After 800 Miles Camry Isn't Easy To Hypermile As The Prius, But This Car Is As Close To Perfect As You Can Get For a Hybrid

Toyota has long been the leader in hybrid technology, with its Prius lineup setting benchmarks for fuel efficiency, practicality, and reliability. In fact, the Toyota Prius is the hybrid leader in at least 3 ways that many Prius owners can easily discuss. However, the automotive market has evolved, and so has Toyota’s approach. The Prius, once celebrated for its efficiency, has been redesigned into a sleeker, sportier package. But not all buyers are enamored with these changes, especially those who value practicality over style. Enter the 2025 Toyota Camry Hybrid—a vehicle that strikes a near-perfect balance of performance, technology, and fuel efficiency, improving upon the Prius formula in ways that matter to a broader audience.

One buyer, who goes by the username “New Camry Guy,” shared his detailed experience with the 2025 Camry SE Hybrid after transitioning from two generations of the Prius. His comment, posted under an Edmunds reviewof this vehicle, paints a vivid picture of why the Camry Hybrid may be the ultimate hybrid sedan for those who want the best of both vehicles. Here’s his story, with grammar improved for clarity:

"I just purchased my 2025 Toyota Camry SE on May 21st. I had been driving a 2016 Prius for over a year and, prior to that, a 2010 Prius for three years. I have been very impressed with Toyota's hybrid technology. The 2016 Prius was a great car, but I wanted an upgrade in technology and performance.

I was considering the new Prius, but after looking at them in person, I found they are downsized and not nearly as practical as the 2016. Yes, they look sporty, but they’re just not as functional. I’ve also read about several issues concerning the odd 19-inch tire size and the lack of a spare tire, which is a must for me since I drive 25,000 miles a year.

When I found out about the new Camry Hybrid, I decided to wait. After test-driving one, I was very impressed! Soon after, I found the trim and color I wanted. So far, I’ve driven about 800 miles, and I will say this car is as close to perfect as you can get for a hybrid. It has much more room than the Prius, a spare tire, and a suspension that’s dialed in perfectly. If you like a firmer, tighter ride, the SE trim is perfect; if you prefer a softer ride, get the XLE.

The new version of Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 is near flawless, as the review mentioned. It’s not intrusive and is very good at anticipating situations. There are no sudden movements or harsh braking so far, and the car will even steer itself with cruise control activated. Wireless Android Auto works well, and the base audio system sounds decent.

This is the nicest car I have ever owned, and I don’t think anyone would be disappointed. It is the perfect balance of sporty, practical, and great gas mileage. I was used to getting around 60 MPG with the Prius. So far, I’m getting 45 MPG with the Camry. While the Camry isn’t as easy to hypermile as the Prius, I’m enjoying the extra horsepower and sporty driving dynamics.

Update as of June 14: Now, with 1,500 miles, I’m getting 47-53 MPG per trip with normal driving! The longer the trip, the better it gets. I love the new Camry!"

Why the Camry Hybrid Stands Out

New Camry Guy’s experience underscores how Toyota perfected the Camry Hybrid by addressing some of the limitations of the latest Prius while building on its own strengths. The Prius has long been a hypermiling king, capable of achieving remarkable fuel economy with minimal effort. However, Toyota’s redesign prioritized sportier looks and driving dynamics, which, while appealing to some, made it less practical for drivers who value space, versatility, and long-distance comfort.

The Camry Hybrid bridges this gap beautifully. It offers:

• Spacious Interior and Practical Features: Compared to the Prius, the Camry Hybrid boasts a roomier cabin and trunk, making it more suitable for families and those who drive extensively. The inclusion of a spare tire is a significant plus for peace of mind during long trips.
• Balanced Driving Dynamics: While the Prius leans toward efficiency, the Camry SE trim delivers a firmer, sportier ride that appeals to those seeking more engaging handling. The XLE trim, on the other hand, offers a softer ride, providing options for different driving preferences.
• Advanced Technology: The integration of Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 and features like wireless Android Auto elevate the driving experience. Safety systems that are intuitive rather than intrusive make long drives more comfortable and less stressful.
• Respectable Fuel Efficiency with More Power: While it doesn’t match the Prius’ 60 MPG, the Camry Hybrid’s 45-53 MPG is still impressive, especially given its added horsepower and sportier driving dynamics.

Building on Prius’ Legacy

The Prius revolutionized hybrid vehicles when it first debuted, proving that hybrids could be practical, reliable, and fuel-efficient. However, as the market evolved, so did consumer expectations. Buyers today want hybrids that are not only economical but also stylish, technologically advanced, and fun to drive.

The 2025 Camry Hybrid exemplifies how Toyota has taken lessons from the Prius and applied them to a more mainstream, versatile sedan. It caters to a wider audience, including those who may find the Prius too small or too focused on efficiency at the expense of performance and practicality.

For drivers like New Camry Guy, who appreciate Toyota’s hybrid prowess but want something more balanced and refined, the 2025 Camry Hybrid delivers. It’s a car that proves you don’t have to sacrifice practicality or driving enjoyment to benefit from hybrid technology. While it may not hypermile as effortlessly as the Prius, its combination of sporty performance, advanced features, and respectable fuel efficiency make it one of the most compelling hybrids on the market today.

If you’ve been considering upgrading your hybrid or making the switch from a conventional vehicle, the 2025 Toyota Camry Hybrid might just be the perfect middle ground. Toyota has proven once again that it knows how to evolve and meet the needs of drivers without losing sight of its hybrid legacy.

What do you think about Toyota’s evolution from the Prius to the Camry Hybrid? Do you prefer a hybrid that prioritizes maximum fuel efficiency, like the Prius, or one that strikes a balance with added performance and practicality, like the Camry? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below—we’d love to hear which hybrid best fits your lifestyle!

Armen Hareyan is the founder and the Editor in Chief of Torque News. He founded TorqueNews.com in 2010, which since then has been publishing expert news and analysis about the automotive industry. He can be reached at Torque News Twitter, Facebook, Linkedin, and Youtube. He has more than a decade of expertise in the automotive industry with a special interest in Tesla and electric vehicles.