Toyota Camry Hybrid Review

Introduction

The beautiful car you see above is the all-new Toyota Camry Hybrid. It’s as comfortable, efficient, and practical as a regular Camry. So, what sets it apart? Let’s find out.

Key Features

Key Features:
Engine	2.5-liter / 4-cylinder
Transmission	CVT
Power	215 Hp / 220 Nm
Top Speed	200 km/h
Price	AED 133,500 as tested

Exterior Design

Before moving forward, it’s important to address some misconceptions about the Camry in the UAE. Often seen as a 'taxi' car, the Camry's reputation stems from its reliability and affordability, as taxi companies rely on it for its durability and ease of maintenance.

So, when someone suggests that a Camry is just a 'taxi', consider it a compliment to its reliability.

Design Overview

The design of the Camry Hybrid is sporty, featuring a big slatted grille, LED headlights, and 18-inch wheels. Subtle differences include blue accents on the logos and Hybrid badges on the fenders and boot lid.

Interior Features

The interior of the Camry Hybrid features a driver-focused cabin with a sleek dashboard and center console. The 8-inch infotainment screen is seamlessly integrated into the design, enhancing the overall aesthetic.

While it may not offer as much space as the Honda Accord, the rear seats are comfortable with rear A/C vents, cupholders, and an increased boot space of 428 liters due to the relocation of batteries.

Equipment and Features

The Camry Hybrid is equipped with a wireless charging tray, dual-zone air conditioning, push-button start, sunroof, power sunshade, and rear camera. However, it lacks features like Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, Adaptive Cruise Control, and Blind Spot Monitoring compared to its rivals.

Driving Experience

Driving the Camry Hybrid is a quieter and smoother experience, thanks to its 2.5-liter petrol engine paired with an electric motor. This combination makes the car more powerful, with a total output of 215 horsepower.

Notably, the Hybrid version has a smaller 50-liter fuel tank and features a CVT transmission for improved fuel efficiency.

Fuel Efficiency

The Camry Hybrid operates on regular petrol and is designed for fuel efficiency, claiming an impressive 26 km/l under ideal conditions. In real-world scenarios, averages of around 20 km/l are more realistic. For daily commuters, this translates to significant savings in fuel costs.

Drive Modes

The Camry Hybrid offers three drive modes: Eco, Normal, and Sport, along with an EV mode for battery-only driving. The battery charges while driving, coasting, or braking, eliminating the need for external charging.

Verdict

The Toyota Camry Hybrid is visually appealing, fuel-efficient, and offers many advantages, including the absence of hybrid competition like the Honda Accord, Nissan Altima, or Mazda6 in the UAE market. Additionally, Toyota provides an 8-year unlimited kilometer warranty on the battery, providing peace of mind for buyers.

However, the significant price difference of 33,600 Dirhams compared to the standard model raises concerns about its value proposition, as one would need to drive over 318,000 kilometers to break even on costs.