2021 Toyota Camry Hybrid Sedan

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Rating8.3

Ranked #1 in 

Hybrid Sedan
Write Review
$27,270 - $32,720
Starting Price 
Nathan Dyer's image
Nathan Dyer 

Senior Editor,

Updated on October 31, 2023

ProsConsWhat's New

The most fuel-efficient powertrain

Build quality feels cheap

New front fascia design

An impressive list of safety features and technologies on board

Brakes are not smooth

Sporty XSE trim

Handsome front fascia

Not big enough trunk compared to the competition

Optional infotainment touchscreen is bigger

Updated safety features

Specs & Features

$27,270

price

208 hp @ 5700 rpm

horsepower

163 lb.-ft. @ 5200 rpm

torque

Continuously Variable-Speed Automatic

transmission

2.5L 4cyl FWD CVT

engine

-

basic warranty

Overview

The Toyota Camry has been popular and reliable since its production started in 1983, and with the gasoline-Hybrid powertrain, it becomes irresistible. The 2021 Camry Hybrid is the most fuel-efficient midsize sedan in its category and with Toyota’s updated Safety Sense 2.5+, it is fully specced with all the safety and driver assistance features as well. The interior is the same quintessentially driver-focused, found in the non-Hybrid Camry, and the exterior now has a newly revised front styling. There’s also a new Camry Hybrid XSE trim which sits at the top of the Toyota Camry Hybrid line-up and also rides on 19” wheels, which are the largest ever fitted to a Hybrid Camry.

Buying Advice

As per the information stated in the trims and packages section, the most value for money is the base trim LE Hybrid which offers a great pack of convenience features such as keyless entry, power-adjustable driver seat, automatic headlights, dual-zone automatic climate control, and the most advanced safety tech like adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, forward collision warning & automatic emergency braking. If someone wants better infotainment tech and other comfy features like heated seats then opting for any of the three packages that are available with LE trim would be a smart choice.

Comparative Analysis against Competition

The mid-size sedan segment has witnessed quite some withdrawals from the competition, especially amongst Hybrid variants. Not that it was unexpected, but the discontinuation of the Ford Fusion Hybrid and Kia Optima Hybrid was a bit inevitable. Currently, the midsize Hybrid competition comprises the above Toyota Camry Hybrid, Honda Accord Hybrid, and Hyundai Sonata Hybrid.

Features

The 2021 Toyota Camry Hybrid is part of the eighth generation that was introduced in 2018. This year Toyota has expanded the line-up with the new top-spec sporty XSE trim. So, now there are four trims in total, LE, SE, XLE, and XSE trim. All four trims are powered by a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine alongside a battery and an electric motor for a net 208 hp power output, mated to a CVT transmission that sends power to front wheels only.

The base trim LE Hybrid is available with a price tag of $27,270 and it rides on 16-inch sized steel wheels, gets both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and an eight-way power-adjustable driver’s seat with dual-zone climate control as standard. Toyota offers the optional Audio Upgrade Package, Cold Weather Package & the Convenience Package with the Base LE trim, while the mid-level trims SE and XLE have Driver Assist Package is optional.

Trim

LE Hybrid

SE Hybrid

XLE Hybrid

XSE Hybrid

MSRP

$27,380

$28,915

$32,270

$32,820

Key Features

16-inch steel wheels with wheel covers

18-inch alloy wheels

18-inch alloy wheels

19-inch alloy wheels

 

Automatic Headlights

Sport-tuned suspension

Chrome exterior accents

Lower-profile tires

 

Dual-zone automatic climate control

Simulated leather seats with fabric inserts

Leather Upholstery

Gloss black grille trim

 

Power-adjustable driver seat

Heated side ORVMs (optional)

Power front passenger seat

Metal interior trim

 

60/40-split folding rear seat

Auto-dimming IRVM (optional)

Rear air-conditioning vents

Black-painted roof (optional)

 

Keyless entry for front doors & trunk

 

Ambient interior lighting

Sunroof (optional)

 

A 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system

 

Bigger driver information display

Navigation system (optioanl)

 

Apple CarPlay & Android Auto smartphone integration

 

Bild-spot monitor with rear cross-traffic alert

JBL premium sound system (optional)

 

Forward collision warning

 

Sunroof (optional)

Heated steering wheel (optional)

 

Automatic emergency braking

 

Navigation system (optional)

 
 

Adaptive cruise control

 

JBL premium sound system 

(optional)

 
 

Lane-keeping assist

 

Heated steering wheel (optional)

 
 

Lane departure mitigation

 

adaptive headlights (optional)

 
 

Sunroof (optional)

     
 

Blind-spot monitor (optional)

     
 

Rear cross-traffic alert (optional)

     

Packages

Optional Features

Audio Upgrade Package 

(only for LE Hybrid)

9-inch touchscreen display

 

Backup camera with dynamic path lines

 

Additional remote connected service plans

Cold Weather Package

 (only for LE Hybrid)

Heated front seats 

 

Heated side mirrors

Convenience Package 

(only for LE Hybrid)

Auto-dimming rearview mirror

 

Universal garage door opener

Driver Assist Package 

(only for SE & XLE Hybrid)

Ventilated front seats

 

Head-up display

 

Surround-view camera system

 

Rear automatic braking

Which Trim should you buy?

As per the information stated in the trims and packages section, the most value for money is the base trim LE Hybrid which offers a great pack of convenience features such as keyless entry, power-adjustable driver seat, automatic headlights, dual-zone automatic climate control, and the most advanced safety tech like adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, forward collision warning & automatic emergency braking. If someone wants better infotainment tech and other comfy features like heated seats then opting for any of the three packages that are available with LE trim would be a smart choice.

Fuel Economy
8.5/10

Fuel efficiency is the name of the game here, and the 2021 Camry Hybrid is the fuel-efficient midsize sedan. The base LE trim with the bare-bones has the maximum mileage output at 51/53/52 MPG in city/highway/combined situations. However, with the addition of creature comforts in the top trims, the efficiency of the 2021 Camry Hybrid SE, XLE, and XSE trims sees a drop in mileage to 44/47/46 MPG in city/highway/combined situations. Coupled with the 13.2-gallon fuel tank, its high mileage figures push a mind-boggling 700 miles of cruising range on the highway.

Models

2021 Toyota Camry Hybrid

2021 Honda Accord Hybrid

2021 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid

MPG (City)

51

48

45

MPG (Highway)

53

47

51

MPG (Combined)

52

48

47

Fuel Capacity (gal)

13.2

12.8

13.2 

Range (City / Highway / Combined) (miles)

673 / 700 / 686

614 / 602 / 614

594 / 673 / /620

The 2021 Hyundai Sonata and Toyota have a similar capacity of 13.2 gallons of the fuel tank, but with the more standard luxury features compared to the base Camry Hybrid trim, the EV system eats into the Sonata Hybrid’s mileage. The Toyota Camry Hybrid stands tall with the best in segment economy figures of 52 mpg under the combined conditions and with a 13.2 gallons fuel tank it gets a total range of 700 miles on the straight highways, whereas Honda is doing much better than Hyundai with an average efficiency of 48 mpg but its fuel tank capacity is quite appalling.

Interior
8.1/10

The interior of the Toyota Camry Hybrid is similar to its gasoline counterparts. Fresh for 2021, Toyota has made certain aesthetic changes and the most visible change is the new standard 7-inch “floating” infotainment display, that sits at the center of the dashboard. The base LE trim gets fabric seats, with dual-zone automatic, and front air conditioning, and an eight-power adjustable driver’s seat. If you go further up the trim, the seats get upgraded to Softex/leatherette trim, with heated options as well. Sadly, there are no memory function seats available with any of the 2021 Camry Hybrid models. 

2021 Toyota Camry Hybrid has decent space for five people, with sufficient headroom and legroom in both the first and second rows. Cargo space has also opened up with the Hybrid setup and the batteries placed in a manner that does not intrude with the normal functionality of the vehicle. For rear passengers, the 2021 Camry comes with standard rear-seat vents across the line-up, along with USB ports and 2 cupholders fitted with the armrest.

Models

2021 Toyota Camry Hybrid

2021 Honda Accord Hybrid

2021 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid

Seating Capacity

5

5

5

Front Row (Head / Shoulder / Leg) (in)

38.3 / 57.7 / 42.1

39.5 / 58.3 / 42.3

40.0 / 57.9 / 46.1

Rear Row (Head / Shoulder / Leg) (in)

37.6 / 55.7 / 38.0

37.3 / 56.5 / 40.4

37.8 / 56.1 / 34.8

Trunk Capacity (cu-ft)

15.1

16.7

16.0

All three Toyota, Honda, and Hyundai have a seating capacity of a total of 5 occupants. Toyota Camry seems to have the least front row space while the rear row seats are decently spaced relative to the competition. With 15.1 cu-ft of cargo space, the Camry Hybrid sits at the bottom of the table and Honda gets 1.6 cu-ft more space than the Camry. Hyundai also wanders around a 16 cu-ft boot. Some of the standout interior features are:

  • New interior trim Dark wood inlays or patterned metal
  • New herringbone seat pattern for the XLE grade
  • Dual Front Power-adjustable seats
  • Heated and ventilated seats
  • 60/40 Split-Folding 2nd-Row Seats
  • Optional Ambient Lighting

What’s there to keep you entertained in the 2021 Toyota Camry Hybrid?

Besides a driver-focused design, the 2021 Camry Hybrid has all kinds of infotainment tech on board. Both Android Auto and Apple CarPlay smartphone integration is available, alongside a standard 7” “floating” display that can be upgraded to a 9” touchscreen in higher trims, and is also available as an option with the Audio upgrade. Also available is a 10” color Head-up display that stays in tune with the driver-focused design, and a 7” color Multi-information display in the instrument cluster that shows turn-by-turn directions, safety info, and alerts.

Some of the standout infotainment features are:

  • Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, And Amazon Alexa
  • SiriusXM AM/FM/Satellite, seek-scan Radio
  • 800-watt 9-speaker premium JBL sound system
  • Navigation system
  • 10" Color Head-Up Display
  • Wi-Fi Connect w/up to 2 GB within 3-month trial and voice command

Exterior
8.1/10

In 2021, Toyota has introduced some changes to the exterior styling like the aesthetic front end and the sharp-looking LED headlights define the unmistakable style of this car. The rear end gets as usual Hybrid badging. Otherwise, the Hybrid model looks the same as the gasoline version, it has the same sweep curves on the hood, the massive front blacked-out grille, and the beautifully integrated LED DRLs.

Safety
9.9/10

Toyota is known for building reliable and long-lasting vehicles, and the Camry has been responsible for that legacy. So, when it comes to safety, the 2021 Camry has been awarded by IIHS as their Top Safety Pick+ and the NHTSA has also given it a five-star overall safety rating. Besides that, Toyota has also updated their Safety Sense 2.5+ that gets you a Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection, Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, Lane departure alert with steering assist, Lane Trace Assist, Automatic High Beam assist, and the most important of them all, Road Sign Assist. All 2021 Camry Hybrid models get these safety features as part of their standard offering. In addition, there’s also:

  • Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Cross Traffic-Alert
  • Ten Airbags
  • Bird’s Eye View Camera with Perimeter scan (360-degree camera)
  • Intelligent Clearance Sonar with Rear Cross-Traffic Braking

Competition
8.0/10

2021 Toyota Camry Hybrid vs 2021 Honda Accord Hybrid

As mentioned before, the 2021 Honda Accord is bigger in dimension than the Camry, but by a few margins. It is longer than the Camry by 0.1 inches, taller by 0.2-inches, and has a bigger cargo space at 16.7 cubic feet. The Honda Accord also has the most powered engine that makes it quicker, and at the same time a bit less efficient than the Camry. However, the Accord feels more sturdy than the Camry, which in its base LE trim feels bare minimum, unlike the 2021 Accord Hybrid.

2021 Toyota Camry Hybrid vs 2021 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid

The newly introduced Sonata is technologically much more superior. Starting with its striking exterior design with a “lightning signature” headlight that stretches across the fenders. There’s a lot of sophistication onboard the 2021 Hyundai Sonata, especially the solar-paneled sunroof that is one of a kind in this segment. With all these techs on board, the 2021 Sonata is the heaviest at 3500 lbs, and the Toyota Camry takes a lead with less weight and better mileage figures, without all the sophisticated techs.

Final Verdict

The new Toyota Camry Hybrid is a no-brainer and one of the logical choices not only in the segment but in its line-up as well. The Camry Hybrid line-up is quicker than its gasoline counterpart, has a better exterior design, and is also one of the most fuel-efficient midsize sedans. With a range that sets the standard in its segment, the 2021 Toyota Camry Hybrid should be considered, if you’re in the market for a Hybrid car.

Trims

    LE
    $27,270 onwards
    • 2 - 1st row LCD monitor
    • A-Spec Sport Seats
    • Cloth Seat trim
    • Driver Lumbar support
    • Siriusxm AM/FM/Satellite
    SE
    $28,785 onwards
    • Automatic Front air conditioning
    • Softex cloth/leatherette Seat trim
    XLE
    $32,170 onwards
    • 18-inch machined aluminum Wheels
    • Heated Front Seats
    • Heated mirrors
    • Leather Seat trim
    • Sliding and tilting glass Sunroof
    XSE
    $32,720 onwards
    • 19-inch machined aluminum Wheels

Compare to similar cars

Price

$22,930- $28,840

Engine

hybrid

Rating

7.23

Horsepower

151 hp @ 6000 rpm

Torque

99 lb.-ft. @ 5000 rpm

Capacity

5

Read Review

$27,750- $35,300

hybrid

7.82

192 hp @ 6000 rpm

139 lb.-ft. @ 5000 rpm

5

Read Review

$26,370- $36,240

hybrid

7.59

212 hp @ 6200 rpm

129 lb.-ft. @ 3500 rpm

5

Read Review

$27,270- $32,720

hybrid

8.32

208 hp @ 5700 rpm

163 lb.-ft. @ 5200 rpm

5

Read Review

2021 Toyota Camry Hybrid Sedan vs competitor's 0-60

    Car Name
    0-60 MPH
    Quarter Mile
    Top Speed
    SourceCompare
    7.3 sec15.8 sec116 mph
    7.2 sec15.7 sec116 mph
    7.6 sec--
    7.6 sec15.8 sec112 mph

    2021 Toyota Camry Hybrid Sedan vs competitor's MPG

      Car Name
      MPG City
      MPG Highway
      MPG Combined
      Fuel Tank Capacity
      Range (C/H)
      SourceCompare
      51 mpg53 mpg52 mpg13.2 gal.673.2/699.6 mi.
      55 mpg49 mpg52 mpg10.6 gal.583/519.4 mi.
      50 mpg54 mpg52 mpg13.2 gal.660/712.8 mi.
      48 mpg48 mpg48 mpg12.8 gal.614.4/601.6 mi.

      2021 Toyota Camry Hybrid Sedan vs competitor's dimensions

        Car Name
        Length
        Width
        Height
        Ground Clearance
        Wheelbase
        SourceCompare
        192.1 in.72.4 in.56.9 in.5.7 in.111.2 in.
        196.1 in.73.3 in.57.1 in.5.8 in.111.4 in.
        192.9 in.73.2 in.56.9 in.5.3 in.111.8 in.
        183.6 in.71.6 in.55.6 in.-106.3 in.

        2021 Toyota Camry Hybrid Sedan vs competitor's trunk space

          Car Name
          Trunk Capacity
          Passenger Volume
          Max Trunk Volume
          SourceCompare
          15.1 cu.ft.99.9 cu.ft.-
          16 cu.ft.104.4 cu.ft.20.2 cu.ft.
          16.7 cu.ft.105.6 cu.ft.8.5 cu.ft.
          15.1 cu.ft.97.6 cu.ft.-

          2021 Toyota Camry Hybrid Sedan vs competitor's cargo space

            Car Name
            Cargo Volume
            Cargo Volume w/ Seat Area
            Max Cargo Volume
            SourceCompare
            -15.1 cu.ft.-
            20.2 cu.ft.16 cu.ft.20.2 cu.ft.
            8.5 cu.ft.16.7 cu.ft.8.5 cu.ft.
            -15.1 cu.ft.-

            2021 Toyota Camry Hybrid Sedan vs competitor's towing capacity

              Car Name
              Payload Capacity
              Weight
              SourceCompare
              925 lbs.3480 lbs.
              850 lbs.2987 lbs.
              1194 lbs.3325 lbs.
              1193 lbs.3326 lbs.

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              2021 Toyota Camry Hybrid Sedan User Reviews

              2.0

              [2 Reviews]

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              [50.0%] [1 Reviews]

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              [0.0%] [0 Reviews]

              POPULAR TAGS

              WR

              Whitney Reyes

              2022 Toyota Camry Hybrid Sedan

              LE 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT)

              4

              User Overall Rating

              Posted On: July 23, 2024

              My first car

              Pros - ["Miles per gallon", "Color of car"]

              Cons - ["Style of tires", "Non weatherized windows"]

              It is my first car I write about! I love that it is a 4 cylinder and is great on gas! My dislikes is that I do not like the windows I feel like they should have a weather strip to block the rain from getting inside while my window is cracked. I specifically chose this car because of all the safety features.

              Not Rated
              Features
              Not Rated
              Interior
              Not Rated
              Design
              Not Rated
              Safety
              Not Rated
              Reliability
              Not Rated
              Deal Value
              Not Rated
              Dealer Review

              WR

              Whitney Reyes

              2022 Toyota Camry Hybrid Sedan

              LE 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT)

              Not Rated

              User Overall Rating

              Posted On: June 11, 2024

              My first car

              Pros - ["Miles per gallon", "Color of car"]

              Cons - ["Style of tires", "Non weatherized windows"]

              It is my first car I write about! I love that it is a 4 cylinder and is great on gas! My dislikes is that I do not like the windows I feel like they should have a weather strip to block the rain from getting inside while my window is cracked. I specifically chose this car because of all the safety features.

              Not Rated
              Features
              Not Rated
              Interior
              Not Rated
              Design
              Not Rated
              Safety
              Not Rated
              Reliability
              Not Rated
              Deal Value
              Not Rated
              Dealer Review