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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  Really delivers the stated MPG! - 2007 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By enzospeed - July 24 - 11:23 am

  I have been getting a true 40 mpg through the first 3,000 miles in Seattles mixed terrain and often slower paced traffic. Extremely quiet car, great for trips. We love it. However, I would upgrade to leather, as the cloth in my car feels cheap and has stained easily. Hitting the brakes very hard in emergency situations gave me unpredictable results. An extremely minor complaint for a car that delivers so much.

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  Amazed, pleased and excited - 2009 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By Estar69 - July 19 - 3:33 am

  I test drove this before I drove the standard gas powered 4 cylinder Camry. Took them both out on the highway and drove them similarly, accelerating heavily at 60 mph until I reached 80. The Hybrid was impressive and just as quick (if not slightly quicker) than its non-hybrid brother. The interior is very quiet and a little eerie at traffic lights and when you first start the car. Were it not for the "Ready" light when starting, you would not know it was running until the electric motor kicks in. (A note for the ladies...those hot summer days that you want to adjust your hair and make-up will cost you virtually nothing while you enjoy the A/C.)

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  First Hybrid - 2007 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By Rusty - July 19 - 2:03 am

  Only have had the car a week now but so far its been great. Averaging 38.5 mpg so far - no problem areas either. Electronics are fun but will take a while to figure out. The blue tooth phone setup was a snap and my razr v3 connected with no issues.

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  Stay Away from 2008 Models - 2008 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By chesapeakesun - July 14 - 8:04 am

  Back when the great depression began, Toyota wasnt sure it would survive. So for 2008 and 2009 models, they put ever defective part they could find in their cars. So far, what I have had fail + recalls have been: 1. Braking (recall) 2. Acceleration (recall) 3. Stereo (3 times replaced under warranty - now I am out of warranty and it no longer works) 4. GPS replaced system many times 5. Sun visor (broke in rush hour traffic, dealer service department claimed they never heard of it happening then the recall was issued) 6. Power window recall 7. Locks no longer work (no recall yet) 8. Tires only last 25,000 miles and cost $800 to replace Much more, but no more space to write...

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  Great car. - 2007 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By LS - July 11 - 12:26 am

  Smooth ride. Comfortable. MPG dropped when cold weather hit. Went from 32 mpg in town to 26 with temps hovering near zero. Temps back in the 40 degree range and mpg up to 28. A highway trip netted me 44 mpg. Traded a Prius for the Camry. Prius mileage suffered in cold weather, too. I loved the Prius but the Camry excels as the best combination of mileage and comfort.

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  Excellent Value/Cannot be Disappointed - 2009 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By David S. - June 29 - 9:33 pm

  Since buying the car in early October we have put about 6000 miles on it, including a 4500 mile trip from the Central Coast of California to South Padre Island, Texas and return. I kept careful records on the trip to Texas and my overall mileage was 33.8 mpg. Understand that many of these miles were at 75-85 mph across West Texas, AZ and NM. It is a great driver, long days on the interstate were comfortable. On a twisty two-lane mountain road in New Mexico it showed that it is not a BMW, but I knew that. The trunk is more than adequate carrying two carry-ons, a small duffle, and other items. This car is a technological marvel.

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  Initial Evaluation - 2007 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By sharon m - June 11 - 8:20 pm

  Just bought the car. Have to get used to the larger window view blocking caused by airbag adjustments in the cars design. Between the adjustment and accommodating to the cars slower take off response it is a little tricky learning to move out into traffic from a side road. I am beginning to catch on and adjust. The car is responsive, but who wants to full throttle a hybrid when you are not in a pinch? It has a smooth quiet ride, sometimes eerily quiet. It took me a while to figure out how to dim the night light level on the instrument panel. There is a lot of light around the CD player. I am getting about 38 miles to the gallon, local non-expressway.

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  Best Hybrid avalible!!! - 2012 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By breddick - June 9 - 4:15 pm

  This Camry Hybrid Le is an excellent vehicle. Average MPG the first week in FL was 45.2 mixed city and freeway mileage. As usual TOYOTA delivers what it promises unlike the others who promise MPG but alwats come up short. (KIA/Hyundai/Honda) Smooth quiet ride and excellent Michelin tires and superior build quality make this the best value available in the US currently. Thank You TOYOTA for this quality vehicle. Perfect!!!

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  Terrific car - 2007 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By Stewn - June 7 - 4:43 pm

  Through 11 months and 16,500 miles the Camry Hybrid couldnt have been better. Average mpg is 35.2 with 40 plus mpg at sustained highway speeds (65-70). The performance is more than adequate for hill climbing, two-lane road passing even on hills, and merging onto freeways. The electric motor seems to work like a supercharger. I am very pleased.

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  Is it OK to love a car? - 2007 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By Dan P - June 5 - 2:36 am

  The Camry Hybrid is a marvel of technology. Toyota has done a fantastic job! Ride is extremely quiet, the smart key technology is awesome, luxurious feel with decent options, very safe for family. I can go on and on. The bottom line is that I am smiling ear to ear when driving this car. I hope Toyota brings this technology to all of their cars and makes this standard equipment. It truly is awesome!