My First Camry Hybrid Test Drive

On Friday morning my local Toyota dealer called me to tell me that they had just received their first 2007 Camry hybrid. An hour later, I was at the dealership, but there wasn't any Camry hybrid in sight.

After a few calls around the lot, we learned that it was already on a test drive, and that another customer was also waiting to take Toyota's newest hybrid for a test drive as well.

Finally, it was my turn in this hot, red hybrid.

This was my first up close look at the newly designed Camry. What an improvement! The Camry has never been a visually stunning vehicle, but it is now. I would almost call the new Camry, sporty, but one thing is certain, this is the best looking Camry ever.

As I sat in the Camry, it was immediately obvious how much roomier this new hybrid is compared to the Prius. Much like most other hybrids, sitting in the Camry hybrid feels very much like sitting in a conventional vehicle. Almost everything about the Prius, on the other hand, seems different.

As I looked around the cabin, I quickly noticed the sunroof, something which isn't available on the Prius. This Camry also came with leather and a few other amenities which pushed the price to about $29,000, versus about $25,000 for a base level Camry hybrid.

The 2006 Prius that I checked out in the lot while waiting for my test drive actually cost a few hundred more than this Camry. While both hybrid cars offered leather and top electronics, the Prius also offered a navigation system and rear back up camera. Still, it goes to show how difficult it is to understand the pricing of hybrids.

As we pulled out of the dealer lot, it was immediately obvious that the hybrid Camry offers more horsepower than the Prius, of course that also means that the Camry isn't as fuel efficient as the Prius. Additionally, I feel that the Prius drives a little stiff, whereas the Camry offers a bit of a smoother drive.

Unfortunately, my test drive did not last long. Just as we were about to pull onto the freeway, my salesman's phone rang and we were directed back to the lot. This Camry hybrid was no longer available for sale.

While I was disappointed that I didn't get to hit the freeway, I'm sure the Camry hybrid would have offered more power there as well, compared to the Prius.

The Prius Versus the Camry Hybrid

Some people hate the design of the futuristic Prius. I find the Prius to be one of the most efficiently designed vehicles ever made, and I don't just mean regarding fuel efficiency. For such a small vehicle, the Prius offers an incredible amount of storage and space. Additionally, one of my favorite Prius amenities is the hatchback, which is just incredibly useful.

For those whom hate the design of the Prius, the Camry hybrid is a very nice alternative. Unlike most hybrid vehicles that are compared to their conventional cousins, many hybrid Camry buyers might only compare the Camry hybrid to the Prius, rather than to a conventional Camry. This could really help the Camry hybrid sell, even though it is more expensive than a standard Camry.

Ultimately, these two Toyota hybrids feel and look very different. The Prius is a unique, sensible, very fuel efficient vehicle. The Camry hybrid is sensibly elegant, offering a little more luxury, a little more refinement, but a little less fuel economy for a few thousand more than the Prius.

Nonetheless, with gas prices above $3.00, I think both cars will be hot sellers.