Threxx

If you were hybrid shopping and limited to these two cars, what would be your thought process for choosing one?

It seems to me that even though they look very different and are rarely mentioned in the same breath, they do overlap quite a bit from a functional standpoint.

Which would you choose and why?

Iceman

Prius: smaller, quirky styling, "green" reputation, outstanding mileage
Camry: bigger, more practical, more mainstream styling, decent mileage

Threxx

Yeah there's a big difference in styling. I'm not sure I could take myself serious getting in and out of a Prius.

Aren't the two cars pretty similar in terms of interior space though... so is size really a factor?

Allen K

iTrader: (4)

The Prius isn't that small and with the hatch it might be more practical than the Camry. Personally I like hatches because they offer more usable space for hauling stuff. That said, I'd prefer the Prius because it does get better mileage and I can fit larger boxes in it with fewer problems.

bad co

I would take the fusion hybrid or jetta tdi! Both the Jetta and the Fussion look fantastic yet they are close to the Camry's size yet offer Prius like economy.

LexFather

Camry gets 35 MPG, Prius 50 MPG. That is a big difference. Prius will have newer tech like LEDs and solar sunroof etc. The Camry hybrid IMO is the perfect family hauler. I mean 35MPG city and highway, tons of room, good interior and if you want to mod you can. The Prius does appeal to me b/c of the tech, the 50MPG and I actually like the new styling.

bagwell

what are you talking about -- Prius has tons of room -- its NOT a small car -- go sit in one....have have you seen the 2010 Prius? looks damn good to me.

how is a camry hybrid more practical?

IMO the camry hybrid was built only to please those that thought the 2G Prius looked quirky.

link13

My understanding is you have to drive a Prius 50 mph in the carpool lane and hold up traffic, but in the Camry hybrid, it's an option, not a requirement.

PhantomZX

I think the only way the Camry has the Prius beat is in terms of power/acceleration and subjectively, looks.

CK6Speed

iTrader: (1)

I do think the Prius trumps the Camry in ultimate fuel mileage, so if one was to buy a car purely on fuel mileage alone, the Prius probably would be thew winner.

Since the question is which would I buy and why, I would buy the Camry Hybrid because it looks like a normal car.

SLegacy99

I wouldn't get a Camry hybrid now until the 2.5L gets in there. Should make a world of difference.

Threxx

So it seems aside from looks, the Camry Hybrid doesn't have much of a reason to even exist with the Prius out... especially the 2010.

I was just curious.

I think the Ford Fusion Hybrid would make a better choice for a 'normal looking' hybrid car than the Camry, anyway.

PhilipMSPT

iTrader: (5)

They also ride the lane divider, so that I can't split lanes with my motorcycle, even though they're not that wide...

LexFather

No the Camry has tons of reasons to co-exist from the Prius. Some people don't want to drive a smaller dimension car like the Prius. The Camry hybrid is faster and more powerful than the Prius.

Both were on my lists of next car, they both do their jobs very well.

DASHOCKER

iTrader: (2)

The Prius is a unique looking car compared to the Camry. The Prius is very George Jetson The 2010 Chevy Volt is a looker too.. Check it out.