bought XLE camry 2012 hybrid

And I am very impressed
I thought the prius was too slow for my style of driving
I am not a hypermiler, just a commuter, and I frequently need some more power for highway passing
First drive today:40.6mpg
Glad I went with it instead of prius, thought it was nice also
Coming from long line of german luxury/sports sedans

 

Initial observations:
I bought the loaded XLE (sticker was >34k)
It has HDD entune, nav, blind spot monitor (love that options), leather, etc.

Interior is very luxurious and big - it reminds me of a lexus
Acceleration is brisk - 0-60 in just over 7 seconds
MPG with mix of highway and city is right at 40
No hypermiling, and I speed a little to confess

Downside: trunk is small compared to a prius V. It fits my needs, but if you want cargo room, you better check the trunk out. It isn't small... but it is much smaller than other cars of this size. Compare it to a non-hybrid camry.

Here is the amazing thing, though. The LE hybrid is probably the sweet spot, the XLE loaded is more of a luxury car.

I am coming from driving several BMWs and mercedes prior to that. I am very pleased with this car. In the XLE form, it fits as a luxury sedan and with the hybrid, I like the MPG. I did not consider the LE version or stripped down version, as I like and enjoy the luxury features. For those wanting basic sedan transport, the non-hybrid LE can be had for 21k-22k, which is a deal in my opinion. Hard to beat that price.

The car is very refined. I can barely hear the engine. It goes into EV mode all the time.

Will leave more impressions.

I liked the prius a lot, but it was hard for me to go from luxury and sports sedans to the prius V. I wanted a more traditional look, and the standard luxury things.

The range on the car, when it was filled up, was >690 miles according to the trip computer. Seems to be accurate. I have put on 125 miles, and the fuel gauge is still above the F mark.

Lastly, MPG is not the end game for me. For me, it was MPG in a luxury sedan with all the creature comforts. That brought me to the XLE camry. Hope this all makes sense.

 

try to find a loaded LE hybrid with leather, BSM, entune, sunroof, homelink, nav, jbl, heated seats, etc.

I couldnt find one anywhere

 

I think the Prius, the V, and the camry hybrid are all very different cars. I had them all at the dealer, deciding on which to buy. I have been thinking about the V for a month or two. But, I just like a normal looking sedan, and the very spacious interior. The blind spots REALLY bothered me in both prii.
In the end, however, it was the idea that I liked the luxuries of the XLE camry over all the other options. The discount was fabulous also.

I find it ironic that the camry has BSM, but the prii dont.... and the prius V really needs it IMHO.

That being said, i think ALL the hybrids are great. They are the future. I am really excited about the camry hybrid. I wish there were more active discussions on it.

 

No, it doesnt thank goodness, or the MSRP would even be higher with all the options. (MSRP of prius V with AT is high!) I had similar to DRCC in my other cars and never used it.

I really like the power of the camry hybrid. Has a good hp amount.