Review: Toyota Camry Hybrid

When you think of a car that is reliable, practical, cheap to maintain, yet holds resale value, the Toyota Camry immediately comes to mind. This large d-segment sedan has been in the market since the 1990s and is one of Malaysia's best selling sedans since. The first generation Camry was based on a narrow body version of the Toyota Crown, since then it has become its complete own model. When you mention the word "Camry" most people will think of it as an "uncle's car" and its easy to see why. The Camry has always been a plain car - boring to drive, boring to look at. But with the face-lifted Camry XV50 introduced in 2015, it was clear Toyota was ready to change that. When the 7th generation Camry XV50 was launched in Malaysia back in 2012 it caused quite a stir. It lacked in kit, it had strange boxy looks, and it was not as comfortable as its predecessor. It lacked auto lights and auto wipers, GPS was a paid add on option, it had a 4-speed auto gearbox, and it didn't even have electronic stability control which is totally unacceptable.

The Toyota Camry Hybrid

In 2015 Toyota Malaysia launched the refreshed Camry, and it was fantastic. This time, it came standard across the range with keyless entry and push start, and electronic stability control. The Camry was offered in 3 variants at launch with the usual 2.0E and 2.0G, but the star of the show was the Camry 2.5 Hybrid Luxury. Yes, for the first time, UMW Toyota Malaysia brought the Camry in with a hybrid power train, making it the most powerful and fuel efficient sedan in it's class. Later on UMW Toyota added an additional spec to the range called the Camry 2.5 Hybrid Premium, which featured less kit compared to the "Luxury" variant. Today's review is about the top-of-the-line Toyota Camry 2.5 Hybrid Luxury.

The Rear of the Camry Hybrid

Starting with its looks, the Camry Hybrid has completely redesigned front fascia with sleeker headlamps, and a huge lower grille featuring Toyota's "keen look" new design language, finished in a so-called "diamond effect". Along the sides the chrome strip that used to reside below the doors has been removed, resulting in a more sporty look, and at the rear, the chrome bar has been slimmed, and now runs across the full width of the car, piercing into the tail lights. The tail lights receive new design graphics, and for the hybrid variants, there's an extra dash of blue at the top of the lights. The new rear bumper looks much simpler and cleaner, with a thin strip of chrome at the bottom giving the car a very premium look to it.

The Qi Wireless Charger

JBL GreenEdge Sound System

Moving on to the cabin the Camry Hybrid features a full black leather interior with "zebra-wood" trims, and a beige headliner. The choice of materials is as expected at this price point, and the build quality is good, as you'd expect from a Toyota. Exclusive to the hybrid is a leather wrapped steering wheel finished in wood trim at the top. In the center lies a 7 inch touch screen infotainment display with built in GPS navigation and reverse camera. A nice touch that only the top spec "Luxury" variant has is blue ambient lighting in the front and rear foot wells, inner door handles, roof, and above the window switches. It really makes the car feel very opulent and relaxing. Leg room is massive, this being a Camry and shoulder and headroom is beyond sufficient.

The Camry Hybrid's Cabin

In terms of kit and accessories, this Camry Hybrid is no joke. It gets 7 airbags (driver, passenger, curtain airbags, and a driver's knee bag), blind spot monitor, rear cross traffic alert, VSC, EBD, ABS, ESS, and BA. It features full automatic lights. Dual projector LED units with daytime running lights up front, and LED rear combination lamps. Fully powered passenger and driver seats with lumbar support are thrown in as well, and there are automatic rain sensing wipers, and auto-dim rear view mirror. The 2.5 liter 2AR-FSE engine is paired with a CVT gearbox, and a hybrid system that comes with an 8-year warranty. The hybrid gets 17 inch dual tone allow rims, with a full sized spare. 

The Camry Hybrid's Side Profile

In the center console you'll find a qi wireless charging pad that can wireless charge compatible smartphones, and 2 well sized cup holders. The infotainment system which supports FM, AM, CD, auxiliary, USB, and bluetooth inputs, is connected to an 10-speaker JBL GreenEdge sound system completed with an amplifier which is cleverly hidden below the driver seat. The sound system is spectacular, supporting Dolby 5.1 surround sound. Trebles are clear and sharp, and the bass is deep. All the windows in this car are powered, and fully automatic up/down and the driver's windows has jam protection. Toyota Premium Security and Solar Film tint is standard on the Hybrid, and comes with a 7-year warranty. The air conditioning system in this car is dual zone automatic, but features a Panasonic Nano-E air ionizer which is said to keep your skin refreshed. At the back there are rear and side windows blinds with the rear one being automatic, which is a real treat. Rear air-con vents are surrounded by wood trim, and you'll find 2 cup holders in the rear center armrest. The seats are soft, comfortable, and provide support. On long distance drives, you don't feel any fatigue at all. In front of the driver you will find an "Optitron Meter" speedometer, which was initially designed for Lexus cars, which provide better visibility and reduce eye fatigue for the driver. 

The steering of the car is much better than previous iterations, and the engine is very powerful and smooth. The ride is comfortable and relaxing, yet the body roll around corners is not much. Pick up is best in class, and fuel consumption is very good. We averaged at around 900 km on a full tank for city driving. Before you ask, no, the Camry Hybrid does not drive like an uncles car. While it is quiet and comfortable, you can have fun at the bends thanks to the powerful hybrid power train with instantaneous torque that immediately kicks in upon acceleration and the smooth CVT gearbox.

The Blue Toyota Emblem

The New Key Fob

Exclusive to the hybrid is the blue Toyota emblems at the front and rear that you won't find on regular models. Face-lifted Camrys of this generation get a redesigned key which does look and feel very premium compared to the preface-lifted versions.

Reverse Camera with Active Guidance Lines

When it comes to buying a hybrid, many people worry about battery replacements, as these are pricey, and many people think it would end up cheaper buying a new car. There's no need to worry about this as the Camry Hybrid has a 8-year warranty that covers the hybrid system, and battery. But what about after 8 years? UMW Toyota Malaysia offers Camry Hybrid battery replacements out of warranty for approximately RM 8,500.

Feast Your Eyes!

So is the Camry Hybrid the right car for you? If you need a large sedan to chauffeur you to business meetings, and haul you and your family for road trips, yet have lots of cool modern features, and fun driving experience, then yes. To be honest there isn't exactly a reason to not get this car. Let us know what you think in the comments section below! This is JC from Creamy Duck Productions, and see you next time!