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Toyota updates Camry Hybrid's style, retains high fuel economy (pictures)

The 2015 Toyota Camry Hybrid features a whole new look, and carries over its excellent gasoline-electric drivetrain.

Wayne Cunningham
Wayne Cunningham reviews cars and writes about automotive technology for CNET's Roadshow. Prior to the automotive beat, he covered spyware, Web building technologies, and computer hardware. He began covering technology and the Web in 1994 as an editor of The Net magazine.
Wayne Cunningham
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The Camry is Toyota's midsize sedan, and comes with a four-cylinder engine, V-6 engine or a hybrid gasoline-electric drivetrain that gets stellar fuel economy.

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Toyota updated the entire Camry line for the 2015 model year, but carries over drivetrain options and Entune app itnegration.

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The gasoline-electric drivetrain uses a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine and 105-kilowatt electric motor, producing 200 horsepower and getting 40 mpg average fuel economy.

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The grille and headlights are nicely integrated. In SE trim the grille is painted black.

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As a midsize sedan, the Camry Hybrid offers everyday utility, working as a commute car, errand runner and even a vehicle for taking the family on road trips.

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The long upper cabin lets in a lot of light.

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Toyota does not offer a panoramic sunroof like so many other automakers.

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The Camry Hybrid is a front-wheel-drive vehicle.

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The SE trim has sporty pretensions, using a sport-tuned suspension.

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A minor sacrifice for the hybrid model is the loss of 2.3 cubic feet of cargo space, but the trunk remains very large.

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The cabin electronics come in one package, called Entune Premium Audio Plus with Navigation.

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Seat coverings in this SE trim model are a synthetic material designed to keep occupants from slipping.

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Rear-seat legroom is very good.

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Electric power steering is very responsive.

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This shifter controls a planetary gearset, Toyota's transmission that mixes power from engine and electric motor.

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Putting the transmission in reverse activates the rearview camera.

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A display in the middle of the instrument cluster shows trip info and other useful information.

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Buttons on the console activate Eco mode and EV mode.

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You can watch the power flow from the drivetrain on this screen.

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The infotainment system lets you configure this homescreen with your favored content.

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Push the Apps button and you see all the system's available features.

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Another page shows connected apps from Entune.

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Maps in the navigation system look good.

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Destination options include a Web search button, powered by Toyota's Entune app integration.

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Bing and Yelp are the two location search apps available.

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Audio sources include HD Radio, satellite radio, Bluetooth audio, apps and USB devices.

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HD Radio provides clearer audio than traditional FM radio.

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Devices plugged into the USB port get a music library interface.

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The now-playing screen shows album artwork, when available.

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The audio system only has six speakers in the Camry Hybrid SE. Go up to the XLE trim for much better sound.

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There is, of course, a hands-free phone system which can be activated with voice command.

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The Camry Hybrid is the best of the Camry line, offering an excellent mix of power and fuel economy.

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