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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  Happy owner in Texas - 2007 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By Happy Owner - May 18 - 11:30 am

  I really like this car and its the nicest car Ive ever owned. Its very comfortable and very quiet and I can really relax in it. Excellent sound system too. Of course one of the main reasons I bought it was that it is a hybrid. A little over a year ago my wife and I passed a gas station sign (in our conventional Toyotas at the time) and the price of gas had headed well over $3.00 and we looked at each other and decided to look at hybrids. I ended up buying the Camry hybrid and she bought a Prius. Boy are we glad that we bought the cars with gas hovering around $4.00/gallon now!! We plan to keep the cars for as long as possible and we believe that in the end it will save us money.

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  A good improvement - 2010 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By Delta_man - May 12 - 6:40 am

  I just replaced my 2009 loaded Camry Hybrid with a 2010. I did it because I really like the change to the front end of the car, plus the wheels and rear camera. When I finally got to drive it, I was surprised to also see an updated computer interface for all of the functions, Everything, e.g. phone, contacts, energy use menus are more modern looking, and easier to use. As a former BMW 7 series and Audi A6 owner, I like this car as well as either of them, except for the lower power, but the hybrid is surprisingly peppy. I managed to stay up with an Infiniti G35 tonight as we roared off on an freeway entrance ramp. I managed to stay in the lead. Highly recommended car.

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  The Smart Way To Move Forward - HYBRID - 2009 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By YunGunZ - May 5 - 6:33 am

  I just recently purchased a brand new Toyota Camry Hybrid and I am thrilled with the purchase! As a person who has a work commute of 70 miles round trip, I felt the need to consider a hybrid car. A quiet and smooth ride. The technology in the car is great. The dashboard indicators tell you how many miles per gallon you are averaging during the ride. It also tells you when you are using gas and when you are using battery! It definitely promotes better, safer, and more fuel efficient driving. When the car is idle, it is DEAD QUIET in the cabin. There is great pride in ownership. You are driving a car that gets great gas mileage (33-34 MPG) and helping out the environment. Aux input for my iPod!

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  Awesome car - 2007 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By antonio - April 29 - 10:46 am

  I bought the 50th anniversary edition. Its equipped like a Lexus. I get 36 mpg and it has plenty of power. I have no regrets. I cant think of a car I would rather have for the price. We recently went on a road trip because its a hybrid. My brother thought it didnt have passing power. (I know this is out of line) we hit 120 mph in no time. This thing moves.

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  Excellent vehicle. - 2007 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By Jason - April 27 - 12:43 am

  After months of automotive reviews and test drives, my wife and I finally decided on the 2007 Toyota Camry Hybrid and I have to say we are thrilled. This is a wonderfully designed and built machine. The ride is smooth and quiet and incredibly luxurious. My wife has a 2007 Lexus RX 350 and she kids me that she wants to trade vehicles because of the quality of the Camry Hybrid. The engine has plenty of "get up and go" and my fuel efficiency has been unbelievable. Toyota has made believers out of us. If you are seriously considering a hybrid, I would recommend this vehicle. Get yours before the IRS tax credit is reduced due to high volume of units sold. Enjoy!

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  Very Nice Camry Hybrid for 2010 - 2010 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By Donaldo - April 24 - 6:06 pm

  Owned TCH for 2 days. Comfortable drivers/passenger seats with solid ride. Pick-up is robust, on par with my 05 Avalon, which, btw, measures smaller overall car length and width than 2010 CH. Inside leather and appointments are first class. Navigation system registers 9.1 version; I must check and find out if this CH Nav system is the same as Lexus Nav. Have been told that by Toy. dealer. Back leg room ample. Good feel and "look" when driving. Short time owner, thus limited opinions. I really like the car, as does my wife.

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  Disapointed - 2013 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By droycraft - April 10 - 2:12 am

  Having driven a 97 Camry for 16 years and loved the smooth ride, Ive been very disappointed with the much stiffer suspension in my new 2013 Camry XLE. Why did Toyota think Camry buyers would want to feel every single tiny imperfection in the road? Doesnt make any sense to me. Additionally, the front seat backs curve forward near the top of the seatback, pushing my shoulder blades forward. This has resulted in it being very difficult to find a comfortable driving position. (Im tall). I love the hybrid drive system. It works wonderfully. Im routinely getting in the mid to high 40s MPG. It also handles well and has plenty of power.

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  Green and Happy - 2009 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By Nice! - April 1 - 9:40 am

  Happy to be driving a hybrid. This a car that will not perform like a sports car but if you want to feel like you are sitting in you living room relaxing, then this is the car for you. It is the most comfortable car that I have driven. I almost got the Altima but then at the last minute I decided to check out this car - thank God I did! The leather is very plush, the interior is beautiful, especially at night when it all lights up.

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  Wow - 2008 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By Bhighet - March 27 - 4:33 am

  I thank my wife every day for letting me have this car. I was looking at an Audi A6 and S4 but the cost point was too much. I found this one on of a dealers lot as the year previous demo. Great price for a great product. I love this car. I am averaging 35 - 38 MPG right now on a mix of highway and city driving, heavier traffic in my city during rush hour. I highly recommend this vehicle for those that want a classy edge with cost savings in mind.

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  Camry Hybrid 2007 - 2008 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By Kinsale - March 22 - 11:40 am

  Our 2007 Camry Hybrid fully loaded is a great car. It has plenty of power when the electric motor kicks in instantly with no hesitation. The ride is very good, outside noise is minimal, all controls are easy to reach, and it is fun to drive. MPG is outstanding averaging 39 MPG during normal driving. 52.7 MPG is the best, but rarely achieved. It is nice to pull up to the gas pump fill up the 17 gallon tank and be able to go 520 miles as shown on the display. The car has more than ampleinterior room, but lacks in the trunk were the battery takes up space. The build is very tight. It takes a little getting use to the engine turning off at stop signs as it runs on the battery power.