Model Tested: 2023 Toyota Camry SE Hybrid Nightshade
Engine: 2.4-liter I-4, 208 combined horsepower and 163 lb.-ft torque
Transmission: CVT automatic transmission, front-wheel drive
EPA Rating: 44-mpg city, 47-mpg highway, 46-mpg combined
Base Price: $30,615
As Tested: $32,839
Performance:
Good fuel economy but we fell below EPA estimate with a best of 37-mpg
Performance modes: Eco, Normal,
Sport, EV
Paddle shifters
Smooth highway ride
Good braking
Confident handling
Comfort:
Excellent front seat room and comfort
Super stretch-out front legroom
Firm power driver lumbar support
Comfy rear seat
Soft wide rear armrest with two cupholders
Good back seat room if fronts moved up some
Tall rear floor hump
Four grab handles
Manual passenger seat with height pump
Tilt/telescopic steering column
Very good telescopic, fair tilt
Medium thick contoured steering wheel
Good auxiliary controls
Quality interior materials
Good infotainment screen with control buttons
Utility:
Big trunk with wide opening
Six-inch lift-over
Flat floor
Big pass-through
Rear release for folding seats
Small rear door bins
Big, wide seatback pouches
Thin front door bins
Medium size non-locking glovebox
Medium-plus console bin
WOW Factors:
Handsome side profile and sharp wheels
Very spacious front seat room
Comfortable interior
Good quality interior materials
Sharp styling except for grille
Handsome bronze wheels on Nightshade Edition
Ample safety features
Whines:
Front end styling too busy for our tastes
Big height difference between folded seats and trunk floor
Tight back seat with fronts all back
Bottom Line:
The 2023 Toyota Camry SE Hybrid is an excellent midsize sedan that makes a great family vehicle for buyers not obsessed with thinking a 4×4 SUV is an urban necessity. The best-selling Toyota Camry is well-known for its reliability, comfort, utility, and value. The SE Hybrid adds to all those pluses with the increased economy of a hybrid.
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