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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The Camry Hybrid Is Awesome! - 2007 Toyota Camry Hybrid
By cookeja24 - July 11 - 5:00 amI bought the car in Williamsburg VA and drove it 1,000 miles home to FL. I became a huge fan within the first 20 miles. I test drove several in the local area that didnt have the color and options I wanted so traveling to get it wasnt a problem, especially when it got 41 MPG on the highway on its first trip! I couldnt get over how quiet the interior is and how comfortable the car is to drive. There isnt a car on the road that has the quality and the gas mileage of this car. Im hooked on my Toyota and I have my wife hooked too! Buy now!
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Lexus/Shmexus - 2009 Toyota Camry Hybrid
By DocDzl - July 6 - 10:26 pmThe TCH made me overcome my fears and doubts about Toyota dealers and my desire to get a small BMW, Volvo, Infiniti or non-hybrid Lexus. Exceptional features, mpg, build quality, all for thousands (in some cases--many thousands)less. Not a Bimmer, but enjoyable to drive, particularly with the standard traction/stability control.
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Gas mileage dropping - 2007 Toyota Camry Hybrid
By G. Evans - June 27 - 8:23 pmWhen I first bought my Camry, I was happy with my 37.5 mpg. After about 5000 miles the mileage dropped to 33 mpg and at 15000 miles I am only getting 29.7 mpg. I have complained to the dealership three times to no avail. They say they have put it on "the machine" and there is no problem with the vehicle. The service people continue to tell me that it must be the way I drive. I am distressed that I paid more for a hybrid and got way less trunk room and only get the same gas mileage as my previous Camrys. There has to be something wrong for this to be happening!
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6 months and still love it - 2007 Toyota Camry Hybrid
By Tom H - June 15 - 4:33 pmFun to drive, fully loaded and have had very few problems. Only negative is that I only get roughly 30 mpg mainly all city. Car has excellent pickup and the cvr transmission is smooth, I would highly recommend.
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Exceptional automobile - 2007 Toyota Camry Hybrid
By Stewn - May 13 - 8:36 pmAt this point (500 miles) I am extremely pleased with the 2007 Camry Hybrid. Fuel economy in mixed driving has ranged from 34.5 to 37 miles per gallon which to me is more than acceptable. The car is completely loaded including leather, moonroof and NAV system. The handling and performance have been more than adequate and the fit and finish are superb.
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Saving dough, but could use more go - 2007 Toyota Camry Hybrid
By SynergyDriverinVA - May 11 - 9:10 pmJust bought the car a few days ago. I sprung for the leather and Nav. The build quality is excellent. The materials are very nice for a car that stickers a few hundred bucks north of 30K. I really like the Nav screen and the "Consumption" display, I find myself paying too much attention to the MPGs. There is a small lag in power when you first try to get up to speed. In my opinion this is cause by the CVT. I would like to see a little more power, like the Highlander Hybrid has. Overall, I am very pleased with the car. I dont think Im going to average 40 MPG, but I will come close and Ill do it in style.
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WoW.... - 2007 Toyota Camry Hybrid
By Lucy - April 20 - 6:10 pmI traded in my 1995 Toyota V6 XLE with 148,000 miles on it for this 2007 Toyota Hybrid. It as peppy as the V6, excellent on the fuel so far. I only have 256 miles on the new car and am getting 32 miles to the gallon thus far. It has many features that were in the Lexus, JBL sound, duo air conditioning, keyless enterance and start. Trunk is a little small but the seats fold forward in the back. This is not an option on the XLE. I know I will love this car for many years.
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Good gas mileage - 2007 Toyota Camry Hybrid
By HC - April 9 - 1:03 amI have 2007 Camry Hybrid (standard) for more than two years and have learned how to drive it to get good gas mileage: 45 MPG for a full tank average. Note that all batteries are on rear side of the car and the trunk is small.
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Incredible Vehicle - 2009 Toyota Camry Hybrid
By corona75 - March 27 - 5:03 amThe technology wrapped up in this car is worth far more than the sticker price. Talk about a sound vehicle! My wife and I are competing to see who can get the highest score on the MPG gauge. So far, she is ahead with a 35.7, but its just our first tank. Hard to find, but well worth the effort. It feels like a far more expensive car. Plenty of power if needed, but who cares about power when youre watching the MPG!
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Love it. All around - 2009 Toyota Camry Hybrid
By Saint - March 15 - 6:33 pmWonderful car. Toyota quality and performance with the benefits of a hybrid. Very smooth drive - seamless transition from battery.
