New 2011 Toyota Camry Hybrid Returns With Same Great Value, MPGs
The new 2011 Toyota Camry Hybrid rolls into dealerships largely unchanged from last year. The vehicle boasts the same roomy interior, crisp exterior and exceptionally fuel-efficient engine that reviewers raved about last year. Review specs, features and mpgs of the new 2011 Toyota Camry Hybrid to determine if it is the right vehicle for you.
New 2011 Toyota Camry Hybrid Styling
Car shoppers who dislike the boxy exterior of the Toyota Prius will probably find the Camry a more attractive hybrid vehicle. Boasting a traditional sedan frame that incorporates smooth lines and a hint of refinement, the conventional appeal of the 2011 Camry is not likely to offend (unless, perhaps, you find the vehicle too bland).
Inside, the Camry Hybrid coddles passengers with an extremely comfortable and ergonomic layout. Ice-blue accent lighting, good fit and finish and low-engine noise all add up to a quiet and tranquil riding experience. Front seats are well proportioned and come standard with an uber-soft silk protein/synthetic fiber composition. Considering the vehicle's midsize classification, there is a good amount of available head- and leg-room for rear passengers.
Standard features available on the 2011 Camry Hybrid further add to the upscale appeal, and include dual-zone automatic climate control, leather-wrapped steering wheel, keyless ignition and 6-speaker stereo with CD player and MP3 player input. Upgrade options include leather seats, heated front seats, sunroof, satellite radio and navigation system.
In terms of cargo room, the Camry Hybrid falls a bit short. The hybrid battery is housed in the trunk, which brings total trunk space down to 10.6 cubic feet.
2011 Toyota Camry Hybrid Performance
The Camry's main power plant is a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine that musters 147 horsepower. Add in a 40-hp electric engine, and total power comes in at 187 horsepower. Shoppers will be pleased to learn that this engine combination is remarkably fluid, and competes well against traditional gas engine models in the midsize sedan class. If necessary, the vehicle shows solid performance when it comes to acceleration and handling.
With the help of a continuously variable transmission (CVT), the Camry Hybrid earns an EPA-estimated 31 mpg in the city and 35 mpg on the highway (33 mpg combined). These great figures are spurred by the electric engine's ability to provide full power all the way up to a maximum of 30 mph. In comparison, the slower traditional Toyota Camry with four-cylinder engine earns 22 mpg in the city and 32 mpg on the highway (26 mpg combined).
New 2011 Toyota Camry Hybrid Safety
Toyota outfits the Camry with a wide array of standard safety features. These include seven airbags (including driver knee airbag), anti-lock disc brakes, stability control and traction control. In crash tests performed by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), the Camry earned a best-possible rating of "Good."
New 2011 Toyota Camry Hybrid Pricing
The new 2011 Toyota Camry Hybrid starts at $26,400. For many, the slight increase in price when compared to upper-tier traditional Camrys is more than justified. Given the significant boost in mileage and solid inclusion of standard features, most reviewers consider the Camry Hybrid an excellent value. Still, there are more affordable hybrids out there, most notably the Toyota Prius. For similar styling and luxury (plus improved fuel efficiency), also consider test-driving the Ford Fusion Hybrid and Mercury Milan Hybrid.