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:

• 

  Quiet, Good Lookin but a little slow - 2007 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By W.Tarchala - January 12 - 9:10 pm

  Overall, I love my Camry hybrid. Its got great features, its good looking and its super quiet. I had an old Toyota Avalon v6 before which was more powerful then my new Camry and I still remember v6 performance. This Camry could be a little faster, but you cant complain averaging 36 mpg (50% highway, 50% city). Mileage is all about the way you drive anyway. You can get as high as 45-46 mpg in a city or as low as 30 mpg when you do not care at all on a highway.

• 

  First Toyota, First Hybrid - 2010 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By RER - December 30 - 12:53 pm

  Just past the break-in period of approx. 1000 miles, all driven in Washington,DC-Northern VA rush hour traffic. Equipped with NAV, leather seats, moon roof, convenience package. After 1 month and 1,000 miles I must say that I love this car. I was concerned about power, but the car has plenty of power and is just fine in rush hour traffic changing lanes, merging, etc., in some of what must be the worst traffic in the nation. When bogged down in slow moving traffic, the engine cuts off and electric power takes over. I look at display and just smile. The interior design is quite good as is the fit and finish. Have not had any problems to return to dealer for. Prev had an 03 Acura CL-S 6cyl

• 

  Good car - 2007 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By JD - December 23 - 6:06 pm

  Have not had the car long. It stayed on the lot for a while due to black color which is not real popular in Texas. I like to drive and ride in this car. The fuel mileage has been around 36-38 mpg. I like the styling and comfort. Would buy this car again.

• 

  Value for Money - 2011 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By h_sam - December 2 - 7:58 pm

  Have had a fully loaded version of this car for 18 months now. Mileage varies from 37/38 in spring fall, but drops to 34/36 on hot or very cold days. I drive reasonably well, and am not a hypermiler. Comfy and quiet ride. Interior is OK, GPS not as good as a Garmin. iPod interface can be improved (but but he sound system is great). Cupholders suck - have had coffee cup topple over twice on sharp turns.

• 

  So far, so good. - 2010 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By Lee - November 28 - 2:40 pm

  Traded in my 2003 Camry LE for the 2010 TCH. The 2003 was very quiet and smooth but the 2010 TCH beats it hands down. Love the Bluetooth and the upgraded audio. Fuel economy is exactly what Ive expected. According to the onboard computer, I averaged 34.1 mpg on my 1st tank of gas but I suspected that the tank was not 100% full. The 2nd tank of gas confirmed my suspicion as I averaged 38.5, according to the onboard computer and 38.7 according to my manual calculation. I expect the number will continue to improve as I learn to drive the car more efficiently.

• 

  4 Years And Still Going - 2008 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By ucsb73 - November 20 - 3:05 pm

  Purchased this vehicle in Oct. 2007 and it continues to perform. It has had a couple of minor issues that were covered under warranty - water pump leak - that I didnt even notice. I dont put on a ton of miles (37K) and my driving is best described as mixed. I continue to get a year-round average of 37 mpg. The winter and wet weather of the Pacific Northwest slows the vehicle down as it fights elements, otherwise, Id say one could average closer to 39 mpg of mixed city/hwy driving. I paid $30K + taxes - about $2-3K more than V6 Camry with same features - leather, Bluetooth, navigation, power seats, sunroof, & heated mirrors. A solid car - comfortable and quiet.

• 

  In heaven - 2007 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By steve - November 14 - 12:40 pm

  Well, maybe not in heaven but very close. Averaging 36 mpg mixed city, highway with 1500 on the odometer. The a/c is a blast and so are the cvt transmission, audio system, brakes, steering, and everything about the car. Wow factor - was just stopped pulling out of a parking lot by a couple. They were wondering why they did not hear any engine noise. When they realized the Camry was a hybrid they wanted to know all about the car & couldnÂ’t get over its looks. Frankly, after 2 months, neither can I. Seat comfort, layout, headroom all are tops. Frankly, you really have to scrape the barrel to even find something you canÂ’t give a 10 to. Toyota has a keeper. Oh, the $2600 tax credit aint bad either.

• 

  Happy camper - 2008 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By lawjah - October 8 - 12:33 am

  I have been driving this car for over two years. I live in a very mountainous area and appreciate how this car handles around curves and steep grades. Good acceleration, quiet, comfortable and good mileage. Sound system is good although Ive customized all my other cars.

• 

  Great All Around - 2007 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By JenniferM - September 30 - 9:06 am

  I must first say, this review is coming from a person who has always owned sports cars and doesnt consider herself the typical camry driver. I have to say, that after doing some research on my camry hybrid and reading reviews stating that it lacked power, and the interior was cheap. I was somewhat nervous about my purchase. But, I have found that not only is it the most comfortable car Ive ever owned, but the power is far above what I expected. It took me a few weeks to get used to the ICE shutting off, but since then, I havent looked back. My only warning would be: If you need your speed to drive recklessly look elsewhere.

• 

  Best Full Size Hybrid Available - 2007 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By mikey - September 27 - 10:33 pm

  The car is everything you would expect from a Toyota. I have 10K on mine, its been flawless. I have averaged about 40 mpg, and do a lot of highway driving. If I drove more in the city I could easily avg 42-44. The car teaches you how to drive it. Yes, it ultimatley means less aggressive driving, but thats not a bad thing. In fact I find I now drive my non-hybrid vehicles more conservatively. You really learn what burns the gas.