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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Coming from a BMW - 2009 Toyota Camry Hybrid
By Mookie - November 10 - 1:40 pmOK, so Im a 4X BMW owner. This time around I decided to try a hybrid. The TCH is no BMW, not in performance, handling nor build quality. But I didnt expect it to be. What did surprise me is that its fun to drive, has a lot of conveniences (with the nav package) and Im getting 35+ MPG. Thats the whole point. I went from 20 MPG to 35 MPG and Premium to Regular. Ive about halved my weekly gas costs. I dont regret my decision. But if I win the lottery I will buy an M6.
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Great car! - 2007 Toyota Camry Hybrid
By DS - October 29 - 3:36 pmDont let the anti-hybrid talk fool you... these cars more than pay for themselves. Between the state and federal tax credits and the improved mileage you cant go wrong with this car.
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Brakes - 2009 Toyota Camry Hybrid
By Ilene - October 25 - 2:00 amLove the car except for the brakes. This is my first hybrid car. When I have to panic-stop in this car, I apply what I think is normal pressure and the car screeches and grabs the road too violently. It really scares me. Does anyone else have this problem?
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Dont kick the bumper - it will break ! - 2007 Toyota Camry Hybrid
By Cheap Plastic - October 18 - 10:16 pmRides nice, smooth CVT, mileage is good. Many structural problems. INside dash squeaks, entire front bumper is cheap plastic (I replaced the whole bumper once: dealer said warranty doesnt cover design flaw.) The genuine Toyota replacement bumper is all falling apart again. It only takes the slightest accidental bump to crack it and then the entire bumper deteriorates. Really bad design flaw! Would never buy a Toyota again! Bluetooth hands free car phone is inferior! Tires were meticulously maintained (every 5K miles) and they only lasted 20K miles. Toyota quality?? Where?
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Wahoo - 2009 Toyota Camry Hybrid
By mark - October 9 - 12:50 pmTraded in a 2005 fully loaded Quad Silverado getting 18 MPG. Purchased loaded Camry Hybrid. Getting 39 MPG mix hwy/city. Comfortable interior and nice toys, i.e Bluetooth, nav system and keyless ignition. I commute over 100 miles each day and lumbar support in drivers seat nice.
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For Adults Only - 2009 Toyota Camry Hybrid
By my money - October 9 - 2:36 amThis car is for adults, rides great, looks good, sensible, super quiet and great mileage. I looked at 20 vehicles before I made my choice. One test drive made me a believer. Im averaging 33-35 mpg in town, and one road trip at 38 mpg. The trunk is short, but the kids have moved out, and if i need to haul that much junk, Ill rent a truck.
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Suprisingly Impressed - 2010 Toyota Camry Hybrid
By ehb1701 - October 4 - 4:40 amHave had my company-provided 2010 TCH for a week and am blown away. The TCH replaced a 2008 Impala, and beats it in every category including performance. Love the changes on the 2010. The upgrade pkg is worth the money and includes XM built in with 3 free mths. Bluetooth hands-free is worth every penny when you drive 35000mi/yr. Car rides and drives bigger than it is. My 1st Toyota, and very quiet & solid, even in 25 mph crosswinds. Getting 36-37 MPG in normal conditions. Put 1500 mi on TCH in 1st week-spent 7 hrs in the car-std lumbar support is outstanding. Now I understand the love of Toyotas. Chose this over 09 Impala LS and 10 Fusion SE b/c of features and size.
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Perfect fit - 2009 Toyota Camry Hybrid
By cpl8 - September 24 - 5:00 pmI came out of a 2008 Camry SE, I loved that car, it was totaled so I went with a 2009 Camry Hybrid fully loaded. Im 6 4" and its a perfect fit. Lots of room. The car shows 36-37 per gallons avg. never better then 37.6mpg
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Love Everything but the Engine Light - 2009 Toyota Camry Hybrid
By JC48 - September 23 - 12:06 pmWe are thrilled w/ the Toyota Camry Hybrid. We consistently get over 37 mpg. Its quiet and once you get accustomed to what all the dials and buttons do, you just have to love it! I am very proud of the gas conservation I am able to attain. So, Thank You Toyota! Ive been a Toyota owner for 30 years & Ive always had great performance. The only problem I have is with the Engine Light. It keeps coming on and I notice the gas cap loosens up. Im vigilant to tighten it when filling up, but it still seems to loosen. Im concerned, and I appreciate seeing others are having a similar problem. Ill email my dealer today. Thanks everyone here for your info.
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Smart decision - 2007 Toyota Camry Hybrid
By brad - September 3 - 7:13 pmI changed from a Lincoln Town Car, and couldnt be more pleased. I consistently get 39-41 miles per gallon. The drive is tight, and braking is superb. The acceleration is better than my Lincoln and I have no trouble picking up the pace when merging onto the highway. The drive is quiet, the doors close snugly. With excellent safety features, good overall weight, and a tax credit to boot, I expect to see a lot more of this car on the road (if you can find one).
