- 1. No standard blind-spot monitors or rear-cross traffic alert
- 2. Poor headlight performance mars the 2022 Toyota Camry Hybrid
- 3. Tight interior dimensions
- 4. The 2022 Toyota Camry Hybrid has smaller trunk than the Honda Accord Hybrid
The 2022 Toyota Camry Hybrid has a lot of strengths besides its heightened fuel efficiency. Starting at $27,980, it isn’t much more expensive than a regular Camry. It also boasts 208 hp, regenerative brakes, and a cozy ride free from excessive powertrain or road noises.
However, according to Consumer Reports, the 2022 Toyota Camry Hybrid is still a mixed bag compared to other hybrid sedans. Here are the Camry Hybrid quirks Consumer Reports testers say will annoy owners the most.
1. No standard blind-spot monitors or rear-cross traffic alert
2022 Toyota Camry Hybrid | Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc.
Blind-spot monitors and rear-cross traffic alerts can only be added to the LE or SE trim for an additional $680. If you get the SE Nightshade Edition, you’ll have to pay $900 to access these features. Both safety functions are available in optional packages, but all of those cost upwards of $1,000.
The standard safety suite also doesn’t include reverse automatic emergency braking. Predictably, the available head-up display and a 360-degree camera are reserved for the most expensive models.
Fortunately, the 2022 Toyota Camry Hybrid still comes standard with forward-collision warning and automatic emergency braking. It also has several lane-keeping assistance functions, adaptive cruise control, and pedestrian/cyclist detection. The NHTSA gave the 2022 Toyota Camry Hybrid a perfect safety rating.
2. Poor headlight performance mars the 2022 Toyota Camry Hybrid
2022 @Toyota Camry adds Nightshade hybrid, new color options: https://t.co/0QcNnaKfAM pic.twitter.com/54wK5poB1x
— Car and Driver (@CARandDRIVER) November 15, 2021
According to Consumer Reports, it’s almost essential to use the Toyota Camry Hybrid’s high beams whenever possible. The standard LED low beams aren’t the brightest, impressing neither Consumer Reports nor the IIHS during testing. The high beams are also automatic, activating based on natural lighting conditions and the exterior lights of surrounding vehicles.
The XLE and XSE trims can be optioned with adaptive headlights, which automatically adjust themselves to illuminate corners. Every Toyota Camry Hybrid also has automatic daytime running lights.
3. Tight interior dimensions
The Toyota Camry Hybrid was redesigned for the 2018 model year, now with better handling and a lower roofline. As you can imagine, some riders won’t have enough headroom in the backseat. Camry Hybrid drivers have a generous amount of both headroom and legroom.
Consumer Reports says the rear row is definitely more minor, but it still provides decent accommodations to stretch your limbs. The seats in both rows offer adequate support. Still, since the redesigned model has a lower stance, seat access is more of a hassle.
Power and sophistication from the Toyota Camry Hybrid.https://t.co/xM6EyupV87 pic.twitter.com/KVgXfvqFw5
— Toyota Ireland (@toyotaireland) December 23, 2020
Most of the interior also feels bare-bones compared to other entries in the segment. The cloth seats on the standard model have a chintzy feeling, and there’s not enough padding in the driver’s armrest. Consumer Reports testers also noted that the Camry has an abundance of hard plastic components, even on the highest trim.
Even so, testers appreciated the intuitiveness of the Toyota Camry Hybrid’s interior controls. The infotainment system provides rapid response times and a good balance between physical and digital controls. Every Camry Hybrid model even comes standard with an electronic parking brake.
4. The 2022 Toyota Camry Hybrid has smaller trunk than the Honda Accord Hybrid
According to Toyota, the Camry Hybrid’s trunk has 15 cubic feet of space, plus 60/40 split-folding seats in the back. The Honda Accord Hybrid also has these seats, but it has two extra cubic feet of cargo area. Consumer Reports test drivers were able to fix four suitcases inside this trunk, while the Camry Hybrid could only hold three.
The Honda Accord Hybrid’s headlights are also brighter than the Camry Hybrid’s, and it has a classier interior, CR testers report. Of course, it’s worth noting the Camry Hybrid’s engine is quieter and gets the better highway mileage between the two. Still, this might not be the best hybrid car for you if you’re prioritizing the most interior space and standard safety features.
Keyword: 2022 Toyota Camry Hybrid: 4 Things Consumer Reports Hates About the Midsize Sedan