The 2020 Toyota Camry: Impressively Redesigned

"Should You Buy a New Camry Hybrid or an Older Gas Camry? The Facts May Surprise You." For many Toyota shoppers, this is one of the biggest decisions they'll make. The good news is that today's Toyota hybrid technology has been on the road for more than two decades and has earned one of the strongest reliability records in the automotive industry. Still, that doesn't automatically make a new Camry Hybrid the right choice for every driver. For many shoppers, the decision isn't really about fuel economy. It's about the battery. Questions like these come up every day: How long does the hybrid battery last? What if it fails after the warranty expires? Will I be able to find someone to repair it? Are hybrid batteries safe? Should I avoid a hybrid altogether and buy an older gas-powered Camry instead? They're fair questions. The good news is that many of the stories you've heard probably refer to fully electric vehicles (EVs) rather than Toyota's proven hybrid technology. Before comparing ownership costs, let's clear up one of the biggest misconceptions. Hybrid vs. Electric Vehicle: They're Not the Same Thing Many people use the words hybrid and electric vehicle interchangeably.  They shouldn't.  Although both use batteries, they work very differently. A battery-electric vehicle (EV) relies entirely on a large battery pack that must be plugged into a charger. When the battery is depleted, you recharge before driving again. A Toyota Camry Hybrid never needs to be plugged in. Instead, it combines a gasoline engine with a much smaller high-voltage battery and electric motor. The battery automatically recharges while you drive using the gasoline engine and regenerative braking system. From the driver's seat, ownership feels exactly like a traditional gasoline vehicle.  You simply stop at a gas station, fill the tank, and drive away.Because of this, many concerns commonly associated with electric vehicles simply don't apply to the Camry Hybrid. For example: Concern EV Camry Hybrid Plug-in charging required ✔ ✘ Range anxiety ✔ ✘ Public charging stations ✔ ✘ Gasoline engine backup ✘ ✔ Regenerative braking ✔ ✔ Once shoppers understand this difference, many begin looking at hybrids very differently. Which Camry Costs Less to Drive? Let's compare a realistic ownership scenario. Assume a typical Mount Airy commuter drives: 15 miles each weekday (approximately 3,900 commuting miles annually) Plus shopping Weekend travel Family activities Vacations Total annual driving: 12,000 miles Using the average North Carolina gasoline price over the past several months (approximately $3.53 per gallon) and EPA combined fuel economy estimates: New Toyota Camry Hybrid vs 2022 Toyota Camry Gas Annual Miles 12,000 12,000 Combined MPG 51 MPG 32 MPG Fuel Used 235 gallons 375 gallons Annual Fuel Cost $830 $1,324 Estimated Annual Fuel Savings:  ~ $494 each year Five-year Savings:  $2,470 Unlike some hybrid comparisons where savings are relatively modest, the Camry Hybrid delivers meaningful fuel savings because of its excellent fuel economy. Fuel savings alone probably won't pay for the vehicle, but they're certainly enough to become part of the buying decision. Myth or Fact? "The Hybrid Battery Won't Last." The Concern Many shoppers picture the battery wearing out after 75,000 or 100,000 miles. The Facts Toyota has been building hybrid vehicles for more than 25 years.  Many original Prius and Camry Hybrid batteries remain on the road well beyond 200,000 miles, and some exceed 300,000 miles. Toyota carefully manages battery charging levels to reduce wear and maximize longevity.  Unlike your smartphone, the battery isn't constantly charged to 100% and completely discharged. Instead, it operates within a carefully controlled range designed to extend its useful life. Bottom Line - Mostly Myth Battery failures can occur, but they are far less common than many shoppers expect. "Replacing the Battery Will Cost a Fortune." The Concern This is probably the number one reason buyers avoid hybrids. The Facts Yes.  A hybrid battery replacement outside warranty can be expensive.  Depending on the model and repair option selected, replacement costs can range from a few thousand dollars to several thousand dollars. However...   Many owners never replace the battery while they own the vehicle.  In addition, today's buyers have more choices than they did fifteen years ago. Options now include: New Toyota batteries Factory remanufactured batteries Professionally rebuilt battery packs Independent hybrid repair specialists Bottom Line Partly Fact Replacement is expensive.  Replacement is also much less common than most shoppers believe. "Hybrid Vehicles Are Dangerous." The Concern News stories involving lithium batteries sometimes make shoppers nervous. The Facts Toyota hybrid systems include multiple safety features, including automatic high-voltage disconnects during many collision events and extensive crash testing.  It's also important to remember that a Camry Hybrid's battery pack is much smaller than the battery found in a fully electric vehicle.  Hybrid battery fires receive significant media attention because they're unusual—not because they're common. Bottom Line Mostly Myth Toyota hybrids have earned an excellent safety record. "North Carolina Summers Will Ruin the Battery." The Concern Heat damages batteries.  North Carolina gets hot.  Does that shorten battery life? The Facts Extreme temperatures can temporarily reduce battery efficiency.  However, Toyota designed its hybrid battery system with thermal management strategies intended to help protect long-term durability.  Like any vehicle, routine maintenance and keeping cooling systems functioning properly contribute to long battery life. Bottom Line Mostly Myth Hot weather may affect efficiency slightly on extremely hot days, but it typically does not significantly shorten battery life by itself. "Nobody Around Here Can Repair a Hybrid." Twenty years ago, this concern carried more weight.  Today, it's much less of an issue.  Toyota dealerships like Mount Airy Toyota service hybrid vehicles every day.  In addition, many independent repair facilities employ ASE-certified technicians trained to diagnose and repair hybrid systems.  Replacement parts are more widely available than ever before. For most owners, finding qualified service is no longer difficult. Bottom Line Myth "The Gas Camry Costs Less to Maintain." Many buyers assume hybrids are more expensive to maintain. In reality, both vehicles require: Oil changes Tire rotations Cabin air filters Coolant service Inspections However, the hybrid also benefits from regenerative braking, which often reduces brake wear.  Because the electric motor assists during acceleration, some drivetrain components experience less stress during everyday driving.  Routine maintenance costs are often surprisingly similar between the two vehicles. Bottom Line Mostly Myth "Hybrid Batteries Are Bad for the Environment." This is a more complicated discussion.  Hybrid batteries require materials such as lithium and nickel, and questions about mining and ethical sourcing are valid. At the same time, hybrids consume substantially less gasoline over their lifetime, produce fewer tailpipe emissions, and Toyota has invested heavily in battery recycling and responsible end-of-life management. Like nearly every modern technology, there are environmental trade-offs.  The question isn't whether hybrid batteries have an environmental impact—they do.  The better question is whether the lifetime reduction in fuel consumption and emissions outweighs those impacts.  Reasonable people can disagree, but it's important to understand the complete picture rather than focusing on only one side of the equation. Which Camry Is Right for You? Choose the used gas-powered Camry if: You want the lowest purchase price. You drive relatively few miles each year. You're comfortable buying a vehicle that's several years old. You prefer traditional automotive technology. Choose the new Camry Hybrid if: You commute regularly. You plan to keep the vehicle for many years. You want outstanding fuel economy. You value the latest Toyota Safety Sense technology. You appreciate lower operating costs over time. You want the peace of mind of a full factory warranty. The Bottom Line If you're considering an older gas-powered Camry simply because you're worried about hybrid batteries, today's Toyota hybrid technology deserves a closer look. Many of the concerns shoppers have—battery longevity, maintenance costs, safety, and repairability—were more understandable twenty years ago than they are today. Toyota has spent decades refining its hybrid system, and millions of owners have demonstrated that these vehicles can deliver outstanding reliability and low operating costs. That doesn't mean a new Camry Hybrid is automatically the right choice for everyone. An older gas-powered Camry remains one of the most dependable sedans on the road and may be the better fit for buyers focused on upfront affordability. The smartest decision isn't based on fear of a battery—it's based on understanding the facts, comparing the long-term costs, and choosing the Camry that best fits your driving habits, budget, and plans for the years ahead.

Since they were first created, the Toyota Corolla and the Toyota Camry have become respected kings of the road and have adapted well to the modern driver. They’ve become sportier and techier and more family-friendly by touting updated safety features and a quicker, peppier ride, among other things. This year, the Toyota Corolla and Camry are at the top of their game, leaving car buyers with one big question: which trim level of these modern masterpieces fits me best? What follows is a detailed description of the most popular trim packages for the new Toyota Corolla and Camry, so you can better understand which suits you best. The Corolla is known for being fun, highly functional, and fuel efficient. Toyota’s compact sedan is meant to make your commute as pleasant as possible by offering plenty of optional features. You can't go wrong with the all-new Corolla, whether the essential LE with all the basic features, the sportier SE, or the upscaled XSE. Corolla LE The LE is a step up from the L model, and it offers similar miles per gallon, seating capacity, and engine performance. The difference lies in the available features. Here is what comes with the LE: A 2.0-liter, four-cylinder engine with 169 horsepower and 151 pounds-feet of torque Both normal and eco-driving modes Continuous Dynamic shift with variable transmission (CVT) LED headlights, daytime running lights, and taillights A black grille Power exterior mirrors 16-inch steel wheels Auto climate control Fabric seats A six-way driver’s seat and four-way front passenger’s seat A 60/40 split fold-down rear seat A high-functioning instrument cluster including a 4.2-inch multi-information display Front and rear USB ports A backup camera with Projected Path An 8-inch Toyota Audio Multimedia touchscreen Wireless Apple CarPlay and Andriod Audio Six speakers spread throughout the vehicle Toyota’s Safety Sense 3.0, which includes the pre-collision system with pedestrian detection; proactive driver assist; lane departure alert with steering assist; automatic high beams; road sign assist; and full-speed range dynamic radar cruise control Corolla SE If you are looking for something a little sportier, the SE is your trim level. This model offers paddle shifters on the steering wheel, a color-keyed rear spoiler, varying driving modes, a 2.0-liter, four-cylinder engine with 169 horsepower, and plenty more. Here are some of the other key features–the SE includes most of the LE features, plus: Normal, sport, and eco driving modes Multi-link rear suspension Accent lighting throughout A gloss black mesh sport grille Heated exterior mirrors Gray metallic sport rocker panels A rear spoiler 18-inch alloy wheels with a graphite-colored finish Variable intermittent windshield wipers A single exhaust with dual chrome tips Sport seats with sport fabric inserts A leather-trimmed steering wheel Metallic interior trim The Smart Key system on the front doors and trunk Corolla XSE The upscale XSE offers 31 miles per gallon in the city and 38 on the highway, and plenty of luxuriousness and high-tech features–it comes with most of the SE features, plus the following: Blind spot monitor warning indicators on exterior mirrors A Gray metallic rear spoiler A power tilt and side moonroof with a sliding sunshade Heated front seats SofTex seat upholstery An eight-way power driver’s seat Steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters A premium instrument cluster with a 7-inch completely digital gauge cluster Qi-compatible wireless smartphone charging Blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert Now, for the Camry–Toyota’s most bold and practical sedan. The Camry comes packed with features and modes, all designed to meet the needs of all types of drivers. Whether you need the bare essentials, a sporty vibe, or all the latest in technology, the Toyota Camry has you covered. Camry LE The LE is Camry’s base model, but since this is Toyota’s signature sedan, “base” means anything but the bare minimum. Here are its key features: A 2.5-liter, four-cylinder engine with 203 horsepower and 184 pounds-feet of torque A direct shifting, eight-speed automatic transmission Bi-LED combination headlights with auto on and off LED daytime running lights Power exterior mirrors 17-inch alloy wheels A 4.2-inch multi-information display Fabric seat upholstery An eight-way power driver’s seat A six-way manual front passenger’s seat A 60/40 split fold-down rear seat Soft-touch material on the upper door trim A Linear dark interior trim A 7-inch touchscreen Six speakers Apple CarPlay and Andriod Audio Sirius XM Satelite Radio 12 volt outlets and USB ports Toyota’s Safety Sense 2.5+, which includes the pre-collision system with pedestrian detection; lane departure alert with steering assist; automatic high beams; lane tracing assist; road sign assist; and dynamic radar cruise control The Star Safety System An integrated backup camera including projected path Camry SE The SE is known for its dedication to ultimate style with soft-touch materials throughout the car, as well as, high-tech, and a touch of luxury. The SE is a good mix of all the trims, but its primary focus is on its panache. The Camry SE includes most of the features of the LE, plus these: Sport-tuned shock absorbers and springs A black headlight and grille Heated exterior mirrors with turn signal indicators 18-inch black machine-finished alloy wheels A color-keyed rear spoiler Dual chrome exhaust tips Sport SofTex seat upholstery with fabric inserts A leather-trimmed steering wheel Camry XLE At this level, the Camry comes with more comfort, updated technology, and a sporty demeanor. Not to imply the previous levels do not have these features, but the XLE takes them to a new level. Most of the LE features are included with the XLE, but there are quite a few extra: LED headlights along with LED accent lighting A chrome-accented grille Heated exterior mirrors with turn signal and blind spot monitor indicators Toyota’s Smart Key System on the front doors and trunk 18-inch dark gray machine-finish alloy wheels A chrome exhaust tip Qi-compatible wireless smartphone charging Rear-seat air vents A 7-inch multi-information display Leather front seat upholstery An eight-way power front passenger’s seat Multi-stage heated front seats A leather-trimmed steering wheel Wood inlay interior trim throughout An auto-dimming rear-view mirror LED rear-seat reading lights Ambient interior lighting A 9-inch touchscreen Blind spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert Full-speed range dynamic radar cruise control An integrated backup camera with dynamic gridlines Camry XSE The classy XSE brings a bit of sophistocation and power to the Camry lineup, and you can even upgrade to a two-tone Midnight Black Metallic rear spoiler and roof plus all-wheel drive–not a bad option to consider! The XSE comes with most of the SE features, but also includes the following key features: 206 Horssepower LED headlights with LED accent lighting A gloss black grille with a sport mesh lower insert Heated exterior mirrors with turn signal and blind spot monitor indicators 19-in. gloss black alloy wheels A dual exhaust with quad chrome tips Toyota’s Smart Key System on the front doors and trunk Qi-compatible wireless smartphone charging Rear-seat air vents A 7-in. multi-information display Leather front seat upholstery An eight-way power front passenger’s seat Multi-stage heated front seats Patterned metal interior trim An auto-dimming rear-view mirror LED rear-seat reading lights Ambient interior lighting throughout A 9-in. touchscreen Full-speed range dynamic radar cruise control Blind spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert An integrated backup camera with dynamic gridlines Now, for the final step: a test drive. Pop into Mount Airy Toyota anytime and find yourself behind the wheel of any or all of these trim levels. Then let us know which one you like the best!

2024 Toyota RAV4 Every trim level of Toyota’s 2024 RAV4 comes with a free trial of Remote Connect, a feature that keeps you in direct contact with your car through an app on your phone. Through this app you can start and stop the engine, lock and unlock doors, find your vehicle, and access your RAV 4’s health status. And that’s not all. Recently, a Mount Airy Toyota customer shared that she was able to use her Remote Connect for emergency roadside assistance, and she was able to make her monthly car payment all by using the app. This got us thinking, what else can one do with Toyota’s Remote Connect? Here is what we found: Remote Connect gives you 24/7 access to response for emergencies, so no matter where you are and no matter what time it is, you will be helped. You also get 24-hour access to a live agent who can help you with directions, addresses, points of interest, you name it. It is true, you can even pay bills through the app! You can schedule maintenance, car pick-up or drop-off, even track the progress of the service being performed and make a payment on the work being done to your RAV4. The best thing about both the 2024 Toyota RAV4 is its unmatched reliability. Through the years, this compact SUV has won plenty of awards and has even been rated by U.S. News & World Report as one of the most reliable SUVs on the market today. 2024 Toyota Camry New this year, the 2024 Camry comes in eight different trim levels, so there are plenty of options to fit your particular lifestyle. There’s the LE, SE, SE Nightshade, XLE, XSE, TRD, XLE V6, and the XSE V6, and all provide the power and reliability we have come to expect from the Toyota Camry. Any Camry with a trim level that has an L in it offers a soft ride with easy, accurate steering. These are the cruiser cars that roll into curves and float down the road. Trim levels with an S and/or XSE tend to have a stiffer suspension and shorter ride height. They also have a bit more heft in the steering than an S. Though they are not considered sports cars, these are the more entertaining drivers, at least more so than most modern sedans. Though this is not true with all other car brands, Camry hybrids generally perform just as well as their non-hybrid siblings, due to their expert design and powerful batteries. The THS-II is a dynamic hybrid system that saves you money on fuel and still packs a punch like the others, so if you regularly travel longer distances, for example going back and forth from Mount Airy and Charlotte, the Camry THS-II could be a better choice. The 2024 Camry is just as reliable as it has always been. It drives like a dream and feels like luxury, so it’s the perfect driver for family vacations and quick trips to the grocery store. The 2024 Toyota Camry is for the frugal driver who wants a little something more in a sedan. 2024 Toyota Corolla The 2024 Toyota Corolla offers several hybrid trims that combine an electric motor with a gasoline engine for improved fuel efficiency. These include the LE, SE, Nightshade Edition, XSE, Hybrid LE, Hybrid SE, Hybrid Nightshade Edition, and the Hybrid XLE. When Toyota makes a reliable car that gets good reviews, and at a good price point, they stick to the formula. Fortunately, this is the case for the 2024 Toyota Corolla. The engineers did not make many changes to 2024. The most notable difference is the return of the Nightshade Edition. This trim features a sporty blacked-out exterior with bronze wheels and black accents inside. Both the 2023 and the 2024 offer feature favorites like a touchscreen display with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, automatic climate control, and a suite of safety features. If you are pondering a switch to electric but aren’t ready to make the full commitment to a total electric vehicle, the 2024 Toyota Corolla Hybrid is the right choice. Several of our staff members have hybrids that they charge in their garages. Some were worried about the additional electric bills, or alterations to their garages, but after a couple of years, they reported cost savings, and all are happy with the convenience of charging at home. For more information on hybrid vehicles at Mount Airy Toyota check out this blog article. When car shopping, there is only one thing in mind: get the right car. This begins by looking for vehicles that have been around a while and are known for their superior performance and longevity. You know, something like the Toyota Corolla, which has been around since 1974 and has been noted as the best-selling car worldwide.