Toyota Camry hybrid 2021 review: snapshot

Toyota's hybrid drive is now available across the entire Camry range.
EXPERT RATING
7.8

Likes

Makes the most sense
Super fuel efficiency
Smooth from behind the wheel

Dislikes

Not as powerful as V6 was
Technically pretty old now
Engine can be thrashy when on
Tom White

Deputy News Editor

2 min read

For its 2021 update, the Toyota Camry range is now predominantly hybrid across its four-variant line up.

Toyota says it has removed the V6 engine option from the range in response to customer demand, meaning all variants aside from the base Ascent are now hybrid only.

The hybrid consists of a 2.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine mated to two electric motors on the front axle, which has a combined output of 160kW/221Nm. It drives the front wheels only via a continuously variable automatic.

Only the base Ascent can be chosen without the hybrid engine option, and is instead powered by a non-hybrid version of the same engine, able to produce 152kW/243Nm.

The mid-grade SX offers an alternate suspension tune and sporty looks, while the top-spec SL is essentially a luxury-focused variant, with larger wheels, leather interior trims, and a sunroof.

All Camrys have maximum five-star ANCAP safety ratings and are covered by a five year/unlimited kilometre warranty.
All Camrys have maximum five-star ANCAP safety ratings and are covered by a five year/unlimited kilometre warranty.

Hybrid variants have keyless entry and push-start ignition as standard (as opposed to a turn-key ignition offered on the base Ascent non-hybrid) and also offer dual-zone climate control as standard.

The hybrid also loses 10 litres of its fuel tank, down to 50L, and the spare wheel is downgraded to a space-saver rather than a full-size. Boot space is unaffected at 524-litres (VDA).

Fuel consumption is the key selling point of the hybrid variants, with the official number coming in at just 4.7L/100km. For reference over a week of testing for our range review, our Ascent test car returned a real-world consumption figure of 5.8L/100km.

The 2.5-litre engine is technically capable of consuming 91RON unleaded, but Toyota recommends 95 for best performance.

All Camrys have maximum five-star ANCAP safety ratings and are covered by a five year/unlimited kilometre warranty (extendable to seven years if serviced with Toyota), with the hybrid battery components covered for up to 10 years.

The yearly (or 15,000km) service cost is fixed at just $220 for the first four years.

Read the full 2021 Toyota Camry review

Toyota Camry 2021: Ascent + Sat Nav Hybrid

Engine Type Inline 4, 2.5L
Fuel Type Premium Unleaded/Electric
Fuel Efficiency 4.5L/100km (combined)
Seating 5
Price From $28,160 - $33,990
Safety Rating

Pricing Guides

$31,176
Based on 333 cars listed for sale in the last 6 months.
LOWEST PRICE
$19,990
HIGHEST PRICE
$44,990
Tom White

Deputy News Editor

Tom’s way into motoring journalism was anything but straightforward despite annoying his parents to no end as a child by identifying makes and models with ease, and acquiring a large collection of Matchbox models. Other interests took over in the intervening years, including tinkering with electronics and computers, and an interest in the past, which eventually culminated in a Bachelor of Arts and Science from the University Of Sydney with a major in Ancient History. During this time, Tom was exposed to all sorts of cars by working as a valet and eventually the Bell Captain at The Star casino in Sydney. He then went on another side-quest, studying law at Macquarie University before applying for a job at CarsGuide. After being hired Tom worked his way up the ranks in a variety of roles and refined his craft, now serving as CarsGuide's Deputy News Editor, with special interests in new technologies and electric vehicles, as well as emerging trends from China. Tom has been recognised by his peers as the EV Journalist of the Year at the 2026 Newspress Australia Awards. He’s personally owned a selection of wheels from a 1981 Holden Gemini to a 2009 Ford Falcon, through to his current 2011 Subaru Forester and many others in between. You can find Tom on LinkedIn and Instagram. Education Bachelor of Arts and Sciences | The University of Sydney | 2010 - 2014 Graduate Certificate of Laws | Macquarie University | 2015 - 2016 Awards 2026 Newspress Australia EV Journalist of the Year Featured Publications CarsGuide | 2016 - present
About Author
Disclaimer: The pricing information shown in the editorial content (Review Prices) is to be used as a guide only and is based on information provided to Carsguide Autotrader Media Solutions Pty Ltd (Carsguide) both by third party sources and the car manufacturer at the time of publication. The Review Prices were correct at the time of publication. Carsguide does not warrant or represent that the information is accurate, reliable, complete, current or suitable for any particular purpose. You should not use or rely upon this information without conducting an independent assessment and valuation of the vehicle.
Pricing Guide
$19,990
Lowest price, based on CarsGuide listings over the last 6 months.
For more information on
2021 Toyota Camry
See Pricing & Specs

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