2023 Toyota Camry XLE Hybrid. CarPro.

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REVIEW: 2023 Toyota Camry XLE Hybrid

Written By: Amy Plemons | Mar 23, 2023 9:42:42 PM

When it comes to midsize sedans, it doesn't get more tried-and-true than the Toyota Camry.  It's reliable, dependable and over the years, it's become stylish, too, even to the point of sporty as with the TRD model I reviewed in 2022.  This week, I'm behind the wheel of the 2023 Camry XLE Hybrid, a model that's less sporty and more comfort-oriented, not to mention way more fuel efficient.  (Note, I'm well-familiar with the modern Camry given that I regularly drive my parent's gas-only four-cylinder 2020 XLE model.)

Exterior

My test vehicle wears Dark Blue and rides on terrific-looking 18-inch Gray machined-finished alloy wheels.

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A dark gray front grille with chrome accents is flanked by slim LED headlights and daytime running lights. My model is also equipped with optional Adaptive Headlights. 

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The tail end is equipped with LED tail lights with black trim along with a single chrome tip exhaust. You'll also find Toyota's blue hybrid emblem badged on both the front and tail ends.

Powertrain

Toyota is well-known as a pioneer in hybrid vehicles. The Camry's 2.5-liter four-cylinder hybrid system delivers 208-horsepower.  The engine is mated to an Electronic Continuously Variable Transmission. It is super-efficient too delivering 46 mpg combined.

Interior

The Toyota Camry Hybrid XLE's roomy interior is inviting with plenty of soft-touch surfaces. It's Chateau interior features dark wood inlay interior trim along with silver accents and door handles. The contrast of materials and colors compliment each other perfectly. 

2023-camry-hybrid-xle-caproComfortable, leather-trimmed, multi-stage heated front seats are 8-way power adjustable for both the driver and passenger.  My vehicle is also equipped with optional ventilated seats. A leather-wrapped steering wheel is also optionally heated.

The center console is home to a wireless charger, gear shift knob, drive mode controls, automatic brake hold, an electric parking brake, two cup holders and controls for the heated and ventilated seats.

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Standard features include the wireless charging along with dual-zone climate, push-button start, and two USB charge ports.   A sunroof is optional.

Technology

Toyota hasn't yet updated the 2023 Camry with its latest - and completely redesigned - multimedia system or new fully digital driver display. So the technology feels dated compared to other models I've reviewed recently with the updates.

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My test vehicle does come with the best tech available for the Camry. It's equipped with an optional Navigation Package with a Premium Audio 9-inch Touchscreen and 9-speaker JBL sound system.  It's also compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.  The XLE also features a 7-inch driver digital display sitting between two large analog dials.

Ride and Drive

The front-wheel drive Camry offers an excellent and comfortable ride and drive, even over the many potholes I seem to encounter daily.

The hybrid offers four drive modes:  EV,  Eco, Normal, Sport. I liked the power and tighter steering feel best in Sport mode. 

I think the hybrid actually has better acceleration - while at the same time is quieter -  than my parents' 4-cylinder gas 2020 Camry XLE model.  Both are pluses of the hybrid variant in my book.

Safety


The Camry comes standard Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+ with Pre-Collision with Pedestrian Detection, Automatic High Beams, Full-Speed Dynamic Radar Cruise Control,  Road Sign Assist and Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist.  

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Standard safety features also include Blind Spot Monitor, Rear Seat Reminder and an integrated back up camera.

It's also equipped with a nice optional Head-Up Display.  I'm also a fan of the optional Front and Rear Parking Assist with Automatic Braking.

Options

Ok let's talk options on this model because there's a lengthy list of them. They include a Driver Assist Package with a 10-inch Color Head-Up Display, Panoramic View Monitor, Front and Rear Parking Assist with Automatic Braking, and Ventilated Front Seats ($1,430), a Cold Weather Package with a heated steering wheel ($150), Adaptive Headlights ($615), the Navigation Package with a Premium Audio 9-inch Touchscreen and 9-speaker JBL sound system ($1,760), Power Moonroof ($860),  a carpet and trunk mat set ($299) and Illuminated Package 3 which gives you illuminated door sills ($370).

What You’ll Pay

With options, my test model's total MSRP climbs from roughly $33K to $39,479. 

Verdict

The Camry hybrid is a full-efficient, easy-to like, comfortable sedan. The drawback for me is that it's one of the last Toyota models to get the brand's vastly updated - and terrific I might add - new digital display and multimedia technology.  So if the latest tech is important to you, you'll probably want to wait for those updates.

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  • What I liked most:  Interior design, materials and comfort. 
  • What I would change: Needs Toyota's fully digital driver display and new multimedia system update.
  • MSRP: Base $32,970; as equipped $39,479.
  • Official color:  Dark Blue.
  • Fuel economy:  44 city/47 highway/46 combined.
  • Odometer reading when tested:  2,838 miles.
  • Spare tire: Temporary spare.
  • Weight:  3,565 pounds.
  • Length-width-height: 192.1” long/72.4” wide/ 56.9” tall
  • Fuel-tank capacity: 13.2 gallons with filler on the driver’s side.
  • Towing capacity: N/A
  • 2023 Camry Hybrid in a few words:   A comfortable, stylish and fuel efficient sedan that awaits Toyota's latest tech updates.
  • Warranty:  36 month/36,000 Basic; 60-months/60,000 Powertrain/60- months/unlimited Corrosion;  96 months/100,000 miles Hybrid System; 120 months/150,000 miles Hybrid Battery.
  • Final assembly location: Georgetown, Kentucky.
  • Manufacturer’s website: Toyota