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Camry-Avalon
Camry-Avalon

The Camry Hybrid isn’t “better” than the Avalon Hybrid, or vice versa. There are some key differences and similarities you should know about, though, about if you’re in the market for a Toyota Hybrid that isn’t a Prius.

Let’s take a look, based on a week’s test of each.

The similarities:

*They’re practically the same length – the Camry is 191 inches, the Avalon 195.

*They both have what might be called “unusual” front ends, with large grille openings and vertical lights at the corner of the bumpers.

*They share the same engines – a 200 horsepower 4-cylinder, with electric motors assisting. The Camry is a bit faster as it’s a bit smaller. Neither is a screamer, but neither is designed to be, though the Camry can safely be called the “sportier” of the two.

*Both hybrids get almost exactly the same mileage – 39 MPG city, 40-43 highway. Those are great numbers for sedans.

*Options are identical – each is available on the other, like wireless smartphone charging, Toyota’s “infotainment system” with app integration as well as lane-departure warning, adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning system with automatic braking, and more.

The Camry Hybrid isn’t “better” than the Avalon Hybrid, or vice versa. There are some key differences and similarities you should know about, though, about if you’re in the market for a Toyota Hybrid that isn’t a Prius.

Let’s take a look, based on a week’s test of each.

The similarities:

*They’re practically the same length – the Camry is 191 inches, the Avalon 195.

*They both have what might be called “unusual” front ends, with large grille openings and vertical lights at the corner of the bumpers.

*They share the same engines – a 200 horsepower 4-cylinder, with electric motors assisting. The Camry is a bit faster as it’s a bit smaller. Neither is a screamer, but neither is designed to be, though the Camry can safely be called the “sportier” of the two.

*Both hybrids get almost exactly the same mileage – 39 MPG city, 40-43 highway. Those are great numbers for sedans.

*Options are identical – each is available on the other, like wireless smartphone charging, Toyota’s “infotainment system” with app integration as well as lane-departure warning, adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning system with automatic braking, and more.

The differences:

The interiors are where the Camry and Avalon go separate ways, with the Avalon’s dashboard more upscale and “mod,” not surprising since it’s the more expensive of the two at $36,650 as compared with the Camry’s starting price of $26,790. The two cars’ air vents and center consoles are considerably dissimilar as well, though both work well as do their nav and climate systems, which share the same knobs, switches and buttons. The Avalon bests the Camry by being better able to accommodate the big and tall, especially in the back.

2017 Toyota Avalon Hybrid

2017 Toyota Avalon Hybrid

The final difference is in ride. The Avalon, as expected, is a tad more comfortable overall, there is less cabin noise, and its steering a bit lighter, with less connection to the asphalt. The Camry driving experience is ever-so more rock-n-roll, more a driver’s drive, due to suspension and handling improvements and an effort to meet or best its main rivals in this price and trim range.

2017 Toyota Camry Hybrid

2017 Toyota Camry Hybrid

Verdict? A draw, except for the price difference. If you’re looking for the family sedan and have more money to spend, the Avalon’s your ride. If you’re looking for a well-made “sportier” sedan, it’s the Camry.

Source: http://www.forbes.com/sites/joshmax/2016/09/16/toyotas-avalon-hybrid-vs-camry-hybrid-which-is-best/#6994781d5e12