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:

• 

  Really Like It So Far - 2009 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By abui - January 8 - 4:00 pm

  Just bought a Sky Blue version with the upgrade package and leather added. It has really gone well so far and am pleased with the purchase. It is amazing how quiet the car can get at idle. One thing that I found difficult was the key fob. Was never sure if the door was fully locked or not. I can test it, but it shouldnt come to that. The build quality is very good, although it is definitely a step down from our Lexus RX 330. For example, I can see slight gaps between the plastic and the fabric. Overall, it is a nice looking car with excellent fuel economy and can fit the family needs.

• 

  Love My Toyota Camry Hybrid! - 2009 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By Julia S - January 7 - 6:53 am

  I am very happy with my car! Averaged 42 mpg on a trip to Seattle. Currently at 37 mpg around town. I was driving a Lincoln Continental, so size wise it was a big change. I hardly miss the big car now! Highly recommend this car. I read reviews here before my purchase.

• 

  Just an average car - 2009 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By ebisayako - December 12 - 10:30 pm

  Upon buying this car I was so impressed with the quality of the material, the fit and finish especially the quietness of the ride. Until this last few months when the doors start to rattle and the mpg is not great enough as a hybrid, average 30 mpg.

• 

  MPG better on highway - 2007 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By midwest girl - December 4 - 12:56 pm

  I initially was disappointed with the mileage at 29 mpg in the city. I took a 500 mi highway trip and averaged 44 mpg. I am currently getting 32mph, and I baby the car (slow takeoffs, gliding, etc.) I anticipate the mileage will drop to the basic Camry mpg when I am using the heater in the winter, and the car doesnt shut off at stops. I suspect the car performs better in warmer areas than cold. The navigation has been adequate, but, gives different routes than my Garmin Nuvi. Bluetooth works well. The sound system is adaquate, but, not exceptional. The trunk is small, but functional. The slope of the window allows for excess condensation and lots of water wiping.

• 

  LOVE This Car - 2007 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By Jay Barz - December 3 - 9:53 pm

  I love this car! Ive only had it for about 10 days but look forward to driving it every day. I love construction zones now! Can set the cruise control at about 27 mph and run on nothing but the electric engine, (sorry everyone behind me). I love shutting it off after driving and getting the "Excellent" rating. Im still trying to figure out the optimal mpg way to drive it and having lots of fun. Its nice to be able to wait in front of my kids school for 15 minutes for them to get out and be able to run the a/c in 90 degree temp. and not use any gas or emit any polution. This is a great family car, safe, reliable, great mpg, and low emissions. This is my 2nd Camry, first was 2002.

• 

  The ultimate middle class family sedan - 2007 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By Sethny - November 29 - 3:33 pm

  They hybrid engine takes a little getting used to. Its now two weeks after I started driving it, and I find I am getting over 40 mpg in mixed city and highway driving. I traded in a 2004 Camry for the Hybrid and the improvements were quite noticable. This is a comfortable, sprited well engineered vehicle. A family car that is great to drive. The gas savings put this car over the edge as far as being the right choice for the family sedan.

• 

  2007 Camry - 2007 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By Camry - November 28 - 12:30 pm

  I went from a minivan to the Camry. I was afraid that I would miss the space of the minivan. The features gained far outway the space. It drives very easy, lots of leg room, luxerious feel, I am really impressed. I have not missed the minivan once.

• 

  Sweet!!!!!! - 2009 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By Coolcat - November 26 - 7:46 am

  Very fun car 2 drive!!!! Really smooth and quiet!!!! Excellent fuel economy!!! Averaging about 40 MPG!!!

• 

  Fun - Sporty - And all the comforts - 2008 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By Gas Sipper - November 24 - 3:43 am

  Prior to buying this car we had 2 SUVs that we probably put 12 -15k per year on each, averaging 13 mpg. We bought this car to be a shared resource to offload mileage from both cars. THe goal: fun, sporty and comfortably seat our family (accomplished on all). We all love the car. Sitting in the back with 2 kids, I find it to be comfortable. THe car has plenty of zip. For us, the only bad thing is, we are a family of 6. So when we all need to ride (20% of the time), we need to hop back into the SUV.

• 

  Great Car - 2009 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By H. Hoots - November 22 - 3:10 pm

  Switched from a Tahoe @12MPG to the 09 Camry Hybrid, a great move. First tank mixed hwy & city was 515 mi using 12 gal= 42.91 MPG. I have also started hypermiling and the MPG is starting to climb. My best short tank 7.8 gal, trip I hit 64.7 MPG. I wish I had made the switch long ago.