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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  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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  Very nice ride - 2009 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By Stewart - August 31 - 7:13 pm

  Very happy with my first hybrid. I get a average 36.9 mpg easily. Quiet and smooth in the city or on the highway.

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  Glad to be back in a Toyota - 2010 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By Ed - August 30 - 12:30 am

  I traded in my Olds Bravada last month for a TCH. It is a little odd to drive at first. VERY quiet. I took it from Seattle to Montana last week (about 1300 miles round trip). We averaged 35.6 mpg freeway driving on 4 mountain passes. The speedometer turns blue when you are being fuel efficient. I thought it was pretty gimmicky, however I found myself changing my driving habits to increase my mileage - so I guess it worked.

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  Finally, a Hybrid sedan - 2007 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By Muadib84 - August 24 - 3:33 pm

  The TCH finally fills a market segment badly needed... the hybrid sedan! I love the idea of hybrids, but the existing choices did not fit - the Prius too small, the Highlander too large. This is perfect! It drives wonderfully, comfortable, smooth and refined. And despite discussions in the press of less than EPA milwage MPG -- the averages are great! This is a hybrid for the average person!

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  Teaching Me How to Drive - 2008 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By Connie - August 22 - 12:50 am

  The beauty of the transition from gasoline to hybrid is the relationship between human and machine. Toyota engineers have created an intimate, auto-feedback system that reinforces "listening" to the car and reading the mpg rather than the speedometer. The Camrys gas pedal must be finest tuned gas pedal ever created. This car is designed to float, not drive. Accelerating up to speed as fast as possible and then backing off the gas pedal makes the mpg needle fall below 60 if youre in the 40-45 mph range. This is so satisfying! I love turning off the car and getting my props for having acheived 40 mpg! Camry hybrid is a wonderful ride and drive!

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  Poor mileage for me - 2007 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By michigandriver - August 16 - 3:36 am

  I traded in a 2000 Lexus for a 07 Camry Hybrid. I dont like it. It does not even compare to the Lexus in quality or comfort. The ONLY time I have gotten close to 40 mpg is on the highway with the cruise set at 60. Otherwise I average between 32-35 mpg, tops. I drive very conservatively and have tried different driving styles to try to improve the mileage, but no luck. Handling (especially cornering) is a bit sloppy with this car (no comparison to the Lexus). The heat/air is also noticeably less efficient with this car than with the Lexus, and also with the previous 3 Toyotas I have owned. Im going back to Lexus!

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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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  Cant get any better than this! - 2009 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By Beacon - August 9 - 7:46 am

  I have had my Camry hybrid for a month now, with 2000 mi on it. I waited to submit a review to make sure of my opinion. This car is so much better than my Highlander! Whoever planned the interior of that car must have been asleep. This car on the other hand is just about perfect inside. Very well planned, very comfortable. It took me just one day to get used to the little quirks of the hybrid. When starting from a stand still there is a little vibration from the gas engine starting up. I dont even notice it now. Im consistently getting between 36 and 42 MPG without even trying. Not bad for a large luxury car. One of the best cars I have ever owned.

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  Outstanding car!! - 2009 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By Northwest mom - July 30 - 7:20 pm

  This car is both luxurious and economical. The driving experience is quiet and soothing. I do a lot of highway driving and its just what the doctor ordered. The brakes are especially impressive, but the gas mileage is probably the best part. The gas mileage feedback system really helps you drive more economically.