2009 Toyota Camry 4-door HYBRID Sedan

The 2009 Toyota Camry Hybrid offers a spacious and airy interior, with a commanding driving position and dashboard design that sits low and away. Seating is firm and fairly comfortable, although the passenger's-seat bottom could be angled up for better thigh support. The audio and ventilation controls are within easy reach of the driver, and many of the functions, such as fan speed and audio settings, can be operated via the steering wheel-mounted controls. The instrument cluster features legible white numerals against a black background and, in the spot normally reserved for a tachometer, the Camry Hybrid features a fuel economy indicator. There's also a small blue-banded area to indicate when the vehicle is being powered solely by the electric motor.

The 2009 Toyota Camry Hybrid has a low, swooping nose, large chrome grille and a bustle-style rear end that bears a passing resemblance to the BMW 7 Series. The side glass is more curvaceous than on previous-generation Camry models, enhancing the car's silhouette by creating a less slab-sided appearance. Unfortunately, the sweeping rear-window design creates a narrow trunk opening, making it difficult to insert wide or bulky items. Also adding to the car's sporty good looks are a longer wheelbase and standard 16-inch wheels and tires. The Camry Hybrid's chassis features a number of crumple zones designed to absorb collision-impact forces, which in turn can help minimize damage to the passenger cabin and its occupants.

Notable Standard Equipment

Notable Optional Equipment

The Camry Hybrid is nicely equipped with such features as a CVT automatic transmission, Smart Key System with push-button starter, tire pressure monitor, tilt and telescopic steering wheel with touch controls, automatic on/off headlamps, AM/FM radio with single CD, cruise control, dual-zone automatic climate control, eight-way power driver's seat, power windows, 60/40-split folding rear seat, four-wheel anti-lock disc brakes, front side-impact airbags, front and rear side-curtain airbags and a driver's-knee airbag.

Popular options for the Camry Hybrid include a power moonroof, voice-activated DVD navigation system with 440-watt JBL audio and eight speakers, JBL Premium audio with external jack and six-disc CD/MP3 capable changer, leather seating, remote start, 16-inch alloy wheels, hands-free phone capability via Bluetooth wireless technology, heated outside mirrors, heated front seats, dual illuminated visor mirrors, XM Satellite Radio and a number of dealer and port-installed accessories, including security upgrades and exterior protection treatments.

Power for the 2009 Toyota Camry Hybrid comes from two sources. A 2.4-liter Atkinson-cycle four-cylinder gasoline engine produces 147 horsepower, while a small electric motor generates an additional 40 horsepower. An efficient Continuously Variable Transmission, or CVT, routes power to the Camry's front wheels. The Hybrid Synergy System uses a computer to switch between the electric motor (usually used during low-speed stop-and-go driving) and the gasoline engine, which is used at speeds above 30 miles per hour. The electric motor is also brought online during full-throttle acceleration, where its powerful torque helps move the Camry with surprising speed. The motor derives its power from an onboard battery that is continually recharged via the gasoline engine as well as by energy recaptured during deceleration, a process known as regenerative braking.

2.4-liter in-line 4 with 105-kilowatt Permanent Magnetic Synchronous Electric Motor
147 horsepower @ 6000 rpm/40 horsepower @ 4500 rpm (187 horsepower combined)
138 lb.-ft. of torque @ 4000 rpm/199 lb.-ft. of torque @ 0-1500 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 33/34