Hybrids have existed for a while now but their progress is overshadowed by electric cars which are growing at a faster pace. A market for these hybrid vehicles is very niche and very few buyers opt for hybrids. Toyota Camry Hybrid is one sedan that boasts drivability, incredible performance, and powertrain frugality, all while managing to look good and luring buyers to its abode.
The 2020 Toyota Camry Hybrid carries ahead what it impressed with the previous year. Under the hood is a 2.5L 4-cylinders mated to an electric motor with a CVT transmission driving the front wheels. The Hybrid flexes its muscles and the 0-60 and quarter-mile timing set by the gas-powered Camry. It also comes with a impressive list of safety features and tuff build quality that places it amongst the most reliable sedans in the market.
Vehicle images are guides only and may not reflect the model's exact specifications/features– exact specifications/features should be confirmed with the seller.
Ratings
Features
8.3
Engine And Performance
8.4
Interior
8.3
8.1
OVERALL RATING
Expert Review, Pricing Analysis and Buying Guide
8.1
Overall Rating
In spite of being one of the best hybrids, the Toyota Camry doesn’t go unrivaled. Joining along the arsenal of big guns competing against this Japanese sedan is the Honda Accord Hybrid and the Ford Fusion Hybrid. How does it fare amongst them? Let’s find out.
2020 Toyota Camry Hybrid Angular Front View
2020 Toyota Camry Hybrid Angular Rear View
8.3/10 Features
8.4/10 Engine and Performance
8.3/10 Interior
2020 Toyota Camry hybrid Sedan Features
8.3/10
Split into 3 trim levels, the Toyota Camry Hybrid comes with a standard FWD drive under which rests a 2.5L inline-4 married to an electric motor and a standard CVT transmission across all trims. The LE base trim uses a lighter lithium-ion battery pack while the SE and XLE pack a nickel-metal hydride battery. Starting at $28,150, the LE trim offers a decent dosage of basic features for base trim and climb up the trim ladder and you’d find more premium features.
Trim
Camry LE
Camry SE
Camry XLE
MSRP
$28,150
$29,850
$32,725
Key
Features
Bi-LED combination headlights with auto on/off feature
LED combination taillights
LED taillights
LED Daytime Running Lights (DRL) with on/off feature
LED combination taillights
Color-keyed heated power outside mirrors with turn signal and blind spot warning indicators
Dark gray front grille
4-wheel Anti-lock Brake System (ABS)
Black front grille with sport mesh insert
Bright metallic front grille
Color-keyed power outside mirrors
Single-zone automatic climate control with air filter
Tire Pressure Monitor System (TPMS) with direct pressure readout
Entune 3.0 Audio with Connected Navigation Scout GPS Link App
Color-keyed outside door handles with touch-sensor lock/unlock feature
We recommend
The SE seems like the best choice for it offers a good mix of technology and features, especially considering it costs a bit over $1500 over the base trims. If you’re looking for performance, the XLE offers an optional V6 engine and is the cheapest of the high-end trims that offer the said powertrain.
2020 Toyota Camry hybrid Sedan Engine and Performance
8.4/10
“There's goodness in broad swaths with the Camry Hybrid, but some areas have yet to be conquered. Power and hybrid performance are smooth and plentiful, but its brakes and economy-focused tires spoil the party.” -edmunds
Engine and Transmission
Powering the Toyota Camry through its front wheels are a 2.5L inline-4 cylinders paired to an electric motor and a CVT transmission to spurt out combined 203 hp and 184 lb.-ft. of pulling power. Don’t be fooled by these subpar output figures; the Camry is a charm to drive on tarmac. It pulls you straight ahead with absolute ease and refinement. Its powertrain is butter smooth and is more than what you could ask for in a Hybrid sedan. Cruise around the city or passing speeds on the highway? Pfft, the Camry says ‘sure!’. The energy-efficient battery pack makes sure the front wheels zip in electric speed and providing an exceptionally great fuel economy.
Models
Toyota Camry LE Hybrid
Ford Fusion Hybrid Titanium
Ford Fusion Energi Titanium
Honda Accord
Honda Insight LX
Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid
Toyota Avalon XLE Hybrid
Chevrolet Volt LT
MSRP
$29,070
$34,485
$37,490
$25,320
$22,830
$28,945
$34,395
$37,420
Engine
2.5L i4
2.0L i4
2.0L i4
1.5L Inline-4
1.5L i4
1.8L i4
2.5L i4
1.5L i4
Transmission
Continuously variable automatic
Continuously variable automatic
Continuously variable automatic
Continuously Variable Automatic
Continuously variable automatic
1-speed direct drive
Continuously variable automatic
1-speed direct drive
Power
208 hp@ 5700 rpm
188 hp@ 6000 rpm
188 hp@ 6000 rpm
212 hp 6200 rpm
151 hp@ 6000 rpm
160 hp@ 5700 rpm
215 hp@ 5700 rpm
149 hp
Torque
163 ft-lbs@ 3600 rpm
129 ft-lbs@ 4000rpm
129 ft-lbs@ 4000rpm
232 lb-ft
99 ft-lbs@ 5000 rpm
184 ft-lbs@ 2500 rpm
163 ft-lbs@ 3600 rpm
294 ft-lbs@ 0 rpm
Quite frankly, the competition sees a stiff rivalry with the Toyota Camry and not the other way around. While the Japanese 4-door may not boast the highest numbers out there, the ones that do however manage to give it a slight rivalry but nothing that big a concern so as to put the Camry on the list of any derogative opinions alongside them.
Acceleration
Jabbing the throttle does work pretty well for this Hybrid sedan. Getting the front wheels rolling from naught to 60 mph takes the Camry Hybrid a laudable 7.2s while it races the quarter-mile in 15.6s – and mind you, these tests are done quicker than its gasoline variant!
Models
Toyota Camry LE Hybrid
Ford Fusion HybridTitanium
Ford Fusion Energi Titanium
Honda Accord
Honda Insight LX
Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid
Toyota Avalon XLE Hybrid
Chevrolet Volt LT
0-60 MPH
7.2
8.3
8.5
6.7
8 sec
8.5 sec
N/A
7.5
Quarter mile
15.6
16.1
16.3
15.4
16 sec
15.8
N/A
N/A
Engine
2.5L i4
2.0L i4
2.0L i4
1.5L i4
1.5L i4
1.8L i4
2.5L i4
1.5L i4
Emission
(Tons/yr of CO2 Emissions @ 15K mi/year)
N/A
N/A
N/A
3.4
N/A
N/A
N/A
Whilst Toyota basks in glory, the Accord comes out blazing 6.7s from 0-60 while the Volt follows the leaders at 7.5s. Matching them in the quarter-mile might make them stand on the same pedestal, but the Accord sure is quickest of the Hybrid lot.
Ride and Handling
Great powertrain performance gives way to other expectations, no? Somewhat right, if the gasoline variant is a supposed benchmark here. The Hybrid Camry doesn’t really drive or ride as great as its gasoline variant. Steering is accurate, handles moderately well in corners with excellent maneuverability and limited body roll.
Although the ride is very comfortable on the plain tarmac with supple and nimble handling, it is not without its flaws. Ride over bumps and you’d feel the potholes and jittery surface warrantying body roll and discomfort. Even its steering takes a bit of a hit here; due to the heavy implication of driver assists to the wheel, it feels light and consequently there is less road feedback.
Braking
With the Camry regardless of its feeling smooth and predictable, the brakes feel like a hit and miss. Stopping the 3500 pounds from 60 to a standstill takes 128 feet and that is an average result for the Japanese sedan. Its weakness doesn’t stop there; the transition between regenerative braking to mechanical feel clunky and lethargic especially when you’re stuck in traffic. On the other hand, its Japanese rival, the Honda Accord, takes 120 feet while the Ford Fusion Hybrid stops at 123 feet.
Model
Toyota Camry LE Hybrid
Ford Fusion Hybrid Titanium
Ford Fusion Energi Titanium
Honda Accord
Honda Insight LX
Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid
Toyota Avalon XLE Hybrid
Chevrolet Volt LT
Brake Front (in.)
12
11.8
11.8
11.5
11.1
11.8
N/A
11
Brake Rear (in.)
11.1
11.9
11.9
11.1
10.2
11.3
N/A
10
Curb Weight (lbs.)
3472
3668
3986
3342
3000
3366
3638
3519
60-0 MPH (ft.)
128
123
129
120
121
N/A
N/A
N/A
2020 Toyota Camry hybrid Sedan Fuel Economy
Like its gasoline variant, thrifty is one word you should call the Camry’s powertrain; it sparingly guzzles down fuel, shooting it at the top of the ladder as one of the most efficient amongst midsize Hybrids. Joined by its direct competitor, Honda Accord, it is followed by the Chevrolet Malibu, and the rest follow suit. The Fusion siblings, on the other hand, rests at the bottom of the pit.
Model
Toyota Camry LE Hybrid
Ford Fusion Hybrid Titanium
Ford Fusion Energi Titanium
Honda Accord
Honda Insight LX
Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid
Toyota Avalon XLE Hybrid
Chevrolet Volt LT
MPG (city)
51
43
43 (109 MPGe)
48
55
49
43
42
MPG (highway)
53
41
41 (98 MPGe)
48
49
43
44
42
MPG (combined)
52
42
42 (103 MPGe)
48
52
46
44
42
2020 Toyota Camry hybrid Sedan Interior
8.3/10
“The Camry's cabin won't wow you with its opulence, but it does get the fundamentals right. The driver's seat will satisfy a truly broad range of sizes and shapes, and the cabin is spacious. And with easy-to-decipher controls, the Camry is a cinch to live with on a daily basis.” -edmunds
Seating and Comfort
The Toyota Camry features a comfortable and roomy interior but there isn’t anything wow or luxurious about the interior of the Camry. Capacity to seat 5 passengers, the cloth-stitched seats feel plush alongside enough headspace and legroom in both rows even for tall passengers. Visibility around the cabin has good viewing angles with not much to complain, and materials used and finishing touches have a rather upscale and soft feeling unlike some of its rivals.
Model
Toyota Camry LE Hybrid
Ford Fusion Hybrid Titanium
Ford Fusion Energi Titanium
Honda Accord
Honda Insight LX
Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid
Toyota Avalon XLE Hybrid
Chevrolet Volt LT
Passenger capacity
5
5
5
5
5
5
5
5
Front (Head/Shoulder/Leg) (In.)
38.3/57.7/42.1
39.2/57.8/44.3
39.2/57.8/44.3
39.5/58.3/42.3
39.3/56.9/42.3
39.1/58.5/41.5
38.5/42.1/58.3
37.8/56.5/42.1
Second
(Head/Shoulder/Leg) (In.)
37.6/55.7/38.0
37.8/56.9/38.3
37.8/56.9/38.3
37.3/55/40.4
36.9/55.0/37.4
37.5/57.1/38.1
37.9/40.4/57.1
35.8/53.2/34.7
6-way adjustable driver seat ensures solace if you’re behind the wheels and a 60/40 folding rear seats assure you of a tad more space than the miserly cargo space. Entering and getting out of the vehicle is easily done due to the large and narrow doors of the sedan.
Infotainment System
Floating in the middle of the dash is a 7” infotainment system with smartphone integration. Albeit you’d find the system fairly simple and easy to use, the rivals in the segment have better integration of the system as well as seemingly intuitive. Some standard features found in the Camry are
Apple CarPlay and Amazon Alexa
Navigation (GPS scout link)
Bluetooth
Wi-Fi Hotspot
6-speaker sound system
Cargo Capacity
Oh dear, this is one segment you’d wish Camry replicated the interior’s spirit. A paltry 15.1 cubic feet of cargo volume descends the sedan in lieu of practicality. However, its own sibling and the Honda Accord offer more spacious luggage accommodation. The Fusion siblings along with the Chevrolets disappoint in this area.
Model
Toyota Camry LE Hybrid
Ford Fusion Hybrid Titanium
Ford Fusion Energi Titanium
Honda Accord
Honda Insight LX
Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid
Toyota Avalon XLE Hybrid
Chevrolet Volt LT
Cargo Volume (ft.3)
15.1
12
8.2
16.7
15.1
13.0
16.1
10.6
Interior Features
Inside the cabin, Toyota Camry includes some of the following features
Dual-zone automatic climate control with air filter
6-way adjustable driver and front passenger seat
60/40 split fold-down rear seat with center armrest with cup holders
Fabric-trimmed front seats with passenger-side seatback pocket
Integrated backup camera with projected path
2020 Toyota Camry hybrid Sedan Exterior
“The 2020 Toyota Camry is, dare we say it, stylish.” -thecarconnection
Design and Dimensions
5.7” from the ground, at first sight, you’d see the wide and front-grille and the athleticism of the sleek design of the sedan with 16” steel wheels on four corners spinning the sedan down the tarmac. Molded around the slightly curvaceous physique of the midsize sedan has a bold and sporty design infused to create one of the best looking cars in the price segment.
Toyota insignia sits on the similarly T-sculpted hugging the meshed-grille and horizontal grilled-framework underneath it. Bordered by the Bi-LED headlights on either side, the design takes over the giant-cat clawed character lines on the hood.
Model
Toyota Camry LE Hybrid
Ford Fusion Hybrid Titanium
Ford Fusion Energi Titanium
Honda Accord
Honda Insight LX
Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid
Toyota Avalon XLE Hybrid
Chevrolet Volt LT
Curb weight (lbs.)
3472
3668
3986
3342
3000
3366
3638
3519
Length(in)
192.1
191.8
191.8
192.2
183.6
194.2
195.9
180.4
Width(in)
72.4
72.9
72.9
73.3
71.6
73.0
72.8
71.2
Height(in)
56.9
58.0
58.0
57.1
55.5
57.9
56.5
56.4
Ground clearance (in)
5.7
N/A
N/A
5.8
N/A
5.9
5.3
N/A
Wheelbase (in)
111.2
112.2
112.2
111.4
106.3
111.4
113.0
106.1
Track width (in) F/R
63/63.2
62/62.3
62/62.3
63/63.4
60.9/61.6
62.6/62.5
62.3/63.6
60.6/61.8
Bulbous windshield erupts atop the car, chiseling out a shark fin antenna along the tapering roofline down the slightly elevated rear. The sedan signs off with the well-proportioned and straightforward rear design, fitted with a single exhaust pipe on the right lip.
Exterior Features
Standard features included in the exterior of the Camry are –
Body-colored door handles
Body-colored front and rear bumpers
LED Daytime Running Lights (DRL) with on/off feature
Bi-LED combination headlights with auto on/off feature
16” steel wheels
2020 Toyota Camry hybrid Sedan Safety
Amongst the features installed to curb any possibility of unsafe experience, you might ever face in the sedan include -
Lane departure alert with steering assistance
4-Wheel Disc Brakes
Automatic high beams
Integrated backup camera30 with projected path
Adaptive cruise control
Hill Start Assist Control
Forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking
2020 Toyota Camry hybrid Sedan Competition
Toyota Camry Hybrid vs Honda Accord Hybrid
Frankly, the Toyota Camry and Honda Accord are equally excellent buys since they share many strengths of the same nature. Both equip frugal powertrain, great drivability, spacious interior alongside quality materials, strong crash test records and a plethora of safety and convenient features. We’d recommend test-driving these sedans since both have their own design and styling which might appeal to you.
Toyota Camry Hybrid vs Ford Fusion Hybrid
So you’re testing the Toyota Camry Hybrid and the Fusion Hybrid. Drive the Ford and it’ll impress you with its spirited driving and fun handling, and its segment-leading SYNC 3 infotainments system – and that’s about it. Take the Camry for a spin and there’s so much you’d appreciate about the sedan compared to its American rival. Pick the Camry Hybrid; it’s the worthier choice.
2020 Toyota Camry hybrid Sedan Final Verdict
A complete package – three words we to best describe the Toyota Camry Hybrid. It comes equipped with excellent tech and convenient features alongside having a solid safety crash test record and driver assists. The rivals in its segment, try as they might, are overshadowed by the Camry when you compare its overall package. It’s no surprise the Camry is still a popular choice for a lot of buyers in the Hybrid configuration and we hope you have concluded our stance on the recommendation of the car by now.