2018 Toyota Camry Hybrid Is More Powerful And Feels Like Driving A Non-Hybrid

Jun 22, 2017 03:08 AM EDT | Gerone Trish

The 2018 Toyota Camry Hybrid is coming out with better power and performance. The 2018 Honda Accord Hybrid rival also feels like driving a non-hybrid car.

Driving the 2018 Toyota Camry Hybrid gives a similar feel in driving a regular sedan. The new model sports the same accurate handling and steering of its Camry siblings. With strong acceleration, it even gets more low-end punch compared to the four-cylinder sedan.

The new Camry Hybrid has more power than its predecessor. The new model runs with a stronger 2.5-liter gas engine than the latter. This meant an extra 20 hp and 7 lb-ft of torque from the outgoing model's capacity.

Toyota has greatly enhanced the fuel economy of the new Camry Hybrid that makes it at par with the EPA ratings of the Toyota Prius. It claims a maximum of 52 mpg, which is 12 mpg better than the current model. An estimated EPA ratings of 51 mpg and 53 mpg highway, which makes 52 mpg combined.

Meanwhile, Toyota chief engineer Masato Katsumata confirms the new model will not be offered with a plug-in hybrid variant. According to Katsumata, the new Camry Hybrid will not have ample space to carry the bigger battery pack. Apparently, there will no longer be a favorable space to house the secondary battery as the main battery has already been placed under the seats. Putting the secondary battery in the trunk is not a considerable option as it will eat up cargo space.

In terms of comfort, Toyota has reshaped the front seats of the new hybrid that gives much pleasure to even large-sized passengers. The driver's seat is power-adjustable while the front passenger seat may come adjustable in higher-trim variants. Whereas, the back seats have been lowered and better cushioned for additional comfort.

In addition, tall passengers will especially like the ample headroom both the front and rear sections. However, accessing the car from the rear seems to have been compromised as the opening is quite narrow.

The new hybrid still comes with the latest safety features of the brand. It has the Toyota Safety Sense-P package of active-safety systems, forward collision alert, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warnings, automatic emergency braking and blind-spot monitors.

The 2018 Toyota Camry Hybrid seems very promising. It is expected to dominate its rivals as the brand has leveled up the specs, design, and features of the new model.

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