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Eric's Autos: Reviewing the 2012 Toyota Camry Hybrid

Eric Peters on

For most normal real-world driving, the ECO button to the left of EV is the better choice. It maximizes the drivetrain for best economy but without requiring you to drive on eggshells or causing you to annoy your fellow motorists.

AT THE CURB

If you're after attention, forget it. The clear choice on that score is the porpoise-sleek Sonata.

Aesthetically, the Camry is closer to the Fusion - both cars are neither ugly nor striking. They're four-wheeled sensible shoes. Not many people will notice what you're "wearing" - but they make you feel good.

The exterior styling tweaks for 2012 are very subtle: A different shape for the driving lights in the lower grille; some nips and tucks here and there. Most are hard to notice unless you park a '12 next to an '11. If you liked the '11, you'll be happy with the appearance of the '12.

The dash has a hybrid specific layout that's different than the standard Camry's - including a tachometer-like readout on the left that indicates when you're charging (or draining) the batteries, with what I'll call an intelligent mileage minder on the right-hand side. Unlike the typical (and absurd) mileage indicators you find in many new cars that will show 70, 80, even 100 MPG if you let off the gas and coast (because they're just fancy vacuum gauges and engine vacuum is at its highest when the throttle is closed) the Camry's gives you a realistic, real-time idea of the gas mileage you're getting.

In between the main two gauges is a small LCD info center that can be toggled through several displays, including a Prius-like graphic that shows the flow and transition between all-engine operation, all-electric operation and variations in between.

A neat feature is Toyota's new Entune technology - part of the optional audio system. It includes a Bing search engine that works through your Smartphone and lets you access real-time traffic and weather updates and current stock market info. You can even use it to make dinner reservations or order tickets for concerts and so on.

I've mentioned the seats already. But let me add a qualifier about the rear seats. One of the striking differences between the Camry hybrid and the Sonata hybrid is the distribution of real estate. The Hyundai favors the driver and front seat passenger with 45.5 inches of legroom - which to give you some perspective is nearly four inches more front seat legroom than you'll find up front in a full-size (and $90k) Mercedes S-Class sedan (41.9 inches). It's also nearly four inches more than in the Camry (41.6 inches). But the Hyundai's up-front roominess comes at a steep cost - to be paid by the backseat occupants. They'll assume the fetal position - knees to chest, up against the front seatbacks - because there's only 34.6 inches of backseat legroom. This is 4.3 inches less legroom than in the Camry - a huge difference, at least for those riding back there.

As with gas mileage (the Hyundai's great on the highway, not so good in the city - the reverse of the Camry) if it's just you and a front-seat passenger, you might prefer the Sonata. But if you frequently carry passengers in back (and take frequent highway trips) you will appreciate the Toyota's superior roominess - and more even-handed distribution of the available real estate, front to rear.

And the Fusion? It splits the difference: 42.3 inches up front and 36.7 inches in back.

 

THE REST

The hybrid Camry's main competition - in terms of sophistication, smoothness of operation and overall fuel economy - is the Ford Fusion hybrid. However, the price difference between the two is hard to overlook. But, the dynamic may change in a few months - because later this year, the updated 2013 Fusion will be arriving. I expect it to be either significantly more economical to drive - or less expensive to buy. It's got to be one or the other to make headway against the Camry - and also the Hyundai Sonata hybrid, which currently beats it on price and is competitive with it on gas mileage.

The only downside to Camry hybrid ownership - to owning any hybrid - is the fact that it'll probably take at least a couple of years of driving to amortize the higher up-front costs - unless gas prices get really obnoxious, of course. But until it happens, you can't know. So, it's something of a gamble - or at least, it involves a little patience.

Eventually, you'll recoup your investment. But the key is to go in knowing you'll drive the car for at least the next 6-8 years. Otherwise, it's not worth it - money-wise. Unless, of course, gas prices do go up to $5 or $6 per gallon.

Also, a caution: Don't fiddle with those heavy orange cables under the hood. High voltage. If you ever have to jump-start this car, read the manual thoroughly first. Better yet, call roadside assistance and let them deal with it.

THE BOTTOM LINE

If you want a hybrid sedan - and are willing to sacrifice a few MPGs in order to enjoy some MPH - the new Camry's the obvious and (for the moment) only choice.

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www.ericpetersautos.com or EPeters952@aol.com for comments.


 

 

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