The Hybrid Hustle: Nissan Altima vs. Toyota Camry Which is Best?

Since everyone seemed to love (or hate) the Saturn Aura Hybrid comments from yesterday here's more hybrid blog fodder. I just ran two identical driving loops in the 2007 Nissan Altima Hybrid and Toyota Camry Hybrid. These loops were about 66 percent through the Santa Monica Mountains and 33 percent along PCH. We use this area because it offers relatively traffic-free driving (at least during mid-day) and a good mix of driving situations. Truth be told it's not the best loop for hybrid vehicles because it offers almost no stop-and-go driving and the average speed on this loop was about 46 mph (well above the speeds where an internal combustion engine can really be "helped" by the electric motor). That said, the route is easily controlled by the driver because of the lack of traffic, meaning I could essentially pick my speed and driving style versus having it dictated to me by other drivers and/or "road conditions." I actually didn't change my driving style much, but I did tend to leave a larger gap in front of me so I could coast down hills to recapture energy and/or have momentum when the road went from downhill to uphill (which is quite often on this loop). So how did they do?


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Agent009 - 6/29/2007 11:10:09 AM

-1 Boost

True, but did they do a better job in creating the better car?

Mark - 6/29/2007 11:17:45 AM

+4 Boost

Camry. I don't like CVT's but I enjoyed the ride and design of the Camry much better. I feel more though and passenger needs went into the cabin design.

Plus you get the hybrid with the SE wheels and that spoiler...and whoohoo!!

Kidding....

Homer008 - 6/29/2007 5:28:01 PM

+1 Boost

ditto.

silent_power - 6/29/2007 11:41:13 AM

+2 Boost

Actually, Nissan leased Hybrid Synergy Drive from Toyota. But I am still cautious about Carlos Ghosn comments on hybrids:
"Hybrid Cars Make No Sense ". So, are they going to support their product or leave Altima hybrid buyers hung-up?

jasaero - 6/29/2007 11:52:56 AM

-1 Boost

I linked from this to his Aura Hybrid write up and he said he only got 19 from it? That just doesn't computer. I know people with V6 Auras that get better than that on a similar loop to what he did with these two?? Problem is that he didn't explain what loop he ran the Aura though. The EPA 2008 estimates for the Aura Hybrid aren't actually that bad. Not sure if it is bias or just a bad early impression of the Aura.

Htay7500 - 6/29/2007 12:16:50 PM

+3 Boost

I trust the camry more, it has great comfort and ergonomically designed.

greenca - 6/29/2007 3:33:27 PM

+1 Boost

Check out http://www.greenca.tv for news and video on the environment and being green!

EnnNorak - 6/29/2007 5:40:08 PM

-4 Boost

This is like chosing the lesser of two evils. Hybrids will eventually be replaced by hydrogen fuel cells anyway. I'd rather have a diesel and not a loser hybrid that lugs around a heavy battery package that will eventually cost a small fortune to replace.

1970toyotamarc - 6/29/2007 6:13:35 PM

+6 Boost

Ive driven the Camry, it was superb. I guess whichever you prefer- Altima's overdone styling with slightly shaper handling, or Camry's smooth luxury and understated elegance. Either way you cant lose with this hybrid set-up.

EL34 - 6/29/2007 6:16:48 PM

-1 Boost

Does anyone remember when the Camry was the size of the current Corolla?

EnnNorak - 6/29/2007 6:20:44 PM

-1 Boost

I remember but only the Avalon is on my shopping list from the Toyota stable.

pchera01 - 6/30/2007 7:12:27 PM

+2 Boost

Altima Vs Camery
I am big fan of Nissan/Infiniti, but to be fair and honest, I will pick Camery over Altima.
simple reason,
Toyota meets what I wanted here

if it is
IS Vs G35/37
my pick G35/37

GS Vs M
I pick M

4Runner Vs Pathfinder
4Runner

you know what I am saying

Htay7500 - 7/1/2007 1:26:11 PM

+2 Boost

same here, although I like old toyotas, the new ones are a bit boring but I like the new Hondas (exception of the new CRV):

RAV4 v. CRV
CRV (the best car in its class as well as owning one.=)

Land Cruiser vs. any full size SUV
Land Cruiser since it has a great reputation of reliability and capable 4WD (as well durability and usage in the UN, etc)

Camry vs accord
accord, well because we owned 2 and looks decent and very reliabile (old accord had a tranny replace ment and pwr window but tht was quickly repaired) but until the accord diesel comes, its the camry hybrid.