28 MPG combined is acceptable fuel economy for the 2016 Toyota Camry 2.5L 4-cylinder. It’s not going to win any hypermiling contests, but it offers a sensible balance between efficiency and everyday usability that Camry buyers prioritize. People choose the Camry for its reliability, comfortable ride, and reputation for low running costs. Fuel economy that is merely “good enough” is a tradeoff many are willing to make.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates for the 2016 Camry 2.5L place city driving at 25 MPG and highway driving at 34 MPG. The nine-MPG jump from city to highway reflects the engine’s ability to settle into its most efficient operating range at higher, constant speeds. Stop-and-go traffic will drag down the fuel economy as the engine burns more fuel during acceleration from a standstill. The six-speed automatic transmission also plays a key role, offering well-spaced ratios to allow for both brisk acceleration and relaxed cruising.

Annual fuel cost

According to the EPA, the estimated annual fuel cost for the 2016 Toyota Camry 2.5L is $1,550 per year. This figure is based on driving 15,000 miles per year and using national average fuel prices for regular unleaded gasoline. Your actual fuel costs may vary depending on your driving habits, the type of roads you typically drive on, and the price of gasoline in your area. It’s a useful benchmark for comparing to other vehicles, but consider it a starting point for your own personalized estimate.

Real-world expectations

While the EPA estimates provide a standardized basis for comparison, real-world fuel economy often differs. The Camry’s dependable 2.5L engine is fairly forgiving, but aggressive driving will certainly impact fuel efficiency. A smooth, steady driving style can help achieve figures close to or even slightly exceeding the EPA estimates. Factors like tire pressure, vehicle maintenance, and even the use of accessories such as air conditioning can influence fuel consumption. Owners who diligently track their mileage and drive conservatively often report numbers mirroring the EPA’s projections.

How it compares

In the 2016 model year, the Camry’s fuel economy was competitive within its class. The Honda Accord 2.4L, another perennial favorite in the midsize sedan segment, offered similar numbers with an EPA-rated 27 MPG combined. The Nissan Altima 2.5L, known for its continuously variable transmission (CVT), often edged out the Camry, boasting around 27 MPG city and 39 MPG highway depending on the specific model year and trim. Hyundai’s Sonata 2.4L posted similar figures, around 25 city, 36 highway, and 30 combined. These comparisons are important for Camry shoppers because they often cross-shop these models, weighing factors like reliability, features, and driving dynamics alongside fuel efficiency.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Ensure your tires are properly inflated. The correct tire pressure, typically found on a sticker inside the driver’s side doorjamb, minimizes rolling resistance and improves fuel economy by a noticeable margin.

Avoid excessive idling. If you anticipate being stopped for more than a minute, it’s more fuel-efficient to turn off the engine. Modern engines are designed to restart quickly and reliably, saving fuel rather than needlessly burning it while idling.

Use cruise control on the highway. Maintaining a consistent speed helps minimize unnecessary acceleration and deceleration, which can significantly improve highway fuel economy. The Camry’s smooth, predictable power delivery makes it ideal for long highway drives using cruise control.

Anticipate traffic and drive smoothly. Hard acceleration and braking waste fuel. By looking ahead and anticipating traffic flow, you can maintain a more consistent speed and avoid sudden stops and starts. This driving style is especially effective around town.

Keep your Camry properly maintained. Regular oil changes, air filter replacements, and tune-ups ensure that your engine is running efficiently. A well-maintained engine burns fuel more cleanly and efficiently, optimizing fuel economy. You can also view all Toyota fuel economy data and CAMRY MPG across all years.