The 2021 Toyota Camry LE/SE, equipped with its 2.5L 4-cylinder engine, gets a combined fuel economy of 32 MPG. This figure is a good balance for many buyers: efficient enough to keep running costs reasonable, without sacrificing the space, reliability, and overall practicality that makes the Camry popular. This isn’t a hybrid promising Prius-like numbers, nor is it a sporty V6 guzzler; it’s a family sedan, designed to provide dependable transportation.

City and highway performance

The EPA figures show the 2021 Camry LE/SE 2.5L gets 28 MPG in the city and 39 MPG on the highway. This difference shows the benefits of the Camry’s smooth-shifting 8-speed automatic transmission, which allows the engine to operate at lower RPMs when cruising at highway speeds. The city rating reflects frequent acceleration and deceleration that reduces overall efficiency. Even in city conditions, the Camry remains efficient because of its relatively lightweight construction and well-engineered engine.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates that the annual fuel cost for the 2021 Toyota Camry LE/SE 2.5L is $1,350. This is based on driving 15,000 miles per year and using national average fuel prices. This cost is a benchmark, as individual driving habits and local fuel prices will change how much you spend on gasoline. If you drive significantly more or less than 15,000 miles annually, or if you live in an area with particularly high or low fuel costs, your actual expenses will vary. Still, $1,350 provides a clear idea of what it costs to fuel this engine, important for budget-conscious buyers.

Real-world expectations

The EPA provides valuable standardized testing data, but real-world driving conditions will change fuel economy. Aggressive acceleration, frequent hard braking, excessive idling, and carrying heavy loads can all reduce the MPG you experience in your day-to-day driving. The published figures represent optimal conditions and a blend of driving styles. Most owners find that achieving the combined 32 MPG is realistic with conscious driving habits. Many drivers have reported getting close to the highway number on longer trips, while primarily city driving may result in numbers close to the 28 MPG figure.

How it compares

The 2021 Camry’s fuel economy is competitive. The Honda Accord achieves a similar 33 MPG combined in its LX and EX trims with the 1.5T engine. The Nissan Altima averages around 32 MPG combined with its base 2.5L engine. Some competitors may offer slightly better numbers, but fuel economy is only one factor. The Camry’s reputation for reliability, resale value, and overall comfort often matters more than small differences in MPG to its customers. Check all Toyota fuel economy data before deciding.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Gentle acceleration is key. Avoid stomping on the gas pedal, and instead, gradually increase your speed. The Camry’s responsive engine doesn’t need excessive throttle input to maintain momentum. Smooth and predictable acceleration will reduce fuel consumption.

Maintain proper tire inflation. Underinflated tires create more rolling resistance, forcing the engine to work harder and burn more fuel. Check your tire pressure regularly and inflate them to the manufacturer’s recommended pressure, found on a sticker inside the driver’s side doorjamb.

Minimize idling time. Letting your engine idle for too long burns fuel. If you’re stopped for more than a minute, consider turning off the engine. Modern engines are designed to restart quickly and reliably, making this a way to conserve fuel, particularly in city driving.

Use cruise control on the highway. Maintaining a consistent speed on long highway drives reduces unnecessary acceleration and deceleration, leading to better fuel economy. The Camry’s adaptive cruise control system (available on some trims) can enhance efficiency by automatically adjusting your speed to maintain a safe following distance.

Consider using accessories less. Running the air conditioning at full blast or the heat on max will tax the engine, reducing fuel economy. Using these systems carefully can have a noticeable impact on your gas mileage. For more information on the CAMRY MPG across all years, check our database.