Is a Toyota Camry good on gas mileage?
The Toyota Camry is generally a strong choice for fuel efficiency in the midsize sedan segment, with the Hybrid variant delivering the best mileage. Even the non-hybrid models offer competitive efficiency for daily driving.
Fuel economy by configuration
Below are EPA estimates for the most common Camry configurations in the current generation.
- Camry with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine (non-hybrid), 8-speed automatic, front-wheel drive: roughly 28 mpg city / 39 mpg highway / 32 mpg combined.
- Camry Hybrid (2.5-liter engine with electric motor): roughly 44 mpg city / 47 mpg highway / 46 mpg combined for front-wheel-drive models. All-wheel-drive hybrids are available but typically see a small reduction in efficiency.
In real-world driving, mileage can vary based on speed, terrain, climate, tire condition, and driving style. Highway cruising at steady speeds usually yields the best fuel economy, while heavy city traffic and rapid acceleration can lower it.
Real-world performance and factors that affect mpg
For those prioritizing efficiency, the hybrid is the standout choice, often delivering mid-40s city mpg and high-40s to low-50s highway mpg in favorable conditions. The gasoline-only Camry remains a solid option for drivers who want solid efficiency without hybrid hardware, particularly when tires are optimized and driving is steady.
Hybrid vs non-hybrid: which saves more?
Across typical daily use, the Camry Hybrid saves more fuel than the gasoline-only version, especially in stop-and-go urban driving and mixed commutes. If your trips are predominantly highway, the difference narrows but the hybrid still offers better overall efficiency over time.
How Camry stacks up against rivals
In the midsize sedan class, the Camry Hybrid often leads in overall fuel economy compared with conventional gasoline engines and compares favorably with rivals’ hybrid offerings. Non-hybrid Camrys are competitive with other non-hybrid midsizers, though some peers may edge ahead in highway efficiency depending on trim and tires.
Tips to maximize fuel efficiency
To squeeze more miles per gallon, consider adopting these practical habits and maintenance practices.
- Keep tires inflated to the manufacturer’s recommended pressures; underinflation reduces fuel economy and accelerates wear.
- Drive smoothly: accelerate gradually, anticipate stops, and maintain steady speeds to minimize fuel use.
- Remove unnecessary roof racks or cargo when not needed to reduce aerodynamic drag.
- Use cruise control on highways when appropriate to maintain a constant speed.
- Perform regular maintenance: replace air filters, spark plugs, and keep tires rotated and aligned; use the recommended engine oil.
- Consider the hybrid option if maximum daily mpg is a priority; the hybrid drivetrain is designed for higher efficiency in typical driving cycles.
Implementing these practices can yield meaningful improvements in real-world fuel mileage over the life of the vehicle.
Bottom line
The Toyota Camry offers strong fuel economy for a midsize sedan, with the Hybrid variants delivering the best efficiency. If maximizing mpg is a priority, the Camry Hybrid is typically the best choice; the gasoline-only 2.5L model remains a capable, efficient option for many drivers.
Summary
In short, yes—the Camry is good on gas mileage, especially in the hybrid version, which routinely achieves mid-40s to 50 mpg-equivalent on combined cycles in favorable conditions. The non-hybrid 2.5L Camry provides solid efficiency for everyday driving, while real-world results will vary with speed, terrain, and driving style.
