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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  2010 Camry Hybrid - 2010 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By Daniel - February 26 - 7:30 pm

  We decided to go with the hybrid instead of the LE because of the 12-13 difference in city MPG. A sizable difference. So far we have not had to use the AC, and the MPG readout on the dash encourages you to drive with a soft pedal. So far, with 3 minor road trips and city use, we have averaged 39-40 MPG. 55-68 MPH on the road, and easy city driving. Unless the computer readout is bogus, the mileage is fantastic. Soft pedaling really helps, if that doesnt bother you. The power is there if you need it. Usual Toyota quality... smooth, quiet, comfortable. Great car, so far.

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  Fantastic Car! - 2007 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By hblatt - February 20 - 4:03 am

  I have been driving my car for over a year now. This car still impresses me every time I drive it. The millage is incredible. I am averaging 36-37 per tank. I often hit 40 mpg on individual trips. If you are looking for a quiet car... This is it. Its smooth and quiet. No shifting. No sudden lurching. The only time you ever hear the engine is under hard acceleration. In fact, the propulsion system is so quiet I installed a backup alarm because pedestrians cant hear this car.

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  I love this car! - 2012 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By applegator - February 10 - 2:47 am

  This is my second Camry Hybrid, my first was a 2008. The ride is smooth, seats are very comfortable and MPG has been improved since 2008! Since this is our commuting vehicle this is very important to us. The trunk is bigger now as well! I love the back up camera which is new.

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  40MPG+ & Loving it! - 2009 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By Jerry - February 8 - 2:53 am

  I got my wife TCH09 and the following week ended up trading in my Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited and getting one too. Very nice ride and cant beat the MPG. Going from 15MPG to 43MGP!

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  2009 Camry Hybrid - 2009 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By Toyota Camry Hybrid - February 7 - 6:13 pm

  I bought this car in July, 2009 over a Prius because I wanted a larger car. I love the mileage. I recently drove to Canada along I5 keeping to the speed limit and I got 41 MPG and 550 miles on a tank of gas. This is much better than the published highway mileage of 34 MPG. I quickly noticed a rattle caused by the dash console. Also the center console extends much too far into the back seat, so only a child can sit comfortably in the center seat. Toyota has acknowledged the drivers floor mat problem that seems to be the cause of accelerator sticking and potentially causing serious accidents. Yet Toyota still hasnt recalled it for repairs.

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  The best Camry to date! - 2007 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By J.Bossmin - February 7 - 9:43 am

  We all know about the Camry - we know how reliable it is, we know that it is the best overall value, etc. What happens when you add hybrid to the mix? You have perfection! Very safe, very quiet, adequate room for 4-5 people, adequate power, excellent amenities, fun to drive! A must buy for anyone who wants to be "eco-friendly" and not standout in a crowd.

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  Best care I ever drove - 2007 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By P Van Allen - January 29 - 8:20 am

  I didnt plan to buy a car that day in August 2006 in Dublin, California. I just wanted to look at a Prius. There sat a gorgeous Jasper green Camry Hybrid. "Camry hybrid? Wow!" I thought. It was larger than the Prius, and about the same price comparably equipped. I have been getting 40 MPG, both city and hwy, pretty consistently since I drove it off the lot. Some gas, like Shell, doesnt go as far. I think some of these people kvetching in these other reviews just didnt bother to learn how to drive a hybrid. It is an art!

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  Great Car - 2008 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By Jeff in PA - January 24 - 11:33 pm

  For people who want a full-sized car but also want to be environmentally responsible, this is for you. This is my first Toyota, and after owning it for a year and a half, I understand what others have been raving about. Driving around Pittsburgh where mountains abound, I can still get better than 40 mpg while having plenty of room for three passengers (three adults in the back is a little tight). Because the hills are steeper in town, I actually get slightly lower in-town mileage (low- to mid-30s; hybrids typically shine in town), but its still better than other vehicles Ive owned by 10+ mpg. I havent had a single mechanical issue and have only done standard preventative maintenance.

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  Wonderful Experience - 2007 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By Debbie - January 18 - 12:50 pm

  This car rides like a dream. Handles and performs beautifully. The car came fully loaded and feels as good as it looks. Great job Toyota.

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  Wonderful Car - 2011 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By Kevin - January 8 - 10:00 am

  Great purchase. I have never owned a Hybrid. Very concerned with the transition b/t gas and electric. There is NO discernible transition. Fantastic. It is not going to snap your neck with its acceleration off the line. That is not why you buy this car. It is fun to drive. Does excellent on the Hwy. Feels great in construction zones or traffic as you move along smiling without wasting gas. I find myself learning how to drive it in electric as long as possible. I drive it in "stealth" mode in the neighborhood. My wife just took a 500 mile trip and made it home without fill-up. Technology is awesome. Best car purchase I have ever made! Cuts at least one gas fill-up a month.