The tachometer has even been replaced with a fuel economy gauge that helps drivers to track and monitor their instant consumption. It displays a 'report card' every time you get out of the car to tell you how you've fared at green motoring. I frequently got top marks, no smiley-face sticker though.
A surprising equipment level
The loaded tester carried an optional JBL premium stereo, heated leather seating and a navigation system- bumping the price to $34,780. Keyless access, automatic climate control, a sunroof and a Bluetooth phone interface were also on board.
The interior is mainly comfortable, well put together, and quiet. There's plenty of storage, though trunk space is compromised by battery packs and additional hybrid-necessitated hardware. If you can deal with the slightly limited trunk, you'll find the Camry Hybrid is just as roomy and accommodating as the standard car- as much a Toyota Camry as it is a Hybrid.
Standard safety equipment includes front, side, side-curtain and knee airbags. Traction and stability control are optional, and all Camry's come with an alarm system.
Hybrid power, cushy ride
Performance is surprising. Acceleration won't pin any heads to seatbacks, though the 187 horsepower punch gets things moving along adequately. Passing power is moderate- comparable to if not slightly better than an average four-cylinder family sedan.
The ride and handling favor a plush feel- giving the Camry a notably luxurious ride at the expense of steering feedback or inspiring handling. It's a comfortable car to relax in on the highway, but you won't find anything special when the road gets curvy.
The highly assisted and lightweight steering doesn't add anything either- and the brakes are a similar story. They don't lack for clamping power per se, but they're nearly devoid of feedback through the pedal. I found myself frequently wishing that the brakes and steering felt more connected to the wheels.
At the Pumps
At the end of my watch, the tester had provided several days of comfortable, quiet travels while averaging a combined 7.2 L / 100km. That's mileage on par with a much smaller and less powerful vehicle.
More interesting than the mileage alone is the almost total lack of compromise to achieve it. If you think of hybrids as being dorky, underpowered or seriously compromised, you should go take one of these for a spin.
Sure- they're not for everyone, but cars like the Camry Hybrid are bound to increase the appeal. Pricing starts under $31,000.
photo:Justin Pritchard
A surprising equipment level
The loaded tester carried an optional JBL premium stereo, heated leather seating and a navigation system- bumping the price to $34,780. Keyless access, automatic climate control, a sunroof and a Bluetooth phone interface were also on board.
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| Standard safety equipment includes front, side, side-curtain and knee airbags. |
The interior is mainly comfortable, well put together, and quiet. There's plenty of storage, though trunk space is compromised by battery packs and additional hybrid-necessitated hardware. If you can deal with the slightly limited trunk, you'll find the Camry Hybrid is just as roomy and accommodating as the standard car- as much a Toyota Camry as it is a Hybrid.
Standard safety equipment includes front, side, side-curtain and knee airbags. Traction and stability control are optional, and all Camry's come with an alarm system.
Hybrid power, cushy ride
Performance is surprising. Acceleration won't pin any heads to seatbacks, though the 187 horsepower punch gets things moving along adequately. Passing power is moderate- comparable to if not slightly better than an average four-cylinder family sedan.
The ride and handling favor a plush feel- giving the Camry a notably luxurious ride at the expense of steering feedback or inspiring handling. It's a comfortable car to relax in on the highway, but you won't find anything special when the road gets curvy.
The highly assisted and lightweight steering doesn't add anything either- and the brakes are a similar story. They don't lack for clamping power per se, but they're nearly devoid of feedback through the pedal. I found myself frequently wishing that the brakes and steering felt more connected to the wheels.
At the Pumps
At the end of my watch, the tester had provided several days of comfortable, quiet travels while averaging a combined 7.2 L / 100km. That's mileage on par with a much smaller and less powerful vehicle.
More interesting than the mileage alone is the almost total lack of compromise to achieve it. If you think of hybrids as being dorky, underpowered or seriously compromised, you should go take one of these for a spin.
Sure- they're not for everyone, but cars like the Camry Hybrid are bound to increase the appeal. Pricing starts under $31,000.
photo:Justin Pritchard
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