• Frugal hybrid system keeps running costs low
• Doesn’t qualify for free London Congestion Zone driving
• Larger wheel option makes little sense

How much is it going to cost to run?

If you have an eye on emissions the less expensive Design trim is the one to go for. Its 17-inch wheels (as opposed to 18-inch wheels on the Excel) means it’s just that bit more fuel efficient. It’s good for a hybrid car of this size, and usefully low for company car tax – especially avoiding the diesel surcharge.

Over an 80-mile journey consisting of motorway and city driving, we averaged 53.7mpg in an Excel car which beats its WLTP-backed range. Pretty impressive.

Consumables such as tyres will also be pricier with the larger wheels of Excel models, but other components such as brake pads and discs usually last longer on hybrid cars than with conventional petrols and diesels because of the way the car generates electricity for the batteries as it slows.

MPG and CO2

• 2.5-litre Design: 50.4-53.3mpg, 120g/km CO2
• 2.5-litre Excel: 50.4-51.3mpg, 126g/km CO2

With CO2 emissions of just 120g/km the Toyota Camry in Design guise attracts a lower rate of car taxation for private motorists and BIK expense for company car drivers. It’s the sensible choice in the range.

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How reliable is it?

• Toyota has great reliability reputation
• Ten-year warranty
• Three recalls

The Camry name is synonymous across the world with dependability – as is the Toyota brand and its hybrid powertrains in general.

As a result, there have only been three recalls on the Camry thus far. They were to do with faulty rear seat belt assemblies, fuel pumps, and brake boosters.

The Camry has an initial three-year warranty that can be extended to 10 years (or 100,000 miles) by servicing at a Toyota dealer.

>> Check out the Toyota Camry’s official recall history