I certainly agree with many of the comments above.

I do feel it is fair to use the EPA rating because you have to try to make the measurement as equal as possible. I think comparing it to the LE was a bad choice. I feel the XLE is a closer match.

I do agree it is up to the individual, however, people make car buying decisions all the time. If the increase in price is 4,000 -- that will add another 64 to the total interest (usually around $16 per $1,000 -- of course that depend on your rate). This means to the person buying the car only one thing -- it is more money -- can I afford it?

In my case, I was going to buy a Tacoma (valued at about $30,000). My TCH at the time was about the same. So for me the two were equal on price. I would not have purchased the gas-only Camry. So in comparison to my alternate vehicle -- the pay back was the first time I filled up. Remember, this situation applies to me only...I am sure others are ok with purchasing the gas-only model.