Jeff, I am glad you highlighted the Lithium and Nickel batteries used in the different models . Another factor in the mpg difference is the wider tires used in the XLE and SE. Wider tires increase rolling resistance and increase fuel consumption. My choice would be the XLE with a Nickel battery and the skinniest tires I could bolt to it.
I'm waiting to get 2020 Camry SE hybrid but they are pretty rare and seems they will be coming out only by mid December. A thought: is it possible to buy the LE hybrid but replace those unattractive rims??
I want to buy a Camry LE for the superior fuel economy but I want to dress it up with some 18 inch alloys. Do you know how many mpg’s I would give up due to the less efficient wheels?