THE 3-YEAR-OLD JAPANESE HYBRID SEDAN THAT YOU SHOULD BUY USED

With new car prices rising steadily and wages not keeping pace, many buyers are looking for ways to get more value for their money. For those seeking great fuel efficiency without the hassle of a charging routine, used hybrid sedans have become a popular solution. These vehicles combine the best of both worlds, fuel-efficient driving with minimal changes to your daily routine, making them an attractive choice for many.

The used hybrid market offersexceptional value in 2024, with hybrids maintaining strong resale values due to their durability and long-term reliability. Thanks to decades of fine-tuning by manufacturers, hybrids are now more dependable than ever. Whether you're after a fuel-efficient commuter car or a reliable family sedan, hybrid vehicles offer a practical, cost-effective alternative to traditional gas-powered cars.

Among the top contenders in the used hybrid sedan market are vehicles from Toyota and Honda, two brands with a proven track record of long-term reliability. But with many options out there, which model offers the best balance of price, performance, and efficiency?

The Used Three-Year-Old Hybrid Sedan Worth Considering Is The 2022 Toyota Camry Hybrid

When it comes to choosing a used hybrid sedan, especially one that's just a few years old, reliability is often the most crucial factor. And in this category, we turn to one of the most well-known and trusted names in the industry, Toyota. While hybrid sedans like the 2022 Toyota Camry Hybrid may not always get the same level of fanfare as some of its competitors, its rock-solid reputation for reliability and practicality makes it a standout in its class.

Durable And Easy To Maintain

Not only is the Camry's 2.5-liter four-cylinder hybrid reliable, but as with your typical Toyota, they're also easy to maintain. Once again, due to the sheer popularity of the vehicles using this drivetrain, spare parts are more than abundant, and they're also very cheap these days. Years of fine-tuning have also made these hybrid systems mechanically simple.

That's because, in Toyota's case, its fourth-generation Toyota Hybrid System has fewer mechanical parts. For instance, there's no starter motor for the engine to deal with, since the starter generator (one of the two electric motors) is already what brings the engine to life when needed. The air compressor also isn't mechanical as this has become purely electronically driven, once again removing the need for pulleys and clutches for the air compressor. The Toyota Hybrid System may sound cutting edge in how it works, but Toyota has done such a good job in making their electrified drivetrains mechanically simple over time.

2022 Toyota Camry Hybrid Specifications

According to iSeeCars, a three-year-old 2022 Camry Hybrid averages a used price of $26,807 for the base LE trim, which is just slightly below the $28,700 starting MSRP of a new model. This pricing reflects the Camry Hybrid's strong resale performance and enduring value. Depending on the variant, you can find 2022 models listed at prices ranging from $23,000 for the base LE trim to $30,000 or more for higher trims like the XSE and XLE, which offer additional features and comfort.

Key Safety And Reliability Ratings

With a reliability score of 84 out of 100 based on J.D Power, the 2022 Toyota Camry stands out among the three-year-old Japanese hybrid sedan crop as being the most reliable. Actually, if you see our list of the most reliable three-year-old Japanese hybrids, their common ingredient is the venerable 2.5-liter fourth-generation two-motor Toyota Hybrid System. From the RAV4, the Highlander, and even a plethora of Lexus models, this hybrid system is already bulletproof and reliable, as well as being proven and tested when it comes to longevity due to the sheer number of these vehicles already on the road.

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:

• 1 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

The 2022 Toyota Camry is a standout in the Japanese hybrid sedan segment, offering an updated version of the eighth-generation model. With the mid-cycle facelift, the 2022 Camry Hybrid brings a more dynamic design and improved technology, building on the strengths of the previous models.

While the mechanical reliability of the hybrid drivetrain remains unchanged, the facelift elevates the driving experience, with enhancements that include a bolder front-end design, refined interior materials, and a host of tech upgrades that make the Camry Hybrid an even more attractive choice for used buyers.

Edgier Looks On All Variants

Like today's ninth-generation Camry, the Camry can be unofficially separated into two versions, the "standard" and the "sport-oriented" versions. The standard versions include the LE and XLE, while the sportier versions are the SE and XSE. The TRD variant is no longer available with hybrid powertrain options. With the standard versions, the front bumper of these models consists of a wide lower grille with a horizontal line pattern, while wheel sizes vary from 17 to 18 inches. Going up to the XLE adds niceties like smart entry, full LED exterior lighting, 18-inch wheels, and additional chrome trimmings.

The SE and XSE, are characterized by their sportier front bumper, while the wheel sizes for these variants range from 18 to 19 inches. The sportiest of them all is the TRD, but it's not the range-topping variant as this title goes to the XSE. The XSE comes with 19-inch wheels, full LED exterior lighting, as well as the option for a black contrasting roof and a panoramic sunroof. Among the various trims, the SE Nightshade stands out with its sleek, blacked-out accents, offering a sportier look for those who want a touch of personality along with the practicality of the Camry Hybrid.

Toyota Camry Hybrid Trims

Improved Interior

As part of the mid-cycle facelift, Toyota also introduced minor changes to the Camry's interior. The most noticeable change goes towards its center stack, which now adds a tablet-style seven- or nine-inch infotainment with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. While the touch integration may not be as refined as earlier models, the updated system now offers enhanced features and better functionality.

Higher trims also get a larger seven-inch color multi-information display between the analog gauges, leather upholstery, power-adjustable front seats, and a JBL premium sound system. Blue ambient lighting is included as well. For this update, the upgraded Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+ suite of advanced driver-assistance systems is now offered 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.

What It's Like To Live With A Camry Hybrid

If you've decided to get yourself a 2022 Toyota Camry Hybrid, the good news is that this generation of the Camry remains very similar to the previous model. The 2022 Camry shares the same TNGA-K platform as the 2021 version, but with a few improvements in structural rigidity to enhance refinement and handling. The 2025 Camry, which continues to use this platform, further builds on these enhancements.

It Won't Raise Your Blood Pressure

That's because the Camry, true to its nature, is renowned for its supple ride quiet, and refined demeanor. Despite the presence of sport-oriented variants, the Camry is largely a sedan that simply fades into the background. The 2.5-liter four-cylinder hybrid drivetrain works well to deliver power responsively, but its e-CVT's tuning is biased towards fuel efficiency. Mash the throttle, and you'll be greeted by an engine that will sing at a constant RPM when it accelerates. Nevertheless, that's exactly what a Camry was and always will be. A TRD variant with sport-tuned suspension and added chassis enhancements is available, but that's only if you get the 3.5-liter V-6.

Where it won't raise your blood pressure as well as with its long-term durability and, of course, its sheer fuel efficiency. When opting for the base LE with the 17-inch wheels, its EPA-estimated average fuel economy is 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 mentioned, when you get yourself a 2022 Toyota Camry Hybrid, you will also receive a midsize sedan with an upgraded interior and tech. While the seven- and nine-inch infotainment screens are a welcome change, the user interface has been noted to still feel clunky and with crunchy graphics, especially relative to other midsize sedans at the time. On the upside, while the execution is not the most cutting-edge, the tech at your disposal is more than enough to satisfy your daily needs. Look for models equipped with a JBL sound system, and you'll also be enjoying your time with the Camry, especially during long drives.

2024-11-26T06:11:27Z