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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  Tricks for MPG; bad phone; Open Trunk - 2007 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By akobet - September 11 - 1:53 am

  Ive had this car for two months, and its great. Ive found a few tricks to getting better gas milage. I noticed it only after getting better gass milage during the initial breakin period where I tried to vary my speed. After playing around and changing driving styles, I figured out the secret. With the car warmed up, when you reach cruising speed, take your foot off the accelerator completely, and slowly return it to the point where the car maintains speed. At under 42 MPH on level surface (or downhill) the TCH will completly switch to batteries, and on the highway it seems to put the car into an "econo" mode. I get over 45 MPG highway with this trick.

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  I am sooo glad I bought this car - 2007 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By joe540ci - September 5 - 2:50 pm

  This car is so nice and fun to own that It seems to make non-hybrid cars obsolete. The fuel mileage gauge makes driving a very fun and challenging game. The car is smooth and driver friendly. I love it.

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  Its all good - 2009 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By Big Paulie - September 3 - 10:43 pm

  I have 35k on the car and not a problem. It rides great and handles pretty good. Even did well in an accident.

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  Great Car - 2007 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By David E - September 2 - 5:30 am

  This is a great car that will set the standard in its category. Ive had it a week and it gets the 38-40 MPG that Toyota advertises. The Nav is a must because it gives you so many additional features besides just the nav.

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  Great Car - 2008 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By Matt - August 22 - 11:00 pm

  I have over 51,000 miles on my 2008 hybrid and have had no problems. I got the base model with the only option being floor mats. Overall, I average about 31-36 mpg in city/hwy combined driving. Im tall and there is plenty of leg room and the seats are quite comfortable. It is quick, comfortable and dependable.

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  2007 Camry Hybrid is great... - 2007 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By faldoc - August 10 - 8:40 am

  This car achieves its goal: great mileage for a midsize car, with decent performance and good comfort. I really like the electronics, the steering wheel mounted controls, Bluetooth, and smooth, quiet ride. I have about 40.5 mpg in just over 3000 miles of driving, mostly on the highway. Exterior styling looks great to me. Not so hot is the monotonous interior color scheme, and plasticky overall look, cheap looking port installed leather in this specimen. Some of the interior parts don’t seem to fit well.

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  Long term update - 2009 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By ACDII - July 22 - 9:23 am

  After 25000 miles, the car has been flawless, getting 39MPG mixed driving, 50 on the highway @60MPH. A few things turn me off though, and make me want a Fusion Hybrid. First being the dash center console, cool at first, but when driving in bad weather where you need 100% visibility, the lighting is a distraction, and no way to turn it off without turning off the entire dash. Material quality is sub-par, my Hyundai has better quality. Seats OK, material a bit thin, I can feel parts of the springs in the seat. I expected a bit better quality from Toyota, but with that aside, it has been a good car, reliable, and safe, and thats what is most important, 39 MPG overall isnt too bad either.

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  2007 Camry very nice - 2007 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By Lorenzo - July 21 - 5:16 am

  Im getting 40 mpg ave. on freeway and street driving. You have to use common sense too to save gas. If youre going downhill try to keep your foot off the gas pedal. Uphill, try if you can to use cruise control to 65-70mph and let the onboard computer regulate the gas - this will recharge the battery greatly. Cruise control is not recommended for those with poor reflex.

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  Excellent Purchase - 2009 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By Mike in Wisconsin - July 20 - 3:23 am

  Got the following features: leather heated power seats, JBL audio with navigation/bluetooth/XM satellite radio, moonroof, dual climate control. Accessories work well and have intuitive controls. Averaging 37.5 MPG combined city/highway driving. This car is equipped like any entry-level luxury car. Roomy interior, comfortable ride on expressways as well as bumpy city streets. Push button start and "Smart Key" feature is terrific! Gas engine works seamlessly with electric motor; you barely notice when the gas engine kicks in and no noticeable change in cars performance when gas engine shuts down when it isnt needed. This is our 4th Toyota product (first hybrid car). Very, very happy.

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  New age of riding - 2007 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By p-town - July 14 - 4:13 pm

  I bought this camry to replace my gas drainer (Chevy Tahoe). The difference in gas usage is great, you can tell a big difference in the savings. HWY mpg is about 36 and City mpg is about 38. I believe that Im ready to go anywhere.