Just rented a Camry rental

[pete c]

I drive a lot for work. My company allows me to rent a car by the month.

Why in the hell they don't just get me a company car is beyond me, but oh well.

I carry a fair bit of junk, including my mountain bike at times, so I usually rent a compact SUV. Usually some sort of Chevy or Nissan. Occasionally I get lucky and score a CX-5.

Had to swap cars last friday and they didn't have a suitable CUV, but they did have a Camry hybrid, so I said, what the hell, lets try that.

First tank I drove in what I would describe as some what thoughtful about mileage. Kept highway speeds to 70, a bit more on downhills. Did put some effort in keeping the efficiency gauge in the ECO range. Also tried somewhat to keep it in EV mode.

The result was a tad over 50 mpg.

Yesterday had to make the drive out to cape cod. All highway and I was a bit pressed for time, so I basically flogged it. Speeds regularly exceeding 80 mph.

I reset the avg mpg meter at the start of this trip. I recorded 44 mpg. Not bad.

I am confident that this thing is capable mid 50s with just a little effort and 60+ if you really put effort into it.

If Toyota would offer this in a wagon, I'd buy one yesterday.

Anyhoo, I am about 99% sure it is time for me to buy something and I am certain it will be hybrid.

Not sure which, but I am really liking what I have read/watched about the 26 RAV4. Also considering a CRV or Civic hatchback. Might give the CX-50 a look as well. Just curious about the difference in mpg between the CX-50 and RAV4.

They have the same drivetrain, so how does the RAV4 beat it easily on mileage? Is it because the Toy has a 5th gen system over the Mazda's 4th gen?

Getting back to the Camry, if I have one criticism it would be that it really doesn't like staying in EV mode. I was regularly in situations where the gauge said I had a near full battery and was driving with a very light throttle, but the computer decided it was time to burn some hydrocarbons.

My guess is that Toyota wants to minimize battery cycles, which does make sense.

Pretty sure this is a 25, maybe even 24, so it doesn't have the 5th gen system which I understand does a better job of keeping it in EV mode.

Would like to hear others experiences with newer hybrids and what sort of mpgs you're able to squeeze out of it.

[pete c]

Is there any way to edit the title of a thread?

I hate clumsy statements and that’s about as clumsy as they come.

[freebeard]

Is there any way to edit the title of a thread?

You'd need to petition the mods.

Good luck.

[freebeard]

Is there any way to edit the title of a thread?

You'd need to petition the mods. Good luck.

OTOH IIRC you can copy the text, delete the thread and repost with a new title.

[pete c]

That would be the smart thing to do.

Thanks Freebeard.

[Ecky]

I drive a 25 RAV4 hybrid for work. I'm impressed by how much Toyota's hybrid system has improved in driver experience over time, but I'll still hand it to Honda (and Nissan) for having a more connected-feeling system. I average around 39mpg mixed driving in the RAV for work, in a very hilly area.

Toyota does in fact make wagons with the same system. I'd guess there are more than 50 different body styles and nameplates with Toyota hybrid systems on the roads here, most of them are just not sold in the US. The Toyota Fielder (a Corolla-based hybrid wagon) seems popular. Smaller SUVs like the Yaris Cross and Corolla cross are all hybrid and might fit the bill, as they're really just wagons with plastic cladding around the wheels to make them look like SUVs.

[pete c]

Yeah, I know, everyone else gets them.

But here in the states, the minivan replaced the wagon as the family car in the 80s.

That actually made sense. Then came the SUV and the marketing folks told us that minivans and station wagons were for frumpy old housewives.

You don't want one of those good sir/ma'am! You are cool!!!! You need a Sport Utility Vehicle, which was basically a station wagon in work boots.

Of course, now we have the crossovers which are for all practical purposes, station wagons that sit a bit higher. And of course, getting in and out is a bit easier, which I suppose is a good thing for us morbidly obese yanks.

I am still waiting for my idea of the perfect hybrid. A six speed manual Accord wagon with an electric rear like your RAV4 for when I'm stuck in traffic and don't feel like playing with the clutch.

[Piotrsko]

Afaik, a minivan is a pickup with a roof added aka 1st gen Toyota 4runner, OR, a current mini truck is the 4runner equivalent taking off the roof. Dodge mini-trucks from the late '70s being the exception. Ugly and at the same time, useless for more than 4 paper grocery bags

[y2kbug]

when i was working in washington for 2 weeks i rented an ugly Hyundai full size sedan. i got around 45 mpg driving it around. it had 7 spd auto trans i think. fuel mileage was impressive but i still wouldn’t want to own one. my 99 corolla is more comfortable and has better ground clearance. wish i could replace my car but i can’t find anything i like more than my corolla.

[Xist]

Mom went on a trip with my sister a few years back and ever since claims the Camry is the size of a Corolla.
She kept saying she couldn't do some peasant dance I'm too rich to understand (the chicken dance).
I rented a Camry when I was in Las Cruces and got 50MPG driving the speed limit to White Sands and back.
We barely used the trunk, but it definitely has a smaller opening than mine.
I climbed in and out and then tried mine and had a much easier time stowing and retrieving bodies, which I'm sure is relevant if you have heavy and awkward duffel bags or something.
I've carried many boxes in my trunk and they just wouldn't fit in the new Camry.
My wife and I also did the Chicken Dance in the back seat and it was narrower.

There is a Corolla hatchback with 17.8 cubic feet of cargo space.
The Corolla station wagon prohibited in this country has 21 cubic feet.
My Camry has 16.7 cubic feet.
The 2026 Camry has 15.1 cubic feet.
So does the hybrid, which has the hybrid battery stored under the back seat.
That's a good place for it!

The 2026 Outback has 32.5 cubic feet.
If you have a Forester without a moonroof, you only have 29.6 cubic feet.
The Outback is longer!

Anyway, back to cramming for the Praxis!
I take it at 05 and boy I'm not ready!