Toyota Camry hybrid 2021 review: snapshot

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.

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.