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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  Not Getting neare 40 mpg - 2013 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By donko - February 28 - 3:34 am

  I have about 9K miles on my 2012 XLE and I have yet to get near 40mpg. I get between 36-37 mpg in Eco mode. What gives? Should I contact my dealer on this and/or is this normal?

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  Same problem with GPS screen going black - 2007 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By Lisa S. - December 9 - 7:36 pm

  I also have the same problem with the GPS screen randomly going out. Its in a relatively long line of issues weve had with the car. From a quality perspective, this has been a much higher maintenance Toyota than our previous 3. While I appreciate the fuel economy gains, weve had problems with the indoor cabin air filtration system, brakes, air conditioning and now this significant NAV screen issue. The radio also cuts out from time to time. It seems like theres a malfunction in some of the electronic components or wiring. How that Im out of warranty and not looking forward to this conversation at the dealer tomorrow.

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  One year review, 50th anniv. edition - 2007 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By Brant - November 26 - 9:16 am

  Had our TCH for 1 year and 15k miles. Live in hilly area in New England. 400+ mile trip to Lake George and back got 36 mpg at 73 mph with cruise. Low 30s in city driving. High 20s in winter when fuel blend change kicks in. Car is driven normally, not always trying to extract maximum mpg. Happy with our purchase though the interior is not up to typical Toyota standards. Car has been spot on reliable. No rattles or squeaks or bumper issues. OEM tires are awful and will be replaced by winter. Bought 50th anniversary edition and the car is loaded and sharp. Though a little disappointed at first (I am a car guy), I am now sold on this car.

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  Comfortable Car, but Poor Initial Quality - 2012 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By dcsj - November 23 - 3:06 pm

  This is a very comfortable car to drive, and it gets terrific gas mileage, but initial quality is unacceptable. I have had this car for 3 months, and it has been back to the shop 5 times. Defective speaker diagnosed on 1st visit, replaced on 2nd visit. Sunroof side garnish came loose and smeared grease on window. Garnish re-attached on 3rd visit. Missing rear seat belt buckle replaced on 4th visit. Functionality problem with JBL premium sound system (complicated) diagnosed on 5th visit. Toyota asked me to bring it in at a later date. Vertical grease smear on right rear power window (undiagnosed) to be addressed on 6th visit along with the radio. Big hassle!

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  Variability in Quality - 2011 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By garyn - October 19 - 5:50 am

  Had a dealership bring in a particular color combination for a test drive and probable purchase. Car drove well but form and fit of the dash components I thought was substandard. The leather seating was already wrinkled with only 150 miles on the car. I checked out other Camrys at the dealership and found similar variability. The dealer representative told me that this is the way most were! I went to a second dealership and found an identical car in the lot. This car had perfect fit. Proceeded to buy this one. Very happy with it so far. Bought an extended warranty because I have no experience with Toyota or a hybrid for that matter.

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  Great Gas Saver! - 2009 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By luvhybrid1122 - September 29 - 9:20 pm

  Get my 2009 Camry hybrid from web dealer, they delivered to my house to sign paper work. Mine has all available options from Toyota. MSRP over $31500, but the interior still has lot of cheap plastic, wonder that XLE may have better interior. The other car in my house is 2002-3 MB E320. I definitely love the hybrid better for outstanding mileage, its Bluetooth, navigation. The gas warning light on when about 13 gallons burned. So I fill gas around every 13 gallons with around 500 miles. Average 38.46 MPG. The car only delivers 300 miles with same amount premium gas. Not bad!

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  Relevant Car - 2009 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By Bay Area Brad - September 8 - 5:50 am

  Completely sold on the technology. While gas hovers in the $4.60 range, I am getting 38 to 45 MPG depending on how much I "glide". Significant drop in my monthly fuel bill. Hopefully this will result in ever improving technology. Honda has their hydrogen vehicle out on the market in LA, Toyota is rumored to have "plug in" hybrids, maybe by next year. The Camry is the first legit near lux 4 door. I would recommend this car for anyone who wants to save on their $ fuel bills as well drive a cleaner burning vehicle with room and a little bit of panache.

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  Quiet & Smooth like a Lexus - 2011 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By Mutant Ninja - August 12 - 10:00 am

  You do not know you are driving a Hybrid. It just drives like a very regular car. It feels smooth and quiet like a Lexus ES or LS. I like the CVT. It is really smooth and transparent. Electric motor assists the gasoline engine when you need the power. Sweet! I have not achieved 35 MPG yet, I only get between 30 and 33 in Kansas City. For the driver and the front passenger, seat belts are particularly hard to grab/reach. There are some fitting issues. The auto-dimming rear-view mirror is wobbly on all cars at the dealership. The NAV display has strong magenta color cast. The JBL stereo does not display CD-Text correctly. (It has trouble with the artist name!)

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  First Month with the Camry Hybrid (2007) - 2007 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By Ron Turner - August 11 - 3:23 pm

  My wife and I have been driving a 2002 Camry 4cyclinder XLE and love it dearly. Never a moments trouble with this auto and fairly descent fuel efficiency.. avg 23mpg. Last month we purchased a 2007 Camry hybrid EXPECTING that this Toyota would be as elegant and fun to drive as the 2002!! The interior of the 2007 is not as nicely appointed as our former Camry and the overall driving experience is inferior to our 2002. The shifting process from gas engine to the electric motor drive is far from seamless and the average fuel consumption is only about 29mpg. We are both quite disappointed with our new Camry. The limited trunk space is also a major concern to us.

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  Beware of Body Integrity - 2008 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By zachsgah - February 26 - 9:46 pm

  Ive had my Toyota for 8 months and the paint is chipping . Dealer wont do anything about it. Its up to the Toyota rep. Also, I am very disappointed in the mpg. Im lucky if I get 32 mpg and I drive more than the speed limit. Since the mileage was the main reason for purchasing the vehicle, Im sorry I bought it. The ride isnt the greatest, but I can live with it. I cant live with a vehicle that is 8 months old that has paint issues nor the mpg for a hybrid.