compartment is slightly smaller in the basic layout, the engineers managed to cleverly hide the hybrid system batteries under the rear seats, so they do not fundamentally limit the utility value of the trunk.

In practice, these differences mean a different degree of everyday usability. While the Toyota Camry easily accommodates enough luggage for a normal family vacation and is fully sufficient for weekend shopping, the Renault Talisman offers space for several extra suitcases in both body versions. The Grandtour variant, thanks to its generous loading opening, represents an ideal choice for the carefree transport of a baby stroller or bulkier sports equipment. In conclusion, if maximum transport capacity and variability are your absolute priorities, the Renault Talisman will be a better companion. The Toyota Camry, on the other hand, will appeal to those interested who are more than satisfied with the above-average space of a spacious sedan and prefer the operational efficiency of a hybrid powertrain.

When choosing a used mid-size car, towing capacity is a key parameter for many drivers that fundamentally affects the overall practicality of the vehicle – whether it's for the occasional transport of oversized items or regularly towing a family caravan. If we compare roughly four-year-old models of the Renault Talisman (1st generation) and the Toyota Camry (XV70 generation), we encounter a massive difference.

The Renault Talisman is considered an excellent and versatile all-rounder. Its standard braked towing capacity starts at 1500 kg (primarily for the TCe petrol versions), while the popular dCi diesel engines and the more spacious Grandtour version reach a very solid maximum permitted weight of 1800 to 1850 kg. An unbraked trailer for the Talisman can weigh the legislative limit of 750 kg. This capacity is fully sufficient for weekend shopping or a longer holiday, or you can gain extra space for a few more suitcases in the form of a small trailer.

Conversely, for the Toyota Camry with the modern 2.5 Hybrid engine, official towing capacity data is missing. In practice, this reveals the downside of the economical hybrid drive with reduced capacity – for the European market, this generation was not homologated for towing trailers, and the permitted load value for both braked and unbraked trailers is therefore 0 kg. Any tow bar on this Toyota will serve exclusively as a mounting point for a bicycle carrier.

In conclusion, thanks to its very good towing parameters, the Renault Talisman is a fully-fledged solution for active drivers and cottage owners who need to transport cargo regularly. The Toyota Camry, on the other hand, will primarily appeal to buyers who do not need a tow bar and whose priority is smooth operation and economical driving without the need to hook up a trailer.

The approach of both car manufacturers to powertrains differs diametrically, which means a very different choice for buyers in the used car market. While the Renault Talisman relies on the traditional European school with a wide range of turbocharged diesel and petrol engines, the Toyota Camry appeals to the market exclusively with a single, meticulously refined hybrid powertrain. For drivers who spend hundreds of hours on highways, the long range and high torque of Renault's powerful diesels will play a major role. Conversely, buyers looking for bulletproof reliability, low operating costs, and perfect refinement in mixed traffic will find their ideal in Toyota's exceptionally efficient hybrid.

In its single generation (2015–2022), the Renault Talisman offers a diverse range of engines, which, however, changed significantly over the years due to emission standards. In four-year-old used cars, you will exclusively encounter newer and cleaner units designated as Blue dCi and TCe GPF. The role of a reliable petrol base is fulfilled by the successful 1.3 TCe 160 (118 kW) engine, while frugal highway travelers will be pleased by the 1.7 Blue dCi diesel units or the more powerful 2.0 Blue dCi two-liter engines reaching up to 147 kW (200 hp) with a torque of 400 Nm. For drivers seeking dynamics, the peak of the range was the 1.8 TCe petrol engine with an output of 165 kW (225 hp), whose technology originates from the sporty Alpine model. Most newer engines on the market are paired as standard with the EDC automatic dual-clutch transmission.

Note: The older 1.6 TCe and 1.6 dCi units were available in the first years of production. In models relevant to today's nearly-new used car market (from 2019/2020), they were replaced by the modernized TCe and Blue dCi versions.

The Toyota Camry (XV70 generation) represents the embodiment of Japanese efficiency and entered the European market with an absolutely clear, uncompromising vision. You would look in vain for a diesel or a classic turbocharged petrol engine in the price list – only the sophisticated 2.5 Hybrid full-hybrid system is available. This system combines a naturally aspirated 2.5-liter four-cylinder petrol engine operating on the Atkinson cycle with a powerful electric motor, with the total system output reaching 160 kW (218 hp). Power is seamlessly transmitted to the front wheels via an electronically controlled e-CVT planetary transmission. The biggest advantage of this choice is the real-world fuel consumption, which even for such a large and heavy sedan normally hovers around 5 to 5.5 liters per 100 km. The absence of complex components such as turbochargers, traditional starters, or delicate dual-clutch transmissions makes the hybrid Camry a benchmark for long-term reliability.

Final recommendation: The choice between these cars closely depends on your daily usage. For drivers eating up highway kilometers at high speeds, the Renault Talisman with the 2.0 Blue dCi engine will be the clear favorite, as the massive pull from low revs guarantees relaxed cruising dynamics. However, if you spend a large part of your time in suburban traffic, crawling through cities, or simply place the highest possible emphasis on economy, trouble-free operation, and peace on board, the Toyota Camry represents an almost unbeatable choice in the used car market.

Choosing the right engine is a key step for long-term satisfaction, which is why our recommendations are based on real-world experience, mechanical reliability, actual fuel consumption, and owner feedback. Although both cars target managers and families looking for a comfortable mid-size car, their under-the-hood philosophies couldn't be more different. While the French representative historically relies on a wide range of diesel and turbocharged petrol units, the Japanese competitor arrived in the European market in its XV70 generation with a radically different approach, relying exclusively on a naturally aspirated petrol engine combined with an advanced and time-tested hybrid drive.

For Renault Talisman we recommend: 2.0 Blue dCi 160 (118 kW)

When looking for a roughly four-year-old used car (from the engine lineup available between 2018 and 2022), the ideal choice for the Talisman is the two-liter diesel Blue dCi 160. This engine replaced the older and more complex 1.6 dCi units and offers an excellent compromise between dynamics, long-term reliability, and operating costs. Its main advantage is a flat torque curve (360 Nm from just 1500 rpm) and real-world fuel consumption on long journeys, which safely stays under 6 liters per 100 km. Mechanically, it is a very robust powertrain that is tailor-made for drivers devouring highway kilometers. The biggest risk with it is the typical clogging of the diesel particulate filter (DPF) and the dilution of engine oil with diesel during frequent short city trips, where regeneration is not completed. How to spot it: When choosing a used car, check the service history with an emphasis on whether the oil was ideally changed every 15,000 km (not after nonsensical extended intervals), run your finger inside the exhaust tailpipe, which should be clean without a thick layer of greasy soot, and watch out for messages on the trip computer about the need to service the emission system. If you plan to drive mainly on short city routes, consider the petrol alternative TCe 160 instead, but for traditional long-distance use, this two-liter diesel is an absolutely great and rational choice.

For Toyota Camry we recommend: 2.5 Hybrid (160 kW)

Here, the recommendation for a roughly four-year-old used car from the XV70 generation (available in Europe since 2019) is absolutely clear, as this model was sold in our market with a single, but phenomenal engine: the 2.5 Hybrid Dynamic Force. This system combines a large-displacement naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine with an electric motor and an e-CVT planetary gearbox, forming the imaginary holy grail of mechanical reliability. The usual worries about turbochargers, delicate injectors, DPF filters, conventional clutches, or dual-mass flywheels are completely eliminated here. The total output of 160 kW (218 hp) provides the car with smooth and seamless acceleration, while real-world fuel consumption surprisingly stays around 5 to 5.5 l/100 km even in heavy city traffic. This powertrain will be exceptionally appreciated by calmer drivers and people with a high proportion of city or suburban driving. The hybrid system is renowned for its extreme durability; its only weakness can be neglected maintenance of the traction battery cooling. How to spot it: During the inspection, check the cooling air intake grille for the battery, which is usually located in the interior under the rear seats – it must not be clogged with dust or pet hair, otherwise there is a risk that the battery will start to degrade due to overheating. During the test drive, also focus on the smoothness of the ride itself; the transition between purely electric and combustion drive must be smooth and almost imperceptible. If the car jerks noticeably when the petrol engine starts, it could mean neglected spark plug replacement or wear of the torsional damper in the transmission.

When choosing a used car, fuel consumption is one of the key factors, but the paper values from manufacturers rarely fully correspond to everyday reality. While laboratory standards try to approximate real conditions, practice behind the wheel tends to be different and heavily dependent on the route profile and driving style. For a more objective comparison, it is therefore ideal to look at real-world data, for example on the popular community portal Spritmonitor.de, where thousands of drivers record every refueling over the long term. We focused on the engines that are most relevant on the used car market for roughly four-year-old cars (manufactured between 2020 and 2022) for both models.

Looking closer at the real-world data, it is clear that Toyota's hybrid technology shows its immense strength. The Camry with the 2.5 Hybrid engine achieves an excellent 5.5 l/100 km, which is a respectable performance for such a large and representative sedan. However, it is ably seconded by the diesel Renault Talisman with the popular 2.0 Blue dCi 160 powertrain, which stays close behind with a real-world average of around 5.8 l/100 km. Surprisingly, the smaller 1.3 TCe turbocharged petrol engine in the Talisman cannot fully compete with the advanced Japanese hybrid in terms of consumption, and in practice, it asks for an average of 6.5 liters. This fully demonstrates the classic ailment of small-displacement turbocharged engines in large cars – as soon as they have to work under a heavier load, their efficiency drops rapidly and they do not save fuel as one might expect from the charts. If you reach for the top-of-the-line petrol Talisman with the powerful 1.8 TCe 225 engine, you must also expect an average that certainly exceeds eight and a half liters.

What do these numbers mean for a typical user? If you spend most of your time crawling through city traffic jams or on shorter suburban routes, the Toyota Camry will be a clear favorite and an unrivaled money-saver for you. Its ability to constantly recuperate energy and crawl along purely on electricity makes huge sense in the city, and budget-conscious buyers will be thrilled. On the other hand, highway cruisers and long-distance mile-eaters who drive at stable higher speeds will still appreciate the French two-liter diesel Blue dCi much more. It doesn't run out of breath on the highway, and its fuel consumption rises only very gradually with increasing pace, unlike its petrol and hybrid competitors. The petrol versions of the Talisman then make more sense for drivers who have a lower annual mileage and prefer the quietness and refinement of a petrol engine, without running costs playing a primary role for them.

It can therefore be said that fuel consumption should be one of the absolutely crucial arguments when deciding between these two cars. The Toyota Camry represents the technological pinnacle for mixed and urban driving with the excellent efficiency of a naturally aspirated engine supported by an electric motor. The Renault Talisman, on the other hand, remains a perfect choice thanks to its proven and efficient diesel engines for those who spend the vast majority of their time on highway journeys across the country or Europe. Choosing the right powertrain thus largely depends purely on your personal driving profile.

When choosing roughly four-year-old used cars (model years 2021–2022), we get to very interesting offers for both cars, with different depreciation curves showing on the market. While the French representative attracts with a faster price drop, and thus a great price-to-equipment ratio, the Japanese sedan, on the contrary, holds its value with admirable certainty.

Renault Talisman (1st generation post-facelift, 2020–2022)

The Renault Talisman said goodbye to the European market in 2022. Roughly four-year-old models thus represent the very newest and most fine-tuned versions after the modernization that took place in the spring of 2020. Given the faster depreciation, which is quite typical for French cars of this class, it is a very attractive second-hand choice.

• Price range: For approximately four-year-old cars, advertised prices commonly range from €16,000 to €23,000.
• Available engines: The used car market is absolutely dominated by 2.0 Blue dCi diesel engines (118 kW or 147 kW), complemented by turbocharged 1.3 TCe petrol units.
• Equipment and condition: A significant plus is that even for a lower price, you get cars in top trim levels (such as the luxury Initiale Paris version), often with massage seats, 4Control rear-wheel steering, and a rich presence of assistance systems.

Toyota Camry (8th generation XV70, facelift from 2021)

The eighth generation of the Toyota Camry established itself on the European market exclusively with a hybrid powertrain. Models from 2021 and 2022 (i.e., cars after a minor facelift) are among the most reliable you can buy in the mid-size class. The reputation of trouble-free hybrids from Toyota is fully reflected here in the behavior of the used car market – the Camry holds its value extremely well.

• Price range: You will pay noticeably more for four-year-old examples, with prices most often ranging from €23,000 to €31,000.
• Available engines: Under the hood, you will exclusively find the economical 2.5 Hybrid (Dynamic Force) powertrain paired with an e-CVT planetary gearbox.
• Equipment and condition: Similar to the Talisman, Camry cars on the Czech market are most often sold in higher trim levels (Executive, Prestige). Moreover, the hybrid system is renowned for its longevity even at higher mileages.

Quick market comparison

Final verdict on prices:
If you are looking for the youngest possible, exceptionally comfortable, and spacious car with full equipment for the lowest possible purchase price, the Renault Talisman is a fantastic choice where you fully benefit from the steeper depreciation curve of a new car. However, if your priority is absolute reliability, very low fuel consumption in the city, and you expect to want to sell the car well again in a few years, it makes sense to pay extra for the Toyota Camry, which will reward you with an exceptionally stable residual value.

When comparing the safety of family cars, it is common to highlight maximum five-star ratings. Although both models achieved five stars in their respective tests (Talisman in Euro NCAP tests and Camry in equivalent ANCAP tests), it is absolutely crucial to consider the context and the year the cars were tested. The methodology and test protocols are constantly evolving over time and becoming drastically stricter. Today's standards place an incomparably higher emphasis on advanced active safety, such as new frontal crash simulations, cyclist detection, or crisis scenarios at intersections. For this reason, percentage scores from different years cannot be directly compared, as the requirements for achieving full points are diametrically different.

The Renault Talisman underwent Euro NCAP crash tests in 2015, easily achieving the maximum five stars. With a score of 86% for adult occupant protection and 84% for child occupant protection, it demonstrated excellent passive safety and platform structural rigidity. The lower scores for vulnerable road user protection (68%) and safety assist systems (76%) clearly reflect the era before the widespread introduction of autonomous emergency braking systems and advanced sensors. Furthermore, from the perspective of current rules, the Talisman's certification has expired, meaning its safety equipment belongs more to older generation technologies.

In the case of the Toyota Camry (eighth generation available since 2018), the situation is completely different, as this model was not directly tested by the European organization Euro NCAP. For this reason, there is no official percentage data that could be entered into a table for direct comparison. However, the car underwent a very similar and recognized methodology by the Australian organization ANCAP in 2017, from which it took away a full five stars. Despite the absence of a European certificate, the Camry is equipped with the modern TNGA platform and already brings the Toyota Safety Sense active assist package as standard, which includes a pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, lane departure alert, and adaptive cruise control.

In conclusion, both cars offer a solid and safe construction that represented the top of the class at the time of their market launch. The Renault Talisman has clearly documented results from European tests, but its tests were conducted under much more lenient rules many years ago. The Toyota Camry, on the other hand, lacks a direct Euro NCAP rating, but thanks to its generation-newer global construction and uncompromising emphasis on standard active safety, it offers overall more modern and comprehensive occupant protection according to current standards.

In addition to standard equipment, each model offers unique features that go far beyond basic functionality. Both cars approach added value from a different perspective – while the French representative attracts with technological chassis innovations and digitalization, the Japanese sedan relies on a sophisticated hybrid drive and executive comfort in the rear seats.

Renault Talisman: Rear-wheel steering and digital comfort

• Chassis and steering: An absolute unique feature in this class is the 4CONTROL four-wheel steering system. At lower speeds, the rear wheels turn in the opposite direction to the front ones, which significantly reduces the turning circle and makes city parking easier. At higher speeds, on the contrary, they turn in the same direction, ensuring exceptional stability during highway cruising or quick lane changes. It is usually combined with adaptive dampers.
• Infotainment: Modernized versions (from 2020) feature the Easy Link multimedia system with a vertically oriented touchscreen display of up to 9.3 inches. The system acts as an integrated tablet, supports fast smartphone mirroring (Apple CarPlay and Android Auto), and allows remote software updates (OTA - Over-the-Air).
• Electronics and driving modes: The Multi-Sense system gives the driver the ability to completely change the character of the car at the touch of a single button. It does not only change the throttle response or steering stiffness, but also affects the chassis settings, engine sound, digital instrument graphics, and interior ambient lighting.
• Premium comfort: In higher trim levels (e.g., Initiale Paris), the Talisman offers wide front seats with massage, heating, and ventilation functions. A brand-specific feature is also the shaped "Relax" headrests inspired by the aviation industry, which provide excellent support for the cervical spine.

Toyota Camry: Hybrid efficiency and VIP luxury for rear passengers

• Powertrain: The dominant feature of the Camry is the advanced 2.5 Hybrid Dynamic Force hybrid drive. It does not need external charging and can drive purely on electricity for a large part of the time in city traffic. This technology brings exceptionally quiet operation and unrivaled fuel consumption in the large sedan segment.
• Rear seats and smart luxury: The Camry very often profiles itself as an executive car with a chauffeur, which is proven by the optional VIP package for the second row of seats. Rear passengers have at their disposal a multifunctional touch panel hidden in the folding center armrest. From it, they can control an independent climate zone, the audio system, the electric rear window sunshade, and even electrically adjust the backrest recline.
• Safety and telematics: Every Camry is equipped as standard with the advanced Toyota Safety Sense package. This combines adaptive cruise control operating over the full speed range, a lane keeping assist system, automatic high beam switching, and an intelligent pre-collision assist with pedestrian and cyclist detection.
• Quality and acoustic comfort: Toyota focused on maximum cabin soundproofing. The use of an acoustic windshield and reinforced floor and door insulation ensures that even at highway speeds, there is absolute peace on board, which reduces fatigue on long journeys. The interior overall emphasizes honest workmanship and long-term material durability.

Renault Talisman

Advantages:

• Offer of a practical estate body version (Grandtour) with a generous luggage compartment volume of 572 liters.
• 4Control four-wheel steering system, which ensures excellent maneuverability in tight spaces and exceptional stability at highway speeds.
• Highly comfortable chassis tuning, which in combination with adaptive dampers perfectly irons out the bumps of Czech roads.
• Reliable and economical diesel engines (Blue dCi) with a long range, which are an ideal choice for frequent highway travel.
• Representative and timeless exterior design complemented by a distinctive light signature, thanks to which the car looks very modern even on the used car market.

Disadvantages:

• Steeper drop in residual value compared to Japanese or German competition (amplified by the definitive end of production of the model).
• The onboard system and infotainment (especially the older R-Link 2 before the facelift) suffer from slower reactions and a less intuitive interface.
• Limited headroom for taller passengers in the rear seats of the sedan version due to the sloping roofline.
• Cheaper-looking hard plastics in the lower part of the interior, which occasionally suffer from creaking.

Toyota Camry

Advantages:

• Extremely reliable and sophisticated hybrid system (2.5 Hybrid) with very low real-world fuel consumption, especially in urban and suburban traffic.
• Top residual value, historically proven reliability, and huge interest on the secondary market.
• Generous legroom for rear-seat passengers and overall top travel comfort reminiscent of the premium segment.
• Exceptionally smooth, quiet, and refined driving performance thanks to the harmonious matching of the naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine and the electric motor.

Disadvantages:

• Absence of a more practical station wagon body variant (available only as a sedan with a smaller loading opening and hinges intruding into the trunk).
• Outdated graphics, lower display resolution, and worse response of the multimedia system, which noticeably lags behind European competition.
• Specific acoustic behavior (the so-called vacuum cleaner effect) when maximum acceleration is needed, caused by the characteristics of the e-CVT planetary gearbox.
• Minimal usability for towing trailers due to the very low homologated weight of a braked trailer.

Based on long-term user feedback, service reports, and failure statistics, we have compiled a detailed overview of the most common problems that used car buyers should watch out for. Especially with cars around four years old, it is important to know the weak points of the given generation. Whether you decide on French elegance or Japanese hybrid technology, before the actual purchase, an independent technical inspection of the car always pays off, which will help uncover any expensive surprises.

Renault Talisman: Typical faults and problems

The Renault Talisman (especially models before the 2020 facelift) is known for its attractive design and rich equipment, but in terms of reliability, it requires greater caution when buying on the secondary market. After the facelift (from 2020), the build quality and software stability improved significantly.

Electronics and infotainment

• R-Link 2 system: In older models (before the transition to the Easy Link system), the multimedia system was among the most common sources of frustration. Users report screen freezing, Bluetooth connection dropouts, and slow reactions.
• Solution: In most cases, a software update at an authorized service center helps, but in some early models, entire display modules had to be replaced.
• Sensors and assistance systems: False warnings from blind spot sensors or parking sensors occasionally appear, often as a result of dirt or moisture penetrating the wiring.

Engines and gearboxes

• Diesel engines: The older 1.6 dCi unit (especially in the Twin-Turbo version) may experience oil leaks and, at higher mileages, problems with turbochargers. Conversely, the newer 1.7 Blue dCi and 2.0 Blue dCi units (available in our monitored period of around 4 years of age) are considered very reliable and durable.
• EDC dual-clutch transmission: When crawling in city traffic jams, the transmission may jerk slightly. If gear changes are jerky or hesitant even while driving, it may indicate excessive clutch wear (usually replaced around 150,000 km).

Chassis and 4Control system

• Suspension: The Talisman is a heavy car, and on Czech roads, the front axle suffers in particular. Creaking from stabilizers or play in steering joints often appears.
• 4Control: The rear-axle steering system is mechanically robust but requires precise geometry. If the car "floats" on the highway or the rear tires wear disproportionately, professional intervention is necessary. This is where a thorough physical inspection of the car comes in handy, during which a mechanic checks the condition of the rear axle rods and silent blocks.

Interior

• The interior build quality of pre-facelift versions is not among the best. A common ailment is the creaking of plastics in the center console and around the ventilation vents. In addition, the side bolsters of leather or semi-leather seats show faster signs of wear.

Summary for Renault Talisman:
The Talisman is an extremely comfortable and spacious car. If you reach for newer models (ideally after the 2020 facelift with the 2.0 Blue dCi engine), you will avoid most teething problems. In older models, any problems are more in the nature of annoying electronic quirks rather than fatal engine failures, yet caution is in order.

Toyota Camry: Typical faults and problems

The eighth-generation Toyota Camry (available on the European market since 2018/2019) is a global benchmark for reliability. Cars around four years old show an absolute minimum of serious faults in MOT and service statistics. Problems here relate more to consumable properties and minor imperfections.

Hybrid system and engine

• 2.5 Hybrid engine (Dynamic Force): Mechanically, this powertrain is almost indestructible. The internal combustion engine does not use a turbocharger, and the hybrid e-CVT transmission has no clutches or belts to wear out.
• Short trips and winter operation: Exceptionally, cars operated exclusively on very short city routes in freezing weather may experience clogging of the EGR valve. The engine does not have time to warm up, and slight dilution of the oil with gasoline may occur.
• Solution: It is recommended to "stretch" the car at least once in a while with a longer highway drive and strictly adhere to annual oil change intervals.

Bodywork and paint

• Paint quality: Similar to many modern Asian cars, the eco-friendly water-based paint used is very thin and soft. The Camry is thus extremely susceptible to stone chips on the front bumper and hood. Fine scratches appear very early around the door handles.
• Soundproofing: Compared to European competitors, owners occasionally complain about weaker soundproofing of the wheel arches and aerodynamic noise at highway speeds.

Infotainment and interior

• Multimedia system: Toyota's onboard system from 2019–2021 feels very outdated both visually and in response speed. Early model years (2019) also lacked support for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
• Solution: In many vehicles, smartphone connectivity could be added via an additional software update at the dealership, so when choosing a used car, verify whether the vehicle already has this feature.
• In the interior, occasional rattling noises may appear from the panoramic sunroof cover (if the vehicle is equipped with one).

Summary for the Toyota Camry:
Buying a four-year-old Toyota Camry is a safe bet. The car does not suffer from any expensive design flaws, and the hybrid system shows extreme durability. If you can put up with the weaker infotainment and thinner paint, the Camry will reward you with completely trouble-free operation with minimal service costs. Nevertheless, even with such a reliable car, a used car inspection should take place before signing the contract to rule out any poorly repaired accident damage.

When buying a used car, a thorough inspection is crucial, and for both models, there are specific points to watch out for. It definitely always pays to invest in a comprehensive vehicle inspection, which will reveal any hidden defects before signing the contract.

When choosing a Renault Talisman:

• Behavior of the EDC automatic transmission: Dual-clutch transmissions can show wear with increasing mileage. During the test drive, focus on the smoothness of starts and maneuvering at low speeds. Jerking or delays when shifting often indicate worn clutches or the need to reflash the mechatronics software.
• 4Control system and chassis: If you are choosing a version with the 4Control active rear-wheel steering, closely monitor the car's behavior on bumps. There should be no banging or squeaking noises from the rear axle. Unevenly worn rear tires can indicate misaligned geometry of this otherwise excellent, but slightly more maintenance-intensive system.
• Infotainment and onboard electronics: Check the response of the center display (R-Link 2 system, Easy Link in newer ones). Older versions can occasionally freeze or restart spontaneously. Make sure that all functions, including air conditioning, can be operated smoothly and that the car has the latest software installed.
• Condition of the diesel particulate filter (DPF): Most used Talismans have a diesel engine (dCi) under the hood. Find out in what mode the car was predominantly driven. If it was only used for driving around the city, there is a risk of an excessively clogged diesel particulate filter. Here, an independent technical inspection of the car combined with in-depth diagnostics should be an absolute matter of course.

When choosing a Toyota Camry:

• Condition of the hybrid system: The 8th generation Camry was sold exclusively as a hybrid in Europe. During the test drive, monitor the transitions between purely electric and combustion modes – they should be smooth and almost imperceptible. Also, check the cleanliness of the hybrid battery cooling filter, which is located near the rear seats; its clogging with dust significantly reduces the lifespan of the entire battery.
• Risk of a rolled-back odometer and fleet history: The Camry is extremely reliable and comfortable, making it a popular choice for taxi drivers (e.g., Uber) and corporate fleets. The car can have astronomical mileage after 4 years, which a skilled seller can easily mask by replacing the steering wheel. A careful physical inspection of the used car focusing on the wear of the chassis, brakes, and seats is absolutely crucial for this model.
• Paint quality and underbody protection: The eco-friendly water-based paints used by Toyota are relatively thin and easily scratched by stones, especially on the front grille and hood. Also, check the chassis and suspension arms for the presence of incipient surface corrosion, which is a more common phenomenon for Japanese cars in our climatic conditions.
• Outdated infotainment: The Toyota Touch 2 multimedia system is not among the fastest and does not dazzle with its graphics either. Thoroughly test the response speed, and most importantly, make sure the car supports Apple CarPlay or Android Auto (in the first model years, the system had to be updated at the dealer), which will make everyday use of the car significantly more pleasant.

Sources: ADAC, mdcr.cz, forbes.cz, motorvize.cz, autorevue.cz, carstyle.cz

This article was prepared using artificial intelligence tools. The section guarantor is Petr Dušek.