2022 Toyota Camry Hybrid Road Test and Review

2021 Toyota Camry Hybrid XSE ・ Photo by Toyota

There was a time when the Toyota Camry was available in just one flavor — plain vanilla. Yes, it was rich, creamy vanilla, but that was it. It was a great sedan value that was totally inoffensive. But now, the Camry is offered in a number of versions, and one of the best is the hybrid. In fact, there are many who will tell you the 2022 Toyota Camry Hybrid is the absolute best of all the sedan’s variants. And it’s hard to argue against that. The Camry Hybrid has all the virtues of the conventional Camry — which are plentiful — and it adds very compelling fuel economy. In this era of higher gasoline prices, that becomes an even more appealing benefit. For 2022, Toyota makes certain Camry Hybrid buyers are well-served by offering the car in five different grades. Among them is the newest Camry Hybrid, including the 2022 Camry SE Hybrid Nightshade. Here is our road test and review of the 2022 Toyota Camry Hybrid.

Fuel Economy

Stellar fuel economy is a major reason to consider the Camry Hybrid. Its fuel economy ranges from about average for the conventional V6 to excellent in the hybrid versions. According to the EPA, the conventionally powered base 2.5-liter 4-cylinder delivers EPA-rated fuel economy of 28 mpg city/39 mpg highway/32 mpg combined. A 2022 Camry with the optional 3.5-liter V6 engine will deliver an estimated 22 mpg in the city and 33 mpg on the highway for a 26 mpg overall figure. That’s good fuel efficiency, but not surprisingly, the Camry Hybrid is by far the most fuel-efficient model in the lineup. In the LE trim, it is rated at 51 mpg city/53 mpg highway/52 mpg combined by the Environmental Protection Agency. The other hybrid trims aren’t quite as fuel-thrifty — 44 mpg city/47 mpg highway/46 mpg combined. That is still exceptional fuel economy, so if gas prices are on your mind, that is something to consider.

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Powertrain

As noted earlier, the 2022 Toyota Camry gives its buyers the choice of several powertrain options — conventional V6, conventional 4-cylinder, and hybrid drive. The Camry Hybrid offers a sophisticated drivetrain that teams a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder gasoline engine with an electric drive motor. The gasoline engine is tuned for economy and provides 176 horsepower. The permanent magnet synchronous electric motor delivers 118 horsepower. Toyota says the combined horsepower rating is 208. In contrast to the conventional drivetrains that use 8-speed automatic transmissions, the hybrid employs a continuously variable transmission. In the SE and XSE trims the CVT can be “shifted” using paddle shifters, although the CVT doesn’t have conventional gears. Instead, the transmission simulates gear changes to give the car a sportier feel.

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Driving Impressions

The Toyota Camry Hybrid enhances the model’s reputation for comfort and quiet. The Camry Hybrid is down almost 100 horsepower versus the V6-powered Camry, so it lacks the acceleration that model brings to the pavement. But the instant torque from the electric motor gives the Camry Hybrid more on-road verve than you might expect from looking at the spec sheet. In many ways, the Hybrid matches the driving dynamics of the four-cylinder-powered conventional Camrys. In addition, should you enjoy shifting for shifting’s sake, the Hybrid SE and XSE trims enable that with paddle shifters. And while some CVTs have a dubious reputation with vehicle testers, a CVT in a hybrid is a logical and efficient transmission choice. We think most Camry Hybrid buyers will enjoy the driving experience. And they will especially enjoy the experience of driving by gas stations while drivers of the conventional versions are forced to stop and fill up. With fuel economy that tops 50 mpg combined, range on a tankful could top 650 miles.

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Exterior Style

When it comes to exterior style, there’s one thing you can say for certain about the Camry Hybrid — it’s sure no Prius. While the legendary Toyota Prius wears its inner hybridness on its sleeve, the Camry Hybrid is far more stealthy in its frugality. It does wear a hybrid badge or two, but the Camry Hybrid is as good-looking as the other Camry models — and that is very good-looking indeed. If you like the blacked-out look, the newly available Camry Hybrid SE Nightshade gives you that option. The Hybrid XLE trim has conventional styling with a nice percentage of brightwork, and the Hybrid XSE takes the styling in a sporty direction. A power-operated tilt and slide sunroof is optionally available on all the Camry Hybrids with the exception of the Nightshade. While many brands offer just a single hybrid trim, the Camry gives its hybrid buyers a varied selection that enables them to choose a version that matches their tastes.

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Interior Design

The same holds true for the interiors of the Camry Hybrids. With an array of differentiated trims from which to choose, buyers have the opportunity to choose a style that fits them. Scanning across the hybrid lineup it is clear Toyota is paying close attention to delivering world-class interiors. Automatic dual-zone climate control is standard throughout the lineup. Rear-seat vents and ambient lighting are standard on the XLE and XSE Hybrid trims.Those trims also feature a standard 7-inch TFT driver information display with customizable settings, including hybrid information. The base LE trim has cloth seats, and the SE and SE Nightshade have sport seats covered with synthetic leather and fabric. Leather seats are standard on the XSE and XLE trims. A 10-inch color head-up display and surround-view overhead monitor are available on the top-level hybrid models.

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Infotainment & Technology

The Toyota Camry Hybrid models offer two full-featured infotainments systems. The base LE and the SE trims have a 7-inch touchscreen display mounted high in the center of the dash. The system features Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, and Amazon Alexa compatibility plus AM/FM, Bluetooth, SiriusXM, and hands-free phone capability. The voice recognition system works well, supplementing the on-screen controls. The more expensive XLE and XSE have Toyota Audio Plus with a 9-inch touchscreen display. That system is very similar to the base system but with a larger screen. The top-of-line Premium Audio with Dynamic Navigation includes a JBL 800-watt, 9-speaker premium audio system plus the ability to receive over-the-air updates. The Camry Hybrid’s Remote Connect provides remote start and door unlock capability, vehicle status notifications, a guest driver monitor, and vehicle finder. The optional Wi-Fi Connect allows up to five mobile devices to hook up using 4G LTE.

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Safety & Driver Aids

Toyota Safety Sense (TSS 2.5+) is standard across the 2022 Toyota Camry Hybrid lineup. It includes pre-collision system with pedestrian detection and daytime cyclist detection, road sign assist, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning with steering assist, lane-tracing assist, sway warning system, and automatic high-beam headlights. Hill-start assist, automatic engine shut off, and rear seat reminder are standard across the board as well. A blind-spot monitor with rear cross-traffic alert is optional on the LE and the SE and is standard on the other trims. Rear cross-traffic braking is available with clearance sonar as part of an optional package. In total, the typical Toyota Camry has more advanced driver’s aids than many luxury-brand sedans.

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Cargo Capacity & Towing

The Toyota Camry has always been known for its roomy cabin, and the 2022 model continues in that tradition. The Camry Hybrid has 99.9 cubic feet of passenger volume, making the interior extremely comfortable for the five occupants. There is plenty of room for luggage, too. In fact, the luggage space outdistances several luxury sedans. The Camry Hybrid has 15.1 cubic feet of luggage area in its trunk, the same amount of trunk space as the conventionally powered Camry. Toyota does not list a towing capacity for the 2022 Camry Hybrid. As a front-drive platform with a hybrid powertrain, it is not well-suited for towing. The Camry Hybrid’s spacious interior, supportive seats and long list of convenience features make it a comfortable and economical cross-country cruiser.

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Trim Levels

The 2022 Toyota Camry Hybrid is offered in five separate trims – LE, XLE, SE, SE Nightshade, and XSE. The LE represents exceptional value at a low price. The XLE is the luxury choice, while the XSE offers sportier looks. The Nightshade SE is equipped like the standard SE but employs the currently popular “blackout treatment.” The least expensive Toyota Camry Hybrid is the LE with an MSRP of $27,980 plus destination charge. The Camry Hybrid with the highest list price is the XSE at $33,420 plus destination charge. The Camry Nightshade Hybrid has an MSRP of $30,215. A Camry XLE Hybrid is listed at $32,870. The Camry lineup is filled with great choices. Some like the low purchase price and good fuel economy of the four-cylinder models. Others prefer the added power of the V6 models. And there are those who see special value in the Camry Hybrids with their sophisticated and highly fuel-efficient electrified powertrains.

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Competitive Value

No matter which trim you select, the 2022 Toyota Camry Hybrid is a very good value. Not only does it have an entry price that is well under $30,000; it also is available in a wide variety of trims. The ability to match the vehicle characteristics and price with the buyers’ desires is a big plus. The Camry Hybrids typical have base prices that are less than $2,000 more than the equivalent four-cylinder-powered trim. Both the infotainment systems and interiors are among the best in the mid-size sedan segment. As the hybrid vehicle leader for decades, Toyota certainly knows how to build a high-quality hybrid, and the Camry Hybrid is just that. In these days of high fuel prices, it’s a strong value.

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