Toyota's New Camry Hybrid Leads the Pack in Price, MPG (US made, non-union)

Daily Tech ^ | August 23, 2011 | Jason Mick

[decimon]

Toyota's mainstream Camry lineup also looks reinvigorated

Toyota Motor Company (TYO:7203) is moving aggressively to stay on top of the hybrid market even as fellow veterans like Ford Motor Company (F) and plucky new players like Hyundai Motor Company (SEO:005380) look to give chase.

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i. The Hybrid Specs

The hybrid Camry launch will be delayed "approximately 30 days" from the other models, but when it launches, Toyota will have twin hybrids in the brand for the first time.

The new entry level LE hybrid drastically improves fuel economy, bumping it from 31/35 mpg city/highway to 43/39 mpg -- an increase of approximately 30 percent in city gas mileage. The XLE hybrid offers a respectable 41/38 mpg. Horsepower has jumped to 200hp from 187hp combined horsepower in the previous generation.

Much of improved gas mileage comes thanks to weight reductions. Toyota has shaved over 200 lb off the weight of the vehicle. The 2011 hybrid weighed 3,680 lb. The new SE hybrid weighs 3,417 lb, while the XLE weighs 3,441 lb.

Still Toyota manages to squeeze an industry-leading 10 airbags into the vehicle.

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The LE hybrid shaves $1,150 off the MSRP of the previous model, placing the cost of ownership at a modest $25,900. An XLE costs $27,400 -- just slightly more than the previous Camry Hybrid -- but contains many luxury perks that the former model didn't, most significantly the Entune infotainment system (more on this in a separate, upcoming piece).

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[Big Horn]

My last two cars have been Camry’s made in the US, I love them.Best cars I have ever owned.

[smokingfrog]

The Ford Fusion Hybrid is pretty close to that in mpg and price. Not sure which car is roomier, but I’d suspect it would be the Ford. But it’s partially made in Mexico!

[Paradox]

The Ford Fusion hybrid was a major embarassment... for TOYOTA. Why? Because quite frankly, it ate the equivalent Camry’s lunch. Thats one reason why Toyota had to improve the current camry. Fords version of hybrid technology was actually superior to Toyota’s. Competition is a good thing.

[RayChuang88]

While the new model--especially the interior--is much better than the old model, I still prefer the current Hyundai Sonata if you want a gasoline-only model--the Sonata's 2.4-liter Theta GDi engine with direct fuel injection is powerful and very fuel efficient (it's even more powerful than the 2.5-liter 2AR engine found on the Camry).

[smokingfrog]

Ford started making the Escape Hybrid back in 2004, so they do have some experience under their belt.

[Red Barr]

HOW ABOUT THE TESLA?

[Lazlo in PA]

That looks good. Does it come with a Big Block V8?

[tlb]

I’ve recently begun doing my research in prep for a new car sometime in the coming year. The Fusion was what I seemed to be headed for but this sounds like it may also be a contender.

[buck61]

in prep for a new car sometime in the coming year.

Could you put off purchasing a new car until after twenty twelve? Do like the American Corporations, hold on to your money until Obrainless is gone?

[Last Dakotan]

Better than union jobs.

Only in that a cut doesn't go to the UAW/Democrat party.

I was hoping as GM was spun apart Penske and the dealers would buy Saturn and we'd eventually see the first American owned non-union auto maker.

I guess the UAW wasn't going to allow that.

[Cringing Negativism Network]

“Made in USA”?

Doubtful.

More likely, shipped as bulk imported pre-assembled parts, and bolted together in America.

Just saying.