2016 Toyota Camry Hybrid: New Car Review

Editor’s note: If you’re looking for information on a newer Toyota Camry Hybrid, we’ve published an updated review: 2019 Toyota Camry Hybrid Review.

Going green doesn’t have to mean going small or making major sacrifices such as closely watching your range or falling behind in highway merging. Few cars prove that like the 2016 Toyota Camry Hybrid, which manages to combine all the Camry’s normal benefits, including reliability, safety, practicality and reasonable pricing with a fuel-efficient hybrid drivetrain.

As a result, the Camry Hybrid has proven popular over the years and with good reason. The Camry’s longtime hold on the hybrid-midsize market is shrinking though, and new challengers, such as the Ford Fusion Hybrid, Honda Accord Hybrid and Hyundai Sonata Hybrid, have emerged in recent years, offering the similar promise of family-sedan practicality with hybrid-car fuel economy.

Still, we think the Camry Hybrid remains worthy of your consideration, especially after major updates last year, including new styling, new trim levels, an enhanced interior, new features and an improved driving experience. See the 2016 Toyota Camry Hybrid models for sale near you

What’s New for 2016?

Although the gas-powered Camry gains a new Special Edition model for 2016, the Camry Hybrid carries over unchanged.

What We Like

Excellent ride quality; revised interior; impressive practicality; reasonable pricing; roomy interior

What We Don’t

Rivals have better mileage; a little pricy; driving experience could be more engaging

How Much?

$27,700-$30,900

Fuel Economy

The Camry Hybrid offers one engine: a 200-horsepower 2.5-liter hybrid 4-cylinder, mated to a standard continuously variable automatic transmission. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, fuel economy reaches 43 miles per gallon in the city or 39 mpg on the highway with the base-level LE model or 40 mpg city/38 mpg hwy with the upscale XLE and SE models, a function of the larger wheels in these trims.

Standard Features & Options

The 2016 Toyota Camry Hybrid is offered in three trim levels: base-level LE, sporty SE and upscale XLE.

The LE ($27,700) features automatic headlights, keyless access with push-button starting, a backup camera, dual-zone automatic climate control, Bluetooth, a 6.1-inch center screen with Toyota’s Entune infotainment system, a power driver’s seat, cruise control and a USB/iPod interface.

The sporty SE ($28,800) adds some bold touches, including a more aggressive grille, 17-in alloy wheels, a rear spoiler, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and a slightly revised suspension tuned for better handling and roadholding.

Topping the range is the Camry Hybrid XLE ($30,900), which adds features to the LE model’s list of equipment. Standard items include 17-in alloy wheels, leather upholstery, heated front seats and an improved version of Toyota’s Entune system with satellite radio.

Options include a larger 7-in touchscreen, a power sunroof, a navigation system, a wireless cellphone charger, a 10-speaker JBL audio system, a Safety Connect system with emergency assistance and stolen-vehicle notification, and a high-tech safety package with automatic high-beam control, adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning and lane-departure warning.

Safety

All Camry Hybrid models are equipped with the usual safety items, including anti-lock brakes, traction and stability control, and side-curtain airbags. Camry Hybrid models also feature front and rear side airbags, along with a standard backup camera.

Options include a blind spot monitoring system, adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning with automatic braking, lane-departure warning and automatic high-beam control. Also optional is Toyota’s new Safety Connect system, which provides emergency assistance and stolen-vehicle notification.

In government crash tests, the 2016 Camry earned a perfect 5-star overall rating, a score comprised of 4-star frontal and rollover ratings along with a 5-star side-impact rating. The Camry earned the coveted Top Safety Pick+ rating from the nonprofit Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.

Behind the Wheel

The Camry Hybrid drives a lot like the standard Camry, and that’s a good thing. It offers a smooth, comfortable ride, a roomy interior and a surprisingly noise-free experience, all with minimal intrusion from the car’s hybrid system. We suspect you might not realize you’re driving a hybrid until you arrive at the pump and discover how much money the Camry Hybrid is saving you.

All that is expected, since we’re used to driving the standard Camry, which boasts each of those traits, too. What we didn’t expect is the vastly improved driving experience. Toyota recalibrated the suspension and enhanced the Camry’s driving characteristics, and it shows. The car is more fun than ever, taking corners with surprising ease and stability. It’s not quite up to the level of the sporty Mazda6, but it’s getting closer to the top of the midsize-sedan market in terms of driving pleasure.

Other Cars to Consider

2016 Ford Fusion Hybrid — The Fusion Hybrid is a little cheaper than the Camry Hybrid and offers slightly better gas mileage. We also prefer its styling compared to the updated Camry.

2015 Honda Accord Hybrid — The Accord Hybrid is more expensive than the Camry Hybrid, but its 50 mpg is unrivaled in the midsize-sedan segment. It has more equipment, too. If we were buying, the Accord Hybrid would be near the top of our list.

Used Toyota Avalon Hybrid — Although the Avalon Hybrid only recently went on sale, used models are starting to make their way into the marketplace. Consider one if you don’t think the Camry Hybrid offers enough room or luxury.

Autotrader’s Advice

The Camry Hybrid is an excellent choice for shoppers interested in a fuel-efficient midsize sedan. We’d go for an LE model with sparse options, as we think it represents the best value in the lineup. A well-equipped XLE also offers a compelling fuel-efficient sedan with high-end luxury equipment. Find a Toyota Camry Hybrid for sale