The 2021 Toyota Camry Hybrid scores 8.3/10 at Carivo, ranking #32 of 135 hybrids, with 1 NHTSA recall on record and an estimated $1,071/year fuel cost.
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov & manufacturer data. Figures reflect base trim; actual specs vary by trim level.
About the 2021 Toyota Camry Hybrid
Our scoring places the 2021 Toyota Camry Hybrid at 8.3/10 overall, which translates to a Recommended rating for this hybrid. Its strongest dimension is Reliability at 9.4/10, while Performance at 6.7/10 is where it trails the competition most noticeably. It's a solid all-rounder that delivers across most dimensions without obvious deal-breakers.
Reliability and safety are the two dimensions that matter most for long-term ownership costs. At 9.4/10, reliability is one of this hybrid's best cards — few vehicles in our database score higher on this dimension. The 8.5/10 safety score puts it near the top of the class on this dimension; the official trim-level results at nhtsa.gov are worth a final check.
Performance at 6.7/10 is a genuine liability and a score that should factor heavily into any buying decision. The powertrain and chassis dynamics trail class rivals by a meaningful margin — don't overlook it. Tech rates a reasonable 7.6/10: the essentials are covered and well executed, but rivals at the same price often include more as standard.
Priced from $27,158–$32,109, 49 MPG, seating 5, the Toyota Camry Hybrid sits in the mid-market bracket of the hybrid segment. Value is where it presses its advantage — 8.7/10, meaning the feature set and quality outrun the asking price. At 5 years old, it's worth checking whether a newer generation or refresh has addressed any weaker dimensions — compare it to the current model year before buying.
Our take: The 2021 Toyota Camry Hybrid is a solid, well-rounded hybrid that covers the essentials without obvious deal-breakers. The main caveat is performance — worth checking if those dimensions are priorities for you. For most buyers in this segment, it's a safe, dependable choice.
Carivo scores are our own editorial assessment, informed by NHTSA safety and recall records, EPA fuel-economy figures, and manufacturer-published specifications. Scores are reviewed periodically and updated when new data becomes available. See our full methodology →
How It Ranks Among Hybrids
The 2021 Toyota Camry Hybrid ranks #32 of 135 hybrids in the Carivo database — better than 77% of the segment. Its 8.3/10 overall score is 0.1 points above the segment average of 8.2/10. Its $27,158 starting price undercuts the segment's median of $31,584 by about 14%.
$0 — 1 campaign on record; recall work is always free at franchised dealers
Insurance
Varies widely by driver and state — always quote the exact trim before buying
We only print costs we can compute from sourced data (EPA fuel economy, NHTSA recalls). We don't estimate maintenance or depreciation — anyone who gives you one number for those is guessing.
Which Camry Hybrid Year Should You Buy?
Smart-money pick: the 2018 Toyota Camry Hybrid scores 8.1/10 — within striking distance of the 2021's 8.3 — and starts roughly $2,500 lower. If you don't need the newest model year, that's money better spent on a higher trim or kept in your pocket.
Proven long-term reliability — lower unplanned repair costs than class average
Top-tier safety scores across crash tests and driver-assistance tech
Exceptional value for money — high-quality features at a competitive price point
Modern, intuitive tech suite with wireless connectivity and up-to-date ADAS
Exceptional fuel efficiency at 49 MPG — among the best in its class
✗ Where it falls short
Driving dynamics are adequate but uninspiring; not the choice for enthusiast drivers
Brand resale values vary — check current market data before committing
NHTSA Recalls — 2021 Toyota Camry Hybrid (1 on record)
The following recall campaign has been filed with NHTSA for this model and year. Recall repairs are performed free of charge by franchised dealers; check your specific vehicle with our free VIN recall checker.
Air bags / Sensor / Occupant classification 20/12/2023 · 23V865000
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Avalon, Avalon Hybrid, Corolla, Highlander, Highlander Hybrid, RAV4, RAV4 Hybrid, Lexus ES350, Lexus RX350, Lexus RX450H, 2021 Sienna Hybrid, Lexus ES250, 2020-2022 Camry,…
Source: NHTSA recall database, fetched at page build time.
Own a 2021 Toyota Camry Hybrid that's been repaired repeatedly for the same problem? It may qualify under your state's lemon law — run the free lemon law check →
Common Questions — 2021 Toyota Camry Hybrid
Is the 2021 Toyota Camry Hybrid reliable?
We rate the 2021 Toyota Camry Hybrid's reliability 9.4/10 — one of the stronger records in its class. It has 1 NHTSA recall campaign on record for this model year (details in the recalls section above — repairs are free at dealers).
How many recalls does the 2021 Toyota Camry Hybrid have?
1 NHTSA recall campaign matched this model and year as of our latest check. Verify your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Is the 2021 Toyota Camry Hybrid worth buying?
It scores 8.3/10 overall, ranking #32 of 135 hybrids in our database (better than 77% of the segment). A solid choice for most buyers — compare it against the segment leaders before deciding.
How much does the 2021 Toyota Camry Hybrid cost?
The 2021 Toyota Camry Hybrid starts at $27,158 and ranges up to $32,109 across trims (MSRP when new). At 49 MPG, expect roughly $1,071/year in fuel at 15,000 miles/year.
Which Camry Hybrid years should you avoid?
No standout weak years: across the 8 Camry Hybrid model years we've scored, every year lands within half a point of the best (8.5/10). Pick on price and condition rather than year.
What problems does the 2021 Toyota Camry Hybrid have?
The documented issues for the 2021 Toyota Camry Hybrid are its NHTSA recall campaigns, which involve: Air bags (details in the recalls section above; repairs are free at dealers). For wear-and-tear patterns beyond recalls, owner forums are the best source — we only report what federal data documents.
Owner Essentials — Toyota Camry Hybrid
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