2023 Toyota Camry Hybrid Expert Review
Reviewed by Kelly Lin
The Camry is one of eight Toyota models to offer a hybrid powertrain, alongside the Corolla, Prius, RAV4, Venza, Highlander, Sequoia, and Sienna. Boasting strong fuel economy, the Camry Hybrid is a solid pick in the midsize hybrid sedan segment. For 2023, the Toyota Camry Hybrid debuts a revised Nightshade Edition with new blacked-out headlights and taillights, new 19-inch bronze wheels, and a new Reservoir Blue paint option.
What We Think
Midsize hybrid sedans typically excel in two areas: efficiency and comfort. And the Camry Hybrid is no different. The Toyota sedan boasts top-notch fuel economy, achieving upwards of 50 mpg and a driving range exceeding 600 miles. It also has a spacious interior and a comfortable ride that kneads out road imperfections so they don't disturb occupants. The brakes are snappy and responsive, although the pedal can feel a bit firm.
Despite the Toyota's merits, rivals have more to offer in some areas. The Honda Accord Hybrid delivers a buttery smooth ride and is more engaging to drive (the upcoming 11th-generation model is expected to continue this trend). The Hyundai Sonata Hybrid is also nimbler, and it stands out with dazzling tech. That said, kudos to the Camry Hybrid for its logical and user-friendly touchscreen interface.
Boasting strong fuel economy and quicker acceleration than the standard non-hybrid four-cylinder Camry, this is probably the best version of the Camry you can buy. That said, we'd suggest test driving rivals from Honda or Hyundai before signing on the dotted line.
What Is the Camry Hybrid Nightshade Edition?
The Camry sheds some of its ubiquity in Nightshade Edition guise. Available with either the gas or hybrid engine, the Nightshade Edition receives a blacked-out grille, rear spoiler, mirror caps, and exterior badging. New for 2023, it also boasts black headlights and taillights as well as sharp yet tasteful 19-inch bronze wheels. Buyers can choose between three exterior paint colors: Midnight Black, White, and Reservoir Blue. As it's based off the SE grade, it also gets a sport-tuned suspension.
Performance and Fuel Economy
Once again, the Toyota Camry Hybrid packs a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine and hybrid system for a total output of 208 hp. Power is routed to the front wheels through a CVT automatic. In our tests, the 2021 Camry XSE Hybrid took 7.4 seconds to reach 60 mph, making it quite a bit slower than a 2018 Honda Accord Hybrid, which hit the mark in 6.7 seconds.
Toyota touts that the Camry Hybrid can achieve 51/53 mpg city/highway on the base LE trim. Other trims should also earn the same fuel economy as last year: 44/47 mpg. For comparison, the 2022 Honda Accord Hybrid gets 48/47 mpg or 44/41 mpg, depending on trim. The 2022 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid gets 50/54 mpg or 45/51 mpg depending on configuration.
Safety
Expect the 2023 Toyota Camry Hybrid to earn strong safety ratings like the 2022 model. The NHTSA gave the 2022 Camry Hybrid a five-star overall rating, with five stars across the board in front, side, and rollover tests. The 2022 Camry earned an IIHS 2022 Top Safety Pick+ designation, the agency's highest award.
Standard safety features are abundant. They include a pre-collision system with pedestrian detection and intersection support, adaptive cruise control, lane departure alert with steering assist, road sign assist, adaptive cruise control, and automatic high-beams. All Camry models come standard with 10 airbags.
Technology
A 7.0-inch touchscreen is standard on the 2023 Toyota Camry Hybrid, as is Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, and a six-speaker sound system. Buyers can upgrade to a 9.0-inch touchscreen as well as a nine-speaker audio system. A 10-inch head-up display is also available.
