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:

• 

  After 20 months, still no regrets - 2007 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By Ann - January 14 - 2:16 pm

  I just passed 25K miles and 20 months of ownership with my 2007 Toyota Camry Hybrid. I still love the car. My tank average mpg has never been less than 36 and has been as high as 41.5 on a long haul trip. Ive had absolutely no technology issues with the car. I did have to have an alignment done twice already and it seems out again, but nothing has gone wrong with the complex hybrid drive. The car looks and drives great. I dont know how I found my way without GPS!! I would buy this again in a minute. The Edmunds TMV estimate is still within 3K of that price today!!! AAA+++

• 

  Efficency with Utilitarian Style - 2009 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By john - January 11 - 1:03 pm

  The 2009 Camry hybrid is my first Toyota. It drives like my old BMW 528i, and has decent acceleration but not mind blowing speed. The economics of having a hybrid are the selling point. If you think gas will hit 5 $/gallon and you drive a lot, then this is a car for you. The looks are those of a non snobby Camry, so you wont feel guilty like in a new Mercedes. It seems to me the workmanship is the same as a German car. I tried the Matrix and found that it was more flimsy, and not worth the price.

• 

  Love - 2008 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By Katie Carpentier - January 3 - 2:10 am

  I test drove both the Altima Hybrid and the Camry hybrid before buying. While I thought the Altima had better handling, the Camry won me over with its smooth ride, (I was going nearly 80 in a 55 and felt I still was going too slow, keep an eye out for this!) less noticeable transition between EV and gas mode, seemingly roomier trunk, and a million other things. I traded in my 07 Envoy for this, and I couldnt be happier! My first trip I got 46.3 mpg (mostly stop and go driving)! Im now averaging about 36.5 mpg with mostly highway driving. I wish Id discovered this car sooner.

• 

  one year - 2007 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By Doug - January 2 - 6:33 pm

  No problems in first year. Mileage varies from 40 in hot weather to 34 in very cold weather. So far glad I didnt buy extended warrentee. The 50,000 mile service agreement was worth while.

• 

  I like my Toyota Hybrid - 2007 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By wcw - December 4 - 11:06 am

  I purchase this vehicle in July of this year. When I first drove this car it felt really big, I have since gotten use to the feel of the car, I realize that its not as big as I first thought, I also had to get use to the slow take take off from the traffic light, but after driving this vehicle you get use to this and you drive accordingly, also I get very good mileage per gallon, also I like the fact that the car is keyless all in all I like my car it drives excellent it does have speed too.

• 

  Good Car, but Not Great - 2008 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By Steve in Houston - December 1 - 5:36 am

  Overall, my 2008 Camry Hybrid is a good car, but it has been in the shop three times for minor issues. First, it was a defective gas cap, then it was a defective seat belt latch, next it was a defective power window button. The dealer needed to keep the car over night once and I was expected to rent a car! I was not happy.

• 

  Innovative 2007 Camry-Hybrid - 2007 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By waldobernal - November 30 - 5:43 pm

  I am 71 years of age & have driven more cars than I can remember. This car is the most phenomenal car I have ever driven. Not only does it nearly eliminate all wind noise, on the freeway, it is so quiet that it makes listening to music a sheer joy. The mpg indicator have even prompted me to decrease interstate speed to decrease the mpg indicator (as it decreases it show greater mpg). The control panel is a joy, not only to view how many miles Ive traveled since starting the car, but also to view the actual mpg being recorded since last fill up, even thought I continue to zero the odometer & do the mental calculations. The riding comfort is exceptional, smooth, bumps are hardly noticeable.

• 

  I love it! - 2008 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By Raina B - November 28 - 2:40 pm

  Very smooth and quiet ride! On my first tank of gas I got 37.2 miles to the gallon. Im glad I chose the Camry Hybrid!

• 

  2007 Camry Hybrid - 2007 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By Mike - November 28 - 1:46 pm

  I have had my Camry hybrid for about 2 months now, I sold my 2005 Subaru WRX STI and although I gave up some performance, I have been pleasantly surprised by the Camrys acceleration and handling. Intergration of the gas and electric modes is almost seamless and the CV transmission is great, all typical Toyota. I live the mountains of northeast Nevada, 6,500 ft elevation, and most of my driving is on the highway and in mountains, not hills. Mileage has been averaging around 35 mpg and thats not taking it easy trying for good milage, 80-90 mph is not uncommon and the car has plenty of passing power. Great car, highly recommended.

• 

  2007 Camry Hybrid - Everything and More! - 2007 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By MetMan22 - November 23 - 2:26 am

  Just purchased an 07 Camry Hybrid here in Mass. (2nd one sold by the dealer). Traded in my 05 Camry LE for the 07, Barcelona Red w/Moonroof option - delivered w/11 miles direct from the factory. 5 weeks waiting time arrived 2 weeks early! 3 weeks of ownership & this car drives better than advertised & has exceeded all my expectations. Smooth handling, terrific steering, quiet, comfortable interior, great sound system, keyless electric start, good visual displays, great new eye-catching exterior design & best of all, its fun to drive. My advice... if you can afford the added cost of the Hybrid over the regular model, run to your dealer & order one... NOW. You wont be disappointed!