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.
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.
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.
Comfortable, 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.
Standard features include the wireless charging along with dual-zone climate, push-button start, and two USB charge ports. A sunroof is optional.
The roomy, comfortable, second row provides 60/40 split rear seats, along with a drop-down center console with cup holders. There's also plenty of cargo space in the trunk along with a temporary spare.
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.
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.
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.
- 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
