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:

• 

  Pleasantly surprised - 2010 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By Bo - May 30 - 9:43 am

  I am 64 and Ive always had a problem finding a roomy car with good fuel economy. My choices have been limited to roomy-gas guzzling SUVs and too cramped gas sipping compacts and mid size sedans. I debated between the Altima Hybrid, Jetta TDI and the TCH. The Jetta was still cramped for me and the Altima Hybrid being a TCH in Nissan clothing, I opted for the original.Ive had it for two months now and really enjoy it. It is exactly what I was looking for in a car and I am very satisfied with my purchase.

• 

  Unassuming overachiever - 2010 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By Mark - May 30 - 6:53 am

  I visited California and rented a Camry hybrid. I am not a stranger to hybrids, I drive a 06 highlander hybrid and I used to have a 07 civic hybrid. The Honda was a piece of joke, a toy car, I later traded it for a real usable car, a Subaru outback. Back to the Camry hybrid, it was a nice surprise, the ride is very refined, very smooth, very quite, and road impacts nicely are flattened. Driving 80 mph feels like 50 mph. I expected that my 4 large travel luggage and a stroller not to fit the trunk since all my stuff barely fit in my Subaru outback when I left New York. To my amazement all my luggage and the stroller fit the trunk. Usage mileage 38 MPG better than civic hybrid.

• 

  Green is Good - 2007 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By Going Green - May 14 - 9:36 pm

  I bought the 50th Anniversary Edition. Overall I like it (now 2.5K miles). Traded BMW X5 SAV 3.0i; wanted to drive green. Averaging 29-32 in town, depending on how hard I accelerate; 36-42 on freeway. It does promote one to drive better. Disappointed in lack of Toyota quality - rattle in dash; ill-fitting door bits. Now dealerships (all in my area) have no moldings or spoilers available for after market, because of Anniversary Edition. Very annoying.

• 

  Now I grin when gas prices go up! - 2009 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By SlyMinnesota - May 13 - 7:33 am

  Outstanding car! Ive become a fanatic about driving to get the best mileage. We have 1600 miles on our new red hybrid. We took a 450 mile trip on the interstate at 65 mph and got 38 mpg. Came home on a state hwy at 57 mph and got 43.8 mpg! I drove the whole 9 hours necause I didnt want anyone to ruin the mileage I was achieving. Key to getting this great mileage: the sweet spot is 57 mph, coast up to stop signs and shift into regenerative braking (B) when you have to slow down (it slows you down, recharges battery and saves your brakes), accelerate steadily up to speed then ease off the gas to drop back to great mileage and use the cruise control. It is fun to work at it.

• 

  The Mileage Ratings are TRUE - 2007 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By vioarc - April 25 - 10:13 am

  Upright drivers position and ample knee space make the 07 Camry the most comfortable car in its price range. My May 10 Test drive of the first hybrid in the area was a solid, quiet experience. Almost a month after taking delivery, Im still doing demos for my friends. Consistently matching the sticker mileage ratings has encouraged me to improve my driving skills. In normal driving, the synergy drive is so smooth that is does little to call attention to itself. If I remember to pay attention, I sense engine shut down at full stops. The 4 cylinder note can be heard on long uphills and the regenerative brakes have an inobtrusive, but distinctive sound. The motors torque is powerful!

• 

  Awesome mileage - 2008 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By KBO - April 3 - 11:46 pm

  Decided to buy a hybrid and started by looking at the Honda Civic and Toyota Prius. Was not even aware at the time that Camry came in a hybrid. Test drove all three and the Camry was a winner in all aspects except the mileage. I decided to give up a little mileage for the comfort and ride. However to my surprise my mileage has been much higher than I expected. My first tank of gas I averaged 40.5 MPG and my second tank averaged 43.5 MPG. I live in a relatively flat area and I dont drive the car hard. If you put your foot into it a lot you will not get any where near this gas mileage. Bottom line is I love the car and would recommend it to any one.

• 

  41 MPG - 2007 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By Kinsale - April 1 - 1:46 am

  I would have never thought about a Toyota being a Chevrolet man, but this Toyota Hybrid is an outstanding automobile. With just over 500 miles on the car we are consistantly getting over 35 MPG and have recorded 41 on several short trips in and around town. The quality of the build is amazing in that the fit and finish is exact. There is a slight hesitation when starting out, but you quickly disregard it after awhile. The engine response is very good when the electric motor kicks in. The new Camry is a big car and there is plenty of HP to do the job. The biggest problem I have is that the car is so quiet that I havent yet become use to it.

• 

  Great vehicle - 2009 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By Ron - March 27 - 2:20 am

  We went from a 98 Acura RL that we bought new to a 09 Camry Hybrid and went from Premium fuel at 22mpg to regular fuel and 36.2 mpg. even higher on the road. The Camry has been great with no complaints. Ride is smooth,power is ample and service is what you expect from a Camry. We are pleased and will probably add a 2nd Hybrid when we find what we want.

• 

  Relevant Car - 2009 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By BayAreaClem - March 26 - 2:26 am

  Best purchase for the times. Have and X5 and 5 series. The Camry has brought daily sanity back to driving what with European Style gas prices. I have cut almost $400 dollars per month in my monthly fuel bill. Plus the environment suffers less. The Camry is comfortable but not too much like a boat. A great daily driver. I dont miss my other cars at all.

• 

  Excellent, good to be back in a Camry - 2010 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By Bryce-Long Beach - March 5 - 9:43 pm

  Always had Camrys, briefly went to KIA (it was o.k.), now back to Camry. This is a great car!