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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  All I can say is wow! - 2009 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By nanjo - May 17 - 3:53 am

  We purchased this beautiful car in early May after reading great reviews and getting tired of our 2003 Honda Pilots dismal 15 mpg in the city. I was a bit hesitant to give up my midsize SUV, but we decided it was time to do something "green" for both us and the planet. We are great believers in Toyota quality, this is my 2nd Camry, weve owned an Avalon, and my husbands on his 3rd Toyota truck. I missed my Pilot for about 10 minutes :) The hybrid purrs like a kitten, the car is air-tight and handles so smoothly! You certainly will not have buyers remorse if you get this vehicle. Were averaging about 40 mpg in town. Buy one if youre lucky enough to find it!

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  Not so great - 2009 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By Markel - May 15 - 5:10 am

  Very uncomfortable seats. Check engine lights comes on if gas cap is not put back on correctly! Window tinting could be better.

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  worth the wait - 2009 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By D Goren - May 7 - 2:40 pm

  Before considering the TCH, I read every review on this site, as well as comments in the forums. The overwhelming positive responsive combined with my initial test drive sold me. Ive only had the car for 2 weeks, but absolutely love it. It has plenty of power, is extremely quiet (even running on gasoline), and has lots of cool features (nav, JBL stereo, iPod connection, etc.). So far Im getting about 38 MPG without even trying.

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  Awesome Car - 2008 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By Sean Thomas - April 28 - 4:03 am

  The first Hybrid vehicle I was in was a Honda and what I didnt like about it was everytime we would stop the a/c would turn off or not work well. Well when I decided to move from an SUV to a car I didnt think I wanted a hybrid but was suprised when I sceduled a test drive. I drove the camry, camry hybrid, scion xb, prius and the civic hybrid. I liked the prius but it didnt come equiped with a sunroof. I also really liked the camry hybrid. It was a great car. I ordered my vehicle before leaving the lot and couldnt wait for my car to come in. I have now had the vehicle for close to 3 weeks and I am getting over 38 mpg. I do have to admit that my driving habits have changed.

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  My review - 2007 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By sid - April 27 - 3:16 am

  The Toyta Camry Hybrid is probably the best car I ever owned. Great for riding as well as driving. I would recommend the Camry Hybrid to anyone who wants a terrific automobile.

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  So far so good - 2012 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By wise_consumer - April 23 - 8:20 pm

  We only pick the car up less then a week ago.

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  Cant go wrong! - 2008 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By Jeff S. - April 18 - 2:23 am

  Excellent everything! After more than 1 year, I still dont have a complaint! Go for the heated leather seats and the navigation!

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  Two years later Hybrid - 2007 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By Candy Ammons - April 18 - 1:00 am

  I still love my camry, mileage runs 40 to 42 mpg in Idaho, when in Calif for the winter 38 to 40 (more traffic). It runs smooth, quiet, still on original tires. 38,000 miles on it, I get routine maintenance at the Toyota dealer. No mechanical problems at all.

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  Yes, we are pleased - 2009 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By SE TN TCH - April 16 - 11:33 pm

  We were forced to purchase a vehicle after our Honda Ody van was rear-ended @ 60 MPH. With gas nearing $5/gal, we seriously began looking @ hybrids. No other mfr has developed the time and resources into hybrids. We found one owner who was nearing 200K on a Prius with no hybrid system related issues. Being involved in such an accident took the Prius out of consideration (no rear end/overhang). We found our "base" TCH. The first tank home was 41 MPG highway. But that is NOT where the TCH excels-we jumped from 17 MPG in mixed cycle driving in the van to 38 MPG!

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  Update on review - 2010 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By Lynn - April 15 - 10:36 pm

  I felt the need to update my previous review, as some of my assessments were somewhat premature. After taking an out of state trip, and having around 3500 miles on my vehicle now, I can say that I am basically pleased with my purchase. I previously mentioned the slight hesitation sometimes after coming to a stop, and I now realize this is standard on a hybrid and seems less noticeable now anyway. I was also wrong about the glove box paint. I continue to be impressed with the mileage Im getting, as well as the quiet ride, roomy interior, quality of the audio system, and the input I get regarding fuel economy. Im happy with the purchase and would definitely recommend the car.