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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  Technological Marvel - 2009 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By Houston - November 9 - 4:03 pm

  The Camry Hybrid is a technological marvel enabling more efficient, but safe and comfortable, transportation (reminds me of when CDs replaced records; the hybrid is an ingenious automotive development). The vehicle accelerates well with the combined electric and gas engine. The electric engine works to conserve fuel in all phases of driving (converts kinetic energy to electric). Trunk holds my golf clubs and more. The hybrid is the perfect urban car, thriving on stop-and-go traffic. It is quiet. Relaxed drive. Maintenance on the first 100K miles should be nothing but routine. Drives and looks like a Lexus ES 300, but costs much less. I got a lot of value.

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  Always Reliable - 2007 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By Greg Winegarden - November 3 - 7:36 pm

  Since purchasing our Camry Hybrid back in November 2006, we have had absolutely no problems of any kind with this vehicle. The Camry rides and drives just as well if not better than many other luxury vehicles, but with much better fuel economy. The only strike against the Camry Hybrid would be the loss of trunk space due to battery storage, but overall this is a great vehicle if you are looking for good fuel economy and a fun car to drive. I would highly reccomend this vehicle to anyone that still wants the luxury car ride and ammenities, but still gives you good fuel economy.

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  tiptoe steering & then bliss - 2012 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By pleased_as_p - November 2 - 4:14 pm

  Have had it two days....mileage started at 10 mpg at 10 miles and is now up to 33 mpg at 150 miles. Steering better than 1998 Camry or 2005 Tundra. Acceleration about the same as 1998 Camry (V6). If you have the transmitter in your hand the door unlocks. EV plus ECO mode for economy. 600+ miles per tank of gas. Brilliant sharp headlights. Excellent interior temperature control. Put seats up high to get more elbow room and better visibility. Comfy driving position/adjustable steering wheel. Pass through from trunk for fishing poles/lumber. Mirrors well situated. Some wind noise at 70 mph. Almost no motor noise until accelerator is floored. Less wind down sound than 2011.

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  Honest and true - 2007 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By Jason Dorsey - October 29 - 4:36 pm

  Pros: Still has plenty of power for a 4 cylinder and scoots up to 80 in no time. The GPS is a must!!! Comfort is respectable. (Apply leather conditioner to soften up the feel of sand paper for leather.) Very spacious and as a package (Hybrid) comes with many perks. The smart key is awesome but takes a couple days to get use to. Plenty of small storage places. Cons: Only expect an avg of 34 MPG. Big disappointment!! On the highway at 55 MPH with cruise control you will avg 44. But I travel a lot and cruise at 75 not 55. Also be aware that your trunk space is not what you expect. The batteries take up a lot of the trunk. The plastic in the car is okay except for the handles on the doors.

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  Promises unfulfilled - 2007 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By jOHN Beavers - October 18 - 1:30 pm

  The hybrid performs well. The comfort for a 62" person leaves much to be desired. As a Toyota owner for many years, I was disappointed in the furnishings and the visibility afforded in my car. The left drivers post prevents a good look for expressway driving and Im constantly challenged in getting into the vehicle on the drivers side. Should have researched it more thoroughly. Gas mileage is 32 around town and maybe 38 on the road with good fuel management skills. Best buy from Toyota is probably the Prius.

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  Best car Ive ever owned! - 2007 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By Elsa Hennings - October 11 - 1:13 pm

  This is absolutely the best car Ive ever owned, and Ive owned a lot. It is very well thought out, fun to drive, carries all the luggage my family of five needs for a long trip, and the fuel economy is typically 40 mpg or better. As a mechanical engineer Im quite impressed with how this car is put together, specifically the merging of the gas engine and electric motor to the transmission. The seamless crossover in power supply is awesome. Im about to go buy another hybrid Camry, something I never thought Id do.

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  I heart my TCH even tho I didnt want to - 2009 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By cocogirl - October 4 - 7:16 am

  I was determined to hate this car but felt its necessity. Ive debated hybrids 4 years but was disappointed in lack of creature comforts (sunroof) & styling. I thought I wanted another luxury car (I had a Infiniti G35) but live in Hawaii where gas got 2 be $5/g premium & I couldnt justify working to drive a symbol. The first day I hated it (it seemed like a mom car & I am so the opposite) & gas mileage was awful (<20 mpg). I cried & thought I made an expensive mistake. I gave it a week & actually fell hard for it. Its smooth, spacious, luxurious, zippy & a convo starter. I avg 37.2 - 99.9/tank (yup 99, downhill).

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  The best car ever! - 2007 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By DAPPER - October 3 - 10:36 pm

  I traded in a 1997 Ford Explorer- lovely gas mileage of 12 miles per gallon! Funny -- I drive 25 mi one way to work. Getting expensive to work these days. So,I went to test drive a camery xle when the hybrid (which I undersood wasnt even out yet) was on the lot. It is everything I wanted, gps, moonroof, heated seats and excellent gas mileage (rated at 40 / 38). The car was a delight to drive -- the price is about the same as a totally decked out xle. Except you have the tax incentive and the gas savings. The math and decision was easy. I absolutely love the car!! I average 38 miles per gallon. This includes mountain, air conditioning, freeway and city road driving.

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  False Advertising - 2007 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By JERRY ROSEN - September 30 - 8:46 am

  The sticker on the window advertized that the Hybrid would get 40 MPG city and 38 MPG highway. After checking many tankfuls of gas the best mileage I could get was between 22 and 24 MPG. This to me is totally unacceptable. I brought the car into 2 different dealers in North Miami and Hollywood for testing and they both told me there is nothing wrong with the car. Last week I drove to Gainesville where the car was purchased, to have them tell me the same thing. Nothing was accomplished except I put 660 miles on the car and I am still very FRUSTRATED. I didnt buy a hybrid to get 22 MPG. When I should be getting at least 40MPG promised by all the advertising and hype about hybrids.

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  Update after 18 months - 2009 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By Bill - September 20 - 8:36 pm

  Currently i have about 32K miles after 18 months. The car averages between 36- 38, with 38 being the norm in warmer weather. Folks getting these lower mileage numbers perhaps need a few lessons on driving a hybrid. You glide, not stomp on the gas. Have noticed that the mileage is better when combined with around the town and highway mileage. Still a great car, despite the publicity with Toyota.