The first hybrid model of the Toyota Camry appeared back in 2007. It was repeatedly restyled and subjected to all sorts of technical changes. Thanks to this, the output is a spectacular and practical updated 2018 Toyota Camry Hybrid sedan.
Toyota Camry Hybrid Exterior
The Toyota Camry Hybrid looks very stylish and sporty. The front of the car has a powerful streamlined hood with aerodynamic recesses. The windshield is large in size, which gives a good overview to the driver.
The bumper has a narrow grille at the top, resembling the outstretched wings of a bird, on which the brand logo is attached. On the sides there are LED optics. At the bottom of the bumper is an enlarged air intake, and the sides are equipped with narrow fog lights.
The rear of the Camry has a stylish trunk lid and LED lights. The bumper has running lights, and under it there are two exhaust pipes.
The sides of the car have large doors with chisels and 17-inch alloy wheels.
The car has the following body dimensions: length - 4.879 m, width - 1.839 m, height - 1.445 m.
Toyota Camry Hybrid interior
The interior of the Toyota Camry looks luxurious and is equipped with the latest technology. It is finished with high-quality material and soft plastic.
The dashboard features a 4.2-inch information screen displaying all the necessary information for the driver. In the center is an 8-inch touchscreen media system, using the latest Toyota Entune software. Even the basic package includes Scout's Global GPS, Yelp Intelligent Search, and Slacker and NPR radio.
The maximum capacity of the cabin is 5 people. The seats are made of high-quality materials, there is ventilation. In advanced configurations, they also receive an electric drive.
The two rows of seats are not on the same level. The difference is 5 mm. This makes the rear passengers feel a little looser.
The volume of the luggage compartment is 469 liters.
A view of the hybrid setup
The updated Toyota Camry is built on the Toyota New Global Architecture platform, which made it possible to make the body stiffer and lower. The sedan is equipped with the new THS II hybrid system with ECVT electronically controlled transmission. It includes an internal combustion engine, a battery, a variator, an electric motor and a planetary gear that combines them.
The car uses a series-parallel hybrid engine operation scheme. The planetary mechanism used in the powertrain distributes the power flow into two sections:
One goes to the main gearbox;
the second goes to the alternator.
The electricity generated is used to power the power motor and to recharge the batteries. The total power of this unit is 208 hp.
Gasoline engine
The hybrid Camry is powered by the A25A-FXS Dynamic Force engine: a 2.5-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine. The engine works on the Atkinson cycle with combined fuel injection D-4S.
There is an inlet/outlet variable valve timing system. This increases power and reduces fuel consumption and CO2 emissions.
The engine's power output is 178 hp at 5,700 rpm. The maximum torque is 221 Nm.
Electric motor
Toyota's Camry Hybrid has an electric motor in addition to an internal combustion engine. The car uses an AC synchronous electric motor with permanent magnets. The power of the electric motor is 88 kW and 202 N-m of torque.
The initial movement of the Toyota Camry is powered only by the electric motor, and then the internal combustion engine comes into play. Thanks to this sequence, it is easy to start off from a place both smoothly and more sharply. Reverse drive in the car always occurs only at the expense of the electric motor.
Battery and mileage
There are 2 types of batteries installed on the Toyota Camry Hybrid. The basic LE package has a lithium-ion battery with a capacity of 4 A*h and 259 V. The battery can withstand up to 7,500 charge/discharge cycles. The battery is located under the back seat.
More advanced versions (SE and XLE) are equipped with nickel-metal hydride batteries. Battery capacity is 6.5 Ah at 245 V. It can withstand up to 1500 charge/discharge cycles.
Fuel consumption per 100 km and dynamics
Hybrid version of Toyota Camry has a good dynamic performance due to an upgraded power plant. Acceleration to a "hundred" takes 8.3 seconds, which is even less than the model with an internal combustion engine. At the same time, the maximum speed is limited to 180 km/h.
When driving on the highway, 4.4 liters of fuel is used. In the city the index increases to 4.6 liters. As a consequence, the combined cycle consumes 4.5 liters of gasoline per 100 km of travel.
Such beautiful indicators apply only to the basic version. In more advanced configurations, the fuel consumption in the mixed cycle reaches an indicator of 5.3 liters. On the highway it will make 5 liters. In the city, surprisingly, the consumption will remain at the mark of 5.3 liters.
Transmission and suspension
The Camry sedan is built on the 2nd generation Toyota Hybrid System platform. It allowed revealing all the potential of the joint work of the internal combustion engine and electric motor.
The rear multilever suspension added stability on the road, and the McPherson front suspension added steerability. A continuously variable transmission crowns this design. Smoothness, softness and control of the car are the result of Toyota engineers.
Hybrid Safety
The updated Toyota Camry Hybrid is equipped with the proprietary Safety Sense 2.0 system, which received expanded functionality.
The 10-inch HUD display, which acts as a projector, deserves special mention. It allows speed, fuel, battery and other data to be displayed on the windshield. Thus, all the most important information is right in front of the driver's eyes. According to the conducted crash tests, the Toyota Camry Hybrid received the highest rating.
From the positive qualities of the car, it is worth noting the dynamics, economy, the presence of a special sports version, functionality, numerous safety systems and an affordable price.
Of the disadvantages stands out the lack of support for Android Car Play and "fastidiousness" of the car. The use of low-quality and cheap consumables leads to breakdowns and rapid wear of parts.
Of the breakdowns it is worth noting only problems with antifreeze. Very often they occur after a run of 100,000 km. With time the pump in the inverter circuit wears out, letting in antifreeze. As a result, the inverter itself overheats due to the small amount of coolant, and the car goes into emergency driving mode. The solution may be to replace the pump.
Winter operation
There are no problems with using the Camry Hybrid in the cold season. The engine starts from the first time, the battery functionality does not suffer. The interior is warmed up in 3-5 minutes.
After starting the hybrid unit, all the generated heat through the heater enters the cabin. For the winter period the car has heating of the rear window, seats, steering wheel, etc. Therefore, you feel comfortable and cozy behind the wheel in winter.
Who is the Toyota Camry Hybrid for?
A variety of safety systems and a roomy for a sedan trunk will interest people with families. But the sports version is added for a reason. New elements of the exterior and interior, as well as professionally tuned suspension will attract the attention of a young audience.
Main competitor
The market for hybrid sedans is vast, so the updated Camry has many rivals. One of them is the Ford Fusion Hybrid. Under the hood it hides a 2-liter diesel and electric motor.
Total power of the power plant of the mixed type is 141 hp with the value of 175 Nm of torque. Gas tank capacity is 53 liters. In the mixed cycle it consumes 5.5 liters of fuel. Acceleration to 100 km/h takes 8.5 seconds. The top speed is 180 km/h.
Conclusion
Toyota Camry Hybrid is a worthy continuation of the well-known model. The developers were able to bring all the latest and most technologically advanced, without forgetting about reliability and comfort.
