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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SACRIFICING RIDE AND COMFORT FOR HANDLING. - 2013 Toyota Camry Hybrid
By DISAPPOINTED - August 31 - 8:17 pmThe Camrys suspension sacrifices ride and comfort for handling. I feel like the car has a sports tuned suspension. You feel every bump and hear the road noise. I am very disappointed in the ride and comfort of my Camry Hybrid LE.
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Smooth Sailing! - 2009 Toyota Camry Hybrid
By Mandy - August 27 - 1:33 pmI traded in my Dodge Neon, which was averaging 30-32 mpg, for a more reliable manufacturer, Toyota. I found the Camry Hybrid on the lot and almost died of shock - I thought there would a a LONG wait for a hybrid in our small town of 25,000 people. I test drove the model and FELL IN LOVE! It rides so smoothly and it is extremely quiet, even when the gasoline engine is running. I got 430 miles on 3/4 of a tank of gas - how amazing is that?!? Everywhere I go, I see heads turn due to the gorgeous body style and the fact that its a hybrid and still so roomy on the inside.
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Excellent all-round car - 2010 Toyota Camry Hybrid
By sam - August 19 - 4:10 pmI purchased this car after comparing this long and hard with the Fusion Hybrid, Acura TSX, and a pre-owned Lexus ES 350 in the same price range. It is on par with the Fusion with regards to the ride quality, handling (fusion is a wee bit better) and fuel economy. However, when comparing the top of the line versions, the fully optioned Camry beats a similarly equipped Fusion hybrid in interior build quality, hands down. The Camry is also a bit softer and quieter (On par with the ES 350). The only issue with the Camry is the image factor - If this is something thats important to you. Just dont expect your buddies to ask you for a test drive anytime soon!!!
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7000 miles in three months - 2007 Toyota Camry Hybrid
By Jasper Pearl - July 21 - 11:43 amI have owned a TCH for over three months, the mileage has been around 42 MPG on every tank since 2500 miles. It must have some brake in parts that take time to jell. It now runs on pure electric at 40 MPH on the flat and indicates over 60 MPG at 80 MPH on the flat. Great car and with the miles we put on it, the pay back will be quicker than the six years I estimated. The ride is not equal to the Volvos that we own, but the design is very quiet at speed. Ill keep mine until fuel cells are up and running.
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Nice Car... Too Expensive - 2007 Toyota Camry Hybrid
By hammonddave - July 19 - 6:23 pmThe new Camry Hybrid offers a great deal of wonderful acessories including the ability to extend your MPG with its new Synergy drive. The car has plenty of power to get up to highway speed. However, once you reach 70MPH the car has a tendancy to lunge forward searching for a comfortable speed. The steering is dicy at these speeds which is also quite disconcerting. The interior materials look and feel cheap. Too much plastic! Even with the upgraded leather it is hard to believe that this car costs over $30,000. Toyota needs to get real when if comes to their pricing. The batteries form a wall between the trunk and the fold down rear seats which makes it impractical to load long objects.
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Gas mileage less than advertised mpg - 2012 Toyota Camry Hybrid
By millese - July 6 - 7:04 amI purchased a 2012 Toyota Hybrid Camry a few weeks ago and am disappointed with the gas mileage. I drive around town mostly, no fast starts, coast whenever possible - getting about 36 mpg on the last 2 fillups. I took it to the Toyota mechanic and couldnt find anything wrong. He said there is no break-in period needed to get the expected average 41 mpg. Frustrated owner! Ill be back to the Toyota dealer pounding the door very soon. Unsure of next steps if no resolution -
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Camry Hybrid - 2007 Toyota Camry Hybrid
By Herb - July 3 - 11:46 pmI was not sure if I wanted to buy a camry hybrid after coming out of a lexus but now that I did ,I am glad I purchased the car. It has all the bells and whistles and it is comfortable to drive. I recommend this car to anyone.
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Solid Vehicle - Great Mileage - 2008 Toyota Camry Hybrid
By MukMan - June 29 - 8:40 amBought this a year ago. Already owned Escape hybrid. Mileage is much better than advertised in mixed driving. Car has full package with leather, heated seats, sunroof, Bluetooth, nav, etc. Nav not as user friendly to program as the 2002 Acura TL it replaced. Drives a little more bloated around curves like my 93 Taurus SHO, but a very quiet, solid ride. In the summer months, 50-50 driving will net 39-40 mpg; cooler fall and winter 36 mpg; minor flaws are that the tire pressure maintenance sensor went goofy and some brake noise that Toyota will take care of. However, for a $30K car, loaded package, its well worth it over Prius. This is the best eco friendly sedan.
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Happy Camper - 2007 Toyota Camry Hybrid
By exrep - June 25 - 7:30 pmTraded my 2004 Prius with 68000 trouble free miles for the Camry Hybrid. To date, have 25000 trouble free miles and getting 42 mpg, mostly highway driving. More room than the Prius and more comfort. Both great cars.
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Lost confidence in toyota - 2007 Toyota Camry Hybrid
By Linda Zimmer - June 23 - 11:26 amAfter owning my camry hybrid for not even three years, I have totally loved it until recently. My gps screen went black and I cant open my cd player but everything else works on it. Now Toyota is telling me they wont help with this expense even though its under 3 years old. Lost my confidence in toyota.
