The 2015 Toyota Camry Hybrid XLE/SE 2.5L 4-cylinder gets 39 MPG combined, and that’s the number that convinces a specific buyer, one who values reliability and low running costs over exciting driving or the latest technology. The Camry Hybrid is exactly what it appears to be. It’s a comfortable, spacious, and dependable sedan that uses fuel like a much smaller car, a benefit that’s particularly attractive to commuters and families who drive a lot.

City and highway performance

The EPA numbers show an interesting thing about the Camry Hybrid’s efficiency: it does a little better in the city, achieving 40 MPG compared to 37 MPG on the highway. This is normal for hybrid vehicles, where regenerative braking captures energy during stop-and-go driving, greatly reducing fuel use. Its electric motor helps the 2.5L four-cylinder engine at slower speeds.

On the highway, the engine does more of the work and gets less help from the hybrid system, resulting in a slightly lower rating, though 37 MPG is a great highway number.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA says the annual fuel cost for the 2015 Toyota Camry Hybrid is $1,100. This is based on 15,000 miles of driving per year, using national average fuel prices. This $1,100 annual fuel cost shows exactly why people buy the Camry Hybrid. It isn’t the most exciting car, but it’s hard to ignore the financial advantage of less frequent fill-ups. Those savings can quickly add up over years, allowing owners to spend money elsewhere.

Real-world expectations

While the EPA gives a standard estimate, actual fuel economy will vary based on driving habits, traffic, and even weather. Hard acceleration, frequent hard braking, and long idling will all lower MPG. The Camry Hybrid’s hybrid system is generally quite reliable and gets impressive efficiency even with more aggressive driving. Many owners say that they get numbers close to, or even a little better than, the EPA estimates in normal driving. People who focus on MPG can probably do even better, but they are not who the Camry Hybrid is for; its buyers want simple, reliable efficiency.

How it compares

The 2015 Camry Hybrid’s fuel economy compares well to its rivals. For example, the Ford Fusion Hybrid of the same year was around 42 MPG city/highway combined. The Honda Accord Hybrid, another strong competitor, got around 47 MPG combined. While the Ford and Honda numbers look a little better, the Camry is known for being very reliable, which is more important than a small fuel economy difference to many buyers. You can research all Toyota fuel economy data across the product line.

Also, be sure to browse CAMRY MPG across all years.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Gentle acceleration helps get the most fuel economy in the Camry Hybrid. Avoid quick starts and stops, as these make the gasoline engine work harder and reduce regenerative braking. The smoother you are with the gas pedal, the more time you’ll spend in electric-only mode, and the better your fuel economy will be.

Use the “Eco” mode setting. This setting softens how the car accelerates and changes the climate control system for efficiency. Most drivers will hardly notice the change in performance, but the effect on fuel use can be significant over time.

Proper tire inflation is critical for the best fuel economy. Check your tire pressure regularly and inflate your tires to the recommended pressure on the doorjamb. Underinflated tires create more resistance, which hurts MPG. It’s also vital for even wear of the tires.

Reduce extra weight in the car. Carrying extra cargo in the trunk or back seat reduces fuel economy. The Camry Hybrid is not a pickup truck, so clean it out regularly. The less weight you carry, the less effort the hybrid system needs to expend.