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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NEVER LEASE OR BUY TOYOTA over rated reputation - 2013 Toyota Camry Hybrid
By Brenton - May 4 - 6:09 am2013 Camry LE Hybrid never obtained gas mileage. 5 Recalls in 1st year and rust found. Dealership stated when you turn car in its our problem dont buy this car. Maintenance package a JOKE . First mandated Service was Start and SHUT off car THREE times to remove CODE. Dealership at 23 months would not change oil or service car make an appointment when YOU PAY. Deafening road noise, dangerous BLIND SPOT needed to add mirror to side mirror. Interior Quality of car completely PLASTIC and seats equivalent to park benches. Have to Hand Pump Front Drivers seat. Non existent compatibility for todays electronics. Do not drive in the SNOW very low body clearance, gas mileage drops like a rock. Listed sales price $32000 absolute gouging could never RESELL this car at any price over $10,000. Toyota as a BRAND has NO customer service, stated GET A LAWYER. Dealership went out of business had so many Better Business Complaints of not honoring car maintenance package as advertised ON TV. Toyota Headquarters representative stated: "We do not deal with dealership issues, maintenance issues, or customer complaints. TOYOTA has NO Reputation and stated we are honorable come back after acceleration deaths DO NOT BUY TOYOTA
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Just what I wanted - 2007 Toyota Camry Hybrid
By SeattleJ - May 3 - 6:50 amBuild quality and mileage have been great. Features are nice and Im looking forward to taking it up to the moutains to see how the hybrid system does there.
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My first Toyota / First hybrid / - 2009 Toyota Camry Hybrid
By ramzk - April 22 - 2:03 amHave had my new Camry hybrid for three weeks now and absolutely love it. I have driven a Lexus LS 400 for the past 14 years. The fit and finish is excellent on this car and I really like the hybrid system. I have ran two tanks of gas so far and have averaged 38 mpg overall in mixed city and highway driving in Atlanta. It is amazing how often you can run strictly on the battery or a mix of very little foot on the gas and battery to increase your mpg. As you pull up to every light or slow way down the engine shuts off and the car is totally quiet. A small touch to the accelerator the engine fires up seamlessly and off you go. The car is extremely comfortable.
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Great - 2007 Toyota Camry Hybrid
By Sandy - April 9 - 1:36 amIm averaging 34 mpg and enjoying all the advantages of Camry reliability and comfortable driving for the models long life. Get 40-41 on the highway and find that town driving depends on how heavy my foot is.
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Five Months In - Pretty Impressive - 2009 Toyota Camry Hybrid
By Worcester County - April 8 - 3:16 amGot the base Hybrid in late July. Consistently 41-42 mpg in 40% hwy/60% local roads commuting in Central MA (lots of rolling hills). Now temperatures closer to freezing getting 39-40 mpg. Still beating the pants off the EPA estimate! Highly recommend this. Why get a Prius and be cramped (unless you want 50 mpg)? Car does three things: gives gas engine little holidays including stopped time and initial take-offs (the most inefficient for the gas), doesnt waste momentum- recovers the energy from braking to power the hybrid motor, and gives you all sorts of feedback on how to drive it most efficiently- kind of like playing a video game (though you can ignore it and just enjoy driving)
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Fully Meeting Expectations - 2009 Toyota Camry Hybrid
By B Boswell - April 6 - 1:50 pmReplaced a 2005 Lexus ES330. Planning ahead for inevitable return to high fuel prices, now almost certain with Federal Government policies. Achieved an average of 37.7 miles to the gallon during the first 2 weeks and 500 miles of mixed driving and ownership. Ride and comfort compares very well with the Lexus. CVT transmission much smoother than the Lexus. Actually think the shape and comfort of the seats exceed the Lexus. Have learned how to utilize only the electric motors and battery at around 30 miles per hour on the flat streets in our community. Overall, very pleased with the car and am convinced that we made the right purchase decision. $1,000 incentive from Toyota also appreciated.
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TCH has great package - 2007 Toyota Camry Hybrid
By Randy McDow - April 6 - 9:30 amMy wife and I have both been very impressed with the Camry Hybrid. It drives very smoothly, the car feels very solid, and we do not feel cramped at all (Im 63", and shes 510"). Tons of leg room. Plenty of features - we were considering going for more options, but the base car is quite loaded and feels futuristic. Mileage has been excellent, but not quite the 40/38 advertised. Weve enjoyed driving it so much that we each want to drive it, and we think of reasons to go out in it. We speed less in it, as we enjoy our time inside and dont want to waste gas. This is an impressive car with a great design and sharp looks.
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Amazing! - 2009 Toyota Camry Hybrid
By Brian - March 26 - 7:56 pmI just bought my 2009 Toyota Camry Hybrid! I am so excited! This car is amazing, I love sitting at a red light and hearing nothing! No noise at all! Dead silence. I love trying to see how long I can go on the battery motor. I had mine built with specific options, leather/nav/moon roof. I also had added by the manf. (not dealer installed) side moldings, spoiler, and sat. radio. I would highly suggest getting this added by manf. not dealer. It looks great! Black on tan. I highly suggest you buy this car.
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As Good As It Gets! - 2007 Toyota Camry Hybrid
By j_cubbie - March 24 - 1:33 amHave had 3 Lexuses, own a BMW X5. This car is just right for someone driving a long way on a daily basis. I will put 22000 miles on it in one year and its fairly comfortable. Not a Lexus, but oh so close! Kind of generic on the inside, but exterior is sleek decreasing wind resistance. And, the mileage out here in the Arizona sun is awesome. So far 35-38 mpg with AC blasting. Wanted a cooler car, but this is as good as it gets for mileage, looks and comfort, and the environment.
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Simple to operate, fun to drive! - 2007 Toyota Camry Hybrid
By Terry - March 15 - 6:03 amBe assured that the Camry Hybrid is simple to operate, dont worry about getting used to it. Once you own one of these (or the Prius), you will not want to go back to a non-hybrid. They use twice the fuel and are not going to have the resale of a hybrid. I love the door opener and combined with the starter button, what could be better? Recently, I had to rent a car and the only one that was available was a Chevrolet. Its an OK car, but I am glad the trip is over, so I can get back behind the wheel of my Camry Hybrid. At times, I rent cars for long trips so I dont pile up so many miles on my Camry. Long story short, get a demo, buy one, start saving gas money!!
