In a recent hands-on for The Drive, writer Byron Hurd shared his impressions of the 2026 Toyota Camry hybrid, noting that the traditional four-door sedan remains highly relevant in today's market. The vehicle's sales volume has increased by more than 11 percent so far this year. At its current pace, Toyota could sell 350,000 units before the end of 2026.
Pricing and Upgrades
Toyota provided The Drive with a front-wheel-drive Nightshade Edition for testing, priced just under $39,000. Hurd notes that while this specification lacks all-wheel drive, it should be the optimal choice for drivers who do not regularly face traction issues. The test model included several optional add-ons: a 12.3-inch touchscreen for $735, a cold weather package for $500, and a power moonroof priced at $870.
Performance and Handling
The 2026 Toyota Camry hybrid weighs 3,500 pounds and is powered by a 225-horsepower system. According to the review, the electric motor provides substantial power right off the line, though this assertiveness decreases at higher speeds. The Nightshade Edition features 19-inch wheels and a stiffer suspension setup than the standard model.
Hurd found the resulting ride quality to be quite pleasant, stating that the car feels far more buttoned down than the base version without causing passenger discomfort. While he hesitates to call the handling sporty, the vehicle easily gets out of its own way when needed. The window sticker lists a fuel economy of 45 MPG, which Hurd suggests helps the sedan succeed in the current market.
Interior and Tech
The review highlights significant improvements in Toyota's infotainment and connectivity systems compared to previous years. Hurd reports that connecting a phone is simple, even on Android, and notes that the shallow phone charging tray functions much better than expected. The primary drawback Hurd experienced while driving the sedan was limited visibility when stuck behind large utility vehicles with tinted rear glass.
Final Verdict
Hurd concludes that the hybrid sedan is pleasantly old-school, offering a satisfying return to the traditional four-door format with a trunk.
Whatever you do, and wherever you look, everything in the Camry is just right. Maybe that’s why it’s still here, and so many of its former competitors are not.
Byron Hurd, The Drive
The Drive plans to publish a more detailed review of the vehicle in the coming weeks.
This article was written by AI from reporting by thedrive.com.
