Mother Proof's view

You know how on TV the future is all shiny and bright? Everything is white and silver and clean, and everything is powered by some mysterious force that makes virtually no noise, yet creates boundless energy? Well, folks, apparently the future is here, because that’s exactly what driving the ’09 Toyota Camry Hybrid is like. It’s all spacey and future-bright and, really, pretty cool.

My test vehicle was a sleek, silver star cruiser with calming gray leather, chrome accents and cool blue dials. A proximity key kept in my purse allowed me to start the Camry by just pushing a button. Of course, since it is a hybrid, there is no noise when the car is turned on. Sometimes I got confused and couldn’t remember if I had turned it on or not. I felt like I was in the cockpit of something far more advanced than I was licensed to pilot. I almost expected a voice to announce that we were ready to jump to hyperspace. Almost.

Flying, er, driving the Camry Hybrid is, in some ways, very different than driving a traditional gas vehicle. Aside from the otherworldly quiet, the acceleration is a two-part movement. First, the battery moves the Camry from a stop, but continue pressing the gas and the engine kicks in to move the car up to cruising speed. I could feel the moment when things would move from electric to gas and back again. I never exactly floored it, but, generally, getting started feels slowish. Of course, it was at those very moments that I would start to feel superior to those primitives around me in their gas-guzzling pollution-mobiles, knowing that I was saving the planet in my space pod. Honestly, I’m happy to give up drag racing for 30-plus mpg, especially since the ride and handling are no sacrifice at all. This Camry virtually glides down the road and takes turns smoothly and easily.

A color touch-screen provides navigation, audio controls and phone functions, but also tilts for optimal viewing and slides out to give access to a four-disc changer and the DVD reader for the nav system. Nifty! The sound system comes with an auxiliary port, but the upgraded version that I had came with eight speakers and satellite radio capability, so my music literally came from outer space. Power seats adjust in every direction, and the steering wheel tilts and telescopes into the perfect piloting position. There are controls for the stereo and phone on the steering wheel, so I didn’t have to let go of the wheel to manage things. And obviously, what spaceship would be complete without a huge moonroof for stargazing?

my little space cadets felt right at home. The backseat is super roomy and easy to climb into. A/C vents on the back of the center console keep things cool and comfy, even in August. Our booster fit perfectly and there was no problem getting belted in, even for my junior cadet. There are plenty of covered pockets and bins to contain all sorts of space gear and several ports to keep space-age devices powered up, but only four cupholders, which is a bare minimum as far as I’m concerned.

Also concerning are the seatback pockets. Rather than leather, the pockets are made of plastic. They’re almost like an in-flight tray table held in the upright position by elastic bands. My youngest was convinced that it was a footrest, and nothing I said would change his mind. He spent most of his travel time pulling the pocket away from the seatback with his feet. I’m not sure how long those elastic bands would put up with that kind of treatment before snapping or getting stretched out beyond recognition. Of course, one solution would be to keep my kid from messing with it. Yeah, right. Like that’s gonna happen.

The only place the Camry Hybrid feels constricted is in the trunk. Since the battery is housed there, space is limited. When I went to load up for a couple of hours at the beach, I had to strategically place things to make sure that the Boogie board, beach chair and two bags would fit. Grocery shopping was manageable, but a major run to Costco would have me stacking boxes in the backseat. Ideally, that would only happen without the cadets, as they don’t much enjoy being barricaded into the car.

We had a galactic good time in the 2009 Toyota Camry Hybrid. A sleek package and a smooth, spacey look give this sedan a rich feel without leaving out any functionality. If the smallish cargo space doesn’t give you pause, I’d say blast off in this hybrid!

*For more information on the 2009 Toyota Camry Hybrid and its safety features, visit Cars.com. With questions or comments regarding this review, write to editor@motherproof.com.

LET’S TALK NUMBERS

Latch Connectors: 2

Seating Capacity (includes driver): 5

IT’S THE LITTLE THINGS THAT COUNT

Storage Compartments (Puny, Fair, Ample, Galore): Ample

Cargo/Trunk Space (Puny, Fair, Ample, Galore): Fair

SENSE AND STYLE

Family Friendly (Not Really, Fair, Great, Excellent): Great

Fun Factor (None, Some, Good Times, Groove On): Good Times

Specs

2009 Toyota Camry Hybrid

Base price: $25,650

Price as tested: $31,188

Engine: 2.4L 4cyl Hybrid

Fuel: 33/34 mpg

Length: 189.2″

Width: 71.1″

Ground Clearance: 5.9″

Turning Radius: 36.1 ft

Cargo space: 10.6 cu ft

NHTSA Crash-Test Ratings

Frontal Impact

Driver’s side: 5 stars

Passenger’s side: 5 stars

Side Impact

Front occupant: 5 stars

Rear occupant: 5 stars

Rollover resistance: 4 stars