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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600 + miles per tank - 2007 Toyota Camry Hybrid
By Tim Plunkett - January 16 - 6:10 amIm old and slow on the freeway, rarely going over 70 mph. Thus, Ive been getting 43/44 mpg to/from /San Diego/ Los Angeles. If I tell Toyota how much were enjoying their Camry Hybrid, theyll raise the price!
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moved up from Prius - 2010 Toyota Camry Hybrid
By kh - January 11 - 11:30 pm2004 Prius driver, enjoyed Prius This car is a major upgrade. More power, great quieter ride, very roomy. mileage drops to 36, 37, but I am very impressed. It looks and rides like a sedan. Spoiler helps, wife and kids are happy . Tell me it doesnt look like spaceship! Impressed so far!
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Better than the Altima - 2009 Toyota Camry Hybrid
By Merced Dave - January 11 - 9:13 amI planned to purchase an Altima Hybrid based on superior reviews in Edmunds.com. However, when I test drove both vehicles, I found the Toyota Hybrid superior in almost all regards. True the Altima handled better than the Camry, but the Altima was noisy and the gas engine continously cycled in and out of operation. By comparison, the Camry is quieter, the gas engine only cycles at appropriate times and the ride is quieter than the Altima. It is clear to me that the Camry Hybrid is a more sophisticated implementation of hybrid technology.
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A Great Automobile - 2009 Toyota Camry Hybrid
By Bill B - January 9 - 7:46 amI have owned 30+ cars in my life and this is by far the best one of all! I bought the whole "package" leather, sun roof, and nav system. My first long trip (325 miles) with only 1000 on the odometer I got a remarkable 40.1 mpg! Considering the comfort of the ride, the safety features, the fact that I was driving a 3600 lb+ auto and getting that kind of mileage, was truly impressive! Oh and did I mention that since driving it off of the lot, that I havent had a single problem!
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Excellent Choice - 2007 Toyota Camry Hybrid
By BuffaloHybridDriver - January 2 - 8:06 amThe car is very nice! Im coming out of an 01 Acura TL & was very skeptical about "downgrading" to a Camry, but I was pleasantly surprised. This car is very nice inside & out (the leather is nicer than what was in my 01 TL). I got it fully loaded w/ nav & all the options. I am VERY pleased w/ the Camry hybrid & the great value it presents (37.5 MPG, mixed driving).
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From Luxurious Phaeton to TCH - 2007 Toyota Camry Hybrid
By CLFRun - December 30 - 11:06 pmThe TCH has delivered. It took some getting use to, since I previously owned a VW Phaeton with every feature and a 335 HP engine. Thus far, I have been pleasantly surprised by the way it handles in the rain. I had to adjust my driving style to maximize the MPG capability. I have averaged 40+ MPG overall since obtaining the vehicle. It looks like during the cold months, 37-38 MPG. I have a rattle in the dash currently... nuts! One of the things I like best is the TCH looks like other Camrys. If you want to stand out for whatever reason, this car is not for you. If you want to save money, help the environment and reduce dependence on foreign oil, I would suggest consideration of the TCH!
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I love my TCH - 2007 Toyota Camry Hybrid
By Z - December 26 - 5:50 pmGreat looks. Great mileage (better than advertised on the road). Great ride.
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Its a winner! - 2008 Toyota Camry Hybrid
By Dallassite - December 13 - 9:30 pmIve had my 2008 Hybrid for about 2 months. I avged 33.5 mpg for first few tanks; last tank 35.6 mpg. I drive pretty quick. Mix of city/suburban/freeway driving. Im 63" and I am very comfortable driving. It is quiet, surprisingly quick and really a nice car.
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A hybrid that makes saving gas a blast! - 2009 Toyota Camry Hybrid
By Sparky - December 6 - 5:00 amThis is our 3rd hybrid. We owned a Honda Insight, and currently have an 04 Toyota Prius. This one has got everything we desire in a comfortable, well appointed auto, along with excellent gas mileage. The EPAs can be attained, and even passed with a bit of "hybrid driving technique". If I maintain a freeway speed of 60-62, and avoid frequent passing, I get 40-41 mpg on my daily commute. In town averages 35. The hybrid power train works as smooth as glass. Seating is supportive and comfortable. The heating/cooling system is state-of-the-art, the JBL sound system sounds superb (an option), and the navigation system is decent. This is one of those cars that just feels right from the get-go.
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Awesome auto! - 2008 Toyota Camry Hybrid
By dansr42 - December 5 - 4:40 amVery happy. Ride is equal to many caddys we have owned. Plenty of room and many nice features.
