The Toyota Camry Hybrid is a midsize sedan and the big brother of the Toyota Corolla. While the non-hybrid version of the Camry has been around since 1983, the hybrid model was introduced as part of the sixth generation Camry range in 2006. Building on Toyota’s status as a pioneer of hybrid technology after it launched the Prius way back in 1997, the Camry Hybrid became one of the first mainstream midsize hybrid models.
The drivetrain recipe for the Toyota Camry Hybrid hasn’t changed much over the years. It has a four-cylinder engine combined with electric power for a total of 200 horsepower or so, driving the front wheels. The power output has crept up over the years, while the latest version is also available with an extra electric motor to provide all-wheel drive (AWD). Initially, the hybrid model was available only in a standalone trim, but more variants have been added over time. In fact, the introduction of the ninth-generation Camry in spring 2024 saw it go hybrid-only, so the “Hybrid” part of the name has now been dropped.
The Camry Hybrid shares the virtues of the standard Camry. It offers good value and it’s spacious, comfortable, easy to drive, although not especially exciting to look at or sit in. The Camry has moved slightly upmarket in its two most recent generations, and all versions are now very well-equipped. Prices have crept up, but as of this writing the entry-level model is less than $40,000 and comes with standard equipment including automatic LED headlights, dual-zone climate control, heated and power-adjustable front seats, wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto support, and a reversing camera.
Our buying guide to the Toyota Camry Hybrid covers each of the four generations and examines how the model has evolved over time, which are the best and worst versions, and how much you’re likely to pay.
Toyota Camry Hybrid Buying Guide: Cost, Reliability, and the Best Years to Buy
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Toyota Camry Hybrid Pros and Cons
- Toyota Camry Hybrid Generations
- Fourth Generation (2024-present)
- Third Generation (2017-2024)
- Second Generation (2011-2017)
- First Generation (2006-2011)
Frequently Asked Questions
Which Toyota Camry Hybrid years are the best?
The current Toyota Camry Hybrid is the most sophisticated version yet, but the 2017 to 2023 model is arguably the best choice if you’re looking for a used car. This generation looks very similar, comes with loads of high-tech features, and is likely to be very reliable.
What are the worst Toyota Camry Hybrid years?
The worst year for Toyota Camry Hybrid reliability is 2007, according to data from carcomplaints.com, although 2008 and 2009 versions aren’t far behind. Cars from this era can suffer from excessive oil consumption and brake actuator failure. In general, the 2006 to 2011 Toyota Camry doesn’t have the same outstanding reliability record as previous and subsequent models.
Is a used Toyota Camry Hybrid a good deal?
If you want a hybrid car that’s comfortable, reliable, and a decent value, then the Toyota Camry could be a great deal. It’s spacious and well-equipped, and although it’s not especially stylish or fun to drive, it’s likely to be very reliable.
Toyota Camry Hybrid Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Spacious, user-friendly interior
- Most models have a good reliability record
- Reasonably fuel-efficient and good value for money
Cons:
- Not very exciting to drive or look at
- Some reliability concerns for earliest versions
- Interior of early models is bland
Toyota Camry Hybrid Generations
Fourth Generation (2024-present)
The fourth-generation Toyota Camry Hybrid is, in fact, the ninth-generation Toyota Camry. That’s because the Camry has gone hybrid-only for the first time ever. Introduced in spring 2024, it has almost identical dimensions to the previous Camry and uses the same basic structure, including its front doors and windscreen. The exterior styling has evolved, with hints of the latest Prius at the front. The interior is all-new with a more conventional yet more modern design, Toyota’s latest infotainment system, and more high-tech features.
The hybrid powertrain has been upgraded. As before, there’s a four-cylinder 2.5-litre gas engine, this time paired with a 100 kW electric motor for a total output of 225 hp, an increase of 17 horsepower. Optional all-wheel drive (AWD) is now available, a first for the Camry Hybrid. These models have an additional 30 kW motor on the rear axle to give a total output of 232 horsepower. As ever, a continuously variable transmission (CVT) is standard. Combined fuel economy ranges between 4.9 and 5.3 litres per 100 kilometres, depending on spec.
There’s a choice of four trim levels, which is on par with previous offerings in Canada. All are well-equipped with standard features for the entry-level Toyota Camry SE including alloy wheels, heated front seats, a heated steering wheel and side mirrors, selectable drive modes, LED headlights, dual-zone automatic climate control, an eight-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto support, a wireless charging pad, Softex (leatherette) interior trim, and a sport-tuned suspension.
The SE Upgrade trim makes AWD standard and adds 18-inch alloy wheels, a power moonroof, and an auto-dimming rear-view mirror. New Camry XSE and Camry XLE models add luxury features such as a digital key system, a nine-speaker JBL audio system, a 12.3-inch infotainment screen, and additional safety features such as traffic jam assistant, lane change assist, front cross-traffic alert, and a surround-view camera.
The standard Toyota Safety Sense package for all trim levels includes driver assistance safety features such as adaptive cruise control, lane tracing assist, a pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, and automatic high beams. Blind spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert is also standard.
The latest Camry Hybrid hasn’t been on sale for long, so there’s no reliability data available, but if it follows the pattern of its predecessors, it should be a dependable choice. Many of the parts it uses are shared with the previous-generation Camry, which has a very good reliability record and consistently achieved top or high rankings in the midsize category of independent reliability surveys. The basic warranty coverage is three years or 60,000 kilometres, but there’s a five-year/100,000-kilometre powertrain warranty.
You can already find used examples of the latest Camry Hybrid for sale, and most are very low-kilometre cars. Expect a small discount over MSRP for these units.
Third Generation (2017-2024)
The third-generation Toyota Camry Hybrid was introduced in 2017 as a model in the eighth-generation Toyota Camry range. This time, there was a noticeable shift upmarket for the Camry, as well as a different look. Although still a sedan, it gained a “fastback” rear end with a sloped rear window and short trunk lid. A slightly lower roofline and a longer, wider body add to the somewhat sportier styling, while the interior had a more adventurous design with a curvy dashboard and high-tech centre console reminiscent of some Lexus models. Despite the new look and feel, it retained the core Camry values of affordability, practicality, and ease of ownership.
Power for the Camry Hybrid increased to 208 hp, an increase of eight horsepower. As before, this came courtesy of a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine and an electric motor, and drove the front wheels via a CVT. Fuel economy ranged from 4.9 to 5.1 L/100 km combined according to Natural Resources Canada, depending on spec.
Initially, the core trim levels available in Canada were the Camry Hybrid LE, Hybrid SE, and Hybrid XLE. An XSE trim was added to the line-up beginning in 2021, and a Nightshade trim was available in 2022 and 2023. Owners of the entry-level Hybrid LE wanted for little with a seven-inch infotainment system, dual-zone automatic climate control, heated front seats, keyless entry with hatch release, push-button start, 17-inch alloy wheels, and more. It also came with the Toyota Safety Sense package, which included driver aids such as an automatic emergency braking system with pedestrian detection, lane-departure alert with steering assist, dynamic radar cruise control, and automatic high beams.
The top-of-the-line Hybrid XLE trim included features such as leather upholstery, a head-up display, a JBL sound system, blind spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert, a surround-view camera, 18-inch alloy wheels, and more. A mid-life update for the 2020 model year added Apple CarPlay/Android Auto integration for all trims and some mild cosmetic updates, including a new front grille.
The third-generation Camry Hybrid appears to be justifying its reputation as a car that’s well-built and unlikely to let you down. Despite its popularity, there are only a handful of issues listed on carcomplaints.com, and most of these are minor problems. During this Camry Hybrid’s time on sale, Toyota as a brand has consistently finished near the top of independent reliability surveys.
Early, well-used examples of the third-generation Camry Hybrid start at about $18,000, but we’re talking really well-used, with some covering 200,000 kilometres or more. While it’s good to know the Camry Hybrid is capable of that kind of mileage, you may prefer something a little less... used. In that case, budget $30,000 to $40,000 for a car with less than 100,000 kilometres on the clock.
Second Generation (2011-2017)
The second-generation Toyota Camry Hybrid was available as part of the seventh-generation Camry range from the start. Introduced in 2011 for the 2012 model year, it was a very similar package to its predecessor in both its design and dimensions. The powertrain for the hybrid model was updated, though, with a new 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine paired with an electric motor for a total of 200 horsepower—a 12-horsepower increase. Fuel economy improved by 39%, with a combined rating of 5.7 to 6.0 L/100 km, depending on model year and spec.
Instead of the single trim level available for the first-generation car, the Camry Hybrid was available in a choice of Hybrid LE and Hybrid XLE trims, which were roughly equivalent to the LE and XLE trim levels for non-hybrid models.
The 2015 model year brought a mid-life facelift for the Camry range. This update was unusually extensive, with major styling changes on the outside, a higher-quality interior, and equipment upgrades for all trim levels. It also added a new Camry Hybrid SE trim level, fitting in between the existing Hybrid LE and Hybrid XLE trim levels.
The second-generation Toyota Camry Hybrid has a better reputation for reliability than the first, and a generally good one overall. The Camry was the best-ranked midsize car in the 2017 J.D. Power Vehicle Dependability Study, and the issues raised on carcomplaints.com generally relate to minor problems such as infotainment system foibles, noisy brakes, and paintwork.
Prices for the second-generation Toyota Camry Hybrid, which is becoming scarce in Canada, start at about $10,000 for high-odometer examples, with sub-150,000-kilometre examples running between $15,000 and $25,000.
First Generation (2006-2011)
Almost a decade after the Prius went on sale as Toyota’s first production hybrid car, the brand created a hybrid version of its hugely popular Camry. Introduced for the 2007 model year at the same time as the rest of the sixth-generation Camry range, the first-generation Camry Hybrid combined a 147 horsepower 2.4-litre engine with a 105 kW electric motor for a total output of 188 horsepower. Whereas the standard Camry was offered with a choice of manual or automatic and front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive, the Camry Hybrid was FWD-only, with a CVT (labelled e-CVT) as standard. The hybrid model, as you’d hope, gave the best fuel economy of the range, with an estimated 6.8 L/100 km combined according to the ratings of the time.
The Toyota Camry had a few technical differences under the bodywork to accommodate the hybrid powertrain, including a bespoke front subframe. But on the outside, it looked the same apart from “Hybrid” badging, a special chrome grille, and unique LED taillights.
Initially, the Camry Hybrid was available in a single, bespoke trim level that provided a mid-to-high level of equipment somewhere between the LE and XLE trim levels available for non-hybrid models. As standard, it included 16-inch alloy wheels, dual-zone climate control, cruise control, a JBL audio system, heated outboard mirrors, and an electrically adjustable driver’s seat. Standard safety features included front, side, and curtain airbags and a driver’s knee airbag.
An option package added a power moonroof, heated front seats, leather upholstery, a power-adjustable front passenger seat, and rear reading lamps. Stability control was standard for the Camry Hybrid from the start as part of Toyota’s Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management system (VDIM). This was an upgrade over non-hybrid models, where stability control was initially an option but became standard as part of an update for the 2010 model year. Model updates over the years increased standard specification for the Camry Hybrid, but it remained available in a standalone trim level.
The first Camry Hybrid represents something of a blip in the model’s otherwise impressive record for reliability. Some early models suffered from excessive oil consumption and brake actuator failure, with 2007 being the worst year according to CarComplaints.com. Despite this, the Camry was one of the top-rated midsize cars in the 2012 J.D. Power Vehicle Dependability Study, and later models have a better record overall.
The first-generation Toyota Camry Hybrid is now pretty rare on the used car market. With 200,000 kilometres or more on the clock, you should be able to pick one up for $9,000 or less, while a decent sub-150,000-kilometre car will cost between $11,000 to $14,000.
