Toyota Camry Hybrid Overview

The Camry Hybrid offers good fuel efficiency for the midsize sedan segment, and while it cannot match Toyota's own Prius in this regard it is more powerful, better-handling and easier to live with on a daily basis. Using Toyota's Hybrid Synergy Drive system, the Camry mates a 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine to an electric motor and a continuously variable automatic transmission. Peak power output measures a combined 187 hp, excellent for the class, while still returning 31 city/35 highway mpg. The Hybrid comes in a single well-equipped trim level and at around $27,000 is comparable in price to the base V6 Camry.

Standard safety features include 7 airbags, stability and traction control and 4-wheel anti-lock disc brakes. Enticing options include heated leather seating, a sunroof, 16-inch alloy wheels, Bluetooth phone and audio streaming, a navigation system, satellite radio and a JBL premium sound system. Top class competitors for 2011 are the Nissan Altima, Ford Fusion and Hyundai Sonata hybrids.