Camry Hybrid's Real-World Fuel Economy

Toyota’s new 2007 Camry Hybrid has exceptional gas mileage estimates — 40/38 mpg (city/highway) — from the EPA, but is the mileage on the sticker close to real-world driving?

During a 400-mile roundtrip between Chicago and Detroit, a Camry Hybrid with Cars.com staffers Mike Hanley, Kelsey Mays and Joe Wiesenfelder inside managed to average a respectable 36 mpg. Much of the driving was done at speeds of 75 – 80 mph, with a full load of luggage in the trunk. The air conditioning system, which tends to reduce fuel economy, ran at a moderate level for most of the summertime trip.

Maximizing efficiency wasn’t a priority for this crew during this particular trip, but it’s likely many Camry Hybrid buyers aren’t going to want to change the speed they drive on the highway, how much luggage they carry, or their air conditioner habits in order to maximize efficiency, either — they’re just going to want to get in the car, go, and get great gas mileage. It looks like that’s possible, even with a bunch of lead foots on board, and even better fuel economy figures are likely within reach of drivers with an eye toward efficiency.

For more information, check out Joe’s full review of the 2007 Camry and Camry Hybrid. Below are more images from our trip.

The car’s center mounted display screen.

A lot of auto journalist luggage in the Camry’s trunk.

The hybrid engine up close.

Time to head home.