We road test the Camry Hybrid SL

Camry Hybrid SL – With the continued surge in SUV sales one vehicle stands out against the trend. That’s the Toyota Camry Hybrid sedan. I drove the SL model last week, and even though I also like my SUV’s I have to say I really enjoyed the Camry.

The current model has been around for a while now and is starting to show its age a bit. However, it’s one of those cars that make you feel at home as soon as you sit in it.

Camry Hybrid is quiet and smooth to drive, comfortable to sit in and easy to live with.

Of course, the SL models comes well equipped with little luxuries like heated and cooled front seats, panoramic view monitor and roof and a heads-up display.

The main reason for the Camry popularity is the 2.5L petrol hybrid engine and its stunning fuel economy. It comes with front wheel drive and a simple 6 step CVT.

I had a mix of lots of city driving and motorway cruising and my overall economy figure was 5.5L/100k. I could easily see myself getting over a thousand kilometres out of a tank of fuel.

So, it has reduced driving emissions and zero range anxiety.

The problem is that the Camry Hybrid is so popular that there currently is a pause on orders. This is due to global supply issues for little things like semi-conductors.

Funny how the little things can cause such big delays.

Overall, the Camry Hybrid stands firm against the continued swing to SUV’s.

This is a Motoring Minute

I’m Brianna Fraser

TO LISTEN TO THECAMRY HYBRID SL RADIO REVIEW, CLICK BELOW

Toyota Camry Hybrid Video Review

More Camry Hybrid SL Thoughts

Even though the design has been around for a while it still looks good.
The Camry SL comes packed with a heap of features for the price.
Inside the front seats are comfortable and supportive
Heated and cooled for comfort.
Central screen is small by today’s standards.
Apple CarPlay is great, but the screen functionality needs some work.
Rear seats are a little flat and tight for leg room.
Boot is long, not very deep and has a small opening.
Engine is smooth and economical.
It really doesn’t matter how you drive it; it never seems to get above 5.5l/100k.
No inconvenience waiting for a charger when on a trip, no range anxiety
Its easy to drive but the front wheel drive can be a but slippery in the wet.
One thing that caught me by surprise is how low the front is. IT scraped over driveways and speed bumps. They required a level of caution that would prove annoying over a longer time.
If I was brand conscious, I would feel like I was driving a taxi.
Can’t order one now. Have to wait for the new model.

What is good?

Awesome fuel economy
Interior comfort and driving position.
Value for money

What is not so good?

Interior is feeling a little dated.
Can’t buy one currently.
No full-size spare tyre

Also look at.

Sedans are a dwindling market unfortunately. The segment is dominated by the Toyota Camry Hybrid.

Other choices include, Mazda6 Atenza, Honda Civic HEV LX, Hyundai Sonata, Citroen C5-X, Peugeot 508 GT, Genesis G70, or the Audi A4.

Some other Camry Articles

Toyota Camry Hybrid SL final thoughts

Camry is really starting to show its age, but its aged well in some areas not so much in others.

It’s a victim of its own popularity. The demand is so great that supply has been suspended currently because of component parts supply issues.

There is a reason the Camry Hybrid is popular. Its good value, genuinely economical, and comfortable to drive.

Pity it doesn’t come in an AWD wagon version.

Toyota Camry
Model	Camry Hybrid SL
Model Price	$50,320 MLP*
Engine	2.5L 4 Cyl Hybrid Petrol
Drivetrain	6 Sp CVT FWD
Battery Capacity / type	4AH
Power	160Kw @ 5,700 rpm
Torque	221Nm @ 3,600 rpm
Fuel ADR	4.5L/100km Euro 6
Fuel on Test	4.5L/100k
Fuel capacity	50L
Range (WLTP) / efficiency	1111km Max
Realistic range	1000km on test
Fast Charge / Home (240V)	N/A
Safety	Five Star ANCAP (Feb 2021)
CO2 Emissions	103g/km
0-100kmh/Top Speed	TBC / 180km/h
Servicing	12 Mth / 15,000km – Fixed price
Warranty	5yr/ Unlimited km – Hybrid battery 10 years
Roadside Assist	5Yr. conditional roadside assist

*MLP Includes GST and LCT but excluding statutory charges, dealer costs and dealer delivery. See your dealer for RDAP. Does not include price of options. Some features mentioned in the article are options. RDAP means Recommended Drive Away Price (without options but including all other charges)

Overall Rating	83/100
Behind the Wheel	9
Comfort	9
Equipment	8
Performance	7
Ride and Handling	8
Practicality	8
Fit for Purpose	9
Style / appeal	8
Technology/connectivity	8
Value for Money	9

Dimensions	Camry Hybrid SL
Overall Length	4905mm
Wheelbase	2825mm
Width	1840mm
Height	1445mm
Wheels	18 X 8.0 Alloy
Tyres	235/45 R18
Max ground clearance	Up to 145mm
Wading Depth	N/A
Approach	N/A
Rampover	N/A
Departure angle	N/A
Turning Circle KTK	12.4m
Boot Capacity Min	524L
Boot capacity Max	524L
Battery Weight	N/A
Kerb Weight	1655kg
Payload (kg)	445kg
GVM (kg)	2100kg
GCM	2500kg
Towing Capacity	400kg
Tow Ball rating	40kg

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Overall Rating

8.3/10

Summary