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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  Very poor reliability - 2009 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By GBouscal - November 8 - 2:40 am

  3050 miles to date and Ive had to return for service every 1000 miles due to the check engine light. There are fuel system problems. Ive spent 8 hours at the service center so far, with my next appointment next week, which will be my 5th visit.

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  So Far, So Good - 2012 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By lefa - October 19 - 1:15 pm

  We bought a Camry Hybrid on Dec/2012. I am writing this on April/2013, after 5,500 miles. During the winter we obtained 38-39 mpg (for a whole tank, combined Hw and city). Now in the Spring we are easily getting 40-42 mpg (again, for a whole tank, combined Hw and city). We drive a lot and get a lot of traffic jams in city drive. But we are very happy and satisfied with the millage. Also, the range ("autonomy") for each tank. It avoids being at the gas station all the time.

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  Stay Away from Toyota Hybrid False MPG estimate - 2012 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By suemcsuey - October 17 - 8:58 am

  I had high hopes for the 2012 Toyota Camry Hybrid. The claim to get 43mpg city and 39mpg hwy for a combined estimate of 41mpg. NOT! I have had for 10,000 miles 7 months and I average 31.4 mpg. I bought this car because of all the city driving I do. I drive the kids 20 miles each way to and from school. I do a lot of driving for my job. This has been the worst experience ever. I have contacted Toyota Customer Experience Center because this is where the dealer directed me after my numerous complaints. I went yesterday to dealer for yet another test and wasted 7 hours. They say it checks out fine with no problems. I think getting 10 miles less per gallon is a pretty huge problem that is being overlooked. That is the problem. Stay away from Toyota and their false (Estimate) Buy a Honda Ive owned 4 and never had any problems with the cars or customer service. I only chose Toyota because of their history with the Hybrid.Unhappy Toyota Camry Hybrid Owner

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  The best car that I have ever owned! - 2007 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By Frank W. Nagorka - October 4 - 4:36 pm

  If you purchase this car you will be the envy of your neighbors. I have now had it for two months and enjoy driving it every day. I particularly enjoy driving past the gas station. The fit and finish are superb. The quiet of the car is something to be experienced. I just wish that it had a tad more trunk space and thus nirvana.

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  This Ones a Keeper - 2008 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By DC Commuter - September 30 - 10:46 pm

  I am a DC commuter and purchased this car, primarily, to have access to the HOV lanes on days when I dont have a carpool. With a 40 mile one-way commute in sometimes heavy traffic, average mpg for the first 1500 miles has been 35.5. I will say that this car is a phenomenal deal for the money. Being accustomed to driving higher-end performance cars, we werent really expecting that much out of the Camry, other than a more economical means of transport that gives to us flexibility in getting in and out of the city. However, we have been absolutely, truly impressed. The Camry has great acceleration and handling, the ride is very smooth, and the fit and finish quality is truly noticeable.

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  Our first Hybrid - 2009 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By tdb - September 10 - 7:23 pm

  We purchased the car at the end of March. Most of our driving is in the Minneapolis metro area. No trips over 100 miles one way. We like the car a lot and are happy with the purchase. Its an enjoyable car to drive if you like quiet and good handling. Were averaging 38-40 mpg per tank. We too have had the Check Engine light issue concerning the gas cap. (4 times in 7400 miles.) This past Wednesday night our dealership told us that Toyota will be coming out soon with a Tech Service Bulletin. The gas tank neck is faulty and has to be replaced. Ours is scheduled for next week. Supposedly with a new, improved one.

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  Perfect 10 indeed! - 2009 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By TCH Driver - September 7 - 8:13 pm

  After months of searching for a brand new car, we found the perfect one! We bought a 2009 Toyota Camry Hybrid SE in a beautiful skyblue color. It is unbelievably quiet, smooth, and fun to drive! We can finally enjoy driving and listening to music or talking on the phone without all the road noise. We are averaging an excellent 40 MPG and we are very happy with our decision!

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  Fun Car - 2008 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By Hybrid Believer - August 26 - 3:00 pm

  Great car! Fun to drive and very quiet. Average daily mpg 40-41 rural/urban roads and 41-43.8 mpg interstates(soft foot driving). Love all the screens available on nav., Bluetooth & ECO screens. Comfortable for both 63"and 51" bodies with the power seats and adjustable steering wheel positions. Great dual climate controls and sound system for CDs and easy iPod connection.

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  A nice and practical ride! - 2008 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By Karen in Florida - August 19 - 11:56 am

  I have had my 2008 TCH with nav system for 4 months and have driven 5000 miles. My previous two vehicles were BMWs, and I made the tough decision to buy a more practical car with better fuel economy. Overall, I am happy with my decision!! I chose the loaded version, with leather seats, moonroof, nav system, bluetooth, and all other available upgrades. Feature-wise, this car is able to compete well with "premium" vehicles. Ride quality and quietness are excellent. Fuel economy is a big improvement over my previous vehicles. I have not yet modified my driving style, and get 30- 35 mpg in the city and 35-40 mpg on the highway (at 70-80mph). With a little effort, those can be improved further.

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  Bought again second one - 2011 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By Busman - August 3 - 10:16 pm

  This is my second Camry Hybrid first one was a 2007 and had no complaints with 39,000 miles and no faults at all.