2009 Toyota Camry in Spring

To understand the Camry Hybrid's position in its segment, you need only realize that both the Ford Fusion and Nissan Altima's powertains are based on Toyota's Hybrid Synergy Drive (Nissan actually licenses the technology, Ford's setup is independently developed but essentially identical). If that's not enough, recall that the Camry has been the best selling car in America for eleven of the last twelve years. Clearly, the Camry is the car Nissan and Ford designers had at the center of their sights. Unfortunately for Toyota, both have been quite successful. While the Camry Hybrid is still a strong choice, its age is starting to show.

Unlike Toyota's Prius, which oozes with about as much environmental street cred as Captain Planet, the Camry keeps a low profile. Subtle badging and, in our case, green metallic paint are the only signs this is a $30,000 hybrid, rather than a low-priced four-cylinder model. Simple touches like dual exhaust - ala Altima and Fusion - might create a more upscale appearance in keeping with the hybrid's place in the model range.

The hybrid touches are likewise minimal inside. An easy to read, analog gauge to monitors fuel efficiency, but the rest of the interior is standard-fare Camry. That means a user-friendly layout and good materials but a rather bland appearance. Compared to the Fusion in particular, it feels, Spartan, dated, and again, rather less special than one expects from a high-tech sedan.... Read full article