Toyota Camry Hybrid

With its extensive update for 2012, the Camry Hybrid received a nicer interior and slightly more responsive handling. It gets amazing fuel economy for its size and roomy interior: we tested 38 mpg in mixed driving, four mpg better than the previous version. It also rides well, is quiet, and should be very reliable. All of these changes add up to the Camry now scoring as our top-rated family sedan. Drawbacks include touch-screen radio controls that could be better designed. Bluetooth and a USB port are standard, and Toyota's Entune smartphone integration is available.

In the world of midsized sedans, the Camry ranks among the best, thanks to its comfortable ride, quiet cabin, good fuel economy, and easy-to-use controls. The frugal hybrid version achieved an impressive 47 mpg overall in our testing. Thankfully, the hybrid battery doesn't take up excess trunk space as in previous models. Handling is slightly improved over previous versions, but the lower stance makes access a little more difficult, and the rear seat is not as roomy as in some competitors. FCW and AEB with pedestrian detection come standard, but BSW and RCTW are optional. The 2021 model saw an upgrade to Toyota's Safety Sense 2.5+ suite of safety equipment. Highlights include automatic emergency braking with low-light pedestrian and daytime bicyclist detection, adaptive cruise control, and lane centering.

The Camry Hybrid is a spacious, quiet, and comfortable sedan that offers the fuel economy of a much smaller car. The 34 mpg it achieved in our overall testing is impressive, translating into a long 600-mile cruising range. Acceleration is good, but initial response is sluggish. A CVT is the only transmission. Handling is responsive enough but not particularly agile. Unfortunately, the hybrid components take up some trunk space and block most of the folding rear-seat opening. Curtain air bags and stability control are standard.