Like Old Faithful in Yosemite, the 2023 Toyota Camry Hybrid Nightshade Edition is a reliable family sedan. It has delivered economy and comfort if not excitement year after year. The 2023 model is no different. With some tweaks to the Nightshade trim level, the 2023 model remains unchanged from the previous year.
Where it shines is mileage. Getting 46 MPG/combined is pretty easy to achieve unless you like to floor it every time you clear a traffic light. It’s big on comfort too with plenty of room for both passengers and drivers alike. The Camry also delivers on the safety features. While driving the Camry, rest assured that Toyota has loaded the Camry with extras to keep you safe on the road. If you want to add a little daring-do to your ride, take a look at the Nightshade Edition which adds blacked out features along with spiffy wheel enhancements.
Available in five trim levels: LE, SE, SE Nightshade, XLE and XSE, this review will focus on the SE Nightshade trim.
The Sport Edition (SE) stands as a more athletic variant of the LE trim, inheriting its standard features while introducing a series of exclusive upgrades. These enhancements include sport-design styling, 18-inch alloy wheels, a sport-tuned suspension, and a comfortable interior lined with synthetic leather seats that feature fabric inserts. There’s also a unique SE Nightshade Edition that ramps up the style quotient. This special version retains the characteristics of the SE but adds an element of sophistication with 19-inch bronze-colored wheels, black exterior trim, and badges, complemented by a sleek black rear spoiler.
Making the Camry Hybrid go is a four cylinder, 2.5-liter hybrid powertrain good for up to 208 horses. The engine is combined with a CVT transmission and front-wheel drive. Expect to get 44/city, 47/highway, and 46/combined MPG.
The Camry’s spacious and welcoming interior sets it apart in a competitive field. Its user-friendly design places all controls conveniently within arm’s reach. The vehicle accommodates a variety of driving positions, making it easy for drivers of different sizes to find their comfort zone. The generous door openings simplify entry and exit, while the ample interior space provides comfort for passengers in both the front and back seats. Visibility for the driver is outstanding.
For a midsize sedan, comfort is paramount, and the Camry Hybrid excels in this area. It offers a cozy atmosphere thanks to an efficient climate control system and seats that cater to various body types. Noise levels from wind and road disturbances remain remarkably low even at highway speeds.
In terms of tech features, the Camry Hybrid boasts standard smartphone integration with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa. The standard 7-inch infotainment touchscreen is intuitive and easy to navigate. With two USB ports and the potential addition of a wireless charger, passengers can keep their devices charged on the go.
On the safety front, all Camrys are equipped with Toyota’s Safety Sense 2.5+, a comprehensive package of standard driver assistance features. These include adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, and lane keeping assistance, contributing to an overall impressive suite of safety features.
The Camry Hybrid shines in numerous aspects, proving itself as a reliable and competent sedan. In daily driving scenarios, the car delivers a satisfactory level of power. Its hybrid system operates seamlessly, providing a hassle-free performance. The brakes are dependable and straightforward to use, making them ideal for routine use. When it comes to steering and maneuverability, the Camry Hybrid performs commendably within its class.
With fuel economy, comfort and dependability that would make Old Faithful jealous, the 2023 Toyota Camry Hybrid SE Nightshade Edition is a tried and true family sedan.
