2007 Toyota Camry Hybrid

Recharged Camry

The new hybrid-powered Toyota Camry is both roomy and rated at 40 mpg.

The Toyota Camry Hybrid is part of Toyota Motor’s long-term plan to offer hybrid versions of virtually every model it sells. The gasoline/electric Camry sedan debuted at the same time conventionally powered models got a redesign, in the first quarter of 2006 for the 2007 model year.

Toyota is betting that gasoline prices will spark growing interest in its hybrid technology among frugal and environmentally conscious consumers.

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Toyota bases the Camry Hybrid on a version of the standard sedan’s base, four-cylinder engine, unlike Honda’s competing Accord Hybrid, which has a V6 gasoline engine. The Camry’s Hybrid Synergy Drive system pairs the gasoline engine with an electric motor/generator and self-charging battery pack, to generate almost 200 hp. A continuously variable transmission (CVT) drives the front wheels. A CVT uses belts and pulleys instead of gears. The Toyota Camry Hybrid is not as quick as a V6-based hybrid, but it gets better fuel economy, at an estimated 40 mpg city/38 mpg highway.

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Unfortunately, for many drivers hybrid-car fuel economy tends to be at least 20 percent lower than EPA estimates. Even so, mileage is impressive for a five-passenger family car with a big trunk.

With a sticker price approaching $26,000, the Toyota Camry Hybrid is the costliest four-cylinder Camry in the line. The hybrid technology probably adds about $3,000 to the car’s suggested retail price. That implies it will take around six years to recover the added cost in fuel savings alone.

Toyota Camry Hybrid Vehicle Summary

The Hybrid is cosmetically identical to a conventionally powered Camry, except for specific badging. Driving characteristics are similar to the conventional car as well, which means it favors a smoother ride over sporty handling.

Read the full Toyota Camry Hybrid Test Drive

All hybrid-related components, including the battery pack, carry an eight-year/100,000-mile warranty.

The sedan comes well-equipped and includes items like a tire-pressure monitor, a premium JBL audio system with an auxiliary jack for connecting portable audio devices, a Bluetooth hands-free adapter for similarly enabled cell phones, a power driver’s seat and heated outside mirrors.

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