Overview & Reviews

Until recently, driving a hybrid car required some sort of sacrifice, whether in terms of space, performance or anonymity. However, in the case of the Camry Hybrid, one could argue that Toyota has given the buying public a hybrid that demands few or no sacrifices.

If judged only on its merits as a competent midsize sedan, the Toyota Camry Hybrid would score well. We've found that it shares all the attributes that make the conventional Camry one of the best-selling family sedans out there: a comfortable and quiet ride, more than adequate power, lots of amenities and plenty of room for five. That its fuel economy beats that of most compact cars and its price is well within the normal range for an average midsize car are just icing on the hybrid cake.

Current Toyota Camry Hybrid
The current Toyota Camry Hybrid features a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine paired with an electric motor. Combined output comes to 200 horsepower and it's routed to the front wheels through a specialized continuously variable transmission (CVT). The EPA estimates combined fuel economy at an excellent 40 or 41 mpg, depending on the trim level.

The Toyota Camry Hybrid is offered in LE, XLE and (late introduction) SE Limited Edition trim levels. Standard feature highlights for the LE include keyless entry and ignition, dual-zone automatic climate control, full power accessories, Bluetooth, a touchscreen display and a six-speaker sound system with a USB port. The XLE adds a power driver seat and an upgraded sound system. The SE Limited Edition is essentially an XLE with sporty styling cues and the sport front seats of the non-hybrid Camry SE. Main options include a sunroof, leather upholstery, heated front seats, a premium audio system, a navigation system and a smartphone integration system.

It should be noted that halfway into the 2014 model year, the Camry Hybrid saw a few minor changes. These include the aforementioned new trim level, the rearview camera becoming standard across the board and a renaming of the car's infotainment systems.

Inside, the Camry's new interior benefits from roomy seats, admirable outward visibility and well-placed controls. What the cabin design lacks in cohesiveness, it makes up for with generally good materials quality, especially the handsome stitching on the dash and door panels of upper trims. Toyota's Entune system is also praiseworthy in the way it easily adds enhanced audio, information and navigation features, although the touchscreen's virtual buttons can be a little frustrating to use at times.

While fuel economy gets top billing here, the Toyota Camry Hybrid is still pleasant to drive. Its hybrid powertrain is quite smooth in its operation and provides quick acceleration. Handling is unremarkable and the steering is quite light and uncommunicative, but for most buyers this will likely be a non-issue.

Used Toyota Camry Hybrid Models
This latest Toyota Camry Hybrid was redesigned for 2012, as was the conventional Camry. As such, it benefited from the same generational upgrades, such as a much nicer interior and new electronics features. Fuel economy and power are also considerably better than they were with the previous-generation hybrid. Note that these Camry Hybrids lack a few minor updates of the current version, including the addition of the SE Limited Edition trim level, the rearview camera becoming standard across the board and a renaming of the car's infotainment systems.

That previous, first-generation Toyota Camry Hybrid was produced for the 2007-'11 model years. While it shared much of the same advantages of the current car, it suffered from a rather small trunk, disappointing interior materials and inconsistent fit and finish issues. Additionally, its fuel economy, while high, was not as good as the current model's.

This Camry Hybrid was powered by a 2.4-liter four-cylinder gas engine working in concert with an electric motor. Power was sent to the front wheels through a specialized CVT. The gas engine produced 147 hp and 138 lb-ft of torque, and the electric motor added another 40 hp, yielding 187 maximum hp. Fuel economy was quite good for the time, checking in at an EPA-estimated 33 mpg city/34 mpg highway and 34 mpg combined.

For most of the first generation's production run, standard features included 16-inch alloy wheels, dual-zone automatic climate control, keyless ignition and entry, a power driver seat, a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, a trip computer and a six-speaker sound system. Main options were a sunroof, leather upholstery, heated front seats, a power passenger seat, a navigation system and a premium sound system.

Changes were slight over the years, with revised front-end styling, a new instrument cluster and unique upholstery made of silk protein and synthetic fiber being introduced for 2010. In 2011, the alloy wheels were downgraded to steel wheels with plastic covers.

On the whole, the Camry Hybrid presented a complete package. It was roomy, comfortable and kept up to date with the latest features. And thanks to the Prius, Toyota has shown that its hybrid powertrains are able to meet consumers' expectations of durability and reliability. Our only suggestion would be to also check out the Ford Fusion Hybrid, which eclipsed the Camry Hybrid in terms of economy and interior design for the final two years.

User Reviews:

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  Great Family Vehicle - 2008 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By Starburst - April 23 - 2:36 am

  Weve put 5,000 miles on this vehicle in the last two months that weve owned it. Weve averaged 38.3 mpg overall, and as high as 40.4 mpg. This is a fabulous family car. It handles well and is very, very quiet - it is almost disconcerting at stop lights as the gas engine shuts down. This particular vehicle is well optioned; the on-board nav system is easy to use, the leather seats are supportive and the build quality is typical Toyota. Having said that, I could have done with a bit less plastic in a car that is this close to the top of the Camry price range.

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  Nice to not be a gas hog! - 2009 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By Bgmhntr1 - April 13 - 4:30 pm

  Due to the high demand of this car I had to wait almost 2 months for it, but it was worth it! It sure beats only getting 13 mpg, and it is so comfortable. It practically drives itself. The ride is smooth, quiet and very luxurious. There is no loss of power with the engine. I am still on my first tank of gas, this mileage is amazing. This beats the truck I drove hands down and I can fit into great parking spaces! My kids love it too. They enjoy watching the navigation screen and the free satellite radio! This is my first Toyota and I can see why the Camry is the #1 family sedan. It is amazing and I am trying to do my part for the environment and my gas budget!

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  Outstanding midsize car for the $ - 2008 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By just do it - April 7 - 9:46 pm

  I needed something that gets great mpg and looked stylish enough to take to appointments in my job. It has leather, nav, and bluetooth. The interior is way roomier than the M35 I had previously. I actually like this nav better. This car is perfect for what it offers relative to the price. It looks classy and is more comfortable to drive than my m35 was.

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  Very impressed! - 2012 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By rebmo1 - March 31 - 4:58 pm

  I’m going on 1000mi and so far fantastic car. First looked at the L4 but the hybrid got my attention. I was never too interested in hybrids, either too small or not enough mileage difference between the regular gas versions, but thats all changed on the Camry. It has great power and incredible gas mileage for a mid size sedan. Other than the spaceship sound (kind of cool) when you brake (regenerative power transfer) you can hardly tell it’s a hybrid. Wow! The looks have been sharpened and the interior is very comfortable for me. Traded my reliable 2005 Camry LE and am very pleased with the new Camry and first hybrid for me. Im getting low to mid 40mph consistently with about 80% rural highway and 20% 25-35mph rural roads near home and work.

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  Great Car!! - 2007 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By morris0607 - March 31 - 10:16 am

  I have only had this car for a few weeks and my wife and I love it! We were on the waiting list for almost 2 months but it was worth the wait. The instant MPG feedback is great and we really like the keyless start. Now my wife doesnt have to take the key out of her pocketbook in order to start the car. The bluetooth phone system is also great. With a touch of a button we can call or answer a phone call. Our model is fully loaded so it came with the NAV. We are finding the NAV to be a little temperamental and the maps are not up to date. I was surprised it did not come with fog lights and seat position memory would have been nice. The mirrors also do not fold. Overall - we love it.

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  Awesome - 2007 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By Serbrew - March 29 - 6:30 pm

  This car has exceeded all expectations. I drive to maximize mileage, live in upstate NY where I am getting about 33 during the winter, 40 during the spring and fall and 36 in the summer. Because of the battery, truck is limited but fine for us. Absolutely amazing vehicle. Can run on battery at 40 mph and under and will almost always take advantage of electric when necessary.

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  I love my TCH! - 2009 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By cls - March 19 - 7:26 pm

  I traded in my 2007 Acura MDX for my 09 TCH and so glad I did. The TCH looks and feels great. I love the mileage, I have only had it for a couple of weeks and I am averaging 35-40 mpg. I drive to the beach every friday and I cant wait to get in and cruise, turn on the tunes and enjoy! I love it!

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  5,000 miles trip - 2012 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By wtibbyj - March 12 - 2:22 pm

  Took a trip from Omaha to New Brunswick and back. Best combination of mpg, power, & comfort. Between 70 & 75 mpg got better than 39 mpg, quick passing regardless of speed, effortless cruising whether going up mountains, or with four adults, and snappy pick-up whenever asked. Electric lumbar support proved invalueable for the longer trips. Several passengers appreciated the rear ventilation duct and the rear seat space and comfort. Style and color not trendy but with privacy glass, looks classy but still seems conservative. Steering is responsive and precise. The controls are easy to adjust to and reach. Overall the ride is quite solid and relatively smooth. So far, great reliability

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  Poor front bumper and light structure - 2012 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By sunny12 - February 22 - 4:02 am

  Poor front bumper and light structure. Just made scratch the garage door, the bumper and absorber falled down, both left and right lights have to be replaced.

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  Glad I picked the Camry Hybrid - 2009 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By seiker0808 - February 14 - 1:30 am

  The car is comfortable and fun to drive. I almost bought a Prius but this has more toys and if Im careful I can get between 35 and 40 mpg. I love the nav. and the Bluetooth. The minute I started driving the car I knew I was going to buy it over the Prius even though I did really like the Prius as well. This is just more comfortable to me, more of, I can have it all this way. OK, not as good gas mileage as the Prius, but still very good and great for the environment. Love all of the controls on the steering wheel. To get the best gas mileage you have to use cruise control when possible.