The 2014 Toyota Camry Hybrid is exactly what you’d expect from a hybrid car in this price range – it’s reliable, nimble and fuel-efficient. It’s basically a Prius in sedan form.
Hybrid cars may not be perfect, but they are definitely a step in the right direction as far as fuel efficiency and environmental friendliness go. Yes, there are issues with them – and we have pointed them out in an earlier article – but there is still a good reason to respect them. They are the proof that green cars can be profitable, which is a good thing for everyone.
Today, one of the most profitable hybrid cars is the Toyota Prius, which has managed to strike a fine balance between affordability, power output and, most importantly, fuel efficiency. However, it’s not the only hybrid on the market. In fact, it’s not even the only hybrid from Toyota. There is indeed another – the seemingly neglected Camry Hybrid, which lives in the shadow of its cousin Prius and its gasoline-powered brother, the Camry Sedan.
But, what’s impressive about the Camry Hybrid is that it’s every bit as good as the Prius – though in its own slightly less fuel-efficient yet more powerful way.
It’s a Sedan
First and foremost, not everyone like hatchbacks, and fortunately for us all, hybrid cars don’t have to assume the hatchback form. They can be just as efficient as sedans, SUVs, trucks or whatever other vehicle type you can think of. In the case of the Camry Hybrid, it achieves its amazing fuel economy numbers by being a sedan. So, if you like hybrids, but hate hatchbacks, then ignore the Prius altogether.
It’s Environmentally Friendly
The Camry Hybrid’s estimated fuel economy numbers for the 2014 model are admittedly not as impressive as those for the 2014 Prius, but they are still very, very good. Plus, this sedan is actually more powerful, so it all makes sense anyway!
Under the Camry Hybrid’s pretty hood sits a 156-horsepower 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine with an electric motor and battery pack attached to it. If you’re willing to sacrifice some of the speed, you can get by on the electric motor alone – a solid achievement in its own right. When all these elements are combined, the powertrain in this car can crank out even more horses – 200 of them to be precise. As a result, it takes close to eight seconds for this car to reach 100 km/h.
As for its fuel economy, the base LE trim’s estimated numbers are 6.6 litres per 100 kilometres in the city and 7.2 litres per 100 kilometres on the highway. The more upscale XLE trim actually has higher numbers, but it’s likely due its slightly larger wheels.
By contrast, the Prius’ numbers are 5.5 litres per 100 kilometres in the city and 5.9 litres per 100 kilometres on the highway. These are undeniably better estimates, but they do come at a cost in power. The Prius’ 1.8-litre four-cylinder engine, which is also connected to an electric motor, can only produce 134 horses. That’s why it takes the hatchback 10 seconds to accelerate to 100 km/h.
It Has a Nice Cabin
In terms of everything else, the Camry Hybrid is almost just as good or the same as the Prius, though some see Prius’ cabin as more aesthetically pleasing. That being said, the Camry Hybrid offers an ample amount of space – in back and front. You also get an audio system with Entune and various smartphone-connected features, like the Bing search engine, traffic updates, Pandora streaming radio as well as stock and sports information. All of this is also available in the Prius. In other words, these cars are not that different when it comes to features and cabin comfort.
In Fact…
…the Prius and Camry Hybrid are not that different in general. Just think of the Camry as the sedan version of the Prius and you’ll know exactly what you’re dealing with. So, if you’re in search of a hybrid, definitely don’t neglect this one.
For more information on this vehicle, be sure to read our full review of the 2014 Toyota Camry Hybrid.