2018 Toyota Camry Hybrid Road Test and Review

2018 Toyota Camry Hybrid frontview ・ Photo by Brady Holt

No matter which 2018 Toyota Camry you buy, you're going to get excellent fuel economy. Fully redesigned for this model year, America's best-selling car saw numerous improvements to its driving dynamics, its interior ambiance — and its efficiency.

With its most popular engine, a 2.5-liter four-cylinder, the EPA estimates that the Camry will achieve 32 to 34 miles per gallon in mixed driving, depending on the version. And while its 3.5-liter V6 isn't exactly a gas-sipper at 26 mpg, that's still quite good considering this engine's 301-horsepower output.  But to get the best gas mileage, you want the Camry Hybrid. It combines the four-cylinder gas engine with an electric motor, which allows for EPA ratings of up to 52 mpg — the best of any mid-size sedan that you don't have to plug in. Let's go over the details.

How It Works

Toyota has been making hybrids for about two decades, and they have sold a Camry Hybrid since 2007. This year's third-generation Camry Hybrid follows a familiar script.

The 2018 Camry Hybrid has a 176-horsepower 2.5-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine and a 118-horsepower electric motor. Either can power the car by itself, or they can work together for 208 net system horsepower. The car automatically chooses its power sources based on how fast you're accelerating, the battery charge level, and other factors. The engine recharges the battery while it's running, and the battery also recaptures some energy from braking.

Photo by Brady Holt

Choice of Driving Flavors

The Camry Hybrid offers three acceleration styles: Eco, Normal, and Sport. They provide a sliding scale of efficiency versus peppiness. There's also an EV Mode, which lets you accelerate a bit harder at low speeds using only the electric motor.

Whether you're using the EV Mode or not, you get your best mileage when the gas engine is off — because you're burning no fuel at all. For 2018, the Camry Hybrid can now shut off its engine even in freeway driving; previously, the engine was always on above about 45 mph.

Photo by Brady Holt

Outstanding Efficiency

The base Camry Hybrid LE model has EPA ratings of 51 mpg in the city, 53 mpg on the highway, and 52 mpg overall. The tested SE model and the top-of-the-line XLE slip to 44 mpg city, 47 mpg highway, and 46 mpg overall. (Their added luxury features weigh more, and the LE also uses a lighter battery.) In comparison, last year's Camry Hybrid ranged from 38 to 40 mpg, depending on the version. 

We'd caution, though, that freeway efficiency still isn't the Camry Hybrid's forte. The gasoline engine needs to run most of the time, so mileage isn't that much better than the gas-only Camry. Keep in mind that the EPA's highway mileage test also includes some lower-speed conditions, which is where the Camry Hybrid truly excels. We averaged 44 mpg during a week of mixed driving that included long stretches of freeway, but we topped 50 mpg on trips that stayed mostly below 60 mph. 

Photo by Brady Holt

A Hidden Hybrid

Some hybrids, like the Toyota Prius, are instantly recognizable as fuel-savers. The Camry Hybrid is far more subtle. You'd have to look closely to spot a small "Hybrid" badge on the trunk or notice that its Toyota logos are tinged with blue. All 2018 Camry models received a thorough redesign.

Our tested SE is one of the sport-oriented trims, which means it has a more aggressive hourglass-shaped grille, as well as some extra dressiness around the rear bumper and taillights. Set aside these details and the new Camry isn't the most daring mid-size sedan. But you'll appreciate that design restraint if you find the new 2018 Honda Accord to be too "out there." Toyota also ensured that the Camry has big windows for optimal visibility.

Photo by Brady Holt

Improved Driving Dynamics

The 2018 Camry boasts a tighter, more solid feel than last year's model. It not only feels fancier while cruising in a straight line, but it's also more agile and fun to drive. A Honda Accord or Mazda6 is still probably the driving enthusiast's choice among mid-size sedans, but the Camry is now in contention.

The 208-horsepower hybrid also has lively acceleration, with the gas engine and electric motor working together seamlessly to prove fuel-efficient cars don't have to be slow. Of course, if you'd be always flooring the accelerator, don't expect to hit its amazing EPA ratings.

Photo by Brady Holt

Spacious Interior — Even the Trunk

Every 2018 Camry has a spacious interior, with comfortable seating for five adults. Notably, while most hybrid mid-size sedans have to give up trunk space for their batteries, Toyota saved trunk volume by hiding the battery below the back seat. That means the Camry Hybrid has the same 15.1 cubic feet of trunk space as the gas-only Camry, a 15 percent improvement from last year's Camry Hybrid.

The new Camry's interior ambiance is also a big upgrade. While not all the cabin trim is luxury-grade, the gracefully swooping dashboard and crisp infotainment screen make the car look and feel more upscale and modern. We also appreciated that the controls are still user-friendly, though we wish the Camry supported Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.

Photo by Brady Holt

Not Cheap, But a Decent Value

The 2018 Camry Hybrid starts at $27,800, which is $3,800 more than a comparable Camry LE four-cylinder. Of course, remember that you'll earn back some of that money by getting 63% better gas mileage.

All Camry models boost their value quotient by including a suite of high-end safety technology, including emergency automatic braking, radar-based cruise control, a lane-departure warning with automatic steering assist, and automatic high beams.

Photo by Brady Holt

Plenty of Competition

The Camry Hybrid's competitors include gas-electric versions of the Chevrolet Malibu, Ford Fusion, Honda Accord, Hyundai Sonata, and Kia Optima. The LE model beats them all for fuel economy, and even the SE and XLE's EPA ratings are among the best in class.

Like the Camry, the Malibu, Fusion, and Accord hybrids all offer an appealing mix of technology, comfort, fuel economy, and driving dynamics. But especially once you've factored in discounts, the Sonata, Optima, Fusion, and Malibu tend to be the least expensive. Meanwhile, the Camry, Malibu, and Accord get the best gas mileage, though the Fusion, Optima, and Sonata offer plug-in versions with some all-electric range. In short, you have plenty of appealing options in this class.

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All-Around Impressive

The 2018 Toyota Camry Hybrid isn't the least expensive mid-size sedan you can buy, even if you want a gas-electric powertrain. But otherwise, it's hard to find complaints. Opting for the hybrid gives you more horsepower and no less trunk space, in addition to the outstanding gas mileage.

Add the hybrid's fuel savings to every Camry's spacious, comfortable, and stylish interior; its more sophisticated ride and handling; and its ample safety technology, and the Camry Hybrid is a class standout.

Photo by Brady Holt