The 2014 Camry offers an engine for any driver. For budget shoppers, the 2.5L not only costs the least but gets 28 mpg combined. For the most miles per tank, the Hybrid Camry puts up a combined 40 mpg. More concerned with performance? The 3.5L V6 makes a modest 268 hp.
Key Points
- The three engine options in the 2014 Toyota Camry include a 2.5-liter inline-four, a hybrid variant of the same 2.5-liter, and a 3.5-liter V6.
- Camry’s with the 2.5-liter engine make a modest 178 hp and deliver an EPA-estimated 25 city/34 hwy/28 combined mpg.
- Hybrid Camrys use the same 2.5-liter, but pair it to a large battery in the trunk and a CVT for a huge 40 mpg combined.
- While fuel mileage drops by around three to four mpg over the standard 2.5, the 3.5-liter V6 is where the fun is at thanks to a potent 268 horsepower.
2014 Camry’s 2.5-liter ‘2AR-FE’ Engine Boasts a Reliable 178 hp and 28 Combined mpg, Making it a Perfect Daily Driver Candidate
The base engine offering in the 2014 Toyota Camry is the 178 hp 2.5-liter 2AR-FE. The 2AR-FE is an inline four-cylinder engine that’s been in production since 2008. It’s paired with a six-speed automatic electronically-controlled transmission with intelligence (ECT-i). In Camry SE, the transmission also allows for sequential shifting with paddle shifters. Torque output is rated at 170 lb.-ft.
Fuel economy is a strong selling point of any 2.5-liter-equipped Camry. It earns ratings of 25 city/34 hwy/28 combined mpg. Annual fuel costs are estimated at $1,800, and the 2.5-liter will take you 100 miles on just 3.6 gallons of 87 octane gasoline. The EPA also rates the total range of a Camry with the 2.5-liter at 476 miles.
The 2.5-liter features an aluminum block and aluminum-alloy cylinder head. Inside the block, you’ll find cast-iron cylinder liners and a fully-balanced forged steel crankshaft. Bore and stroke are set to 90 mm and 98 mm, respectively, giving the engine a compression ratio of 10.4:1.
One of the primary benefits of the 2.5-liter is its dual VVT-i feature. VVT-i helps to adjust for power or efficiency based on driver input. The ECU oversees the process and works by adjusting the length of time the intake and exhaust ports remain open, thereby increasing power.
Oil capacity for the 2AR-FE engine sits at 4.6-quarts. Toyota recommends 5W-30 oil and services every 6,000 miles.
The 2.5-liter offers the best of both worlds. It has sufficient power for a daily driver and costs little at the pump. So if you want a no-nonsense, reliable engine with good gas mileage, go with the 2AR-FE.
2014 Camry Hybrid Allows for an Annual Fuel Cost of Just $1,250 Thanks to 40 mpg Combined Rating
Another option under the hood of the 2014 Camry is the hybrid variant of the 2.5-liter, known internally as the 2AR-FXE, This powertrain features a few modifications to allow for even greater fuel economy. Firstly, the 2.5-liter hybrid features unique cams and pistons. With the piston change, the compression ratio increases to 12.5:1. Secondly, VVT-i is limited to the intake cams only. All in all, the hybrid makes 154 hp and 153 lb.-ft. of torque.
Thanks to these modifications and the addition of the hybrid battery, the Camry makes an impressive 42 city/38 hwy/40 combined mpg in the LE Hybrid trim. In the XLE/SE Hybrid trims mpg drops roughly one or two. Unlike the standard 2.5-liter, the hybrid is paired with a CVT transmission. This also aids the fuel economy. Annual fuel costs for Hybrid 2.5-liter engines sit at $1,250 and $1,300 for the LE and XLE/SE, respectively. The total range increases to over 660 miles for all three trims.
Ultimately, power and torque ratings come down a hair with the 2AR-FXE while fuel efficiency jumps significantly. With the hybrid, you get superb gas mileage. As a result, annual fuel costs are negligible. What’s more, the hybrid system allows for even less stress on the engine, resulting in a longer expected lifespan. For the economically conscious, the 2AR-FXE is a real winner.
2014 Camry’s 3.5-liter V6 Engine Offers the Highest Fun Factor with 268 hp and 248 lb.-ft. of Torque
The final engine option for the 2014 Camry is the 3.5-liter V6 2GR-FE. Like the standard 2.5-liter, it’s paired with the six-speed automatic. The 3.5-liter produces 268 hp and 248 lb.-ft. of torque.
The V6 first went into production in 2004 and finds use in multiple Toyota/Lexus Vehicles. It features an aluminum block and head, cast-iron cylinder liners, and a forged steel crankshaft. Also, the engine utilizes a 24-valve dual VVT-i design for maximum power and efficiency. The compression ratio sits at 10.8:1 with a 94 mm bore and 83 mm stroke.
Power is the primary agenda of the 2GR-FE, but it still offers reasonable gas mileage. It earns an EPA-rated 21 city/30 hwy/25 combined mpg. Annual fuel costs are estimated at $2,000, a bit higher than the 2.5-liter. Total range is estimated at 425 miles per tank.
Maintenace is similar to the 2.5-liter. Toyota recommends 5W-30 oil with changes every 6,000 miles. Oil capacity for the 2GR sits at 6.4 quarts.
If you want a 2014 Camry with a little more oomph, go with the 2GR-FE. You’ll sacrifice gas mileage, but you’ll only be paying an extra $200 a year to appease your inner speed junkie.
2014 Camry Features Three Top-notch Engine Options with 178-hp Daily Driver, Six-cylinder Powerhouse, and Hybrid Making up to 42 City mpg
So, which 2014 Camry engine option should you choose? That depends on your needs. Luckily, no matter which powertrain you opt for, the 2014 Camry has a solid reputation. All three options have proven reliable, and the added benefit of a hybrid choice gives you plenty to consider.
The 3.5-liter V6 will not disappoint those wanting to have a bit more fun on their daily commute, and the hybrid offers massive fuel savings. Either way, you can’t go wrong with any engine option in the 2014 Toyota Camry.
Photos: Toyota
