Perfect for small families and everyone in between.
I’m not new to the Totoya family. I have fond memories of taking trips in my dad’s 90s Toyota Camry. It was one of the most reliable vehicles he owned when I was growing up. I bet that if you ask most people about a reliable vehicle that has excellent fuel economy for city commuting or long-distance travel, the Toyota Camry will for sure be in the top three. Continuing with its legacy of building quality cars that feel good to drive, and is easy on your wallet, Toyota did not disappoint with the Toyota Camry Hybrid XLE, the Camry’s top-of-the-line model.
It doesn’t hurt that it looks good, too!
Related: Toyota Redesigned the Camry, Taking a Few Cues from NASCAR Racing
What We Love
As a fashion-focused woman in my mid-30s, this is a car in which I don’t mind being seen. The Camry has come a long way since the 90s. It’s a visually appealing 4-door sedan that is safe and fun to drive. Features that make it fun behind the wheel include:
- Sport mode
- Toyota Safety Sense driver assist and safety features
- Heated and cooled front seats
- Easy to find (and install) child car seat LATCH anchors
- Super quiet hybrid drive
- A roomy cabin, even in the back seat
- Qi wireless phone charge pad
- Apple CarPlay/Android Auto and Alexa
- Upgraded infotainment system
- Smart key easy entry (key in pocket, doors lock or unlock when you touch the door handle)
- Leather seats
- 3 USB ports
Sport Mode? Yes!
Hybrid sedans can be fun to drive, especially when there’s ‘Sport’ mode. The 4-cylinder 176 horsepower engine ramps up all the power in Sport mode, which is one of three drive modes the Camry has. It was one of my favorite drive modes, especially on the highway. The other modes include ECO, for those who want really maximize fuel economy, and Normal for a comfortable drive.
It hits all the marks on safety
Toyota has added its top safety features to every model as standard equipment. Additionally, the 2020 Toyota Camry Hybrid proves its safety by earning five-star National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) rating, and was named an IIHS Top Safety Pick+. Additionally, it earned “Good” scores in all crash categories from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).
It’s a car I would feel safe transporting my family in. Why? All that, plus the Toyota Safety Sense system, which includes:
- Pre-crash detection and mitigation
- Pedestrian detection
- Lane departure alert with steering assist
- Automatic high beams
- Adaptive cruise control
Related: 10 Easy (and Affordable) Ways to Add Modern Safety Technology to Your Old Car
Surprisingly roomy for kids car seats
If you’re toting children, there are two LATCH systems to install two child safety seats. We loved that we didn’t have to dig for the anchors. We just simply popped off the covers and used the LATCH to install the car seats.
I installed the Britax One4Life rear-facing seat for my 5-month-old and used a booster seat for my 9-year-old.
Plenty of Room for Adults, too
Speaking of the backseat, it is roomy! There’s about 30” of legroom in the back. To experience the comfort (or discomfort) of being a backseat passenger, I sat in the back in between my oldest daughter and the baby in the car seat. My legs weren’t cramped at all!
Another thing backseat passengers will notice is the smoothness of the ride. The Camry glides over bumps in the road like butter. Parents don’t have to fear an accidental ride over a pothole waking the kids.
Is this car on?
On several occasions, I had to double-check to see if the car was actually on. That is how quiet the engine is. Honestly, I’ve driven luxury 4-door sedans that cost more and were loud in comparison.
These days, peace and quiet are priceless. Having a car as quiet as this one, plus a moonroof, like the one this 4-door sedan has, can turn any commute into a zone of tranquility.
Money Left on the Table
Having a car can be expensive, especially when it comes to keeping the gas tank filled. Fortunately, due to the Camry Hybrid XLE’s excellent fuel economy – 47/48 city/highway mpg- having enough money for gas is the last worry you’ll have. You’ll be able to spend the money you’re saving on gas on fun things like a new outfit, shoes, or a spa day. I can use all three!
Who do we see in this hybrid 4-door sedan?
This hybrid 4-door sedan has the money conscious in mind.
- Someone who commutes frequently and needs to save on gas.
- A single parent or small family in need of a roomy 4-door sedan that’s also cost-efficient.
- A college student who needs a long-lasting, reliable vehicle that won’t break the bank.
- A penny-pincher who likes a good-looking car but also prefers something cost-efficient.
- Drivers who want top safety features.
Related: Why the Toyota Corolla Makes a Great First Car
What does the Camry Hybrid XLE cost?
The 2020 Toyota Camry Hybrid XLE, the top-of-the-line of Camry Hybrid models – has an MSRP of $32,550. This is approximately $4,000 more than the base Hybrid LE model, and about $2,000 more than the Camry Hybrid SE.
The test model I drove had the following additional optional equipment, which brought the total MSRP to $39,619:
- Driver Assist Package – $2,375
- 10” color head-up display
- bird’s eye view camera
- intelligent clearance sonar with rear cross-traffic braking
- multi-stage ventilated front seats
- Adaptive LED Headlights with level control and auto on/off feature – $415
- Navigation Package – $1,810
- Premium audio, dynamic navigation, JBL speakers, subwoofer and amplifier
- Power tilt/sliding moonroof – $860
What You Should Know
- Every new Toyota comes with Toyota Care. It includes normal factory scheduled maintenance for up to two years or 25,000 miles and 24 hours roadside assistance
- Standard safety system inclusive of Vehicle Stability Control, Traction Control, Anti-lock Brakes, Electronic Brake Distribution, and Brake Assist.
It’s nice to see that the Toyota Camry is carrying on the tradition I remember so well from the ’90s: a long-lasting, reliable, fun-to-drive car that you don’t mind being seen in. Plus, the hybrid model is even more cost-efficient, and Toyota adds key things like driver assist and safety features, making it all the more fun on the road.
What we listened to in the Toyota Camry Hybrid XLE
With premium JBL speakers, a subwoofer, and an amplifier, it was only right to create a playlist featuring tunes that would do the sound system justice.
Disclosure: Toyota provided the Camry XLE Hybrid for review purposes. All opinions are my own.
