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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Fun to Buy - 2007 Toyota Camry Hybrid
By Robert Parker - June 14 - 6:43 amMost exciting car to "discover" on the showroom floor. At 72 years it made me an up-to-date consumer with all the technology aboard. With all the comfort and assists available, it is tempting to keep "running out" for items that you once shopped for once a week.
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61.1 MPG - 2013 Toyota Camry Hybrid
By ssood - June 10 - 11:54 pmI commute 40 miles a day. Traded in my 2010 Camry SE I4. for a mid-size hybrid under 25k. Test drove Optima hybrid, Sonata hybrid and the beautiful Fusion, sadly they couldnt keep up to their EPA estimates. Bought a Camry hybrid LE. 185 miles on the ODO and I am currently averaging 55-61 mpg. 67% city/33% hwy. I dont care about the looks but some rattles are unbearable. The sound quality is good. Seats dont support well but hey, I dont get to work tired..
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Glad I Did It - 2007 Toyota Camry Hybrid
By at_iorr - June 8 - 4:10 amI loved my Ford 5.4 SuperCrew truck, and was worried about the transition, but I have no regrets. Bought when gas was a low point, so that was in my favor. The Camry has all the extra features of a normal car. I like the way it gives you all the tools to track mileage and optimize your driving habits for the best gas mileage (I have the nav console). Performance is just fine; not a rocket, but certainly not a dog, either. My mileage is generally 36 combined, w/ my best being a bit over 39 on a long highway trip, which conflicts w/ the better city that gets advertised. Only issue, to date, is a rattle around the sunroof. The trunk is adequate, albeit a bit small.
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Comfort in a Camry - 2013 Toyota Camry Hybrid
By Brian L. - June 5 - 7:38 amGreat comfortable dependable car. Never a single problem mechanically or otherwise. I cant say enough good things about this car.
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Hybrid Works! - 2007 Toyota Camry Hybrid
By W. Tarchala - May 20 - 9:43 pmOverall, Im very happy with 07 camry hybrid. It makes average 36-39 mpg with mixed driving (65% city, 35% hwy), which gives me around 550 miles per gas tank (usually 13 gallons). Performance is sufficient for normal commuting but dont expect v6 performance (even with claiming 192 hp). I had my old 96 avalon V6 which accelerated faster but only made 19-22 mpg. Comfort is superior. Vehicle is super quiet. Anyway, I love my new camry!!! :)
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Best car Ive owned - 2007 Toyota Camry Hybrid
By dennishawk - May 18 - 5:36 amDrives like a luxury car. Great highway mileage(37-42 mpg), less great in city(25-30 mpg).
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1 year- 40mpg - 2010 Toyota Camry Hybrid
By atomicalex7 - May 15 - 2:26 amI have had this car for about one year now. I previously had a buick century, but before that I had a 1993 camry with 190,000 miles. This car drives just like the 93. I have 20,000 miles on the TCH and I love it. It has lots of power and room. The only thing I dont like is when you put your hand on the driverside handle to unlock it, only the driver door unlocks. Also, I can drive up to 42mph on electric only. At 85mph, it doesnt sound like the car is on or moving. I love it and will get anotherone when this one goes.
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My first Japanese car - 2008 Toyota Camry Hybrid
By Steve Z - May 8 - 10:56 pmI traded in my low-mileage, garage-kept 2003 Buick LeSabre Limited for the Camry Hybrid due to the fact that I drive in a mostly urban environment and out of fears of soaring gas prices. The trunk is much smaller than the Buicks, but I still have my minivan for the big stuff. My only complaint about the vehicle is the poor quality of interior materials which deliver their own symphony of sounds until the cabin warms up. I expected better in a Toyota. Overall - I am happy with my purchase and would do it again.
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THE FUN OF GOING GREEN - 2007 Toyota Camry Hybrid
By jjm - May 8 - 9:50 pmMy 07 Camry was delivered with every option for MSRP (dealer installed XM @ + $449). With a little effort most should get close to the EPA milage 41/38 per gal. This car replaces my 328i BMW and is equal in quality of workmanship and most features. Next week Ill test AZ mtn roads and uphill driving performance. The seating is very comfortable and ride quite. The synergy drive is smooth and many gauges are available to monitor energy useage. For those who just want to fit into the crowd this car doesnt scream HYBRID, like the Prius. The Navi-system is better than the Avolon and other 2006 Toyota models, many neat features. take delivery before 9/30/06 get Federal Tax credit of $2600.
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Great MPG in relation to comfort/style - 2008 Toyota Camry Hybrid
By MO in NY - May 8 - 6:53 amI love this car! Im averaging 37-49 mpg in spring/fall, 35-37 in summer (using A/C) and 30-33 mpg in winter (when using heating elements and going faster than I should to keep mpg higher). Its true mpg is much lower in winter, but its the same as with my 99 Subaru Outback, which averaged only 18-22 mpg AT BEST in winter. It seems engines work harder in winter to warm up the engine & keep it warm (also gasohol in winter doesnt help matters). I love the constant consumption, energy, etc. read-outs. This car helps you to learn how to save gas and operate it most efficiently. I was too uncomfortable in the Prius (it was like driving a tin can), but I bought the Camry instead.
