Road Test: 2021 Toyota Camry Hybrid XSE

New Sporty Look for the Affordable 50 MPG Midsize Sedan

The XSE trim is new to the 2021 Toyota Camry Hybrid, offering sporty styling cues that reinforce the value and appeal of this highly efficient five-passenger sedan. A spacious interior with a smooth comfortable ride, high fuel economy (we broke 50 mpg!), and advanced driver safety technologies will challenge those thinking a crossover is their next car.

Hybrid Efficiency

The 2021 Toyota Camry Hybrid XSE is powered by Toyota’s Hybrid Synergy Drive system of a gasoline-powered 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine combined with an 88-kilowatt electric motor. There is 208 total system horsepower running through a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT). There are four driver-selectable drive modes of Eco, Normal, Sport and EV that produce a respectable 7.4 second 0-60 time.

Toyota’s Hybrid Synergy Drive automatically switches between the electric drive mode, combined electric motor and gasoline engine, and gasoline-only engine power. The undetectable and seamless transitions give the Camry Hybrid XSE EPA-rated fuel economy of 44 mpg city/47 highway with a combined of 46 mpg.

Running on regular unleaded, we spent a week cruising Southern California and covered 470 miles. With the majority of driving on freeways, traveling no faster than 75 mph, Clean Fleet Report averaged 47.7 mpg. But in stop-and-go rush hour traffic, or in city driving where we were on-and-off the regenerative brakes, we averaged as much as 51.8 mpg. Fuel economy numbers reported by Clean Fleet Report are non-scientific and represent the reviewer’s driving experience using the dash gauge computer. Your numbers may differ.

When the battery is completely charged, selecting the EV mode can be used for driving around town, in parking lots or structures. The Camry Hybrid has a limited driving range of up-to one mile and at no more than 25 miles per hour, so using the EV mode becomes strategic for those times where you want to run silently.

The lithium-ion (Li-ion) battery is charged when applying the brakes or coasting through the regenerative charging system, which converts kinetic energy into electric energy and stores it in the battery. This process is viewed on a dash gauge where you can watch the power flow into and out of the battery and engine.

The electronically controlled brake system incorporates regenerative control and power-assisted, four-wheel disc brakes with ABS and electronic brake force distribution. The stops were straight and consistent, and produced a satisfying regenerative whirring when stopping.

The CVT did not have the sometimes common droning when launching or under hard acceleration, and there were convincing gear-like upshifts to satisfy those that don’t like a CVT because they are too smooth. I never understood this complaint.

Road Trip Ready

The 2021 Toyota Camry Hybrid XSE is a comfortable midsize sedan with a smooth ride that is unaffected by road imperfections. The low placement of the batteries is a big part of why the 3,580-pound Camry XSE hybrid was easy to drive when highway cruising. The sport-tuned suspension worked well for cruising and cornering, with the XSE handling solidly with 19-inch gloss black alloy wheels shod with 235/40 Michelin all-season tires. The good traction, with limited tire slippage under hard cornering stress, was aided by the batteries’ location, which lowered the center of gravity, making for flat, minimal-lean cornering and limited understeer. The electric power steering connected the front wheels to the road with a positive and direct feel.

Sweetened Exterior

The 2021 Toyota Camry Hybrid XSE joins LE, SE and XLE as the top trim. The XSE features smooth surfaces and a near absence of chrome and zero body cladding. The LED head lights, which incorporate daytime running lights and turn signals, extend into the fenders, leading to a lightly sculpted hood and an accent line running the side length of the car.

The roof is lightly sloped, and the gentlest of spoilers is on the deck lid. Toyota has subtle reminders this sedan has been electrified with blue emblems on the front and rear, and a small chrome “hybrid” badge on the fenders and lower right trunk lid.

The low center of gravity with a wide stance gave the XSE a great look. Painted in Blueprint with black B pillars and a black front grille with mesh inserts, our Camry Hybrid XSE had body color-keyed bumpers, door handles, shark fin antenna and exterior mirrors, making for a sleek design and profile.

Welcoming Interior

Clean Fleet Report’s Camry Hybrid was nicely equipped with standard equipment that came as part of the XSE trim package. This included heated and ventilated leather-trimmed seats with eight-way power adjustments for both the driver and passenger. Sitting in the supportive and comfortable seats didn’t result in leg or back fatigue after driving long distances. The split 60/40 rear seat, which can comfortably handle three adults (two for longer trips), has a fold down center armrest with cup holders. Depending on the trim, the seats may be covered in fabric or SofTex, a synthetic leather material.

The cockpit design is driver friendly with the gauges, including the hybrid management system, residing in the 7.0-inch multi-information display. Side and rear visibility was excellent with large windows and a low belt line. As part of the Driver Assist Package ($1,430) the 10-inch color head-up display has customizable settings showing the speedometer, navigation, shift position, compass, audio, phone, outside temperature and the hybrid system indicators. The HUD is all about eyes on the road for safety.

The Camry Hybrid XSE with the Navigation Package ($1,760) featured a Premium JBL audio system with voice command for navigation, Bluetooth telephone and music streaming. The 9.0-inch touchscreen and the nine-speaker system, with subwoofer and amplifier, produced excellent sound for the FM/HDAM, with the AM/FM being a cache radio. SiriusXM is included for 90 days. Clean Fleet Report places a high safety value on audio systems that have both a volume and channel knob, which were on the JBL system. These knobs, plus the head-up display, play a role in reducing distracted driving.

The system has Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and is Amazon Alexa compatible. Through connected services, the Wi-Fi has a three-month trial period and includes up-to two GB. The front cabin has four USB ports and two 12 Volt power outlets.

Additional interior convenience features included the dual zone automatic climate control, power windows with front auto up and down, an integrated backup camera with dynamic gridlines, sun visors with sliding extensions, map and reading lights, a wireless phone charger and an auto-dimming Homelink-equipped rearview mirror.

Safety

The 2021 Toyota Camry Hybrid XSE is well-equipped with active and passive safety features including 10 air bags, a tire pressure monitoring system, collapsible steering column, anti-theft alarm and engine immobilizer. The rear cross traffic emergency braking is very helpful. When backing from a blind parking spot, and cars or pedestrians suddenly appear behind the car, the brakes are applied instantly. The first time it happens it can be quite a surprise, but you will appreciate it.

The Toyota Safety Sense 2.5 advanced driving assistance systems (ADAS) include adaptive cruise control with lane keeping assist, automatic front braking with pedestrian detection, lane departure alert with steering assist, blind spot monitor with cross traffic alert and sonar clearance, and automatic high beams.

Another very handy feature is the Bird’s Eye View camera with Perimeter Scan. By pushing a button the scan gives a top-down 360º look at anything that may be in the Camry’s surrounding area. You will come to rely on this nifty feature.

In testing by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) the 2021 Toyota Camry Hybrid received five stars, its highest rating, while the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) awarded the 2021 Camry its top safety pick for overall crash protection.

Pricing and Warranties

The 2021 Toyota Camry Hybrid comes in four trim levels, with these base prices, which include the $995 delivery processing and handling fee.

LE      $28,265

SE      $29,720

XLE    $33,165

XSE    $33,715

Clean Fleet Report’s 2021 Camry Hybrid XSE had a total price, including $3,485 in options and the $995 delivery processing and handling fee, of $37,164.

The 2021 Toyota Camry Hybrid comes with these warranties.

• Hybrid Components – Eight years/100,000 miles
• Powertrain – Five years/60,000 miles
• Comprehensive – Three years/36,000 miles
• Maintenance Plan – Two years/25,000 miles
• Roadside Assistance – Two years/25,000 miles
• Corrosion Perforation – Five years/Unlimited miles

Observations: 2021 Toyota Camry Hybrid XSE

The 2021 Toyota Camry Hybrid sells against other midsize hybrid sedans–the Honda Accord and Insight, Hyundai Sonata and its larger sibling, the Toyota Avalon. They all get roughly the same fuel economy in the mid-40 to low-50 mpg range and, except for the Toyota Avalon at $37,250, all have a base price under $30,000.

So how to decide? The only way is to drive each car for more than a quick spin around the dealership. Tell the sales associate you want to go on the highway to test the onramp acceleration and some corners to checkout the handling agility.

The 2021 Toyota Camry Hybrid is a comfortable car with a quiet cabin and a large trunk that will handle your gear on a long, fuel-efficient road trip. Built in Georgetown, Kentucky, the Camry Hybrid is an economical five-passenger midsize sedan that should cover all your driving needs, whether it’s commuting, in-town errands or hitting the open road.

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Story by John Faulkner. Photos by John Faulkner and Toyota.

Into the Midsize Hybrid Mix

Road Test: 2017 Honda Accord Hybrid

Road Test: 2020 Honda Insight Hybrid

Road Test: 2021 Hyundai Sonata

Road Test: 2020 Toyota Avalon Hybrid

Disclosure:

Clean Fleet Report is loaned free test vehicles from automakers to evaluate, typically for a week at a time. Our road tests are based on this one-week drive of a new vehicle. Because of this we don’t address issues such as long-term reliability or total cost of ownership. In addition, we are often invited to manufacturer events highlighting new vehicles or technology. As part of these events we may be offered free transportation, lodging or meals. We do our best to present our unvarnished evaluations of vehicles and news irrespective of these inducements.

Our focus is on vehicles that offer the best fuel economy in their class, which leads us to emphasize electric cars, plug-in hybrids, hybrids and diesels. We also feature those efficient gas-powered vehicles that are among the top mpg vehicles in their class. In addition, we aim to offer reviews and news on advanced technology and the alternative fuel vehicle market. We welcome any feedback from vehicle owners and are dedicated to providing a forum for alternative viewpoints. Please let us know your views at publisher@cleanfleetreport.com.