Toyota’s 2013 Camry sedan offers three engine options. Drivers seeking the best price will find the base 2.5L more than sufficient. For as much as 40 mpg on the highway, consider the 2.5L hybrid powertrain. Those with a need for speed will enjoy the 268 horsepower found in the optional 3.5L V6.
Key Points
- Engine options for the 2013 Toyota Camry offer a tame and fuel-efficient 2.5-liter four-cylinder with a hybrid option, as well as a higher output 3.5-liter V6.
- All three powertrain options feature lightweight aluminum construction, dual-overhead-camshaft layouts, and Toyota’s VVT-i valve timing system to maximize efficiency.
- The 2013 Camry’s hybrid powertrain uses the same 2.5L four-cylinder engine but adds electric motors to assist, bumping fuel efficiency as well as performance.
- All 2013 Toyota Camry models, regardless of engine, offer 30-plus mpg ratings, according to EPA estimates, with hybrid models reaching upwards of 40 mpg.
- V6 Camrys have an impressive output of 268 horsepower, while four-cylinder models peak at 200. Ultimately, engine options for the 2013 Camry offer something for every driver.
2013 Toyota Camry’s 2.5L Inline Four-cylinder Engine Offers Sufficient Power and Outstanding Efficiency
The four-cylinder engine found in most 2013 Toyota Camry models is internally known as the 2AR-FE engine. It made its debut in 2008 and is still in production today.
The 2AR-FE engine uses lightweight alloy aluminum for both the engine block and cylinder head, which allows substantial weight savings over cast-iron construction.
However, the cylinder walls have cast-iron sleeves to improve durability and longevity. Additional construction techniques used to maximize durability are a forged steel crankshaft, reduced tension piston rings for lesser internal friction, and a three-stage oil pump to maximize its efficiency.
The 2AR-FE uses standard dual-overhead-camshaft construction and has four valves per cylinder for a total of 16 valves.
Additionally, the engine has Toyota’s Dual VVT-i system, meaning both the intake and exhaust camshaft can change how much the valves open and when they open depending on engine rpm. This allows maximum efficiency in tuning to optimize fuel efficiency.
As a result, 2013 Toyota Camry models with the 2.5L four-cylinder see EPA fuel economy ratings up to 25 mpg city and 34 mpg highway for an impressive combined rating of 28 mpg.
With a power output of 178 horsepower and 170 lb.-ft. of torque, 2013 Camry models equipped with this engine have no problem keeping up with traffic.
The 2013 Camry equipped with this engine is capable of hitting zero-to-60 miles per hour in about 7.4 seconds. While it’s certainly no rocket ship for the road, this is plenty of pickup for the average daily driver.
2013 Toyota Camry Hybrid Sports Power-assisted 2.5L Engine, Nets Great Fuel Economy Numbers Upwards of 40 Miles Per Gallon
Though the engine found in the hybrid variant of the 2013 Toyota Camry is the same 2.5-liter 2AR-FE engine found in the standard models, it adds an electric drivetrain that not only increases the fuel economy but adds to the power output as well.
With the electric drivetrain considered, the 2013 Toyota Camry Hybrid models have a power output of 200 horsepower. However, they are optimized for fuel efficiency, not performance. As a result, the Hybrid models can make a zero-to-60 mph run in about 7.6 seconds.
As you’d expect, the hybrid models excel in fuel economy. The standard LE hybrid models see numbers up to 42 mpg city and 38 mpg highway for an impressive combined average of 40 mpg.
Bumping up to the slightly more luxurious XLE Hybrid still nets 40 mpg city and 37 mpg highway for a still notable combined rating of 39 mpg.
Neither the standard nor hybrid version of the Toyota 2.5-liter engine has any active recalls from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
3.5L V6 Engine Delivers Surprising Performance and Equally Notable Fuel Economy Ratings
The V6 engine found in the XLE trim of the 2013 Toyota Camry–known as the 2GR-FE–was introduced in 2004 and is still used today. Like its four-cylinder counterpart, it uses aluminum construction for the engine block and both cylinder heads.
Also, like the four-cylinder, the motor has four valves per cylinder and uses standard dual-overhead-camshaft construction. It also uses Toyota’s Dual VVT-i system to achieve optimum fuel use.
Though not quite as impressive as the four-cylinder, 2013 Camry models equipped with the 3.5L V6 engine still see fuel economy ratings of 21 mpg city and 30 mpg highway for a combined rating of 25 mpg.
The V6 engine puts out a remarkable 268 horsepower, almost a full 100 horsepower jump from the four-cylinder engines. Combined with its impressive 248 lb.-ft. of torque, V6-equipped 2013 Camry models can sprint to 60 miles per hour in about six seconds. That’s pretty quick for a four-door family sedan.
Backed by Toyota Reliability and Solid Engine Options, the 2013 Camry is a Great Midsize Car Offering Up to 40 mpg and 250 Horsepower
Whether you’re seeking class-leading fuel economy or something with a bit more performance, the 2013 Toyota Camry lineup offers a solution. With numbers spanning upwards of 250 horsepower or 40 mpg, it’s hard to beat a Camry for daily use.
Additionally, alongside its low recall count and Toyota’s notoriety for durable, long-lasting engines, it’s safe to assume that any of the above-listed engine options will land shoppers in a car they can safely depend on for years to come.
Photos: Toyota
