The 2016 Camry offered three engine families: a 2.5-liter four-cylinder, a 3.5-liter V6, and a hybrid powertrain that combines a 2.5-liter Atkinson-cycle engine with an electric motor.
Engine options and specifications
Gasoline 2.5-liter four-cylinder (2AR-FE)
The standard gas engine for most 2016 Camry models is a 2.5-liter inline-four, part of Toyota’s 2AR-FE family. It drives through a six-speed automatic transmission and is paired with front-wheel drive on most trims.
- Displacement: 2.5 L
- Engine code: 2AR-FE
- Power: 178 hp
- Torque: around 170 lb-ft
- Transmission: 6-speed automatic
- Drivetrain: front-wheel drive (FWD) on most trims
In the lineup, this four-cylinder option emphasizes efficiency and reliability, serving as the baseline for most Camry models in 2016.
Gasoline 3.5-liter V6 (2GR-FE)
A higher-performance option was the 3.5-liter V6, part of Toyota’s 2GR-FE family, available on several upper-level Camry trims. It delivers noticeably more power while still using a traditional automatic transmission.
- Displacement: 3.5 L
- Engine code: 2GR-FE
- Power: 268 hp
- Torque: around 248 lb-ft
- Transmission: 6-speed automatic
- Drivetrain: front-wheel drive on most configurations
This option is aimed at buyers seeking stronger acceleration and smoother high-speed cruising, at the cost of lower fuel economy relative to the four-cylinder.
Hybrid powertrain (2.5-liter Atkinson-cycle I4 + electric motor)
- Gas engine: 2.5 L Atkinson-cycle I4 (2AR-FXE)
- Electric motor: integrated with the drivetrain
- Combined output: about 200 hp
- Transmission: eCVT (electronically controlled continuously variable transmission)
- Battery: nickel-metal hydride (NiMH) pack
The hybrid is designed to maximize fuel economy during everyday driving, with the electric motor assisting at low and moderate loads and charging through regenerative braking.
Choosing the right engine for your needs
For most daily drivers, the 2.5-liter four-cylinder offers a solid balance of performance and efficiency. If you want stronger acceleration for highway merging or overtaking, the 3.5-liter V6 provides a notable boost. Advertisers and reviewers often highlight the Hybrid option for its best-in-class efficiency in the Camry lineup, particularly in urban and mixed-driving conditions.
Why this matters for buyers and owners
Understanding the engine options helps buyers pick the Camry that best fits their priorities—fuel economy, performance, or a blend of both. The 2016 Camry’s engine lineup reflects Toyota’s approach to offering a versatile midsize sedan that can cater to different driving styles without compromising reliability.
Summary
In 2016, the Toyota Camry was offered with three engine configurations: a 2.5-liter four-cylinder (178 hp), a 3.5-liter V6 (268 hp), and a hybrid system combining a 2.5-liter Atkinson-cycle engine with an electric motor for a combined around 200 horsepower. Transmissions were six-speed automatics for the gasoline engines and an eCVT for the hybrid, with front-wheel drive standard on most models.