As new car prices continue to rise, many buyers are turning to the used market to get more bang for their buck. For those not yet ready to make the leap to electric, but still seeking great fuel efficiency, used hybrid sedans have become a popular choice. Here’s a fantastic option.
Combining fuel-efficient driving with minimal lifestyle changes, these hybrids offer the best of both worlds. The used hybrid market offers exceptional value in 2025, with hybrids maintaining strong resale values due to their durability and long-term reliability.
Two brands that stand out in the used hybrid sedan market are Toyota and Honda, automakers with a proven track record of long-term reliability. There’s no shortage of options out there, but is there a model that ticks all the boxes: price, performance, and efficiency?
In order to give you the most up-to-date and accurate information possible, the data used to compile this article was sourced from various manufacturer websites and other authoritative sources, including J.D. Power, TopSpeed, and the NHTSA.
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The Three-Year-Old Japanese Hybrid Sedan Worth Investing In Is The 2022 Toyota Camry Hybrid
Reliability is at the forefront of most buyers’ minds when choosing a used hybrid sedan, and one brand synonymous with reliability is Japanese automaker Toyota. The 2022 Camry Hybrid may not get as much hype as some of its competitors, but its reputation for reliability and practicality shouldn’t be overlooked.
Durable And Easy To Maintain
The 2022 Toyota Camry Hybrid features a 2.5-liter four-cylinder hybrid engine and, like the vast majority of Toyotas, it’s easy to maintain. The sheer popularity of vehicles using this drivetrain means there’s no shortage of spare parts, and they’re cheap, too.
Further, they’re easy to work on, as the fourth-generation Toyota Hybrid System has fewer mechanical parts. For example, the engine has no starter motors, as the starter generator (one of two electric motors) is what brings the engine to life.
The air compressor also isn’t mechanical—instead it’s purely electronically driven, removing the need for pulleys and clutches. It sounds very cutting edge, but it’s the hard work of Toyota making their electrified drivetrains mechanically simple over time.
2022 Toyota Camry Hybrid Specifications
|
Powertrain |
2.5-Liter Four-Cylinder Hybrid |
|
Transmission |
E-CVT |
|
Horsepower |
208 HP |
|
Torque |
163 LB-FT |
|
Driveline |
Front-Wheel Drive |
|
0-60 MPH |
7.4 Seconds |
|
Top Speed |
N/A |
|
Fuel Economy (Combined) |
52 MPG (LE), 46 MPG (SE, XLE, XSE) |
|
Starting MSRP |
$27,980 (LE) |
According to iSeeCars, a three-year-old Camry Hybrid averages a used price of $26,807 for the base LE trim, which is slightly below the $28,700 starting MSRP of the new model.
Depending on the trim variant, you can find 2022 models listed at prices ranging from $23,000 for the base LE to $30,000 or more for higher trims like the XSE and XLE, which offer additional features and comfort. These prices reflect the Camry Hybrid’s strong resale performance and enduring value.
Key Safety And Reliability Ratings
J.D. Power awards the 2022 Toyota Camry a reliability score of 84 out of 100, placing it top of the pile for the most reliable three-year-old Japanese hybrid sedan.
Reliability and Safety Scores:
- J.D. Power Reliability Score: 84/100—Excellent long-term reliability, making it one of the most dependable hybrids on the market.
- NHTSA Overall Safety Rating: 5 Stars—The Camry Hybrid excels in safety, earning the highest overall score from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
Crash Test Ratings (NHTSA):
- Frontal Barrier Star Rating: 5 Stars—Outstanding protection in frontal crash scenarios.
- Overall Side Star Rating: 5 Stars—Provides excellent side-impact protection.
- Rollover Resistance Rating: 5 Stars—High marks for stability and rollover resistance, ensuring driver and passenger safety.
Advanced Safety Tech:
The Camry Hybrid is equipped with technology that meets or exceeds NHTSA’s performance criteria:
- Forward Collision Warning
- Lane Departure Warning
- Crash Imminent Braking
- Dynamic Brake Support
These systems work together to keep you and your passengers safe by alerting you to potential collisions and assisting in braking when necessary.
Recalls:
- One Recall To Date: An airbag sensor issue caused a short circuit. Toyota will inspect and replace the sensor if necessary at no cost. Owner letters were mailed on October 31, 2024, and this recall is being addressed in phases.
What You Get In A Three-Year-Old Camry
A standout in the Japanese hybrid segment, the 2022 Camry offers an updated version of the eighth-generation model. As part of the mid-cycle facelift, the 2022 Camry Hybrid received enhancements, including a bolder front-end design, refined interior materials, and a host of tech upgrades, making it an even more attractive option for used buyers.
Edgier Looks On All Variants
The Camry can be unofficially separated into two categories—”standard” and “sport-oriented” versions. Standard versions include the LE and XLE, with the sportier versions including the SE and XSE.
The front bumper of standard versions consists of a wide lower grille with a horizontal line pattern, and 17- or 18-inch wheels. Niceties like smart entry, full LED exterior lighting, 18-inch wheels, and additional chrome trimmings are included on the XLE.
Sportier versions are characterized by their sportier front bumper, and 18- and 19-inch wheel options. The XSE—which gets the larger wheels—also gets full LED exterior lighting, as well as the option for a black contrasting roof and a panoramic sunroof.
Sat between the standard and sports-oriented versions is the SE Nightshade. This particular model stands out with its sleek, black-out accents, and offers a sportier look for those who want a touch of personality along with the practicality of the Camry Hybrid.
Toyota Camry Hybrid Trims
|
Trim |
Price |
|
LE |
$27,980 |
|
SE |
$29,515 |
|
SE Nightshade |
$30,215 |
|
XLE |
$32,870 |
|
XSE |
$33,420 |
Improved Interior
Not only did the Camry get a radical new exterior design as part of the mid-cycle facelift, but the interior received many changes, too—most noticeably the center stack, which gained a tablet-style seven- or nine-inch infotainment with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The touch integration isn’t as refined as earlier models, but the updated system now offers enhanced features and better functionality.
Opt for a higher trim, and you can look forward to a seven-inch color multi-information display between the analog gauges. That’s not all, though, as higher trims get leather upholstery, power-adjustable front seats, a JBL premium sound system, and blue ambient lighting, too.
Safety wise, the mid-cycle facelift also saw the upgraded Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+ suite of advanced driver-assistance systems included on every variant. This suite includes key features such as Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection, Lane Departure Alert, Adaptive Cruise Control, and Lane Tracing Assist, making safety a top priority across the lineup.
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What It’s Like Living With A Camry Hybrid
If you’ve ever driven the previous model Camry, you’ll notice the similarity, as both share the TNGA-K platform. That being said, the 2022 Camry Hybrid received a few improvements in structural rigidity, to enhance refinement and handling.
It Won’t Raise Your Blood Pressure
The reality is, it won’t raise your blood pressure, but that’s because the Camry—true to its nature—is renowned for its supple ride and refined demeanor. Its 2.5-liter four-cylinder hybrid drivetrain works well to deliver power responsively, but its e-CVT’s tuning is biased towards fuel efficiency.
Plant your foot, and you’ll be greeted by an engine that will sing at a constant RPM when it accelerates. There is, however, a TRD variant which comes with sport-tuned suspension and added chassis enhancements, but that’s only if you opt for a 3.5-liter V6.
As well as long-term durability, sheer fuel efficiency is another reason why the Camry Hybrid’s a popular choice. The base LE with 17-inch wheels gets an EPA-estimated average fuel economy of 52 MPG, while the 18-inch or 19-inch wheels fitted to the SE, XLE, and XSE, reduce this to a still-efficient 46 MPG.
Improved Tech, Albeit Not The Most Cutting Edge
As previously mentioned, the 2022 Toyota Camry Hybrid received an upgraded interior and tech. The seven- and nine-inch infotainment screens are welcome changes, however, the user interface has been noted to still feel clunky and with crunchy graphics, especially compared to other midsize sedans at the time.
Every cloud has a silver lining, though, as while the execution isn’t the most cutting-edge, there’s more tech than you can shake a stick at. When searching for a used model, make sure you find one equipped with a JBL sound system, as it’ll make your time with the Camry that much more pleasurable, especially on long drives.
Shop smart for a used model with the features you want, and you’ll get the reliability of a Toyota, the economy of a hybrid sedan, and all with the initial depreciation shaved off already, setting you up for years of enjoyment.
