Toyota Camry hybrid 2023 review | Road tests

• Auto123 tested the 2023 Toyota Camry Hybrid. Here’s what you need to know.

When talking about a reliable midsize sedan, it doesn’t take long to mention the Toyota Camry. Since 1979, when this model was introduced on Canadian soil, it has been the best-selling midsize sedan with nearly 20 million units sold.

Today, more than 12 different models are available to us when the time comes to choose a Camry. Between petrol, hybrid and 4WD versions. However, it is necessary to retain, regardless of the model chosen, two letters. The L-series models that emphasize the sophisticated, comfortable and luxurious side of the Camry, while the S-series models express a rather sporty will.

During our Christmas holidays, Toyota was kind enough to lend us a 2023 Toyota Camry Hybride SE. This allowed us to travel nearly 1000 km, mainly in town.

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Toyota Camry Hybrid 2023 – Profile

What’s new?
Since its last redesign in 2018, not much has changed for the Toyota Camry. For the year 2023 a “Nightshade” set with the SE finish has been added to the catalog. This set adorns the car with a rear spoiler, mirror caps, black door handles for a more aggressive look. You’ll also be treated to 19-inch bronze wheels that go great with the three available color choices – Midnight Black Metallic, White and Reservoir Blue. For an additional $2,300 on the SE trim, you can “disguise” your Camry as a sports car.

2023 Toyota Camry Hybrid – Front

The driving
The 2023 Toyota Camry Hybrid is no exception to previous versions. It offers a smooth and comfortable ride while remaining reassuring on the road. The car is responsive and easy to maneuver. Whether driving at low speeds or at highway speeds, the Camry feels glued to the road. If you need to overtake, a kick of the throttle and the 208 horsepower will allow you to reach the desired speed immediately. In an emergency, the brakes will help bring the vehicle to a quick and safe stop.

As it is a hybrid vehicle, there is no need to worry about the electric range. Just drop by the local gas station to fill up and let the system manage energy efficiency. During our test, we left the car in “normal” mode without worrying about which engine mode to choose.

In daily driving, the gasoline engine is triggered to move the vehicle, but also to generate energy for the battery. Once the batteries are recharged, the electric drive mode takes over. The beauty of this hybrid vehicle is precisely to let it manage the recharging and that the driver can take care of the driving. We literally forget that it’s a hybrid vehicle and honestly we quickly get a taste for the quiet ride, the quality and comfort of a semi-electric vehicle and especially the great fuel economy.

Engine-wise, the Camry Hybrid uses a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, which develops 176 horsepower and 163 lb-ft of torque. Two electric motors raise the total output to 208 horsepower aided by a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT). Non-hybrid Camrys are also available in AWD trim, but this transmission choice isn’t offered on hybrid trims.

2023 Toyota Camry Hybrid – Dashboard

How is the interior?
There’s nothing revolutionary about the interior of the 2023 Camry. But, it is well laid out, inviting and comfortable. The controls fall well to hand and we find most of the options to make our lives easier. Boarding is easy both forward and aft.

All models feature Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, while most models are further enhanced with Toyota’s Connected Services package, which helps drivers stay safe and informed.

In the center of the console, we will find the 9-inch screen which seems to have been placed there without really thinking about integrating it into its environment. This is the fashion for multimedia screens placed at the top of the console as if it were not possible to integrate them correctly to have a refined environment.

.	Points forts	Weak points

	Technology	Plastic on board
	Comfort	Manually adjustable passenger seat
	Space on board
	physical key
	layout

Toyota Camry hybride 2023 – Roue

outside
Our SE model is a sports version. It therefore includes ‘sport’ front and rear ends, a rear spoiler and 18-inch wheels. Our SE model had the “Nightshade” option package which adds black visual elements to the mirror caps, spoiler and handles.

However, what caught our attention the most were the 19” bronze-colored wheels instead of the 18” of the traditional SE version. It seems a bit reckless to offer bronze-colored wheels to customers who are often 45 and over. Wheels in black colors as on the XSE would have suited very well. In short, this group of options may very well not be checked and the final result of the Camry will only be preserved.

Small note also concerning the hybrid versions, Toyota since the last overhaul has removed the hybrid mention on its models. The only way to know that it is a low-emission model is by looking at the Toyota badge which will be circled in blue on the versions concerned.

It should also be noted that without it being official from Toyota, the indicators seem to point to the complete overhaul of the model in 2024.

.	Points forts	Weak points

	Pleasant silhouette	Questionable Nightshade finish
	Small sporty look	Trunk capacity a little smaller than the competition
	Suitable for four adults	End of life model
	Security & Technology

2023 Toyota Camry Hybrid – Three-quarter rear

The 2023 Camry SE Hybrid has several active safety technologies, such as Lane Departure Assist (LDA) which helps keep the car in its lane, Adaptive Cruise Control and Forward Collision Avoidance System (PCS) which can automatically brake the car to avoid a collision.

The 2023 Camry SE Hybrid also comes equipped with Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+ technology which includes a number of safety features like pedestrian and cyclist detection. This safety system also offers Exit Alert, Blind Spot Monitoring with Rear Cross Traffic Alert and Rear Emergency Braking.

Additionally, the 2022 Camry earned an overall five-star rating in all frontal, side and rollover crash tests. The 2022 Camry has earned the IIHS 2022 Top Safety Pick+ designation which is the highest distinction that can be awarded.

2023 Toyota Camry Hybrid – Rear

Which version of the 2023 Toyota Camry Hybrid looks the most interesting?
Auto123 definitely recommends a hybrid model for its fuel efficiency. The LE version at $34,824 offers the essentials both in terms of equipment and motorization. For the rest, you can use Apple CarPlay or Android Auto to enhance your multimedia environment.

Is the Toyota Camry Hybrid economical?
Officially, the hybrid version of the Camry consumes, according to Natural Resource Canada, 5.3 litres/100 km in the city, 5.0 on the highway and 5.1 in combined driving. During our stay, which took place in summer temperatures, we achieved a fuel consumption of 5.6 when driving mainly in town and 5.8 litres/100km when doing a 50/50 city/highway. These figures are still very good for the vehicle category.

Toyota Camry Hybrid 2023 – Phares

The final word
If we can do without a utility and we don’t need to have four-wheel drive, we will immediately go for an energy-efficient sedan. A Camry Hybrid, while a far cry from being a thrilling car to drive, delivers what it’s meant to be at a very competitive price. Comfort, proven reliability, fuel economy and enough space on board to carry four people very comfortably.