Toyota Camry Hybrid Review



The Toyota Camry Hybrid is a hybrid version of Toyota's popular Camry sedan, introduced for the 2007 model year in May 2006. The Camry Hybrid utilizes a four-cylinder gasoline engine together with electric motors to produce a peak of 187-hp (140 kW). Estimated U.S. sales are 60,000 per year or 15% of total Camry sales.

See also the main fact sheets for the Toyota Camry Hybrid.

High Points

 * Mileage
 * Luxury
 * Style

Low Points

 * Aside from the paint and badges, the hybrid version has the same styling as non-hybrid version.

Performance and Handling

 * 187-hp Hybrid Engine
 * Electronically controlled continuously variable (ECVT) transmission
 * Curb weight of 3,680 pounds
 * Front and rear strut suspension
 * Front and rear anti-roll bars
 * Front and rear coil springs
 * Front and rear gas-pressurized shocks


 * Variable assist power rack-and-pinion steering
 * 0.27 Drag Coefficient
 * 4-Wheel Disc Brakes
 * 16-inch alloy wheels
 * P215/60R16 tires

Gas Mileage
The Toyota Camry with Hybrid Synergy Drive offers an exceptional EPA-estimated rating of 40 MPG (City) and 38 MPG (Highway).

Actual mileage may vary.

Safety
The Toyota Camry Hybrid offers a myriad of safety features including the following, which come STANDARD:
 * Driver and Front passenger Advanced Airbag System
 * Driver and Front passenger front seat-mounted side airbags and front and rear side curtain airbags
 * Driver's knee airbag
 * 3-point front seatbelts with adjustable shoulder anchors and driver-side Emergency Locking Retractor (ELR), front passenger Automatic/Emergency Locking Retractor (ALR/ELR)
 * 3-point front seatbelts with Automatic/Emergency Locking Retractor (ALR/ELR) for all passengers
 * Outboard rear seatbelt comfort guides
 * Front and rear crumple zones and side-impact door beams
 * Anti-Lock Brakes System (ABS) with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist
 * Direct Tire Pressure Monitor System
 * Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management System (VDIM)
 * Energy-absorbing collapsable steering column
 * Child-protector rear door locks
 * Rear-seat Child Restaint System (CRS) lower anchors and top-tether brackets (LATCH)
 * Internal trunk-release handle
 * Battery-saver feature - Deactivates interior lights after 20 minutes
 * Daytime Running Lights (DRL) with "Off" mode
 * Engine immobilizer

Exterior


The Camry and Camry Hybrid share the same chassis with a few minor differences:
 * The overall height of the Camry Hybrid is 57.5 inches, which is almost half an inch shorter than the other trims of the Toyota Camry.
 * The ground clearance of the Camry varies by model as well:
 * The CE and LE (4-Cylinder) trims have a clearance of 5.5 inches from the ground.
 * The V6 LE, SE (4-Cylinder), and 'V6 XLE trims have a clearance of 5.3 inches from the ground.
 * The V6 SE trim has a clearance of 5.1 inches form the ground.
 * The Camry Hybrid has a clearance of 5.9 inches form the ground.
 * The Fuel Tank of the Camry Hybrid is 17.2 gallons, whereas the fuel tank of the other Camry trims is 18.3 gallons.

Styles and Options
Camry Hybrid's features include:
 * 2.4 Liter VVT-i 4-Cylinder Engine with Hybrid Synergy Drive, producing 187 net Horsepower.
 * Dual Zone Automatic Climate Control that can run with the engine off
 * A Super-Clean Advanced Technology Partial Zero Emissions Vehicle (AT-PZEV)
 * Up to 80% fewer smog forming emissions than the average new vehicle.

Camry Hybrid Packages
Moonroof Package:
 * Includes power tilt/slide moonroof with sliding sunshade, dual illuminated visor vanity mirrors with dimmer control and rear personal reading lights.

Comfort and Convenience Package:
 * Includes heated front seats and outside mirrors

Leather Package:
 * Includes leather-trimmed seats and door trim with integrated armrests, driver and front passenger power seats, and dual front and rear map pockets

Camry Hybrid Options

 * Voice-activated DVD navigation system
 * JBL AM/FM 4-disc in-dash CD changer with satellite radio capability
 * MP3/WMA playback capability
 * Auxiliary audio jack
 * Hands-free phone capability via Bluetooth wireless technology
 * 8 speakers in 6 locations and FM diversity reception
 * Heated outside mirrors

Main Competitors

 * Honda Accord Hybrid