2015 Toyota Camry Hybrid Expert Review

Reviewed by Staff Writer

The refreshed 2015 Toyota Camry Hybrid gains a redesigned front and rear fascia, revised suspension and electric power steering system, an available wireless phone charging system, a 4.2-inch TFT screen, and improved sound deadening for the interior. Buyers can now select the 2015 Camry Hybrid in SE grade, which comes with a sportier chassis setup, 17-inch wheels, and a retuned stability control system.

Vehicle Summary

The 2015 Toyota Camry Hybrid is a front-drive midsize sedan powered by a 2.5-liter I-4 paired to an electric motor for a combined output of 200 hp and mated to a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT). Fuel economy is excellent and varies depending on the trim level with LE models achieving 43/39 mpg city/highway and 40/38 mpg on the SE and XLE.

Overview

Even though the 2015 Toyota Camry Hybrid drives much better and feels more confident when cornering than before, the car is still no sport sedan. The Camry Hybrid remains a comfortable cruiser with excellent fuel economy and good power thanks to the 200-hp hybrid powertrain. Despite the improvements made to the Camry Hybrid's driving dynamics, ride quality remains smooth and comfortable.

Inside, the 2015 Camry Hybrid disappoints in the base LE trim because of the cheap materials used throughout the cabin. SE and XLE models, on the other hand, have better fit and finish but the interior design remains conservative and uninspiring. Space for passengers is generous while seats are comfortable, making the Camry Hybrid's interior a pleasant place to spend time in. Refinement is also much improved over the pre-face-lift model thanks to additional sound deadening material to keep the cabin hushed. Trunk space is down to 13.1 cubic feet compared to the non-hybrid Camry's 15.4 cubic feet. The rear seats don't split and fold due to the extra components of the car's hybrid powertrain.

Depending on the trim level, Toyota's Entune infotainment system is available with a 6.1-inch touchscreen in the LE model or a seven-inch unit in the SE and XLE variants with the optional navigation system. Controls are intuitive and simple, making this particular version of Entune easier to use than older iterations found in other Toyota products.

The 2015 Toyota Camry Hybrid has a five-star overall safety score from the NHTSA (out of a possible five stars) while the IIHS awarded it with the Top Safety Pick+ designation, earning a Good score in five crash tests (Good is the highest possible score). Additional safety aids include Pre-Collision system, adaptive cruise control and lane departure warning.

What We Think

Improvements made to driving dynamics and refinement has made the 2015 Toyota Camry Hybrid a better entry in the midsize sedan segment. In a First Drive, we said that the changes made to the Camry Hybrid are for the better because the car now handles better thanks to the revised chassis and is quieter due to the increased sound-deadening in the interior. The available Entune infotainment system is easy to use, intuitive, and responds immediately to inputs. In a First Test review, we noted that dynamically, the Camry Hybrid is able to hold its own through twisty roads due to its retuned suspension, making it feel more capable. However, from a stop the hybrid powertrain's restart is rough and noticeable while the steering "feels like an arm workout" when making small turns.