Who says hybrids can’t keep up with non-hybrid sedans? Actually, the new Toyota Camry Hybrid is within a split second of its former non-hybrid model.
Its 2.5-liter four-cylinder gas engine teamed with a fifth-generation high tech hybrid system returns up to 46 miles per gallon of regular gasoline while developing 225 combined horsepower.
Fyi…you can no longer buy a non-hybrid Camry since it ceased production at its Kentucky plant with last year’s model. The same plant in Georgetown manufactures all Camrys sold in the U.S.
There are five trims available this year: LE, SE, new Nightshade Edition, XLE, and Premium XSE with base prices ranging from $30,295 to $38,220.
While all Camrys are fitted with the same engine and a continuously variable transmission, output varies with two available drivetrains.
Our front-wheel drive XSE tester with two electric motors achieved a remarkable 47 city/45 highway miles per gallon. All-wheel drive models are fitted with a third motor at the rear axle and deliver 44/43 mpg.
With its 13-gallon fuel tank, we travelled 598 miles on a tankful. Not bad for a full-size family car.
At our independent test track, the Camry reached the 60-mile per hour mark in 6.9 seconds. Rivals’ Honda Accord Hybrid is said to reach that same mark in 6.6 seconds and Honda’s Accord a smidge quicker.
We feel most consumers will find the Camry’s performance to be adequate in most driving conditions. Our tester performed well in the straight-aways. It delivered a compliant ride going through cornering maneuvers.
While no speedster, it has passing power when needed and is easy to park with good visibility all around. Nineteen-inch black and smoke gray alloy wheels add a sporty look to the traditional Camry exterior.
Paddle shifters are available but seem out of character with the CVT.
Cabin noise is minimal with sound deadening material throughout and acoustic laminated glass up front. Steering is precise and brakes are strong using hybrid regenerative and friction braking.
The interior in our top-of-the-line XSE model was attractive with full leather seating and a pair of 12.3-inch digital screens – one for engine vitals and the other housing multimedia, entertainment and cabin controls.
Aluminum sport pedals and ambient lighting are nice touches for a sedan.
Our tester included Toyota’s Safety Sense 3.0 adding adaptive cruise control, lane departure alert with steering assist, blind spot monitors, road sign assist and automatic headlights.
Toyota offers a $4,760 premium plus package that you may want for additional safety features, a nine-speaker JBL sound system, ventilated front seats, 10-inch heads-up display and, power panoramic glass roof. For the budget conscious, you could pass on this package and pocket the savings.
There are segment rivals worth considering including the Honda Accord, Hyundai Sonata and Kia K5 as well as luxury sedans’ Lexus IS and Acura Integra. Test drives in these may help sort out your buying options.
What was reviewed 2026 Toyota Camry Hybrid XSE Engine: 2.5-liter four-cylinder – 5th generation hybrid synergy drive system EPA mileage: 47 city, 45 highway, 46 combined MSRP/as tested: $35,200 / $41,949 Assembled: All assembly completed at Toyota Motors Manufacturing plant (TMMK) in Georgetown, Kentucky. U.S./Canadian parts content – 65 percent; major source of foreign parts – Japan 10 percent; engine and transmission U.S. and Japan. Crash test ratings: The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) awarded the 2026 Camry hybrid a Top Safety Pick and gave its highest rating of “Good” in its moderate and small overlap frontal offset, side impact, roof strength and head restraint/seatbelts for whiplash protection from rear-end collision. IIHS also rated the Camry’s crash avoidance and mitigation system “Superior”. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) awarded the 2026 Camry five out of a possible five stars for overall crash protection, five stars for side impact, frontal impact and rollover protection. Warranty: 3-year/36,000 mile basic; 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain; 8-year/100,000-mile hybrid components and 10-year/150,000-mile hybrid battery protection. {related_content_uuid}2ea4ebc7-eaa2-4487-955b-7fde2ccda609{/related_content_uuid}