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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  Love this car - 2009 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By SalesMonkey - July 28 - 10:00 am

  As a traveling sales person, I spend a lot of time in the car and I searched for a comfortable vehicle with excellent mileage - and integrated GPS! My Camry meets all the requirements. I routinely get 40 mpg on the highway and if I baby it, I can get the tank average to be 40+. Awesome. I am comfortable on long trips, the JBL audio system is great, and there is plenty of room for my 63" frame and passengers. This vehicle replaced a diesel VW and I was concerned it wouldnt match the mileage, but it has exceeded all of my expectations.

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  excellant - 2007 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By T Beatty - July 21 - 1:13 am

  I love my Camry Hybrid! I love to drive it down the road it feels like you are floating. I also love how the car make no sounds when you are stopped it it running on electric and when you go to take off it comes to life. There are so many gadgets it really makes me feel like I am riding in luxary. Smart Key is the best, I never have to worry about setting down my keys and leaving them someplace. The smart key just always stays in my purse. The best of all is I will go 2.5 to 3 weeks on a tank of gas!

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  Hybrid Camry Experience - 2007 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By Alan G - July 19 - 10:00 pm

  Fuel econonmy on the highway has been better than EPA predictions, while results around town have been lower. The primary reason for the lower fuel economy around town is I drive up and down quite a few long and steep hills (>6% grade). In terms of comfort and general functions, the car has excxeeded my expectations. Im still learning all the navigation and voice recognition features, although, Im not sure how useful this stuff is.

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  BETTER THAN EXPECTED - 2007 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By Rick - July 16 - 8:03 pm

  The fit and finish of both interior and exterior makes me smile. I bought this car to make a statement to the guzzling and polluting planet - and am so far surprised at how much i love it for creature comfort as well. I come from 7 years of an Audi A6 , and it is not a step down.

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  Camry hybird is worst car - 2007 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By aamir - July 1 - 2:26 pm

  Camry hybrid is worst car Ive ever seen. I bought this car for almost $33,000 and after I drive this car almost 151,000 mile, the hybrid system cooked. And I change hybrid system for almost $13,000. That means the car cost me $46,000 and still not satisfied from this car because last week fuel system broke down on the highway and I get into an accident. Changed the fuel system for $1,000 again, and at 70,000 miles, the abs break system was shut down. It was changed for $1500. This car is worst car do not buy please.

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  Best car I ever had - 2007 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By Dr T - June 27 - 11:06 pm

  Driving this car is like eating chocolate. Really good chocolate that I got at a deep discount. The great mileage is only a bonus. I would love the car even if I didnt get 42 MPG.

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  Great car. Amazing ride quality and comfort. - 2012 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By vijayk - June 26 - 1:53 am

  I bought this car 2 months ago as so far, I love it. Road noise is almost zero and the ride quality is great.The first thing anyone notices about this car is how quiet it is. The front grill has been redesigned for this model and it does look like an acura from some angles. Build I have been getting an average of 38 mpg on highways and local roads combined and it is pretty good considering that the temperature here in kansas city has been hovering in the high 30s since I bought the car. I expect it to get a little more mileage once the weather gets warmer. Accelerating is not mind-blowing but if one turns off eco-mode the car does start jumping.

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  My Camry Hybrid - 2007 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By Larry Nathan - June 1 - 4:23 pm

  After 7000 miles I still enjoy this car. The ride, quietness, visibility and accelleration are excellent. No problems of any type as yet. The keyless features are nice. The car heats up in cold weather in less than one half block. The instrumentation is excellent. It helps you to get better mileage.

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  Having your cake and eating it - 2012 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By ijennings1 - May 25 - 3:40 pm

  This is my first Camry. Recently I owned a 2010 Mazda 6 3.7 and a 2012 Kia Optima 2.4. The Camry simply is a class above these two. I hadnt even driven a Camry or a Hybrid before June this year. I believe cars should go around bends when asked to, which is why I never owned one. However, Toyota have re-worked the suspension and it handles better than my Mazda, although not quite as good as the Optima. The hard ride is new to Camry owners, but it is there, believe me. However, it holds the road well, the Bridgestone Turanza tires appear to help.

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  Love it! - 2009 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By wholesaler - May 17 - 6:06 pm

  I wholesale cars so basically Ive had the opportunity to drive almost every model of vehicle there is out there. Since the recent jump in gas prices, I took a test drive in a loaded 09 Camry Hybrid just to try it out. I fell in love, purchased it that day and havent had one regret since! I usually average between 35 to 40 mpg and that is mostly city driving.