2007 Toyota Camry Hybrid – Test Drive

The 2.4 liter engine is mated to either a standard 5-speed manual or 5-speed auto FWD transaxle while the 3.5 liter V6 only comes with a 6-speed automatic. The Hybrid Synergy Drive powered Camry gets a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT).

This CVT transmission was quieter and less harsh than other CVT’s from other manufacturers that I have tested. Acceleration was excellent with the combination of gas/electric power. Under light throttle you move silently, under more throttle the gasoline engine kicks in seamlessly and you move with authority.

Now the tricky part. Does it really pay to add at least $3,000.00 for the Hybrid Synergy Drive to the cost of your new Camry? Looking at the EPA mileage stats, the 2.4 liter powered Camry with the automatic gets 24mpg/city and 33mpg/highway, while the 3.5 liter powered Camry gets 19mpg/city and 31mpg/highway. According to Toyota , the hybrid powered Camry gets 40mpg/city and 38mpg/highway. Having tested the hybrid Camry for seven days and the 3.5 liter V6 powered model earlier, I have to say that the numbers are a bit optimistic. My calculations for the Hybrid came to 36mpg/city driving on clogged Los Angeles streets and 34mpg/highway in stop and go traffic, and usually cruising at 65mph when the traffic cleared.

These figures are pretty close to the 2.4 liter gas engine because of the extra weight of the electric motor and battery pack. The curb weight for the 2.4 liter powered Camry is 3,285lbs. while the Hybrid Camry weighs in at 3,637lbs., a difference of 352lbs. On the highway the Hybrid gets almost the same mpg as the 2.4 liter version. The real difference is city driving where the Hybrid does much better. If you drive in a lot of ‘stop and go’ traffic, like I did, then this is the model for you. When the car is traveling at less than 30mph, you drive in the electric mode and use no fuel at all. Driving around the slow city traffic of Los Angeles , this is the perfect mid-size family sedan.

All three Camry models share the same taut body style. The Hybrid has badges on each front fender and one on the rear trunk to differentiate it from the other two. Also shared is the fully independent suspension and 4-wheel disc brake rotor size but the Hybrid comes with an integrated regenerative braking system to send electricity to the batteries when the brakes are applied. This Camry hybrid never needs charging.

The hybrid Camry also gets electric power-assisted rack& pinion steering while the other two Camry’s get the conventional power-assisted rack & pinion steering system.

The Camry Hybrid is only available with the 16X6.5in. alloy wheels that are wrapped with 215/60R16in. all-season radial tires.

On the inside is the same roomy, comfortable and safe interior. There is one change and that is on the instrument cluster. Instead of a tachometer as found on the gasoline models, the Hybrid has a Fuel Consumption gauge that lets you know how much mpg you are getting at the moment and when you are in ‘electric drive’.

The battery pack is located under the rear seats so there is very little intrusion into the trunk and even the rear seatbacks fold to enlarge the storage capacity of the Camry Hybrid.

When starting slowly in electric mode there is a slight shudder when the gasoline engine kicks in but you’ll but it is not enough to be annoying. When driving in electric mode the ride is quiet and with no vibrations. It reminds me of riding the ‘bumper-cars’ at the amusement park.

Prices start at $25,900.00 for a new Hybrid Synergy Drive Camry.

ALL NEW 2007 TOYOTA CAMRY HYBRID
“A MORE INTELLIGENT CHOICE”

COPYRIGHT:2006:HARVEY SCHWARTZ – EDITOR, AUTOMOTIVE ADDICTS

Other Specifications:

Type: Midsize Sedan
Where Built: Japan/United States

Dimensions
Exterior
Length: 189.2 in.	Width: 71.7 in.
Height: 57.5 in.	Wheel Base: 109.3 in.
Ground Clearance: 5.9 in.	Curb Weight: 3680 lbs.
Interior
Front Head Room: 38.8 in.	Front Hip Room: 54.6 in.
Front Shoulder Room: 57.8 in.	Rear Head Room: 37.8 in.
Rear Shoulder Room: 56.7 in.	Rear Hip Room: 53.9 in.
Front Leg Room: 41.6 in.	Rear Leg Room: 38.3 in.
Luggage Capacity: 10.6 cu. ft.	Maximum Seating: 5
Performance Data
Performance
Base Number of Cylinders: 4	Base Engine Size: 2.4 liters
Base Engine Type: Inline 4	Horsepower: 187 hp
Max Horsepower: 6000 rpm	Torque: 138 ft-lbs.
Max Torque: 4400 rpm	Drive Type: FWD
Turning Circle: 36.1 ft.

Fuel Data