Flash Drive

2023 Toyota Camry SE Hybrid

April 16, 2023 - Behind The Wheel - Comments: 

Model Tested: 2023 Toyota Camry SE Hybrid Nightshade

The 2023 Toyota Camry SE Nightshade Edition has a pleasing side profile and come in three available colors.

Engine: 2.4-liter I-4, 208 combined horsepower and 163 lb.-ft torque

Transmission:  CVT automatic transmission, front-wheel drive

EPA Rating: 44-mpg city, 47-mpg highway, 46-mpg combined

Base Price: $30,615

As Tested: $32,839

Performance:

Good fuel economy but we fell below EPA estimate with a best of 37-mpg

Performance modes: Eco, Normal,

Front seat room and comfort are excellent in the 2023 Toyota Camry SE.

Sport, EV

Paddle shifters

Smooth highway ride

Good braking

Confident handling

Comfort:

Excellent front seat room and comfort

Super stretch-out front legroom

Firm power driver lumbar support

Comfy rear seat

Soft wide rear armrest with two cupholders

The Camry Nightshade Edition adds these handsome bronze wheels.

Good back seat room if fronts moved up some

Tall rear floor hump

Four grab handles

Manual passenger seat with height pump

Tilt/telescopic steering column

Very good telescopic, fair tilt

Medium thick contoured steering wheel

Good auxiliary controls

Quality interior materials

The Toyota Camry has a big trunk with a flat floor and a reasonable lift-over height.

Good infotainment screen with control buttons

Utility:

Big trunk with wide opening

Six-inch lift-over

Flat floor

Big pass-through

Rear release for folding seats

Small rear door bins

Big, wide seatback pouches

Thin front door bins

Medium size non-locking glovebox

The 2023 Toyota Camry SE Hybrid Nightshade Edition’s front 3/4 profile.

Medium-plus console bin

WOW Factors:

Handsome side profile and sharp wheels

Very spacious front seat room

Comfortable interior

Good quality interior materials

Sharp styling except for grille

Handsome bronze wheels on Nightshade Edition

Ample safety features

Whines:

Front end styling too busy for our tastes

The steering wheel, infotainment system, and various controls are well placed and easy to use.

Big height difference between folded seats and trunk floor

Tight back seat with fronts all back

Bottom Line:

The 2023 Toyota Camry SE Hybrid is an excellent midsize sedan that makes a great family vehicle for buyers not obsessed with thinking a 4×4 SUV is an urban necessity. The best-selling Toyota Camry is well-known for its reliability, comfort, utility, and value. The SE Hybrid adds to all those pluses with the increased economy of a hybrid.