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 car and mileage - 2008 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By Seajack - July 12 - 4:30 am

  My son bought a Prius and loved it, but my wife needed a car that sat up higher and felt larger. The Camry was perfect, and weve loved it. Quiet, smooth, and the long trips weve taken have been very economical. Great deal.

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  Still Lovin It - 2009 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By Denise - July 8 - 10:00 am

  I wrote a complimentary review of my Camry hybrid soon after buying it, but thought I should update for those who research to see how owners feel after the "honeymoon" period is over. I have had my Camry for nearly 2 years, 19,000 miles, and I can honestly say that it has exceeded my expectations. It handles well, even on ice and snow. Gas mileage ranges from 37 (cold weather) to 41 mpg. Quiet, comfortable, low maintenance. Its the car everyone in the family wants to drive. I have high standards and am tight with a dollar. I get in this car daily and think, "So glad this is mine!" Dont regret a penny of it. Good luck, folks. I hope you end up loving your car as much as I love mine.

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  Transition from performance to economy - 2007 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By DB1947 - June 30 - 3:16 pm

  Replaced a 2002 Acura TL Type S, went from fast driving to a more relaxed pace. Hybrid has made this transition easy. While responsiveness and acceleration is less, overall performance is on par. I drive a little slower, dont take the passing lane as often, but end up arriving in the same amount of time, but feeling more relaxed and having used way less gas. I still routinely hit 80 MPH, but try to keep it lower, while averaging about 38-39 MPG. Interior is comfortable and very quiet. Handling is a little soft, but adequate. No major complaints: steering wheel is too narrow and hard to grip for long periods, rear visibility is difficult, brake pedal angle is to high.

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  Coming From Maxima - 2009 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By Sam - June 27 - 1:13 pm

  Great ride, quiet interior, great gas mileage. I went from a Nissan Maxima to the Camry for the gas mileage. Wow what a great car. The seats are very comfortable which also wrap around you. My first tank right now is around 38 mpg and the car also has ok pickup. I love my Bluetooth system, I got fully loaded with spoiler, it looks hot.

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  Love It Soooooo MUCH !! - 2007 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By brianandholly - June 22 - 6:50 pm

  Best tank full avg = 37 mpg. Worst tank full avg = 32 mpg. I never thought I would buy a hybrid but I am so glad I did! The car is an engineering marvel! My only complaint is an annoying cold weather squeak in the console by the dash. I have had more people compliment me on this car and / or ask about it than you could possibly imagine! It really deserves to be Motor Trends Car of the Year! You deserve it, go by one! I did! It is priced about the same as an XLE V6 but has sooooo much more going for it, especially when gas prices return to our new reality of $3 to $5 per gallon, and we all KNOW they will soon.

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  Green can be great! - 2009 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By TBone - June 8 - 3:00 am

  Car gets 36 MPG without any change in driving style (compared to the 20 I got previously). With a little effort, Im able to consistently achieve 40 MPG, more than double what my old car got.

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  Amazing Fuel Economy - 2009 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By D Kramer - June 7 - 5:56 pm

  I needed a car with at least 30 MPG, but with style and some element of fun. I made a good choice and after almost 7000 miles, Im averaging over 38 MPG. The trick to this exceptional mileage, almost all highway, is to use the cruise control. I am getting just over 600 miles out of each tank. Thank you, Toyota!

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  Simply A Great Car - 2007 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By HappyHybrid - June 3 - 7:56 pm

  This is a superb car to drive or for a ride. It has more than enough power to get you into interstate traffic or pass other cars. I get about 42.3 MPG, the other driver gets about 38.6 MPG. Our driving is at the edge of the southern end of the Rockies @ an elevation of 6,000 feet. It handles both the hills and elevation with ease. Handling is sure. The fit and finish are what Detroit dreams about. Seat adjustments make interior comfort great for the driver and passengers. The A/C is superb. In summer, the car really cools down quickly, even in our desert environment. The sound system is the best "standard" system I ever had in a car. It is quite pleasing.

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  Double Miles & Savings at Pump! - 2009 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By VanSteve - May 17 - 6:50 pm

  After waiting nearly 3 months (back ordered) for my new Camry Hybrid, Im now a proud owner of a 2009 TCH. I traded in my 2002 Mercedes Benz S430 which was only averaging 21-23 MPG with a 20.5 gallon tank running on premium gas. Thus far my first week of owning this vehicle, Im averaging 43 MPG with a mix of city/highway driving during rush hour traffic with normal driving. Hands down, the Camry Hybrid has a very attractive design, good quality, pick-up and excellent consumer ratings. I cant wait to go on some long road-trips and really break the vehicle in; who knows, maybe I can top 50 MPG... lol GOOD JOB Toyota!

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  My Hybrid - 2007 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By Tom Weber - May 15 - 3:56 am

  This is a very nice car! I was so surprised that I would like this vehicle this much. I have had the car for about two weeks now and I already have over 1000 miles on it. I have avereged close to 40mpg. Buy one!