Editors' Page: 2013 Toyota Camry

If there's one thing America likes more than underdogs, it's a sure thing.

Most shoppers in the market for a midsize sedan place comfort, quality, and value at the top of their must-have list. While the majority of new cars easily meet these rather elemental qualifications, the Toyota Camry marches on as the best-selling car of the last 11 years – and by a healthy margin.

Despite its sales prowess, however, the Camry doesn't lead the pack when it comes to technology, driver involvement or even fuel-efficiency. So what's the X-factor that sets it apart from other midsizers? The answer largely boils down to the Camry's long-refined practical persona and unwavering reputation for reliability. Simply put, the Toyota Camry stands as one of the smartest buys for your money.

In the Driver's Seat

It might not set the world alight in the handling department, but the 2013 Camry earns a special place in the hearts of the common commuter for its user-friendly nature, as explained in a midsize sedan comparison test between perennial arch-rival, the Honda Accord, and the Nissan Altima: "...it is as unfussy and undemanding as an automobile can be."

Further, our review of the 2013 Toyota Camry highlights the recent improvements in driving dynamics and on-road refinement: "Revised chassis components and new geometry give all Camrys a more confident feel with better ride compliance and body control, changes that are particularly noticeable when the going gets twisty. Numerous new noise-abatement technologies also make the 2013 Toyota Camry nearly silent over most roads."

Gas-Electric Variant

Delivering the best power-to-efficiency ratio in the lineup, the second-generation Camry Hybrid makes a compelling case for itself. Squashing the stigma of sluggish hybrids, the Camry Hybrid pairs a 4-cylinder gas engine with a high-voltage electric motor for a net output of 200 horsepower, topping the Ford Fusion Hybrid by 12 marks. As you might have guessed, the Camry Hybrid is decidedly quicker than the conventional 4-cylinder version.

Switching over to fuel consumption, the 2013 Camry Hybrid LE achieves an EPA-estimated 43/39 city/highway rating, while the slightly heavier XLE trim drops those figures by three and one, respectively. Although on paper the Camry Hybrid's fuel efficiency stats pale in comparison to the Fusion Hybrid's 47/47 rating, our real-world test results indicate that both vehicles return combined fuel economy figures in the low-40 mpg range.

Awards and Praise

10 Best Sedans Under $25,000 for 2013 - #8

Among the highest rated cars by KBB.com visitors

In Motion

What's the shame in being an appliance? Watch as we give the Toyota Camry a thorough shake down.

Price Range

Opening at just over $23,000, the Toyota Camry carries the highest starting price in the segment, commanding a near-$500 premium over base versions of the Honda Accord and Nissan Altima, and roughly $1,300 over the Mazda6 and Volkswagen Passat. On the ground, though, Toyota is piling on incentives to keep its best-seller at the top of the sales charts, meaning the Camry is just as affordable as its peers, if not more so. And because the Camry sells in such high numbers, finding one that satisfies your particular tastes shouldn't be difficult.

Compare trim levels and configure your 2013 Camry on KBB.com to get the latest pricing information as well as our Fair Purchase Price, which reflects actual pre-incentive transaction prices customized for your area.

The Connected Camry

The 7th-generation Camry was the first vehicle to feature Toyota's smartphone-based infotainment system, Entune. In a nutshell, Entune provides vehicle-friendly access to an assortment of popular mobile apps and data services from behind the wheel. Care to take a visual test drive of Toyota's smartphone integration platform? Take a look at our Entune video review.

Alternatives

The Toyota Camry is easily one of the most recommendable vehicles on the road today, but the midsize sedan segment is no longer a two-horse race between the Camry and Accord. There are currently 12 midsize sedans to choose from, each with varying degrees of comfort, technology, athleticism and, of course, value. Explore our 2013-2014 Midsize Sedans page to determine which model is right for you.