2021 Toyota Camry Hybrid XSE: Adding An Exciting Touch To The Sedan

 

Highlight: The hybrid XSE included a heads up display (HUD) system.

Test Vehicle's MSRP: $38,045 (Base Model: $28,405)

Seating Capacity: 5

Standard Safety Features: airbags; ABS; a rearview camera; vehicle stability control; traction control; and a tire pressure monitoring system; a radar activated cruise control system; conventional cruise control; a pre-collision braking system; a lane departure warning system; a pedestrian and cyclist detection system

Standard Equipment (LE): 16-inch wheels; dark gray front grille; color keyed sport rocker panel; colored keyed power outside mirrors; touch sensor door locks; a 4.2 instrument cluster gauges; cloth seats; a power driver’ seat with power lumbar seat; a manual operated tilt/telescopic steering wheel; four driving modes; a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment screen system; and a push button ignition starter system

Standard Equipment (XSE): 19-inch wheels; LED daytime running lights; LED taillights; gloss black front grille; colored keyed sport-die rocker panels; heated power outside mirrors with turn signal indicator; electronic blind spot system; color keyed rear spoiler; dual zone automatic climate control system; rear camera with integrated lines; a 7-inch instrument cluster gauges; cloth seats; leather seats; a power front passenger seat; multi-heated front seats; rear seat adjustable headrest; a leather trimmed steering wheel; ambient interior lighting; an automatic dimming rearview mirror; a 9-inch touchscreen infotainment screen; SiriusXM; Toyota’s safety connect system;

Options: a heated steering wheel; a power moonroof; a heads up display (HUD) a two-tone black metallic roof; 360-degree camera; intelligent clearance sonar; a rear cross traffic braking system; multi-ventilated front seats; a navigation system; a 9-speaker JBL audio system

Other Trim Levels:

SE

SE Nightshade

XLE

Standard Audio On Test Vehicle: a 6-speaker audio system with AM/FM with SiriusXM

Bluetooth Connectivity: Depending on trim

USB Connectivity: Standard

Apple/Android Connectivity: Standard

Bumper-to-Bumper Warranty: 3 years or 36,000 miles

Powertrain Warranty: 5 years or 60,000 miles

Hybrid Warranty: 8 years or 100,000 miles

Standard Engine/Horsepower: 2.5-liter, 4-cylinder turbo engine/176-hp

Recommended Fuel: Regular

Standard Fuel Mileage: 25-city/32-hwy

What’s New: In addition to a slight face lift, a new sportier XSE trim is available to spice up one’s fuel-efficient hybrid for the 2021 model year.

Why The XSE: 

A stylish looking sedan that goes beyond being a boring looking family sedan

An easy-to-use infotainment system

A redesign infotainment screen

HUD (heads up display) available

Add additional miles, as of result of being a hybrid

Two-tone roof treatment

Red leather seats on test vehicle

Rear spoiler

Blacked-out wheels

Roomy vehicle

19-inch wheels

Great road trip vehicle

All smartphones compatible with vehicle

But: 

Despite the sporty look, it’s not a Supra, which offers an engaging driving experience

Verdict: In 2018, we reviewed a Camry XSE trim, which was approaching $40,000. Three years later the XSE adds a fuel-efficient hybrid system and the pricing is less than the gasoline model we reviewed. Toyota has managed to mix the best of both worlds – fuel economy with a sporty looking sedan

In a shrinking world of midsize vehicles, more specifically hybrids, the Toyota bests the competitors - Honda Accord and Hyundai Sonata - in terms of horsepower. And while the driving range of all three vehicles hover around the low 600-mile range, the Camry comes in last place – just narrowly. Thus, this brings the Toyota combined gas mileage to 46 mpg, while its competitors range from 47 mpg to 48 mpg.  

Overall, while the Toyota is up against two worthy competitors, its a matter of hybrid consumers opting for a sportier more youthful appearance with the Camry versus a more mature, upscale appearance with the Honda and Hyundai.

Competition: Honda Accord Hybrid and Hyundai Sonata Hybrid