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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All I Asked For - 2007 Toyota Camry Hybrid
By jmlambion - February 13 - 5:46 amBought this car for my retirement. Wanted reliability, good gas mileage, low maintenance costs and comfort. This car has met every expectation. I buy gas once or twice a month, gets 35 mpg without effort, 40 mpg on hi-way or if I work at it. I change the oil every 5000 miles. ItÂ’s comfortable to drive. Only complaint is, original tires lasted 30K miles. Everything works as good as the day I drove it off the Lot.
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My experience with a hybrid - 2007 Toyota Camry Hybrid
By jack hutchinson - February 9 - 12:20 pmExceptionally fun car to drive. Extremely good gas mileage from 38 to 43 mpg on the road. Approximately 90% of the mileage on this car was highway miles. Has extended 100 thousand mile warranty on the vehicle and tires.
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Much More Than Expected - 2012 Toyota Camry Hybrid
By camry_fan - February 8 - 11:29 pmThe 2012 Camry Hybrid is outstanding. Comparing it (from many test drives) to the Fusion, Optima, and Sonata hybrids, overall it is the best in terms of quality, performance, comfort and on par with all in terms of fuel economy. The Camry Hybrid is quiet, solid, comfortable, and moves when you need it to. Total quality. After 2700 miles, a solid 38.3 mpg avg cty/hwy. Entune infotainment is great. I was originally set on an Optima. After seeing repeated negative owner comments for noise, seating, performance, maintenance I started looking elsewhere. Furthermore, complete piece of mind. No worries about salesperson & maintenance competence or manufacturer quality as with Kia and Hyundai.
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Wait A Year - 2007 Toyota Camry Hybrid
By Wayne - February 2 - 9:26 amNice car. Everyone should have a Hybrid! But dont be shafted by the dealer. Camry disappointing in interior quality of components and trim that doesnt match in color and alignment. SHAME on you TOYOTA! And the damn beeper they have beeps at everything you do. GET RID OF IT. Center console too bright at night time. But quality in trim is seriously lacking. Stone Mountain Toyota, GA ripped me off, so beware and dont go near that place. The are "under new management" every other month. As a Hybrid the vehicle is fine and economical to drive for sure. Economy button for the A/C is UNDER the dashboard! WHAT were they thinking??? Brand new car needs an interior redesign already.
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Love My Sky Blue Pearl Hybrid - 2009 Toyota Camry Hybrid
By Diana - January 14 - 1:50 pmAfter much research I purchased a 2009 Sky Blue Pearl Toyota Camry Hybrid. I have put 1,000 miles on it so far and love this car. The seats are comfortable and for me, the rear view vision is so much better than the car I drove previously. I got 36.7 mpg on my first tank of gas so am very pleased. I like all the storage and cupholder placement. Love the sky blue color - was tired of gray and white. A/C system works so much better than my 2006 Mercedes. The Toyota is quiet. It does have a slight whine when you slow down to stop.
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Very Pleased - 2008 Toyota Camry Hybrid
By 1948dave - December 27 - 2:26 pmI traded a Tacoma 4x4 @17+ mpg for this hybrid. I no longer need a truck and I couldnt be happier with the Camry Hybrid. It been cold here, but Im still averaging 36.5 mpg. I couldnt be happier.
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Great Ride! - 2008 Toyota Camry Hybrid
By Bret - December 21 - 10:23 amWe have owned this vehicle for just two weeks now, but it was love at first drive. I am 65" and there is enough leg-room for me to sit in the back. We traded in our gas hog 4x4 SUV and do not feel cramped one bit. The car is fun to drive, great on gas (avg. mpg keeps going up, but we are regularly getting between 35 and 42 mpg). What more could you ask for?
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First Toyota after 6 Honda - 2008 Toyota Camry Hybrid
By dmoose - December 17 - 9:06 amAfter looking at cars and trucks I decided to take the plunge with a Hybrid. I drive typically 45 miles one way to work and needed something to help with the cost with gas. After leaving a V6 03 Accord, I love the Camry. It has enough power for me and I cannot believe all the bells and whistles it comes with as standard. If you can spare the extra $ I would recommend the nav to experience the extra input on gas miles. Also love the quiet ride when the engine has not picked up yet, but even as it kicks in it is very quiet. Driving in Cleveland with cold weather (below 32 last week), so waiting for MPG to go up... getting around 33. Best was 38 MPG.
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Love this car - 2016 Toyota Camry Hybrid
By Ellen Bader - December 16 - 11:18 amIve only had this car for three weeks, but love it so far. Great gas mileage, smooth ride, no complaints!
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Evaluation - 2007 Toyota Camry Hybrid
By Chritian Bowles - December 4 - 7:36 amExcept for pickup and power which I am accustomed this car is great for local driving. It leaves a lot to be desired when driving in the mountains.
