2018 Toyota Camry Hybrid

It’s our first chance to spend some extended time with the 2018 Toyota Camry Hybrid, since it went on sale last fall.

A hybrid powertrain has been an option in the Camry lineup since 2007, and has very successfully given people an affordable, compromise-free way to get better fuel economy from their family car. 

For 2018, the 8th generation Camry debutes a new hybrid system that offers both more power and better fuel economy.

The gas engine side is still held up by a 2.5-liter I4; but it’s a new 176-horsepower version, up 20-horsepower from last year. An updated Power Control Unit helps keep everything operating more efficiently; and the battery pack moves to under the rear seat, freeing up trunk space and lowering the center of gravity. 

Most importantly, fuel economy is up 30% on the “hyper-miler special” LE to 51-City, 53-Highway, and 52-Combined. Our SE test car’s 44-City, 47-Highway, and 46-Combined is up 21% over last year. During its two week stay with us, we averaged a fine 45.5 miles-per-gallon.

Other than not hearing an engine fire up when you start the Camry Hybrid, which can still be an odd experience for those new to hybrids, driving aspects are no different than any other Camry. Which is to say smooth, comfortable, and unobtrusive in every way; and perhaps a little more entertaining than it used to be as well.   

Pricing for the 2018 Toyota Camry Hybrid starts at around $28,000.