We often face a situation where we forget to fill our Toyota Camry with gas while busy with our routine operations. You realize this by seeing the low gas light on the dashboard, telling you it’s time to refuel your car.
How Far Can a Toyota Camry Go With The Gas Light On? Toyota Camry can cover 26 to 80 miles on the remaining 1.6 to 2.6 gallons of fuel with the low gas light On. Its narrow-body models can cover a distance of 26-64 miles, while the widebody variants can cover 33-88 miles. Furthermore, it can cover 30-80 miles for its hybrid models, utilizing both gasoline and electric sources for extended range.
This article explains the fuel tank capacity of the Toyota Camry, its driving range with a full tank, and its mileage with a low gas light. We will also discuss how insurance coverage can help in these conditions and the consequences of driving your car with low fuel in the tank.
Fuel tank capacity of Toyota Camry
Toyota Camry fuel tank capacity can vary slightly depending on the model year and trim level. Starting from the earlier years, such as the 1991 variants, where the tank size hovered around 15.9 US gallons, while for later models from 1992-2011, capacities remained steady at around 18.5 US gallons.
As we move into the 2012-2017 variants, we see a consistent range of 17 gallons, showcasing Toyota’s commitment to offering ample fuel storage for extended journeys.
The more recent models, like the 2018-2019 and 2020-2023 versions, demonstrate a tank size of 16 and 15.8 gallons, respectively. However, there is a change in fuel capacity according to trim level, hybrid models, engine type, and drivetrain configurations within each year.
For example, the 2022 model Camry XSE, XLE, and TRD trim levels with 3.5-liter V6 engines have 15.8 gallons tanks, while hybrid variants for XLE, XSE, and SE with 2.5-liter I4 engines have a capacity of 13.2 gallons.
Similarly, front-wheel drive (FWD) variants for these trim levels can cater to 15.8 gallons compared to all-wheel drive (AWD) variants with a tank size of 13.2 gallons.
Therefore, you should check the tank size of your particular Camry model due to variations resulting from plenty of car variants for each model year.
How many miles can a Toyota Camry go with the gas light ON?
Toyota Camry is available in 2 variants according to its body dimensions and aerodynamics. Fuel-efficient narrow-body variants are available for the US market from 1983-2003, while widebody models are from 1991-present.
They have a difference in fuel economy due to body shape change and also power ratings due to smaller engine size.
Narrow-body models
Narrow-body Toyota Camry models, often associated with earlier generations, have a tank size of 14.5-18.5 gallons and a fuel economy of 26-32 mpg.
They have 1-2 gallons left in the tank when a low gas warning light comes on or the fuel gauge needle moves to E on the dial. Therefore, you can cover 26-64 miles on the remaining gas, subject to variations due to multiple factors.
Widebody models
Widebody Toyota Camry models, which are more recent in production, have fuel economies in the range of 21-34 mpg. With remaining fuel of 1.6-2.6 gallons, they can travel around 33 to 88 miles before running out of gas.
The range is higher for the latest versions than older ones because of the improved average and fuel system to drain the maximum possible amount of gas left in the tank.
Mileage of Toyota Camry hybrid with gas light
Hybrid models of Toyota Camry have the advantage of utilizing both gasoline and electric power sources, which can contribute to their extended range even when the gas tank is running low.
With an average of 31-52 mpg, they can go up to 50-130 miles based on figures under controlled conditions.
However, practical data collected from various drivers through surveys indicates a range of 30-80 miles. It can vary according to engine conditions, driving habits, load on the car, and terrain.
Number of miles Toyota Camry covers in a full gas tank
1991 model Toyota Camry has a fuel economy of 21 to 24 miles per gallon (mpg), and it can go around 333 to 382 miles on a single tank.
As we progress to the 1992-2011 models, they have an improved fuel economy range of 21 to 26 mpg, and the potential range expands to approximately 388 to 481 miles.
The introduction of hybrid variants has a fuel efficiency of 31-35 mpg, and you can go up to 573-647 miles. Between 2012 and 2017, the Camry’s fuel economy for non-hybrid models increased to 24-28 mpg, and for hybrid variants surged to 37-42 mpg.
It translated to an extended range of about 408-476 miles for non-hybrid models and an impressive 629-714 miles for hybrid versions.
Continuing the trend, from 2018-2019, models have an average of 26-34 mpg for non-hybrid and 46-52 mpg for hybrid, maximum distance on a single refill stretched from approximately 416-544 miles for non-hybrid variants and an astounding 736-832 miles for hybrid models.
In the most recent data spanning 2020-2023, non-hybrid Camry models maintained a fuel efficiency range of 25-34 mpg, translating to a potential range of around 395-537 miles. Meanwhile, hybrid versions have an average of 46-52 mpg, covering almost 727-806 miles on a full tank.
Again, these figures depend on the trim levels, engine options, hybrid variants, and drivetrain.
How much fuel is left in a Toyota Camry tank with low gas light?
On average, a Toyota Camry with a low fuel light ON will have about 1-2.6 gallons of fuel left in the tank. This reserve can vary slightly depending on your car’s specific model year and driving conditions.
In general, older models tend to have a larger reserve fuel capacity than newer models. This is because manufacturers often design the latest variants with more precise fuel management systems and advanced sensors that provide accurate readings of fuel levels.
However, that difference is usually minimal, up to 1 gallon, and can be unnoticeable depending on the circumstances. Therefore, you should not rely on this figure and look for a nearby gas station to refill the tank when a low gas light comes on.
How does insurance coverage help if you frequently run out of gas on your Toyota Camry?
Insurance coverage can offer valuable assistance if you frequently run out of gas in your Toyota Camry.
Through optional features like roadside assistance, towing services, and emergency services, your insurance company can help you by delivering fuel, towing your vehicle, and providing essential support if you find yourself stranded without gas.
While these services can be a lifeline in emergencies, it’s important to note that you have to pay extra insurance premiums to avail these services.
Therefore, I will advise maintaining responsible fuel management to avoid running out of gas and ensure a smooth driving experience.
How does the age of your car affect the number of miles with low fuel warning?
The age of your car can influence the number of miles you can drive after the low fuel warning activates.
Generally, older vehicles have slightly less accurate fuel level sensors and gauges, potentially resulting in a shorter distance covered.
Newer models have more advanced technology and precise sensors, allowing for more accurate estimations of remaining gas and potentially enabling drivers to travel a bit farther before refueling becomes imperative. Moreover, aging affects engine performance, as earlier models will be less fuel-efficient than newer ones.
Is it good to drive the Toyota Camry with an empty tank?
Driving a Toyota Camry on an empty tank is not advisable due to potential risks to its engine and fuel system, resulting from introducing air into the fuel lines.
When it is low on gas, the fuel pump can inadvertently draw sediment or debris that has settled over time, damaging the fuel pump and other components in the line.
It can overheat the pump, posing a risk of fire as well as costly repairs and reduced engine performance.
Therefore, it’s recommended to refuel promptly after the low fuel warning comes on to maintain a healthy fuel system and ensure optimal driving conditions.
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