The 2021 Toyota Camry XSE V6 offers strong power and a surprisingly engaging driving experience, but this comes at the cost of fuel economy: 26 MPG combined. This isn’t Prius-level fuel efficiency, nor should it be. Buyers choose the XSE V6 for its responsiveness and refined power delivery, which sets it apart from the standard four-cylinder models and other family sedans. It’s ideal for drivers who want a practical mid-size car but also appreciate strong acceleration.

City and highway performance

The Camry XSE V6’s EPA ratings are 22 MPG in the city and 32 MPG on the highway. The city figure is adequate for stop-and-go driving, showing that the engine pulls strongly even at low RPM. The eight-speed automatic transmission helps here, smoothly shifting gears to keep the engine in its optimal range. On the open road, the 32 MPG highway rating allows for comfortable long-distance cruising without frequent fuel stops. This is achievable if you avoid frequently using the engine’s ample power for passing.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates the annual fuel cost for the 2021 Toyota Camry XSE V6 at $1,700. This is based on driving 15,000 miles per year at a hypothetical fuel price that reflects a national average. Your actual fuel costs will vary based on your driving habits, city versus highway driving, and local fuel prices. However, $1,700 is a useful benchmark when comparing the Camry XSE V6 to others in its class.

Real-world expectations

EPA estimates provide a standardized comparison, but real-world fuel economy often differs. Camry XSE V6 owners often see figures close to the EPA estimates, and some report slightly better highway MPG on long trips. However, aggressive driving, frequent short trips, and heavy traffic will lower your fuel economy. Using cruise control on the highway and smooth acceleration can help you get closer to the EPA’s ratings, or even exceed them.

How it compares

The Honda Accord 2.0T, a direct competitor, offers a similar mix of performance and practicality. It manages 26 MPG combined, with 22 MPG city and 32 MPG highway, essentially matching the Camry XSE V6 despite its turbocharged four-cylinder. The Nissan Altima SR VC-Turbo, another competitor focused on performance, also gets 25 MPG combined. The Acura TLX with the naturally aspirated 2.4L engine yields a combined 25 MPG (22 city and 31 highway). The Camry XSE V6 strikes a balance that owners find acceptable, they are willing to give up minor fuel economy advantages for the strong performance and smooth character of the V6 engine. Consider all all Toyota fuel economy data to help inform your choice.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Avoid aggressive acceleration. The Camry XSE V6 responds quickly to throttle inputs, but frequent hard acceleration will significantly reduce fuel economy. Smooth, gradual acceleration is important for maximizing efficiency, especially in city driving. This includes avoiding hard braking, which wastes the kinetic energy you just spent fuel to create.

Maintain proper tire inflation. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, forcing the engine to work harder and consume more fuel. Check your tire pressure regularly and inflate them to the recommended levels, which can be found on a sticker inside the driver’s side doorjamb. Keeping tires properly inflated improves fuel economy, tire life, and handling.

Use cruise control on the highway. Using cruise control on long highway stretches maintains a consistent speed, reducing changes in fuel consumption. However, be mindful of terrain changes, on hilly roads cruise control can sometimes lead to unnecessary downshifts and increased fuel use. Manually adjusting your speed may be more efficient in these situations.

Minimize idling. Excessive idling wastes fuel. If you’re stopped for more than a minute or two, turning off the engine is generally more efficient. Modern engines restart quickly and reliably, so there’s no need to keep the engine running unless it’s needed for climate control. Limit your use of remote start during winter, as that causes extended periods of idling when the vehicle is consuming fuel but not moving.

Consider regular maintenance. Your Camry XSE V6 must operate at peak mechanical efficiency in order to realize good MPG figures. Replace filters and fluids as recommended by Toyota. Vehicles that are poorly maintained struggle to achieve optimal fuel economy. Also consider exploring CAMRY MPG across all years if you are considering other model years.