I don't find the headrest uncomfortable, but to my understanding, yes the head restraint geometry is designed close to the head to afford better rear impact crash protection. Though despite this, recent IIHS crash test results showed the Camry received "good" ratings in frontal and side impact tests while receiving a "marginal" in rear-end crash/head restraint testing. If you think Camry headrests are uncomfortable, have you ever tried Volvo? Those are very upright, large headrests--safe though.