Toyota offers its Camry Hybrid in three different trim levels, starting with the LE, followed by the SE and XLE. All trim levels get the same combination of hybrid power and a 2.5-liter four-cylinder gas engine. The total power output is 208 hp, directed to the front wheels via a CVT transmission. The LE rolls on a set of 16-inch steel wheels, gets bi-LED headlights and gets a shark-fin antenna outside. Inside it features dual-zone climate control, an eight-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, push-button start, as well as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration. The sporty SE model adds 18-inch alloy wheels and a color-keyed rear spoiler to the exterior, while the interior sports SofTex upholstered sweats, a leather-trimmed steering wheel, as well as embossed mesh interior trim. The range-topping XLE gets full-LED headlights with fully integrated DRLs, blind-spot warning indicators, an eight-inch touchscreen, wireless phone charging, an eight-way power-adjustable front passenger seat, and an auto-dimming rearview mirror.
The Toyota Camry Hybrid is priced at the higher end of the scale, and many equally talented rivals undercut it on price. The base model LE starts off with an asking price of $28,430. This price does not include tax, registration, and a destination fee of $955. The base Honda Accord Hybrid, for instance, goes for around $25,500. The mid-range SE will set you back $30,130, and the top of the line XLE goes for an even higher $32,730. With all the options boxes ticked, you're looking at a car that costs just over $40k.
Starting with the base model LE, you can opt to go for the power tilt/slide moonroof package with options which, for $2,705, adds blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert and the contents of the Convenience Package which adds a HomeLink transceiver and an auto-dimming rearview mirror. A power moonroof is naturally included as well, along with wireless smartphone charging and dual-zone climate control. This package is also available on the SE at $2,590.
The range-topping XLE is offered with two packages. The Navigation Upgrade Package costs $2,670 and adds a premium JBL sound system, dynamic navigation, and a power moonroof. The $5,460 Driver Assist Package includes a surround-view camera system with perimeter scan and cross-traffic braking, ventilated front seats, adaptive LED headlights, premium audio, and navigation, as well as the sliding moonroof.
The fact that there are only three trim levels and a couple of package options for the Camry Hybrid keeps things simple.
For outright frugality, the base LE model can't be beaten for its price and Prius-challenging fuel economy. While it might be spartan on the inside, it's still a full package, and we would strongly consider adding the moonroof package, which includes blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert.
The SE strikes us as the sweet spot for value for money with the interior material upgrade and added style and performance from the larger wheels and stickier tires. The drop in fuel economy is the tradeoff, although the EPA estimated 44/47/46 mpg isn't to be sniffed at.
At $32,730, we wouldn't be too tempted to tick too many options boxes on the XLE trim. However, it's a complete and tempting package for those that don't mind spending the extra on a car they plan to keep for a long time. We wouldn't blame anyone for being tempted by the LED exterior lighting, blind-spot monitoring, wireless phone charging, and the excellent seven-inch driver display.