2021 Toyota Camry XSE Hybrid Review & Buying Guide

Back in 2017, Toyota gave the Camry a complete refresh, with the new generation receiving unique and good-looking exteriors along with a completely revamped interior. With the new generation, the Camry went from being a boring sedan to a much more capable and sporty design with capable handling.

For 2021, the Camry received only minor like upgraded 9-inch touchscreen infotainment available on the XLE and XSE trims, with a few small styling changes here and there. The Camry still remains a looker thanks to its unique front-end design that will grab a lot of attention. As always, the legendary Toyota reliability and fuss-free ownership is the Camry’s biggest sell.

2021 Toyota Camry XSE Hybrid removes its flaws!

The 2021 Camry continues to be available in four trim levels: LE, XLE, SE, XSE, and TRD. The XLE, XSE, and TRD trims ate available with the powerful V6 engine while the rest of the trims get an efficient 2.5L engine. The efficient hybrid powertrain is now available in four trim levels: LE, SE, XLE, and XSE. The hybrid trims continue to use a 2.5L inline-4 engine with dual injection combined with an electric motor for a combined output of 208 hp. The Hybrid models also use a CVT transmission which comes with sequential shift mode.

The XSE Hybrid is the top-of-the-line trim level which is loaded to the gills with features. The XSE trim comes with dual-zone climate control with an electric compressor and vents for the rear passenger, wireless phone charger, 7-inch multi-information display with a plethora of useful information, leather-trimmed seats with power adjustability for both the front passengers with multi-stage heating and a lot more.

2021 Toyota Camry XSE Hybrid Performance

As usual, the Camry comes with three engine options including a Hybrid. The base 2.5L 4-pot engine produces just 203 hp and will struggle when fully loaded, especially on the highways. The Hybrid version gets a similar engine but paired with an electric motor for a combined output of 208 hp. As expected, the Hybrid tops the efficiency charts with a combined rating of 46 MPG compared to 32 MPG of the base engine. Enthusiasts can breathe easily, as Toyota still offers the creamy 3.5L V6 engine as an option on the higher trims which produces 301 hp with plenty of performance on tap.

The Hybrid models get a CVT transmission while both the 2.5L and 3.5L engines get an 8-speed automatic transmission. Unfortunately, the optional all-wheel-drive system is not available on the Hybrid and V6 trim levels.

The XSE Hybrid model comes with a 2.5L dynamic force inline-4 engine with a dual injection that produces 176 hp and 163 lb-ft of torque. The engine is paired with a 650 V electric motor that can produce 118 hp and 149 lb-ft of torque for a combined output of 208 hp. The Camry uses a sealed 259V Lithium-ion battery and sends power to the front wheels through a CVT transmission with sequential shift mode. The Camry Hybrid also comes with an EV mode that can run with electric power alone at low speeds.

With no major changes to the powertrain, the Camry hybrid takes 7.4 seconds to reach 60 and 15.8 seconds to reach the quarter-mile, which is slower than its main rival, the Honda Accord Hybrid. The XSE Hybrid is surprisingly capable around corners with excellent handling and well-weighted steering. Even on bad roads, the Camry holds its composure with outstanding body control.

The XSE model further improves handling thanks to its sport-tuned suspension and front strut tower bracing.

2021 Toyota Camry XSE Hybrid Exteriors

After the 2017 redesign, the new Camry is a good-looking car with a well-designed grille and a long nose. The XSE model comes with several exterior additions like black accents on the LED headlights with integrated LED DRL, gloss-black front grille with sport mesh insert, 19-inch gloss black wheels with wider tires, dual chrome tips for the exhaust, and more. All these improvements improve the sporty appeal of the Camry.

2021 Toyota Camry XSE Hybrid

Optional additions include two-tone midnight black metallic roof and rear spoiler and a power moonroof.

2021 Toyota Camry XSE Hybrid interiors

The Camry has always been a very comfortable sedan and the new generation adds to that with comfortable seating for 5 passengers with supportive seats all around. The XSE trim comes with leather-trimmed seats, power-adjustability for the front passengers, dual-zone climate control with rear vents, 7-inch MID with plenty of useful information, multi-stage heating for the front passengers, leather-trimmed steering wheel with controls, ambient lighting, armrest for both the front and rear passengers and a lot more. The optional cold weather package for $150 adds heating for the steering wheel.

The rear seats are also roomy enough with enough space for three passengers to travel in comfort. The seats can be folded down in a 60/40 split configuration for added cargo space. The rear passengers also get a drop-down armrest with integrated cup holders and front seatback pockets.

2021 Toyota Camry XSE Hybrid Interior

The XSE Hybrid model comes with a 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system with six speakers and support for both Apple Carplay and Android Auto along with Amazon Alexa, satellite radio, and usual connectivity options like USB, Bluetooth, and Aux. Toyota also offers connected services with plenty of features. The optional navigation package for $1,040 adds an improved audio system by JBL and dynamic navigation.

2021 Toyota Camry XSE Hybrid Safety

All models of the Camry come equipped with Toyota’s Safety Sense system that includes enhanced stability control, traction control, anti-lock brakes for all four wheels, brake assist, and smart stop technology. The Camry also comes with an array of 10 airbags and 3 point seatbelts for all 5 passengers. It received the highest ratings in both the NHTSA and IIHS safety tests and earned the coveted “Top Safety Pick+” award for the 2021 model year.

The XSE Hybrid model also comes with Toyota safety sense 2.5+ as standard which includes plenty of active safety features like a pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, lane departure alert with steering assist, automatic high beams, lane tracing assist, road sign assist, hill start assist, and full-speed dynamic radar cruise control.

The optional driver-assist package for $840 adds a surround-view camera with an intelligent clearance sonar system, rear cross-traffic braking, and multi-stage front ventilated seats.

2021 Toyota Camry XSE Hybrid Ownership, Reliability, and Warranty

Being a Toyota, lower ownership costs are a given. The hybrid powertrain has been around for a while now and also received improvements over the years like an updated battery. So far, no major issues have been reported, so the chances of any high repair bills are slim to none. The cost of ownership is on the lower side due to low maintenance costs and repair bills, unlike some of its rivals.

The Camry has always been one of those cars that will provide years and years of trouble-free ownership, easily crossing the 200,000-mile mark. Repairpal gives the Camry a 4 out of 5 for reliability which is above average for its class and is similar to earlier models.

Because of its high reliability, Toyota’s usually retain their value longer than most rivals with lower depreciation rates.

Toyota offers a basic warranty of 3 years/36000 miles with 2 years of roadside assistance included. The drivetrain warranty lasts 5 years/60000 miles, with hybrid components getting an 8 years/100000-mile warranty coverage. Toyota also offers flexible extended warranty packages that can cover up to 10 years/ 125000 miles which are best in class.

Should you buy the 2021 Toyota Camry XSE Hybrid?

The XSE Hybrid is the best Camry of them all. With decent performance and great efficiency, coupled with a comfortable interior with plenty of features, the Camry XSE Hybrid ticks all the right boxes. It will be perfect for consumers who are looking for a comfortable mid-size sedan that can easily handle the daily grind and haul the family in comfort.

The added reliability and low cost of ownership have always been cornerstones of Camry ownership and they still are. The Camry will provide years and years of trouble-free ownership with low repair bills. And even if you decide to part with it, later on, the Resale value will be higher than most rivals. The XSE Hybrid trim also comes with some sporty additions like upgraded suspension, bigger wheels, and improved exterior with sporty elements.