Now I’m nit-picking here because time behind the wheel adapting to hybrid driving dynamics is sure to smooth-out one’s driving habits. What is exceptionally smooth from the onset though is the Camry Hybrid’s acceleration.
Off-the-line performance is plenty capable when one buries their right foot, and highway-passing ability might actually surprise someone new to Toyota’s mid-size hybrid sedan. Regrettably, they may also be surprised by the limited trunk capacity of this relatively large vehicle.
Due to the battery placement for the hybrid system, the trunk is more restrictive than usual. The shortage of real estate is further hampered by the absence of a full-size pass-through. I managed to get my road bike into the Camry Hybrid’s trunk but it necessitated dropping both wheels and fandangling everything to make it fit.
Hybrid heaven despite the shortcomings?
Rating the Camry Hybrid as “hybrid heaven” may smack of undeserving theologian praise but with an MSRP of just $31,310, it’s hard to find a hybrid more refined that provides equal or greater value and performance. The Ford Fusion Hybrid may be a good start, and it too should also be on one’s hybrid test drive list.
I found my Camry Hybrid tester to be eminently pleasing to drive, and looked forward to time behind its wheel. Maybe it was my inner geek seeping through or some sort of secretive hybrid brainwashing but playing the high-mileage game grabbed me like a crack addiction.
Off-the-line performance is plenty capable when one buries their right foot, and highway-passing ability might actually surprise someone new to Toyota’s mid-size hybrid sedan. Regrettably, they may also be surprised by the limited trunk capacity of this relatively large vehicle.
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| With an MSRP of just $31,310, it’s hard to find a hybrid more refined that provides equal or greater value and performance. (Photo: Rob Rothwell/Auto123.com) |
Due to the battery placement for the hybrid system, the trunk is more restrictive than usual. The shortage of real estate is further hampered by the absence of a full-size pass-through. I managed to get my road bike into the Camry Hybrid’s trunk but it necessitated dropping both wheels and fandangling everything to make it fit.
Hybrid heaven despite the shortcomings?
Rating the Camry Hybrid as “hybrid heaven” may smack of undeserving theologian praise but with an MSRP of just $31,310, it’s hard to find a hybrid more refined that provides equal or greater value and performance. The Ford Fusion Hybrid may be a good start, and it too should also be on one’s hybrid test drive list.
I found my Camry Hybrid tester to be eminently pleasing to drive, and looked forward to time behind its wheel. Maybe it was my inner geek seeping through or some sort of secretive hybrid brainwashing but playing the high-mileage game grabbed me like a crack addiction.
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