The Toyota Camry Hybrid combines the durability and practical nature of the standard Camry model with the efficiency of Toyota’s time-tested Hybrid Synergy Drive system. With a complete redesign of the entire Camry lineup for the 2018 model-year, the Camry Hybrid also sees a boost in performance, as well as higher fuel economy. 

2018 Toyota Camry Hybrid Fuel Economy

The 2018 Camry Hybrid achieves incredible fuel economy with a best-in-class EPA-estimated mpg of 51 city/53 highway/52 combined on the LE grade, an impressive 30 percent increase for combined mpg, and 44 city/47 highway/46 combined on the SE and XLE, reflecting an increase of 21 percent for combined mpg.

READ MORE: Top 3 Reasons to Drive a New Hybrid 

Why the 2018 Camry is Even More Efficient

A big reason for the 2018 Camry Hybrid’s improved efficiency is the updated Power Control Unit (PCU) of the new hybrid system. Thanks to improvements in the conversion efficiency of the PCU and the transaxle/electric motor, they combine to reduce energy loss by a total of approximately 20 percent. Additionally, improvements to cooling system efficiency has reduced energy loss by about 10 percent.

Additionally, another key change to the PCU is a revised DC-DC converter, which converts a source of direct current from one voltage level to another. It ensures that the control output is optimized, including the conversion to AC power, which helps to reduce the vehicle’s overall power consumption.

2018 Camry Hybrid Auto Glide Control

Another efficiency-enhancing new feature in the 2018 Camry Hybrid is Auto Glide Control (AGC), which helps to improve fuel efficiency by calculating an efficient coasting logic. The AGC works to avoid aggressive engine braking (which diminishes efficiency) by limiting the loss of vehicle speed through an automatic drive setting that acts more like a neutral gear, allowing the vehicle to coast to the stoplight.

Check out the Western Slope Auto Blog for more posts on the Camry and other Toyota models.