Quote:
Originally Posted by SPL
To add to what's already been said, I think that there are a couple of other things that you should take into account in the pricing comparison: - The hybrid is peppier than the base model's 4-cylinder ICE. In many respects it's fairer to compare it to the V6.
- The standard features of the hybrid (e.g., SmartKey, stability control, ...) compare more closely to the Camry V6 XLE than to the 4-cylinder base model.
Stan |
You might be right Stan, but even if you compare to the XLE 4 cyl (like I did) and get all the options matched up as close as possible the cost delta is only around $1000-$1500....BEFORE the tax credit. It really puzzles me how the auto rags never seem to get the comparisons accurate.
I also wonder about their driving tests. While I do understand that they want to drive all tested cars the same and under similar conditions I don't think this is fair to the hybrid. As I drive my TCH more I realize that there are simple, minor changes to driving habits that have a big impact on FE...especially in rush hour traffic.
Because of media pieces like this hybrids are getting a bad rap.