Toyota Camry Hybrid 2024 Review

The Toyota Camry Hybrid range consists of three grades, attracting a price rise of more than $2000 across the board. At entry level, the Camry Hybrid Ascent is priced from $39,990 (+$2073), the mid-spec Ascent Sport rises to $42,990 (+$2273) and the Camry Hybrid SL (on test) tops out at $53,990 (+$2573).

Notwithstanding those price rises, the 2024 Toyota Camry Hybrid presents a value-for-money proposition with extensive equipment as standard, and additional kit on offer as you climb the trim level ladder.

The SL flagship brings new-design 18-inch alloy wheels, rain-sensing wipers, rear side and back privacy glass, and heated side mirrors with reverse and memory function. New LED headlights and taillights as well as LED fog lights are highlights of the exterior design, and are also found on mid-spec Ascent sport.

Inside, leather-accented upholstery is standard, as are the panoramic sunroof, eight-way power adjustable front passenger seat, wireless phone charging, dual-zone climate control, heated and ventilated front seats, heated and electrically adjustable steering wheel and a nine-speaker JBL sound system.

Eight paint colours are offered across the range, comprising Glacier White, Frosted White, Silver Pearl, Liquid Mercury, Eclipse Black, Jasper Red, Precious Bronze (on test) and Saturn Blue.

Toyota offers a five-year/unlimited-kilometre warranty with service intervals scheduled for 15,000km or 12-months, with a capped price of $255 per service.

The updated Camry Hybrid features Toyota’s Safety Sense 2, which includes autonomous emergency braking that recognises pedestrians, cyclists and motorcyclists, as well as oncoming vehicles. Other features of the package comprise intersection collision avoidance, adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist and lane departure warning, speed sign recognition, blind spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, safe exit assist, driver monitoring, front and rear parking sensors and reversing camera with dynamic guides.

There are eight airbags – including one for the driver’s knee – and the 2024 Camry Hybrid has been awarded a five-star ANCAP safety rating.

The top-spec Camry Hybrid SL models get the larger 12.3-inch infotainment screen and 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster with six configurable layouts. Satellite navigation, heated/ventilated seats with electric adjustment, a heated steering wheel also electrically adjustable, a nine-speaker JBL sound system and subwoofer, AM/FM/DAB radio, head-up display, and a digital rear-view mirror are all standard.

A multi-function steering wheel offers quick and easy access to frequent commands, and Bluetooth connectivity as well as wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are also offered at no extra cost.

All three models of the Camry are powered by an updated 2.5-litre four-cylinder hybrid petrol engine that delivers 138kW and 230Nm. This combines with the 100kW/208Nm electric motor, and a 4.0Ah lithium-ion battery. All power is sent to the front wheels via a continuously variable transmission which is standard across the range.

The 2025 Toyota Camry Hybrid has a top speed of 180km/h, a 0-100km/h time of 7.2sec and a braked towing capacity of 400kg.

The updated 2.5-litre four-cylinder Toyota Camry Hybrid brings improved power over the outgoing model and is tipped to deliver a combined fuel consumption of 4.0L/100km, although that’s based on the manufacturer’s recommended 95RON petrol filling the 50-litre tank. These figures represent a reduced fuel consumption of up to 11 per cent over the outgoing model, depending on grade.

We didn’t quite hit this figure under launch conditions – we did see it as low as 4.8L/100km. But with careful driving, owners could achieve the official figure in in real-world scenarios.

After just a short time behind the wheel of the new Camry, a few things stand out; it’s incredibly comfortable, that hybrid powertrain delivers seamless power delivery, and it’s more dynamically competent and enjoyable to drive than the Camry’s entrenched reputation suggests.

For decades, there’s been an unfair narrative that ‘reliable and trusted’ – Toyota product pillars – come at the expense of enjoyment and any real dynamism. The updated Camry Hybrid proves that wrong. And indeed, hybrid Camrys have been a good drive in the past too.

With this updated model, there’s a nice sense of feedback through the steering wheel which adds to the confident handling. Refinements to the electric steering system bring speed-sensitive assistance for a lighter and more direct response over the previous model.

Drive modes (eco, normal and sport) change up the response and feel at the wheel while EV mode allows the Camry to be driven on battery power alone, for short distances and at low speeds.

The cabin is well insulated and this contributes to a premium feel not only for the driver, but all occupants.

So first drive impressions are very good.

The Camry’s interior presents a solid step forward in design, fit and finish, making it palatable for even the more discerning buyer. That is particularly true of the top-spec Camry SL on test, boasting the best the range has to offer, and it hanging together nicely.

The centre console is home to the wireless charge pad, open oddment storage, two cup holders and a lidded armrest. You’ll also find three USB-C charge points conveniently located forward in the centre console, below the centre fascia. It’s ergonomically sound and comfortable.

The second row provides ample space for three passengers. There are back-seat pockets, two USB-C charge points and a centre armrest with two cupholders. The Camry SL has a glass sunroof which brings a nice sense of light and space to the whole cabin.

While the Camry’s 524-litre capacity boot is generous and combines with 60:40 split fold seats, load access is far narrower than the boot’s opening aperture. It’s not as IKEA-friendly as you might assume at first glance.

There are bag hooks and anchor points, and a temporary spare wheel resides under the boot floor.

If longevity and mammoth sales alone as markers of success, the Camry Hybrid is a hands-down champion. Add to this the rising popularity of hybrid powertrains, and the timing for a tried and trusted sedan’s glam-up couldn’t be better.

Albeit against the odds, Toyota’s veteran sedan appears to be here for the long game. After all, 22 million buyers can’t be wrong.

2024 Toyota Camry Hybrid SL at a glance:
Price: $53,990 (plus on-road costs)
Available: Now
Powertrain: 2.5-litre four-cylinder petrol-electric
Output: 138kW/221Nm (electric motor: 100kW/208Nm)
Combined output: 170kW
Transmission: Continuously variable transmission
Fuel: 4.0L/100km (ADR Combined)
CO2: 91g/km (ADR Combined or WLTP for overseas models)
Safety rating: Five-star (ANCAP 2024)

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