2017 Toyota Camry Hybrid XLE Sedan

The newly redesigned Toyota Camry is out, and an improvement-at least in looks-to years past. Not known for its head-turning looks, the Camry, has been nevertheless, a standard in the automobile industry; a dependable, comfortable sedan with decent fuel economy.

Ten years ago, Toyota added the gas-electric hybrid powertrain to the lineup, capable of 34 mpg, a mere 10 mpg’s better than the conventional Camry four-cylinder engine. The Camry was and is a large sedan, with a decent amount of cargo space and a lot of comfort; especially over the road.

Honda, of course, entered the fray, with its 2005-07 Accord hybrid V-6, but didn’t hit the mark, although has improved it since. Other manufacturers, such as Chevrolet and Nissan also added hybrid sedans, the Malibu (2008-10) and Altima (2007-11), respectively. While the Accord offered more power than the Camry, Nissan borrowed Toyota technology, and Hyundai fell short with its 2011-12 Sonata hybrid.

As with many things automotive, others have learned from Toyota.

Since then, other manufacturers have added hybrid sedans, yet, none have matched the Camry. Like any other sedan, the Camry has its highs and lows. In other words, it isn’t perfect. However, the spacious interior is hard to match, along with Toyota’s infamous reliability. Don’t expect handling and style to be at the top of the list in hybrid sedans. And although fuel economy is good, it’s not stellar.

Consumers can opt for the standard Camry mid-size sedan 4-cylinder and expect fuel economy to be almost as good as the hybrid. As with all things technological, Honda and Chevrolet have caught up. And Ford Fusion is perhaps, Camry’s best competitor to date.

Receiving updates in 2015, the 2017 Camry is still equipped with Toyota’s 2.5-liter Atkinson-cycle four-cylinder paired with a 141-hp electric motor powered by a nickel-metal-hydride battery pack. A second motor/generator determines the drive ratio between the engine and the differential.

We averaged about 38 mpg. these last few days in the Camry sedan. Our XLE trim version probably added a little weight due to some extras not included on a SE model.

Acceleration and keeping up with traffic on the highway were no problem, and as quiet as the Camry is, one doesn’t always know you’re quickly approaching 80 mph. Responsive to acceleration, the Camry passes with little effort. Spirited driving, it isn’t. But it suffices for most.

Our XLE trim level came equipped with several options, including Safety Connect (Emergency assistance, Stolen Vehicle Locator, Roadside Assistance and Automatic Collision Notification, (available by subscription), $515; Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Cross Traffic Alert, $500; Convenience Package (HomeLink Universal Transceiver, Anti-Theft system with alarm, $345; Entune Premium JBL Audio with Integrated Navigation and App Suite, including Entune Multimedia Bundle (7-inch high resolution touch screen with split-screen display, AM/FM/CD player, MP3/WMA Playback Capability, Ten JBL GreenEdge speakers in eight locations, auxiliary audio jack, USB, 2.0 port with iPad connectivity and control, Advanced Voice Recognition, Hands-free phone capability, phone book access and music streaming via Bluetooth wireless technology, Siri Eyes free,Entune App Suite, HD Radio, HD radio predictive traffic and Doppler weather overlay, AM/FM Cache radio, Sirius XM satellite, Sirius XM all-access trial, Gracenote album art cover, $710 and Advanced Technology Package (pre-collision system, Lane Departure Alert, Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, Automatic High Beam), $750 and power tilt/slide Moonroof, $915.

Trim levels in the 2017 Camry include the base LE and XLE and SE. As always, our test vehicle was top-of-the-line. Pricing ranges from roughly $27,94-$34,999. Anything under $35,000 with all this standard equipment-and highest tech options-is still below average price range for vehicles today.

The SE trim level offers a little sportier sedan, but doesn’t seem as appealing. In general, the Toyota Camry, as popular as it’s been, isn’t the newest or coolest sedan out there. But it is reliable, comfortable and a well-rounded choice for a midsize family sedan. As with all Toyota products, fuel economy is better than average, will last as long as you want it to, and offers a lot for the money.

Available in over 10 colors for 2017, our test XLE came in the very stunning Cosmic Gray Mica, with sparkles and a deep rich tone. One would mistake it for black. The interior, a black leather-trim, has heated seats, 8-way power driver’s seat with lumbar, dual zone auto climate control, tire pressure monitor system and backup camera. We’re all so accustomed to these goodies, it’s hard to come down.

Without nick-picking, it’s difficult to find too much to complain about in the 2017 Camry Hybrid. A generally nice vehicle, although not as snazzy as some, driving it over the long haul would satisfy most sedan shoppers. For that reason, we give it a passing grade.

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