If you are lucky enough – or patient enough – to get your hands on a hybrid vehicle these days, the 2022 Toyota Camry Hybrid SE is definitely worth considering, if my recent experience with it was any indication of long-term performance.
Two things struck me after a week with the Camry hybrid.
First, it is surprisingly affordable. As tested, the price of $37,440.70 (all fees added in) is pretty good for a hybrid.
Second, the fuel efficiency of that hybrid system makes it even more attractive given the current state of fuel prices, as I came within 0.1 litre per 100 kilometres of matching Toyota’s estimated combined fuel economy for this sedan.
The hybrid Camry is available in four trims, starting with the LE, our SE tester, XSE and XLE versions.
The base MSRP for the SE is $34,590, and the only option added to the tester was the $900 Nightshade package, a new option for 2022 and one I really liked on the Camry.
It includes blind spot monitor with RCTA, dual zone automatic climate control, moonroof, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, smart key system, six Speakers, remote start, 9-inch touch screen, satellite radio, black badging and more.
And on top of the usual warranty, Toyota offers an 8-year, 160,000km on hybrid components
Powertrain: Under the hood, the Camry we tested was outfitted with Toyota’s excellent Hybrid Synergy Drive and a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine. As with all of my recent experiences with the hybrid powerplant from Toyota, the Camry does not disappoint. It’s efficient and powerful enough, and the transition from EV mode to the gasoline engine happens without you noticing.
It is paired to an Electronically Controlled Continuously Variable Transmission which is also one of the better ones I have experienced.
Power from the setup is 208 horsepower and 163 pound-feet of torque, more than adequate for this sedan.
And I was very impressed with my ability to match up pretty well with the estimated fuel economy for the Camry, following up on the recent similarly positive experience with the Sienna.
The combined estimate of 5.1 litres per 100 kilometres, and my average was 5.2 L/100 km. Not too shabby!
Exterior: The Camry is a very nicely designed sedan, and our white tester had some extra exterior touches that definitely enhanced the look for me.
2022 Toyota Camry Hybrid SE
2022 Toyota Camry Hybrid SE
2022 Toyota Camry Hybrid SE
2022 Toyota Camry Hybrid SE
2022 Toyota Camry Hybrid SE
Starting with the 19-inch black alloy wheels, it also had black handles and side mirrors, as well as the exterior badging.
The front end is also rather aggressive looking in my opinion, especially with the black on white treatment.
The rear is also stylishly done, with a black spoiler, and a nicely sculpted rear fascia.
This is not your parent’s Camry anymore!
Interior: Inside, the Camry is a welcoming environment that features a well designed and fairly spacious cabin.
The centre stack has all the controls without easy reach, and their design and layout make them easy to understand and operate.
The materials in the cabin are of good quality and the craftsmanship is also of a high standard.
Our tester also came with nice features such as a heads-up display for the driver, a very popular option these days.
The seating is a mix of fabric and SofTex material, and the contrast between the materials help break up an abundance of black in the cabin. The front seats are quite comfortable and at the rear, there is a decent amount of legroom.
There is also a large trunk on the Camry, with a fold flat rear seat that allows for larger and longer items can fit easily – which I put to the test with the baseball gear I need to haul for my son’s baseball team. The space handled all of it just as easily as SUVs and crossovers I have driven.
Infotainment: The Camry features Toyota’s Entune 3.0 infotainment system and it is a good one, with clear menus, good response time from the touchscreen and the added benefit of having the physical control buttons and dials for basic functionality.
It comes equipped with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility, and our tester was fitted with the larger 9-inch touchscreen (up from the 7-inch standard) that includes navigation, a nine-speaker JBL stereo system and wireless charging.
Drive: The experience behind the wheel is a pleasant one in the Camry. The engine/hybrid pair deliver good power and acceleration, giving the sedan a bit of pep and more than enough guts for passing moves on the highway.
2022 Toyota Camry Hybrid SE
2022 Toyota Camry Hybrid SE
2022 Toyota Camry Hybrid SE
Out on the road, the ride is comfortable, and the suspension does a good job at keeping things settled even on rougher pavement. Handling and steering response are also both good as well.
Conclusion: Sedans keep falling out of favour with consumers, but when I get to test ones like the Camry – especially in hybrid form – I am reminded that they are still very good options. The gas mileage alone makes this a very intriguing choice, and the price tag for the Camry hybrid is also quite reasonable in my view.
2022 Toyota Camry Hybrid SE
Price as tested: $37,440.70
Freight: $1,820.00
Configuration: Front engine/Front-wheel drive
Engine/transmission: 2.5-litre 4-cylinder with Hybrid Synergy Drive/ Electronically Controlled Continuously Variable Transmission
Power/torque: 208 horsepower/ 163 lb-ft of torque
Fuel (capacity): Regular (49 L)
Combined fuel economy ratings (L/100 km): 5.1 L/100 km
Observed fuel economy (L/100 km): 5.2 L/100 km
Warranties: 3-years/60,000 km (basic)
Competitors: Honda Accord, Hyundai Sonata, Kia K5, Subaru Legacy, Nissan Altima
Links: Toyota Canada