2022 Toyota Camry vs 2022 Toyota Camry Hybrid

The 2022 Toyota Camry made a striking impression, particularly in its TRD (Toyota Racing Development) guise. Three young men even pointed it out with admiration as we approached, a rarity in all our years of evaluating Camrys. Much of this attention was probably due to the eye-catching Cavalry Blue paint, a new hue for 2022 exclusive to the performance-tuned TRD model.

In 2022, the Camry received a few updates, such as standard heated side mirrors across all trims and standard dual-zone automatic climate control for all but the TRD version. A new color called Ice Edge was also introduced, and the SE Hybrid trim level came with a Nightshade Edition package that blacked out the car’s exterior trim and wheels.

With 13 different versions to choose from, finding a Camry that met your style preferences was straightforward. Prices began at just over $26,000 for the base LE model and capped at around $37,000 for the sporty and upscale XSE model. Engine options included a four-cylinder, a V6, and a gas-electric hybrid powertrain capable of more than 50 mpg in combined driving.

Our test car, the TRD model, was priced at $35,470 and came with additional features like a JBL premium sound system and a 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system. Even without the Cavalry Blue paint, the TRD stood out with its aerodynamic body kit, matte-black 19-inch wheels, red brake calipers, accent stripes, and a polished stainless steel exhaust system. Despite bold styling efforts, which tried too hard, the TRD’s aerodynamic enhancements were more welcome.

The conventional interior of the TRD featured an unusual dashboard layout and a driver-oriented center console. However, the red gauge illumination, floor mat embroidery, and seatbelts were aesthetically unpleasing. The bright blue paint and fast bodywork were polarizing for many, but they marked a significant departure from previous Camrys branded as uninspiringly boring.

The 2022 Toyota Camry Hybrid, on the other hand, had roots tracing back to 2007 and saw minimal changes for 2022 after a makeover in 2021. Its exterior design surprised many, featuring a futuristic and expressive front end with various wheel options from 16-inch steel to 19-inch alloy wheels.

The interior was similarly futuristic and expressive with a wild dashboard layout. The center stack contained a substantial touchscreen for infotainment and comprehensive controls, while the center console housed the gear selector and dual cupholders. The second row was roomy, offering comfort even for the middle seat.

Toyota's high fit and finish were evident in the Camry Hybrid, including even gaps, glossy paint, and quality materials, maintaining the company's reputation for well-crafted vehicles.

The 2022 Toyota Camry TRD came equipped with a 3.5-liter V6 engine, producing 301 horsepower and 267 pound-feet of torque. It featured an eight-speed automatic transmission and front-wheel drive. The TRD also included a Sport transmission mode, paddle shifters, and a Sport driving mode, enhancing throttle response and steering effort levels. The EPA’s fuel economy ratings suggested 25 mpg in combined driving. During testing, despite aggressive driving in Sport mode across a mountain range, the car still averaged 24.8 mpg.

Beyond its robust engine, the Camry TRD offered “track-tuned” driving dynamics with increased torsional rigidity, stiffer sway bars, tighter springs, TRD shocks, and a sport dual exhaust system. The performance was further elevated with 19-inch matte-black alloy wheels and 235/40 summer performance tires. Priced based on the SE trim, this TRD presented remarkable performance, greatly enhancing its value proposition.

The engine and transmission were impeccable. However, the lack of all-wheel drive made its powerful front wheels prone to losing grip and squealing. Despite this, the structural bracing, TRD-tuned suspension, and performance tires made the Camry TRD feel solid, secure, and engaging on winding roads. The suspension provided a communicative yet comfortable ride, and the brake pedal offered excellent feel and modulation without showing fade during spirited driving.

In contrast, the 2022 Toyota Camry Hybrid prioritized fuel efficiency with an EPA rating of 51 mpg city, 53 mpg highway, and 52 mpg combined for entry-level LE models. Higher trims achieved 44 mpg city, 47 mpg highway, and 46 mpg combined. The hybrid system combined a 2.5-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine with two electric motors, delivering a total of 208 horsepower via an electronically controlled CVT to the front wheels. Paddle shifters on the SE and XSE models allowed drivers to simulate a six-speed transmission operation.

Drive mode selection included EV, Eco, Normal, and Sport, though maintaining EV-only mode was challenging. Handling benefitted from the hybrid's low center of gravity due to the battery pack's placement, potentially offering better performance than the gasoline-only Camry.

Our criticisms were minor, such as difficulty staying in EV mode and occasional drivetrain droning. Nonetheless, the focus on fuel efficiency inevitably compromised responsiveness.

Both models offered commendable interior space and comfort. The Camry TRD featured front seats with red accents but no additional bolstering compared to a base SE model. Despite this, the low-slung driving position and high center console provided adequate support and comfort, even without rear-seat air vents or a fold-down rear seat. With a fixed rear seatback, the trunk space was limited to 15.1 cubic feet, which was one of the smallest in its class. However, generous in-cabin storage somewhat compensated for this shortfall.

Meanwhile, the Camry Hybrid offered a reasonable and comfortable driving position accessible to most drivers. With plenty of headroom and storage options, the Camry Hybrid catered well to both driver and passengers. The second row remained easy to access and spacious, featuring practical storage solutions like bottle holders and map pockets.

Trunk space matched the Camry TRD at 15.1 cubic feet, thanks to the low-mounted battery pack that also allowed for a passthrough for long items like skis. The second row could fold down to accommodate larger cargo.

Warranty coverage for the Camry Hybrid was comprehensive, including a basic warranty for three years/36,000 miles, a powertrain warranty of five years/60,000 miles, a hybrid battery warranty of ten years/100,000 miles, and specific hybrid component coverage for eight years/100,000 miles.

The 2022 Toyota Camry TRD came standard with a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system, which felt small by modern standards but was user-friendly thanks to stereo volume and tuning knobs and shortcut buttons. Despite its small size, it included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, and SiriusXM satellite radio. Optional upgrades featured a 9-inch touchscreen, additional subscription services, and a nine-speaker JBL premium audio system. While the JBL system was somewhat bass-heavy and brassy, it provided acceptable sound quality for the price point.

The Camry TRD missed out on dynamic connected navigation and voice recognition technology. However, using Apple CarPlay or Android Auto allowed for efficient use of Siri or Google Assistant via the steering wheel’s “talk” button.

Conversely, the 2022 Toyota Camry Hybrid boasted Toyota's latest technology features, including a specially tuned JBL premium audio system, which impressed with nine speakers and sophisticated algorithms extracting high-quality audio from compressed digital sources. This system was optional on the XLE and XSE models, whereas a basic six-speaker setup was standard.

Embedded navigation was available on the upper trims, though with standard Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa, embedded navigation wasn’t necessary for those with a smartphone. The LE, SE, and SE Nightshade models came with a 7-inch touchscreen, while the XLE and XSE models offered a 9-inch display.

Standard features across all trim levels included Toyota’s smart key system, push-button start, a projected-path feature for the rearview camera, automatic LED headlights, and dual-zone automatic climate control. The XSE models additionally offered a 10-inch head-up display, bird’s-eye view camera, intelligent clearance sonar with rear cross-traffic braking, and ventilated seats, edging close to Lexus-level luxury and tech.

The 2022 Toyota Camry came standard with Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+, a comprehensive suite of driver-assist and collision avoidance features, including adaptive cruise control and lane-centering assistance. A blind-spot monitoring system with rear cross-traffic alert was standard on the Camry TRD and optional on the LE and SE trims.

The lane-departure warning system occasionally issued false warnings, and the lane-centering assistance could be overly insistent. Additionally, the adaptive cruise control sometimes unnecessarily reduced speed in curves, leading to minor driver annoyance.

Safety Connect, standard on all models, offered a blend of connected services, including automatic collision notification, an emergency assistance button, and a stolen vehicle locator. The Camry earned a “Top Safety Pick+” rating from the IIHS and five-star ratings in all NHTSA evaluations.

Similarly, the 2022 Toyota Camry Hybrid featured Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+ with adaptive cruise control, lane-departure alert, automatic high beams, and more. Standard Star Safety System features included stability control, traction control, anti-lock brakes, and more.

With ten airbags and additional safety features like three-point seatbelts, LATCH system, and child protector locks, the Camry Hybrid was well-prepared for passenger safety. A blind-spot monitor with rear cross-traffic alert came standard on XLE and XSE trims and was available on others.

The Camry Hybrid also had a "Top Safety Pick+" rating from the IIHS for the 2021 model and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA for 2022.