The Toyota Camry Hybrid has been around for a while now, the first of its kind in the mid-size class.
Playing on the proven Hybrid Synergy Drive of the Prius, Toyota simply size up the gasoline engine and electric motors to power the mainstream sedan.
For 2016, the Camry continues with the new and bolder styling that started with the 2015 model.
This includes a new face with rounder grille, sharper headlights and a rounder look at the rear view too. A trim applique added to the side gives the greenhouse also a more rounded look.
Toyota well answered the critics inside where the interior received an array of upgraded materials including new soft trims that feel less cheap.
The center console and control stack also got a much better look and feel.
Our SE mid-level trim grade had the basic cloth seating which feels sturdy and will likely wear well over time, though I would not call it luxurious.
You can step up to the XLE trim grade though and get leather if you want.
Standard is the 6.1-inch Entune touchscreen audio system. Ours was optioned with the premium system though which came with navigation.
In our brief drive from the airport to the hotel it provided detailed and accurate directions. And as I have found before with the Toyota Entune systems, it’s easy to use.
Driving the Camry Hybrid is very much the same experience as a traditional four-cylinder model. The exception of course is the engine periodically shutting off and starting back up when driving, as the electric motors do their part here and there.
The system I think is showing its age just a bit in that it isn’t as refined in its operation as some of the newer competitors out there such as the Hyundai Sonata Hybrid which uses a conventional six-speed automatic transmission.
That said, it works well and offers up 200 horsepower which is pretty impressive considering it’s rated by the EPA at 40 mpg city, 38 mpg highway, and 40 mpg combined.
