HECK OF A HYBRID
Camry sedan as economical as it is comfortable
It’s been more than two decades since the Toyota Prius became the world’s first mass-produced hybrid, and since then, hybrids have gone from curiosity to conventional. The Prius is still in the portfolio, but for those who want a larger car, the Camry Hybrid is a pretty impressive gas-electric alternative.
It’s a comfortable and very pleasant drive, and the hybrid powertrain means you’ll fill up less often. But of course, there’s always an extra cost to technology, so you’ll have to figure out if it’s worth it to you.
The Camry Hybrid uses a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine with an electric motor and battery, mated to a nicely done CVT. The gas engine makes 176 horsepower on its own, but that rises to 208 hp when the gas engine and electric motor work together. The car can run on gas, battery or a combination of both, switching automatically as needed depending on driving conditions. The battery recharges itself through regenerative braking, and the car doesn’t get plugged in.
The hybrid system components are covered under warranty for eight years or 160,000 kilometres, whichever comes first.
The battery used to have the same warranty, but as of the 2020 model year, Toyota Canada covers it for 10 years or 240,000 km.
The Camry Hybrid starts in LE trim at $31,550, then onto the SE at $34,600, and finally to my tester, the $41,350 XLE.
In comparison, a regular Camry XLE with the 2.5-L engine is $36,790. That’s where you have to decide if your priority is the environmental aspect, or a financial one.
That $4,560 difference buys a lot of gas, even with the fuel savings between the two.
The Hybrid XLE is rated at 5.1 L/100 km, versus 7.6 for the conventional Camry.
The latter also offers more variety; it starts at $26,620 and runs up to $41,590, but in addition to the four-cylinder engine, you can also get a V6 or all-wheel drive.
Overall, the Camry comes by its popularity honestly.
It’s a good-looking if not spectacular design, once you look past that big-jowl grill, it’s easy to get in and out of, visibility is good, and the cabin is roomy. It’s not an exciting car, but it’s an honest one.
The steering is light — too light for my liking, and it wouldn’t hurt to dial back the assist a bit — and there isn’t much feel to it. Still, that would primarily be an issue for enthusiasts, for whom the car is not intended, and likely wouldn’t be a problem for the majority of commuters.
The Camry does what it’s supposed to very well — the transition from battery to gasoline is very smooth.
There’s an Eco drive mode but it’s annoyingly stodgy, while Sport mode isn’t sporty.
I was happiest with Normal mode; it has more than enough power for everyday driving, including when merging or passing at highway speeds.
Most of the controls are packaged in a handsome triangular screen, and with enough buttons and dials to simplify their operation and help reduce distraction. Only the top-line XLE includes navigation — and a CD player, a very endangered species these days — but all trim levels get the eight-inch touch-screen infotainment with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and the SE and XLE models add satellite radio and a wireless charger.
All trim levels include an eight-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, a 60/40-split folding rear seat, heated seats, dual-zone automatic climate control, LED headlamps, the backup camera that’s now mandatory on all new vehicles, and a safety package of adaptive cruise control, emergency front braking, lane-departure assist, and automatic high beams. The mid-range SE adds such items as blind-spot monitoring, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, and a sunroof.
The XLE tacks on rear cross-traffic braking, a premium sound system, ventilated seats, leather upholstery, and a nifty bird’s-eye-view camera that gives you a video “walk-around” of what’s around you when you turn it on.
About the only thing I’d still want, and which is missing on all trim levels, is a heated steering wheel. Yeah, I know, but once you experience one on a frosty day, it’ll likely be on your must-have list, too.
It’s tough to go wrong with the Camry Hybrid, except for that price premium, and that’s when you’ll have to decide if gas-electric is the choice for you. If it is, this is definitely a candidate for consideration.