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 cruiser, more than adequate power, a top-notch interior, lots of amenities and plenty of room for five. The fact that its fuel economy betters that of most compact cars in the process and is priced well within the normal range for an average car is icing on the hybrid cake.
Current Toyota Camry Hybrid
The current Toyota Camry Hybrid represents the second generation in the model's lineage, and like its predecessor, swaps out the conventional engine for a gasoline-electric hybrid power train. This latest Camry Hybrid's debut coincides with the introduction of the regular Camry lineup for 2012, and benefits from all of the same generational upgrades. The interior is significantly nicer than past Camry, and power output is increased as well. Despite being redesigned, this version is still unmistakably Camry, with a focus on pragmatic appeal and convenience.
The Camry Hybrid is powered by a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 156 horsepower and 156 pound-feet of torque. Paired with it is an electric motor that provides some low-speed propulsion and also acts as a starter when the gas engine shuts off at stops. Combined power output comes to 200 hp and is routed to the front wheels through a specialized continuously variable transmission (CVT). The EPA estimates fuel economy at 43 mpg city/39 mpg highway and 41 mpg combined, which compares quite favorably against the base Camry's 25/35/28 rating.
The Toyota Camry Hybrid is offered in LE and XLE trim levels, which correspond to the regular Camry's mid range and top-of-the-line trims. Standard feature highlights for the LE include key less entry/ignition, dual-zone automatic climate control, full power accessories, Bluetooth and a six-speaker sound system with a USB port. The XLE adds a power driver seat and an upgraded sound system with a touchscreen display. Main options include a sunroof, leather upholstery, heated front seats, a power passenger seat, a premium audio system, a navigation system and Toyota's Entune smartphone integration system.
Compared to the conventionally powered Camry, the Hybrid has few downsides and most of the improvements carry over. For this latest model, Toyota relocated some of the hybrid components from the trunk to under the hood, allowing for more cargo capacity than before. Performance is also noticeably improved in regard to both acceleration and handling.
Inside, the Camry's new interior benefits from roomy seats, admirable outward visibility and well-placed controls. The quality of materials used throughout the cabin is a big step forward, with an abundance of soft-touch surfaces and stitching that we're used to seeing on more upmarket cars. Toyota's Entune smartphone integration system, with all of its cutting-edge technology, is also praiseworthy. Where it counts most -- fuel economy -- is where the Camry Hybrid really shines, as its 40-mpg combined rating is excellent for a midsize hybrid sedan.
Used Toyota Camry Hybrid Models
The previous, first-generation Toyota Camry was produced for the 2007-'11 model years. While it shared much of the same advantages, 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, key less ignition and entry, a power driver seat, a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, an auto-dimming rear view 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 power trains 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.
