2020 Toyota Camry Hybrid Review: It's great, but get the LE
"The Toyota Camry Hybrid remains a reliable choice among hybrid sedans."
-
Outstanding reliability and security
-
An improved entune system is an improvement
-
The latest redesign still looks good
-
The basic equipment offers many great functions
-
With higher equipment, the fuel consumption is lower
-
The XLE can get quite expensive
-
Trunk is small for a medium sized sedan
The Toyota Camry Hybrid has been around for more than a decade, unlike the Corolla, which received a hybrid version for the first time in 2020. The Camry, however, benefited from regular updates from Toyota through its characteristic and reliable hybrid system. It also benefited from a major redesign in 2018 that gave it a sportier look and cutting-edge technology.
I drove the Camry Hybrid XLE, the highest configuration. The MSRP starts at $ 32,730, and some extras have been added to my test car, including the driver assistance package, adaptive headlights, a sunroof, and the navigation package that also updated the audio system. All in, including the target fee, my lender Camry was priced at $ 39,766.
A Camry hybrid without a bell or whistle starts at just over $ 28,000 for the base LE fairing. There's also a Hybrid SE that starts at $ 30,130 and adds a few luxurious details like faux leather upholstery and shift paddles.
Since I've driven the fanciest Camry Hybrid, it's only fair to compare it to the fanciest versions of its closest competition: the Honda Accord Hybrid and the Hyundai Ioniq Hybrid. The Accord Hybrid's upper fairing is similar to that of the Camry Hybrid XLE (with the extras in my loaner) and starts at $ 36,245. The Ioniq Hybrid starts at $ 31,200, several thousand dollars lower.
The competition also comes from the house. The Toyota Prius is synonymous with hybrid technology, and its top spec also has a starting price north of $ 32,000.
design
Toyota's design is often designed as boring, boring, and for the masses, rather than having style. The redesign of the Camry in 2018, however, churned up the company's design language with a sportier look for the four-door mid-size sedan. The front end is more aggressive and the lines along the body stretch towards the rear of the car.
Toyota
The inside of the XLE is clean and tidy. The middle touchscreen of the updated infotainment system does not hover uncomfortably over the dashboard like the screen in the Camry. This trim also has tiger eye wood paneling that enhances the feeling of luxury.
Spaciousness and comfort are close to most mid-size sedans. The batteries are arranged so that they do not penetrate the seat or trunk, but the trunk is slightly smaller than that of the Accord and much smaller than that of the Ioniq. The Prius has less passenger space, but if you have to carry large or awkwardly shaped items, its hatchback is a big plus over the Camry's trunk.
technology
My lender Camry's updated Entune infotainment system had razor-sharp graphics on a screen that could be split up to display several types of information, such as: B. the next round in the navigation area and the current title in the satellite radio. The touch inputs were simple, with physical buttons on either side of the screen. My Camry's improved infotainment included a bird's-eye view camera, which I appreciated when parking in parallel.
Kristen Hall-Geisler / Digital Trends
Setting up my phone for the Entune system was a breeze. I was able to pair my phone in less than 10 seconds. Both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard on all Camry hybrids, a major advance over previous model years where Android Auto was missing.
The driver receives a screen between the analog displays. This ad is full of information, though I'm sure it can be customized if you take the time to figure out how. If I own the car, I bring a cup of coffee to the driver's seat and spend some time in the driveway with the electronic instruction manual to set everything up as I like it. However, not everyone will be so patient.
Kristen Hall-Geisler / Digital Trends
The flood of information on this 7-inch TFT screen was overwhelming but useful, and the steering wheel controls made it easy to scroll through different types of information. I was able to check the fuel consumption of my trip, the route I was listening to, and the status of my driver assistance functions such as lane departure warning and adaptive cruise control. My lender also had a 10-inch heads-up display (HUD) that was massive and visible in every light. I relied on the HUD for basics like speed, more than the 7 inch screen.
When you upgrade to expensive panels and add packages, you need to choose which high-tech features you like best. The top panel of the Accord Hybrid contains many functions of my Camry Hybrid XLE with additional packages. However, the Accord also has a WiFi hotspot, while the Camry can connect to Alexa. If you care about screen size, look elsewhere. The upper fairing of the Ioniq Hybrid has a 10.25-inch screen and the Prius Limited has an 11.6-inch screen.
Fuel consumption
Toyota made a fascinating choice for the Camry hybrid system. The basic LE cladding has lithium-ion batteries that are light and efficient. It combines 52 mpg.
But this is not the car that I drove. I had the XLE, which like the medium-weight SE has heavier and less efficient nickel-metal hydride batteries. It is an older technology that has served the Toyota hybrid system well for years, and it is less expensive. Unfortunately, this means that the fanciest Camry Hybrid has the lowest fuel consumption: an estimated 44 mpg city / 47 mpg highway / 46 mpg combined.
Toyota
This is much better than a conventional gas-only sedan, but not particularly good for a hybrid. The Hyundai Ioniq Hybrid achieves a total of 55 mpg and the Prius XLE a total of 52 mpg. If you want to buy the Camry and save money, choose the cheaper and more efficient basic Camry.
The EPA estimates are also optimistic. They are a great way to compare apples to apples, but I personally find that my mileage rarely lives up to the EPA sticker. During my time, I only drove the Camry Hybrid XLE on roads and made no special efforts to reduce fuel consumption. I've seen just under 40 mpg, which is frankly better than I expected.
Regardless of which equipment package you drive, the Camry Hybrid delivers a total of 208 hp. The transmission was smooth and quiet, and the acceleration is punchy. It was not a problem to get into the traffic flow or carry out a quick pass.
safety
Every Toyota is equipped as standard with a version of its Safety Sense Suite with technical functions for driver assistance. The Camry Hybrid has Safety Sense P, which includes a forward collision warning, pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, a lane departure warning system and adaptive cruise control. If you want more, the driver assistance package offers a bird's-eye view camera, rear traffic alarm and the head-up display.
The insurance institute for road safety has awarded the 2020 Camry the Top Safety Pick +, its highest recommendation.
Safety Sense is as easy to use as any other system on the market. The controls are on the steering wheel and are easy to reach without a glance once you know where they are. By switching the middle display to show the safety technology, the tracking distance between you and the car in front of you and your lane keeping status become clear.
The insurance institute for road safety has awarded the 2020 Camry the Top Safety Pick +, its highest recommendation. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration awarded the Camry Hybrid five out of five stars in all of its crash tests.
The predicted reliability values are above average for the Camry Hybrid, although there is currently a recall with a coolant leak. Toyota offers a typical warranty for the Camry Hybrid with 3 years / 36,000 miles for a comprehensive warranty and 5 years / 60,000 miles for the drivetrain. All hybrid components are guaranteed for 8 years / 100,000 miles.
How DT would configure the Toyota Camry Hybrid 2020
While it was great to have all the bells and whistles in the Camry Hybrid XLE, the better fuel economy in the LE is attractive. I would go for this model and add the package that includes the sunroof, blind spot monitoring, and updated 8-inch touchscreen and entune system for around $ 2,700.
Wrap up
The 2020 Toyota Camry Hybrid has been around for years. The technology is proven and reliable, and improvements over the years have kept the design and technology up to date. It is still a good choice for hybrid sedan buyers.
There are only a few disadvantages of a car that has so many features even in its basic configuration. But paying for the top panel of this test car didn't seem to work. The base Camry hybrid already contains a lot, and you can add most goodies at a reasonable price. In addition, the basic model is more efficient.
Should you get one?
Yes, if you want a reliable, efficient limousine at a reasonable price. Just rethink the suspension for the top fairing.
Editor's recommendations