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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Great Car! - 2007 Toyota Camry Hybrid
By weesco - February 12 - 5:46 amJust picked up our new Camry Hybrid in Chicago and drove it back to our home in Florida without a single hiccup. VERY comfortable road car, rides and sounds solid like a luxury sedan. We got 39.5 mpg driving down at 65-75 on interstate highways and are getting 40.5 mpg puttering around town at home (with 1100 miles now on the ODO). Im an electronics engineer and did quite a bit of research before ordering it. The hybrid drive is an extremely complex and well designed system. My wife is very happy with "her" hybrid and thats what counts most. Our only option was the moonroof. I already have a Garmin Nuvi 350 nav unit that we switch between cars so we didnt order the Nav.
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the way to go! - 2007 Toyota Camry Hybrid
By stevek - February 11 - 7:40 ami have owned the tc hybrid now for 4 months & despite a rapping sound coming from the driver a/c vent, it is a great car to drive. will bring the car into the dealership to have them correct this noise. fuel mileage, once i figured out how to go into battery mode has steadily increased with the current tank at 40+ in town. there really is not a thing negative to say about this car. i have been stopped several times by people wanting to know about it and go into it. never had that happen before. if you can grab one before the tax breaks disappear, do it!
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Best Car owned - 2007 Toyota Camry Hybrid
By Joel Nuno - February 7 - 6:40 pmIve owned Fords, Chryslers, VWs, Audis, and I can tell you, this is the best car Ive owned. I have a fully loaded hybrid Camry, I am proud for what I am doing for the environment and also very pleased with the money savings. The car itself is beautiful, quiet, comfortable. With this transmission you cannot tell when it is shifting, sometimes you think the engine is not running, it is sooo quiet. Suspension is great, comfortable. Brakes are also very good. Interior is roomy, comfortable and packed with amenities. This family car is in fact very fun.
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THE 2012 TOYOTA CAMRY XLE HYBRID offers the BEST VALUE, DRIVE,COMFORT, RIDE, AMENITIES & MILEAGE EVER!! - 2012 Toyota Camry Hybrid
By mls4deals2 - January 30 - 7:08 pmBest Car Of The Year Value, Drive,comfort, Ride, Amenities & Mileage!! — I have owned 3 camrys and two Avalons the latest being a 2011 Avalon LIMITED with all the bells and whistles. I LOVED THE AVALON...but didnt like the Mileage (23 mpg avg). I found out the Avalon body style is changing to look like the Lexus 460 THIS YEAR (in 2 MONTHS!) AND DISCOVERED MY VALUE WOULD GO DOWN ABOUT 6K TO 10K THIS YEAR! TIMING WAS PERFECT as the deal offered me by my fleet mgr was full value for trade and back of invoice for ybrid Camry:) My Gas & insurance bill dropped in half!! Who could ask for anything more??
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Total Driving Enjoyment - 2012 Toyota Camry Hybrid
By professor1053 - January 30 - 7:24 amTraded our 2007 camry hybrid for the new model and couldnt be happier with this XLE version. Electronics more intuitive (espec. voice), seats way more comfortable, interior plastics are attractive (not cheap), mileage regularly at about 40 even in winter weather (cold DOES affect hybrid perf.). Love the USB port that holds my entire mus. collection called up easily on screen for scroll and pick (or simply hit voice and ask for an album or artist). The 200 horses beats the upcoming Ford Fusion, and they do make a difference. Velvet smooth acceleration with plenty of zip (unlike previous Camry). Car has a rock-solid feel with responsive steering. Learning to love the blind spot monitor.
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Love it - 2007 Toyota Camry Hybrid
By edaber - January 20 - 1:10 amAfter about 2000 miles of mixed highway city driving I am averaging almost 37 miles per gallon. The car feels solid and not like I have sacrificed amenities for economy.
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Excellent Car - 2007 Toyota Camry Hybrid
By wittrup - January 14 - 6:53 pmIve owned my Camry Hybrid for 15 months. It is without a doubt the best car I have ever owned. It is so quiet, handles great, roomy passenger space and not a single complaint. I have made 3 trips from Corvallis, OR to Bozeman, MT averaging 39-41 mpg, which includes drives thru mountain passes and typical speeds of 75 mph, 3 people in the car and loaded with baggage. In my first year, I have saved $800 in gas compared to my previous car (1997 Volvo wagon) in just the first year. Overall, I am getting about 37.5 mpg. In winter weather, the mileage drops within the city to about 34-35 mpg. The Camry Hybrid has plenty of power and acceleration. I easily pass cars going up steep hills.
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Love it, Love it, LOVE IT! - 2009 Toyota Camry Hybrid
By Shug - January 10 - 7:03 amI drive 30,000 miles per year and LOVE this car. Traded a Lexus RX350 and hardly note a difference, except fuel economy! I get 43 MPG most of the time, worst has been 35MPG-WONDERFUL! Not included in any recalls so expect to hold value, too. Great pickup, passing power. Love to play the how many miles per tank game, getting up to 650 per tank full. Watching the MPG screen is like playing a video game-how high can you go and keep? LOVE It! I am driving much smarter now. Driving this much means I look for comfort and this is as good as my Lexus was. I can adjust seats Up, Dwn, forward and back and tilt. Its raining and I can look over at all those wet people and drive by for days!:)
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What an Awesome Car! - 2007 Toyota Camry Hybrid
By mitchh - December 31 - 8:16 amI bought my hybrid on the 6th of Jan 07... beautiful car inside/out. Bought it fully loaded ie: nav/leather & comfort pkg. Took it for a business trip to Sacramento (approx 400 miles R/T) and averaged 37.8 mpg highway miles and I believe the mileage will improve slightly as I drive it more. The voice activated Nav system is easy to figure out, hands free blue tooth is awesome, keyless start is a beautiful thing, very comfortable leather seating. The exterior looks as good if not better than the Lexus ES 350. Got lucky and got the exterior color I wanted (jasper pearl), there was one with that color in California and it is mine. Its a head turner.
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Very poor MPG - poor cost/benefit - 2009 Toyota Camry Hybrid
By ORLY - December 30 - 10:16 pmComing up on 7th month of ownership. I bought the TCH when fuel prices were above $4/gal. and expected EPA estimated mileage. Whole family big Toyota fans; second and third generation Camry owners. Gas mileage on my MID hovers between 26-28 MPG tank avg combined city/hwy. Had diagnostic today and am being told by Toyota Dealership and Toyota Customer Service that "there is nothing wrong with my vehicle". Have read every tip, trick and blog about "driving the hybrid" for best mileage. This is NOT user error :) Hybrid cost/benefit NOT worth it for this kind of mileage
