Quick Answer
The Toyota Camry is considered to be one of the most fuel efficient midsize sedans on the market. Most models of the Camry are rated for excellent gas mileage by the EPA, making the Camry a good choice for buyers looking to save money on fuel costs. The 4-cylinder versions of the Camry are capable of getting over 30 mpg in combined city/highway driving. Even the more powerful V6 models can achieve respectable fuel economy numbers. Overall, the Camry’s balance of performance and efficiency is a major reason for its popularity over the years.
Fuel Economy Ratings for the Toyota Camry
The EPA provides fuel economy estimates for all new vehicles sold in the United States. Looking at the ratings for the different versions of the Toyota Camry can give us a sense of how efficient it is compared to other cars in its class.
Here are the EPA ratings for the major configurations of the 2023 Toyota Camry:
| Engine | City (mpg) | Highway (mpg) | Combined (mpg) |
| 2.5L 4-Cylinder | 28 | 39 | 32 |
| 3.5L V6 | 22 | 33 | 26 |
| Hybrid LE | 51 | 53 | 52 |
| Hybrid SE/XLE | 51 | 52 | 51 |
As you can see, the 4-cylinder engine delivers excellent fuel economy for a midsize sedan, with EPA ratings of 28 mpg city, 39 mpg highway, and 32 mpg in combined driving. This puts it near the top of the class for non-hybrid sedans. The V6 is less efficient, but still respectable at 22/33/26 mpg. Meanwhile, the hybrid versions of the Camry are rated for over 50 mpg on average, making them some of the most fuel-efficient standard hybrids available.
How does the Camry achieve such good fuel economy?
There are a few key reasons why the Toyota Camry is able to deliver such strong fuel efficiency across its lineup:
– Efficient engine technology – Toyota engines are known for being highly advanced when it comes to fuel efficiency. Features like Variable Valve Timing with intelligence (VVT-i) help optimize the engine’s performance and efficiency. The 4-cylinder utilizes Toyota’s latest Dynamic Force design for improved combustion.
– Streamlined body design – The Camry has a sloped, tapered body shape that is very aerodynamic. This reduces wind resistance at highway speeds. Less drag means the engine doesn’t have to work as hard, lowering fuel consumption.
– Low weight – Toyota uses lightweight materials in the Camry’s body and chassis to keep curb weight down. Less mass to move requires less fuel to power the car. The hybrid models are even lighter thanks to the battery placement and aluminum components.
– Hybrid powertrain – The Camry Hybrid pairs its 2.5L 4-cylinder engine with a battery-powered electric motor. This allows the car to drive on just electricity at low speeds, reducing fuel usage significantly while city driving. The electric motor also provides extra power, allowing for a downsized gas engine without sacrificing performance.
– CVT transmission – Most Camry models come with a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT). The CVT keeps the engine running at its most efficient rpm range during acceleration for better fuel economy.
– Low-rolling resistance tires – Toyota fits the Camry with special tires that have less friction against the road. This further reduces the powertrain’s workload and energy consumption.
By combining all of these advanced engineering solutions, Toyota is able to make the Camry one of the most fuel-sipping options in its competitive segment. The high EPA ratings directly reflect the vehicle’s overall efficiency.
How does the Camry compare to other midsize sedans?
The midsize sedan segment contains many popular models known for good fuel economy. How does the Camry stack up against key competitors? Here is a look at EPA ratings for other top-selling midsize sedans:
| Model | City (mpg) | Highway (mpg) | Combined (mpg) |
| 2022 Honda Accord | 30 | 38 | 33 |
| 2022 Nissan Altima | 28 | 39 | 32 |
| 2022 Subaru Legacy | 27 | 35 | 30 |
| 2022 Hyundai Sonata | 28 | 38 | 32 |
The Camry’s 4-cylinder engine matches or beats the fuel economy ratings of most competitors. The Accord comes closest with slightly higher EPA combined mpg, but is still 1 mpg behind the Camry highway rating. Models like the Legacy and Sonata are several mpg lower across the board. The Camry’s main rival, the Altima, ties it on combined mileage but falls 1 mpg short on highway efficiency.
Among midsize hybrid sedans, the Camry also holds a fuel economy advantage:
| Model | City (mpg) | Highway (mpg) | Combined (mpg) |
| Toyota Camry Hybrid | 51 | 53 | 52 |
| Honda Accord Hybrid | 47 | 48 | 48 |
| Hyundai Sonata Hybrid | 45 | 51 | 47 |
The Camry Hybrid is rated for 4-5 more mpg in city and combined driving than its closest competitors. This demonstrates Toyota’s leadership in hybrid technology and the excellence of the Camry Hybrid system. For shoppers focused on fuel efficiency, the Camry clearly stands out as a top choice.
What real-world fuel economy can you expect from the Camry?
EPA ratings are determined through controlled laboratory testing. But what kind of gas mileage can you expect to see in the real world? Here are some examples from actual Camry owners:
– “*I purchased a new 2021 Camry SE 4 cylinder about 6 months ago. I drive 75% highway and average about 36 mpg in mixed driving. On long highway trips I can get over 40 mpg at a steady 65 mph.*”
– “*I drive a 2019 Camry XLE V6. My daily commute is about 20 miles roundtrip with a mix of city and highway driving. I average around 23 mpg during my work week. For long road trips at a steady 70+ mph, I can get up to 31 mpg.*”
– “*I’ve owned a Camry Hybrid LE for 3 years now. In mostly city driving I average about 44 mpg. I don’t drive on highways often, but have seen around 51 mpg on longer trips.*”
– “*I bought a used 2015 Camry SE last year. It’s the 4-cyl model with about 90k miles. I drive in a lot of stop-and-go traffic and usually average around 25 mpg. If I keep speeds under 60 mph on the highway I can get about 33 mpg.*”
As you can see from these owner experiences, the Camry typically meets or exceeds its EPA ratings in the real world. Owners are able to achieve the advertised highway mileage or better during long drives at steady speeds. Fuel economy does dip a bit lower in heavy city traffic, as expected. But even in urban driving, owners of 4-cylinder and hybrid models are very happy with the gas mileage they get from the Camry.
How much money can you save by choosing a Camry?
With gas prices fluctuating year to year, fuel costs make up a significant portion of overall driving expenses. The Camry’s efficiency can lead to major savings over time, especially compared to less efficient models.
Let’s take the example of a 2023 Camry LE 4-cyl vs a 2023 BMW 330i, two popular midsize models in different price classes. The Camry is rated for 32 combined mpg, while the BMW is rated for just 26 mpg combined.
If you drive 15,000 miles per year and gas costs $3.50/gallon on average:
**Camry projected yearly fuel cost:** 15,000 miles / 32 mpg x $3.50/gal = *$1,656*
**BMW projected yearly fuel cost:** 15,000 miles / 26 mpg x $3.50/gal = *$2,019*
Over 5 years of driving, choosing the Camry would save you approximately *$1,815* in fuel costs compared to the BMW. And this savings gap would continue growing with higher annual mileage. Even with lower gas prices, the efficiency advantage adds up.
Of course, there are many other factors to weigh when choosing a car. But the Camry’s impressive fuel economy numbers translate into big savings – keeping more money in your wallet over time. For budget-focused drivers doing lots of commuting, this can be a deciding factor.
Should you use regular or premium gasoline in a Camry?
All Camry engines are designed and tuned to run optimally on regular unleaded gasoline. Toyota recommends regular 87 octane fuel for all models. There is no performance, fuel economy, or durability benefit to using premium gasoline in a standard Camry engine.
The owner’s manual clearly states that regular unleaded gasoline is the recommended grade for optimal performance. Premium fuel is not required or recommended unless you are driving in certain high-altitude regions where regular fuel is not available. For most owners, sticking with inexpensive 87 octane gas allows the Camry to deliver its rated power and efficiency without issue.
Some additional facts about gasoline and the Camry:
– Higher octane does not equate to higher fuel economy. The octane rating relates to a fuel’s resistance to engine knocking, not its energy content.
– Toyota warranties are not affected by using regular 87 octane fuel, even in engines like the 3.5L V6.
– No direct injection Camrys require premium fuel. Only turbocharged or significantly higher performance engines typically need higher octane.
– The Camry hybrid’s engine performance and mpg are also designed for regular gasoline.
So for the vast majority of Toyota Camry owners, filling up with cheap regular gas is the best way to go. Premium gasoline would provide no benefits and only cost you extra money per tank.
How many miles can you expect from a Camry before refueling?
With its large fuel tank and efficient engines, the Camry can cover plenty of ground between fill-ups:
– 4-cylinder models have a 16-gallon fuel tank. At 32 combined mpg, that’s 512 miles per tank.
– V6 models have an 18-gallon tank. At 26 combined mpg, that’s 468 miles per tank.
– Hybrid LE models have a 13.2-gallon tank. But at 52 combined mpg, that’s 686 miles per tank.
– Hybrid SE/XLE have a 14.5-gallon tank. At 51 combined mpg, that’s 739 miles per tank.
So in ideal highway cruising conditions, you can expect around 700-750 miles of range from a Camry Hybrid on a single tank. Even the non-hybrids can easily manage 500+ miles before needing to refuel. This reduces the frequency of having to fill up, especially for owners who take frequent longer trips.
In the city only, mileage per tank will be a bit less due to lower mpgs. But the Camry’s large fuel tank capacities give all models plenty of cruising range capabilities between stops at the pump.
Conclusion
With its consistently high EPA fuel economy ratings, real-world performance, large tank capacities, and reasonable appetite for regular gasoline, the Toyota Camry proves itself to be one of the most gas-friendly options among midsize sedans. Drivers focused on efficiency, value, and saving money on fuel costs will be very satisfied with a Camry. Its balance of affordability and fuel-sipping abilities make it a smart choice financially. While the Camry has many great qualities, stellar fuel economy remains one of its key selling points year after year.
