2019 Camry XLE vs. Camry XLE Hybrid: How to Make the Right Choice

It must be a nice feeling being a Toyota Camry. You are quite popular. Car buyers realize how well-known you are for long-term quality, reliability and dependability. But with Toyota redesigning it for the 2018 model, it now has added much more technology and safety features. Here are some factors to consider when choosing between the top of the line 2019 Toyota Camry XLE and the Camry XLE Hybrid.

What are the engine differences between the 2019 Camry XLE vs XLE Hybrid?

The first thing to think about is what is under the hood and what type of power drivers will be working with.
The 2019 Toyota Camry XLE Hybrid utilizes a combination of a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine and two electric motors. This efficient combination of gasoline and electric (hybrid) gives drivers 208 net hybrid horsepower and 163 lb.-ft. torque to work with.

If you are considering the gasoline Camry XLE version, you will have two different engine sizes to choose from. The more popular choice, primarily due to lower cost, is the 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine, which delivers 203 horsepower and 184 lb.-ft. torque.

XLE V6 is significantly faster off the line and on the open road by giving drivers a powerful 3.5-liter engine. You will find this engine gives you 301 horsepower and 267 lb.-ft. torque.

Another important factor of interest is the difference in transmissions. The gasoline version drives with a direct-shift 8-speed electronically controlled automatic transmission, while 2019 XLE Hybrid utilizes an electronically controlled continuously variable transmission (CVT).

“I’ll take ‘M-P-G. Yeah You Know Me’ for $300 please Alex”

For car shoppers only looking at gas mileage, the Hybrid is the way to go here. I mean, have you seen the gas prices lately? They certainly do not seem to be going down anytime soon.

When you have a 2019 Toyota Camry Hybrid XLE, you know you are not only driving a midsize sedan that is smooth and quiet and comfortable, but one that offers you 46mpg combined (44 city / 47 highway) at the pump.

Just as there are two powertrain options for the gasoline trim level, there are also two fuel efficiency estimates for the 2019 Toyota Camry XLE.

If you purchase the 4-cylinder engine, expect gas mileage of 28mpg in the city and 39mpg on the highway (32 combined). Plan on 22mpg in the city and 33mpg on the highway (26 combined) with the XLE V6 Camry.

On a side note, the wildly popular 2019 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid gets fantastic gas mileage as well. The RAV4 Hybrid delivers an incredible 40mpg combined (41mpg city / 38mpg highway). The trick is to actually find one that is not already sold or spoken for.

Watch - 2019 Camry XLE vs XLE Hybrid - who wins this battle?

The price difference between Camry and Camry Hybrid

If we want to simplify things when purchasing a new car, there are really two basic questions that must be successfully answered. Do you love the car enough to want to buy it, and does it fit your budget? The 2019 Toyota Camry Hybrid XLE definitely wins the gas war over XLE, but what about price?

First, when showing base MSRP pricing, remember this is the MSRP price that a vehicle costs straight from the factory, but without it being delivered to each dealership and without any extra options like carpet mats. This base pricing system is mirrored nearly identically by all car manufacturers.

The 2019 Camry XLE has a base price of $29,175, while the XLE Hybrid lists at $32,975. That is an increase of $3,800 when you select the Hybrid option.

When you upgrade for the adrenaline rush of the 2019 Camry XLE V6, your base MSRP is $34,300. And remember, you are increasing nearly 100 horsepower when switching from a 4-cylinder to the V6. What a rush.

My final two cents on the matter

Last year I was in the position of choosing between a Camry XLE and a Camry XLE Hybrid. I went with the gasoline XLE because I was fine with the fuel mileage and I liked saving a little money. Everyone has different buying criteria. In fact, see how 2018 Toyota Camry Hybrid is compared Honda Accord Hybrid in John Goreham's story at Torque News.

When you choose a 2019 Camry XLE (both gas and Hybrid) you get multiple features and equipment. It is the luxury level after all. XLE has standard heated leather seats with 8-way power driver’s seat and 8-way power passenger seat. For multimedia-savvy buyers, expect the Entune 3.0 Audio Plus system with 8-inch touch screen. This provides you with SiriusXM, HD Radio, advanced voice recognition, and connected services such as Remote Connect (this is remote engine start from your phone app and so much more) and Service Connect.

Also worthy of mentioning is the fact that every 2019 Toyota Camry grade comes with standard Safety Connect, Wi-Fi Connect, Apple CarPlay and Alexa compatibility.

Toyota added CarPlay to all 2019 models, so I thought I missed out with my 2018 Camry. Luckily, Toyota did a great service to its owners by making a software update to add Apple CarPlay and Alexa to all 2018 Camry and Sienna vehicles. I now love and use Apple CarPlay in my 2018 Camry every day. Let’s go places with CarPlay!

Do you own a Toyota Camry? Have you had a choice between gasoline and Hybrid and what did you buy? I love mine – what do you think of yours?

Thanks everyone for reading my Toyota news and reviews stories. See you next time…

Jeff Teague is a Toyota news reporter at Torque News. You can reach Jeff on Facebook and Instagram. Twitter at @toyotajeff1 and tweet him tips for new stories. Jeff also shares Toyota news videos on his Youtube Channel at Toyotajeff.