New 2009 Toyota Camry Hybrid

A carryover from 2008, the 2009 Toyota Camry Hybrid sedan brings increased fuel efficiency to the quality and reliability of the highly-praised Camry lineup. This year’s one style is a front-wheel drive four-door favorite that seats five passengers. The car comes standard with Hybrid Synergy Drive, a combination electric motor/gasoline engine fitted with an efficient, continuously variable transmission (CVT). The standard warranty for hybrid-related components is 8 years/100,000 miles.

Toyota Camry Hybrid teams a 2.4-liter 4-cylinder gas engine with a battery-powered electric motor for 187 hp. Like Toyota's other hybrids, it runs on one or both of its power sources depending on driving conditions and requires no plug-in charging. Consumer road testing shows the Camry Hybrid builds speed well, 0-60 mph in 8.3 seconds.

This Hybrid ride is comfortably absorbent, although steering lacks the feel of other Toyota Camry sedan styles. Gauges are large and legible. The center dashboard screen displays power-flow and fuel-economy data.

Standard features include dual-zone automatic climate controls, a leather-wrapped tilt/telescopic steering wheel (with audio controls), trip computer, universal garage door opener, High Solar Energy-Absorbing (HSEA) glass, multi-function remote keyless entry and starting system (with lock, unlock, trunk-release panic features and illuminated entry), defroster-linked CFC-free air conditioning with dust and pollen filter, 4 cup holders, and a sound system consisting of an AM/FM CD player with MP3/WMA playback capability, auxiliary audio jack, six speakers and in-glass antenna.

Rear folding seatbacks add to the Toyota Camry Hybrid’s total trunk room of 10.6 cubic feet (vs. 15 for other Toyota Camry sedans).

Notable options include a moonroof, easy-to-program navigation system with wireless cell phone link, and leather seats (with heated upgrades for front passengers). Standard safety features include stability and traction control, driver and front-passenger airbags, front seat-mounted side-impact airbags, and side curtain airbags.

The 2009 Toyota Camry Hybrid is an Advanced Technology Partial Zero Emission Vehicle (AT-PZEV). AT-PZEV vehicles produce extremely low levels of hydrocarbons (HC) and oxides of nitrogen (NOx) emissions that contribute to the formation of smog. Test Hybrids averaged 28.6-31.2 mpg in city/highway driving, 35.0 with more highway use. The 2009 Toyota Camry Hybrid fuel tank holds 17 gallons.

Roomy, quiet, and comfortable, the 2009 Toyota Camry Hybrid once again maintains its position as refined leader in the fuel-efficient class.