2022 Toyota Camry Hybrid arrives in the Philippines, available for P2,335,000

It's a new era for Toyota. After successfully launching the Corolla Altis Hybrid and Corolla Cross Hybrid in the local market, the Japanese automaker has taken another bold step towards electrifying its vehicle lineup. The Toyota Camry Hybrid has launched in the Philippines, and it's every bit as exciting as fans had hoped.

We'll be honest. Looking at the new hybrid Camry, you wouldn't think it's any different from its gas-powered counterpart. However, the eagle-eyed out there would point out that this version comes with Toyota's signature 'hybrid' emblems. It also sports an aggressive front fascia, with sharp bi-beam LED headlights and daytime running lights (DRLs) that look decidedly menacing. 

Also new are elegant 18-inch alloy wheels with an asymmetrical design. On the outside, the Camry is still the Camry—a mid-size sedan for sophisticated tastes and premium desires.

The Camry Hybrid largely retains the interior of the gas-powered models, with a few significant changes. There's a new 9-inch infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. It connects to a 9-speaker JBL audio system for a pleasant soundscape experience. Other interior amenities include a moonroof and a built-in wireless charger. 

Apart from that, the Camry Hybrid still gets the same premium leather-finish dashboard and leather upholstery. Toyota's mid-size sedan is still as spacious as ever, with plenty of room for a budding executive or tasteful passenger to lounge around in.

As for tech, the Camry Hybrid comes with Toyota's full suite of safety features. The Toyota Safety Sense package includes a pre-collision system, automatic high beam, lane tracing assist, lane departure alert, and dynamic radar cruise control. There's also blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert for safer parking. Plus, the new model has vehicle stability control and hill-start assist control to ensure a stable drive in most situations.

The new Camry's hybrid powertrain is the true star of the show. It's a 2.5-liter 16-valve DOHC, inline 4-cylinder, VVT-iE, and VVT-i gasoline-electric hybrid engine. The highly-efficient power plant delivers up to 175 hp at 5,700 RPM and 221 Nm of torque at 3,600 to 5,200 RPM. It pairs with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) for maximum fuel economy. Speaking of which, the Camry Hybrid can reportedly reach mileage figures of over 19 km/L. That's an impressive number for a vehicle of this size and power.

Toyota has been developing its hybrid technology for a while now. That's why the Camry Hybrid gets the brand's HEV technology, which is also present on the Prius, Corolla Cross Hybrid, and Corolla Altis Hybrid. Apart from being efficient, this technology lets users drive the new Camry in full EV mode in short burst

While we should applaud Toyota Philippines for bringing in the Camry Hybrid, the vehicle's launch doesn't come without casualties. Toyota is phasing out the gasoline-powered Camry models, and only one hybrid variant will be available to purchase.

The sole model is called the Toyota Camry Hybrid 2.5 HEV, and it's available for P2,335,000. Three colors are available: Platinum White Pearl Mica, Metal Stream Metallic, and Attitude Black Mica. Interested customers can now head to their local Toyota dealership to check out the new 2022 Toyota Camry Hybrid.