2020 Toyota Camry Hybrid Sedan

The year 2020 welcomes the latest iteration of the Camry Hybrid in three different trims. In terms of powertrain, there’s no difference at all, however, all three trims are differentiated on the basis of features, be it safety or comfort. That said, most of the features that are standard across the lineup include Acoustic noise-reducing front windshield, High Solar Energy-Absorbing (HSEA) glass, Full-Speed Range Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, Integrated backup camera and a lot more.

The middle trim, SE, adds on top of the standard features with some exclusive ones like the Sport SofTex wrapped seats, tire-pressure monitoring system, bigger 18-inch black machine-finished alloy wheels, single exhaust with dual chrome tips and few others. 

The top-trim, XLE, further enhances the list with some exclusive features like Wireless charging pad, automatic headlamps, rear AC vents, 7.0-inch multimedia display and some more.

There’s a catch here though, the SE trim and the XLE trim feature a nickel-hydride battery pack as opposed to the lithium-ion setup in the base trim - LE. This means that the former is an outdated technology and offers way less economy than the lithium-ion setup, which by the way, has been borrowed from the Prius.

Model	Hybrid LE	Hybrid SE	Hybrid XLE
MSRP	$28,250	$29,950	$32,550
Key Features	Bi-LED combination headlights with auto on/off feature	Color-keyed sport side rocker panels	LED headlights with fully integrated LED Daytime Running Lights (DRL) with auto on/off feature
	Dark gray front grille	Black front grille with sport mesh insert	Bright metallic front grille
	16-inch steel wheels	18-inch black machined-finish alloy wheels	18-inch silver machined-finish alloy wheels
	Single exhaust	Single exhaust with dual chrome tips	Single exhaust with chrome finisher
	Layered wood interior trim	Embossed mesh interior trim	Tiger Eye wood interior trim
	4.2-inch TFT Multi-Information Display (MID)	4.2-inch TFT Multi-Information Display (MID) with Tire-Pressure Monitoring system	7-inch TFT Multi-Information Display (MID)
	Fabric-trimmed seats with 8-way power-adjustable driver and 6-way adjustable for passenger	Sport SofTex trimmed seats with 8-way power-adjustable driver and 6-way adjustable for passenger	Leather-trimmed seats with 8-way power-adjustable driver and 8-way adjustable for passenger
	Dual-zone automatic climate control with air filter	Color-keyed rear spoiler	Dual-zone climate control with rear AC vents
	Integrated backup camera with projected path	Leather-trimmed tilt/telescopic 3-spoke steering wheel with paddle shifters	Integrated backup camera with dynamic gridlines

But, which one should I go for?

For its price, the base trim, LE, coupled with the optional tilt/sliding moonroof is the best proposition. You’ll get all the bells and whistles that you would expect and it is also the more fuel-efficient trim in the lineup. For more generous customers, Toyota has also provided an array of options to add some exclusivity to your pick.

Peek under the hood of the Camry Hybrid and you’ll be welcomed by a familiar 2.5L, Inline-4 motor, that gives you the leash over 176 horses and throws a force of 163 lb-ft on the crank. Assisting this athletic gasoline counterpart is an 88 kW electric motor that adds 28 more horses to the existing power output, raising the overall number to a respectable 208 hp. A Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) gearbox handles the transmission duties on the 2020 Camry Hybrid. 

This hybrid powertrain is pretty athletic, however, it’s not up to the mark as its Honda arch-rival. The engine, otherwise, feels smooth and refined and there’s barely any noise that creeps inside the cabin. The CVT further enhances the overall experience for the calm and composed drivers with its linear acceleration, though it gets jerky at low speeds. However, unlike its sonorous V6 sibling, the hybrid model fails to excite the spirited driver in you.

Models	Toyota Camry Hybrid LE	Honda Accord Hybrid	Ford Fusion Hybrid SE	Kia Optima Hybrid EX
MSRP	$28250	$25470	$28000	$29310
Engine	2.5L I4	2.0L I4	2.0L I4	2.0L I4
Transmission	CVT	E-CVT	CVT	6-Speed Automatic
Horsepower	208 hp @5700 rpm	212 hp @6200 rpm	188 hp @6000 rpm	192 hp @6000 rpm
Torque	163 lb-ft @3600 rpm	232 lb-ft @3500 rpm	129 lb-ft @4000 rpm	271 lb-ft @1770 rpm

The Camry’s arch-rival - Honda Accord outshines it in terms of the figures, massively in terms of torque despite the former’s bigger engine. The Ford Fusion has to suffice with the last position lining up just behind the Korean.

How fast is the 2020 Camry Hybrid?

Who cares about the acceleration figures in a hybrid? Well, looking at the increasing share of EVs in the market, we think purists might have to settle with these hybrids in the near future, like it or hate it.

That said, the 208 horses under the 2020 Camry’s hood manage to pull this midsize luxury sedan to the 60 MPH mark from a standstill in 7.4 seconds. The acceleration is pretty linear and there is no lag in power, thanks to the electric counterpart. However, the Camry doesn’t seem to be very keen on moving fast, unlike its arch-rival.

Model	Toyota Camry Hybrid LE	Honda Accord Hybrid	Ford Fusion Hybrid SE	Kia Optima Hybrid EX
0-60 MPH	7.4	7.2 s(est.)	9.0 s	8.5 s(est.)
Quarter Mile	15.6*	15.5 s (est.)	16.1	16.4 s(est.)
Engine	2.5L I4	2.0L I4	2.0L I4	2.0L I4
Emission (Tons/yr of CO2 Emissions @ 15K mi/yr)	3.4	3.6	4.2	4.2

When pitted against the competition, the Camry, not by a wide margin though, aligns at the second position in the lineup just behind the Honda Accord Hybrid. The Honda is more powerful and its humungous torque figure is why it wins this comparison hands down. The Ford Fusion emerges out to be the slowest and lines up just behind the Kia Optima.

Does the 2020 Toyota Camry Hybrid stop as well as it goes?

The Camry hybrid is one of the lightest vehicles of the lot and it also features the biggest rotors in the segment too. Though we do not have any official braking figures for the 2020 Camry hybrid, it does feel sure-footed even under heavy braking applications. There is a considerable nose-dive though, but it won’t really scare you off. 

The brake pedal is on the squishier side, nevertheless, it grows on you after some time. Also, when the Camry shifts from the regen-braking to standard braking, there’s a lot of mechanical intrusions that could get unsettling. In fact, its Honda arch-rival is much better in this department, thanks to its compliant mechanicals that work in conjunction with each other, unlike the Camry’s.

Model	Toyota Camry Hybrid LE	Honda Accord Hybrid	Ford Fusion Hybrid SE	Kia Optima Hybrid EX
Brake front (in.)	12	11.5	11.8	12
Brake Rear (in.)	11.1	11.1	11.9	11.2
Curb Weight (lbs.)	3472	3,327	3668	3496
60-0 MPH (ft.)	N/A	135 ft (est..)	N/A	127

Unfortunately, we do not have the official braking figures for most of the vehicles in the comparison. Judging by the numbers, the Kia Optima and Toyota Camry seem to be neck and neck with their curb weights and rotor sizes. 

What about its driving dynamics?

Unlike most trim lineups, the Camry Hybrid is a pretty confusing one. The base trim - LE, for a change, handles way better than the other two. The steering wheel is accurate and there is heavy grip even under spirited cornering. However, its softer suspension setup translates into equally heavy body roll throwing you around the bolsters which could get discomforting. But that’s just fine, as all the Camrys have known to be the most comfortable highway cruisers in the market, and the 2020 iteration uplifts the same spirit.

Move on to the other two trims and the steering wheel seems to get lousy a bit. There is some understeer that could trouble you, but the stiffer suspension setup imparts a bit more “planted” feel to the driver as opposed to softer setup on the base trim. Since the top two trims are heavier, due to the outdated battery pack, they don’t seem very happy to be thrown into corners.

Surprisingly, the base trim of the 2020 Camry Hybrid is more fuel-efficient than the other two. Why, you ask? Well, because the base trim uses a lithium-ion battery, whose compact size translates into more space inside the cabin. The other two trims are powered by a nickel-hydride setup which is actually the inferior technology among the two and also consumes more space.

The base trim - LE has been christened with the same electric powertrain as its daddy- The Prius. As a result, the base trim gives over 50 MPG combined which, by the way, is the segment-best feat. As commendable as it is, the other two trims settle for only 46 MPG combined.

Model	Toyota Camry Hybrid LE	Honda Accord Hybrid	Ford Fusion Hybrid SE	Kia Optima Hybrid EX
MPG (city)	51	48	43	40
MPG (highway)	53	47	41	45
MPG (combined)	52	48	42	42
Fuel tank capacity (gallons)	13.2	12.8	14.0	15.9
Range (city/highway) (miles)	673/700	614/602	602/574	636/716

Nobody even comes close to the undisputed King here - The 2020 Toyota Camry Hybrid. While the rivals settle for way below 50 MPG mark, the Toyota surpasses it. The Accord does come in quite close to it, but has to do with the second position. The Korean loses out to the American by quite a margin and stays at the end of this comparison.

History has seen the Toyota Camry setting benchmarks in terms of interior comfort for a long period of time. With some best in class ride quality and top-notch fit and finish inside, the Camry has been one of the best driving cars. However, now with the Accord almost matching Camry’s traits, if not bested already, the 2020 Camry is under more pressure to uplift its badge than expected.

Toyota has outfitted all three trims with three different fabrics. While the base trim does away with the fabric-trimmed seats, the top-trim brings a sense of luxury along with the leather-trimmed seats. If you belong to the hotter parts of The States, we’d recommend you stick with the fabric-trimmed seats itself, as the leather ones might get discomforting under heat. There is loads of room for the driver and the front passenger, but its a totally different story at the back.

The back seats, though spacious, require quite a lot of effort getting into. The Camry Hybrid is a low-slung sedan, add that to the sloping roofline and voila, you got yourself a small hole to get into. If not done properly, you might land up bumping your head hard. Further spoiling the mood, the upswept window line of the Camry creates a nauseatic atmosphere for the rear passengers. But for the terrible ingress/egress factor, the rear seats do a fabulous job of immersing you in comfort otherwise.

Models	Toyota Camry Hybrid LE	Honda Accord Hybrid	Ford Fusion Hybrid SE	Kia Optima Hybrid EX
Front (Head/Shoulder/Leg) (In.)	38.3/57.7/42.1	39.5/58.3/42.3	39.2/57.8/44.3	39.8/58.1/45.5
Second (Head/Shoulder/Leg) (In.)	37.6/55.7/38.0	37.3/56.6/40.4	37.8/56.9/38.3	37.8/56.4/35.6

All the vehicles are pretty much the same in terms of space inside the cabin. There’s no picking a winner here. However, the Accord feels more spacious on the inside than the other three, the Camry being the least spacious of the lot.

What about utility?

The 2020 Camry doesn’t just ensure your comfort but also brings along a spacious trunk too that comes in handy for weekend getaways. Though not very outstanding, its generous 15.1 cu.ft of trunk is more than enough to suffice your needs.

However, some rivals do offer better space, but the Camry’s wide opening tail-gate and the low-set boot lip add to the loading experience. The power-operated trunk-lid further acts as an icing to the cake.

Model	Toyota Camry Hybrid LE	Honda Accord Hybrid	Ford Fusion Hybrid SE	Kia Optima Hybrid EX
Cargo Volume with rear seats up (ft.3)	15.1	16.7	12.0	13.4

When pitted against the competition, the 2020 Camry hybrid aligns at the second position just behind the Honda Accord. Ford and Kia, like silent spectators, sit at the bottom of this comparison with the least space in the trunk.

Does the 2020 Toyota Camry Hybrid comes loaded with tech inside?

Your entertainment duties are catered by a 7.0-inch touchscreen infotainment display in the 2020 Toyota Camry Hybrid. The top-trim, XLE, features a bigger 8.0-inch touchscreen display that brings along more vivid colors and also offers a better feature-list than the former.

But for the top-trim, the other two trims also feature a 4.2-inch MID that caters to the driver’s needs. Come to the top-trim and this display grows to 7.0 inches, as expected, it also offers more information than the former. Since everything comes at a price, you need to stretch your budget to the top-trim in case you need this in your Camry. Having said that, some of the key features associated with the infotainment system are:

• Tire Pressure Monitoring System
• Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• 4G Wi-Fi Hotspot
• Qi Wireless charging pad
• 800-watt, 9-speaker audio system by JBL
• Toyota Safety Connect
• Integrated backup camera
• Amazon Alexa voice assistant

Creature comforts on offer in the Toyota Camry Hybrid

Adhering to its luxurious repo in the automotive market, the 2020 Toyota Camry has been blessed with a plethora of creature comforts that ensure you don’t mind spending hours in the cabin. Having said that, some of the key highlights of the Camry’s cabin are:

• Dual-zone automatic climate control with in-cabin air filter
• 60/40 split fold-down rear seat with center armrest with cup holders 
• Leather-trimmed multi-stage heated and ventilated front seats
• 8-way power-adjustable driver seat and 6-way adjustable passenger seat
• Leather-trimmed tilt/telescopic 3-spoke steering wheel with mounted controls
• Auto-dimming rearview mirror
• Smart Key System on front doors and trunk with Push Button Start
• Ambient lighting with LED-illuminated glove compartment 

The 2020 Toyota Camry features a sleek exterior with a split front grille and chiseled headlamps. The upper part of the grille bears the Toyota emblem and adds to the smiling face of the Camry. The bottom grille, blackened out for the top trim, adds more character to the pretty face. Speaking of character, the mild creases along either side of the Camry further emphasize the long wheelbase.

The chrome highlights on the side and at the back are prominent and certainly elevate the overall sense of luxury. That said, the rear seems to be busy with a lot of broad contours around the rear bumper, making it look wider than normal. There’s a lip spoiler on top of the trunk too that accentuates this feeling. The “Camry” badge takes up most of the space at the back which is further crescented by the Toyota emblem right on top of it. All in all, the 2020 iteration of the Camry Hybrid retains most of the elements from its forefathers that gave its identity in the first place. If anything, they’ve just made it better with the 2020 iteration.

Model	Toyota Camry Hybrid LE	Honda Accord Hybrid	Ford Fusion Hybrid SE	Kia Optima Hybrid EX
Curb Weight (lbs.)	3472	N/A	3668	3496
Length (in.)	192.1	192.2	191.8	191.1
Width (in.)	72.4	73.3	72.9	73.2
Height (in.)	56.9	57.1	58.0	57.5
Ground Clearance (in.)	5.7	5.8	N/A	5.1
Wheelbase (in.)	111.2	111.4	112.2	110.4
Track Width (in.) F/R	63.0/63.2	63.0/63.4	62.3/62.0	63.5/63.8

The Camry and Accord have been the stars of the segment when it comes to the passenger volume. With their 2020 iterations, this battle still continues as the Camry is just slightly smaller than the Accord. In terms of wheelbase, the Ford outshines this competition leaving Kia for the last position. That said, these are just numbers, practically there’s not much difference among any of them.

What are those eye-catching features?

Not just on the inside, the 2020 Toyota Camry Hybrid has been loaded with some specific details on the outside as well that either come in handy for convenience or add to the character of the vehicle. Be it luxury or utility, some of the key highlights of the 2020 Camry Hybrid’s exterior are:

• 18-inch alloy wheels

• LED headlights with fully integrated LED Daytime Running Lights (DRL) with auto on/off feature

• Gloss black front grille with sport mesh insert

• Power tilt/slide moonroof

• Washer-linked intermittent windshield wipers 

• High Solar Energy-Absorbing (HSEA) glass

• Acoustic noise-reducing front windshield

• Color-keyed sport side rocker panels and rear spoiler

• Single exhaust with dual chrome tips 

Toyotas have been majorly known for their impeccable build quality and reliability. Adhering to the same ideology, the Camry isn’t any less, as it features a plethora of advanced safety assist systems that continuously run calculations just to ensure that you enjoy a hassle-free drive. Apart from the tech, the Camry’s well balanced and stiffened chassis further adds extra points to its safety scorecard.

Unfortunately, the Camry Hybrid hasn’t been tested by any of the safety agencies yet, however, its gasoline counterpart has scored the maximum ratings in all of them. NHTSA has awarded the standard Camry with “5 stars” and since the hybrid sibling carries the same chassis and similar features, there’s no denying the fact that the 2020 Camry Hybrid is one of the safest vehicles in the segment as well.

That said, some of the key safety features of the 2020 Toyota Camry Hybrid include:

• Driver and front passenger Whiplash-Injury-Lessening (WIL) seats
• Energy-absorbing collapsible steering column
• Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection
• Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist
• Hill Start Assist Control (HAC)
• Full speed-range Dynamic Radar Cruise Control 
• Child-protector rear door locks and power window lockout control
• Enhanced Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) with Traction Control System
• Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) with Brake-assist

Toyota Camry Hybrid vs Honda Accord:

The Camry and Accord are nothing but Hamilton and Vettel of the automotive industry. If one outshines the other in terms of ride quality, the other comes back into the game with a better feature-list. When pitted against each other, the Accord is surely more engaging to driveas compared to the Toyota, but if you prefer to be chauffeured around the city, its the Toyota that strikes the right tune with its stupendous ride quality and a softer suspension setup. Not to forget, it is more economical too. Having said that, no matter where you put your money, you’ll be happy with the decision.

Toyota Camry Hybrid vs Ford Fusion:

The Ford Fusion hybrid, back when it was released, had taken the market by a storm. However, with the Camry and Accord back in the game, the Fusion’s hybrid counterpart started taking a hit due to its smaller, underpowered engine, less fuel economy and less space inside the cabin. The Camry easily bests the Ford by a wide margin in all of those factors, thus presenting a much better proposition for the same price. 

Toyota Camry Hybrid vs Kia Optima Hybrid:

Kia is the latest entrant here in this segment and directly locks horns with the star of the segment. Though Kia has gotten everything right with its spacious cabin and a long list of features, it still hasn’t been able to gain the trust of the consumers. Moreover, it’s still not as powerful and engaging to drive as the Camry. All in all, its the Camry that strikes a better deal of the two. 

 

The Camry Hybrid checks all the right boxes and offers a good proposition for its price. You get loads of room, an extensive feature-list and not to forget, the best-in-class fuel economy. If you’re going to spend more time behind the wheel as compared to the rear, then we’d suggest you try out the Honda Accord Hybrid once, before you seal the deal. Apart from the engagement behind the steering, the Camry hybrid certainly is among the creamy layer of the segment and is definitely worth every penny.