Toyota Camry Hybrid Rating

By: Bill Waters
10/19/2009 10:15 AM ET

Toyota originally launched its Camry Hybrid in early 2009, which has marked great success for the automaker. The Camry has a starting price of $26,150 and gets 33-34 MPG (miles per gallon) on average. While the Toyota Hybrid doesn’t offer the best MPG rating, in comparison to other Toyota automobiles, it is loaded with features and optional accessories.

Camry Hybrid has an invoice price of $26,150. The vehicle gets over 10 MPG above the fully gas-powered Camry and has a 0 percent emission rating. According to NADA’s Fast Facts, for 2009, the price includes the green technology which delivers better than average fuel economy. The hybrid car also is equipped with luxury features found in Toyota’s top-of-the-line Camry XLE model.

Fuel economy should be the main reason to buy a hybrid vehicle. Some hybrids offer up to 40 MPG, but make sure you check the specs on what you’re buying. The Camry Hybrid is reliable and the price is worth the savings in gas.

If gas prices were to go up to $3.96, which most analysts predict, you will be saving $1,746 each year on fuel. If fuel prices rise again, as they did in 2008, Toyota Camry owners will be saving more each year. There are also government tax credits, which can also help with additional savings.

The Toyota Hybrid also has some great features including multi-reflector halogen headlamps with auto on/off features. The car also has an acoustic noise-reducing front windshield which is one of the newer technologies unveiled in this automobile. The glass is High Solar Energy-Absorbing (HSEA) which comes standard.

The 2010 Camry comes with a specially tuned suspension and a lower center of gravity for enhanced handling. The suspension handled very well during our road test. This vehicle has one of the best pick-up speeds and the acceleration responds quickly on-demand.

You can increase the fuel rating by changing driving habits. Some of these driving technics include coasting to red lights or stop signs, instead of immediately braking, and slowly accelerating after completing a full stop. Hybrid drivers should also keep the windows rolled up while driving on highways in an effort to make use of the vehicle’s aerodynamic technology.