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Toyota Camry Hybrid earns top family-sedan rating from Consumer Reports

YONKERS, NY – The revised 2012 Toyota Camry hybrid  ranks highest among 30 family sedans tested by the automotive staff of  Consumer Reports magazine.

It was among three versions of the new Camry that underwent testing and were found to be among the top models in their class.

 Based on the reliability of previous Toyotas, the hybrid and the model powered by a four-cylinder engine both received the magazine’s  “recommended” rating. The V-6 powered Camry did not fare as well. Based on the same criteria, it was not considered reliable enough to earn a recommendation.

The Camry Hybrid XLE, $29,052 as tested, combines a 2.5-liter, four-cylinder engine with an electric motor and develops 200-horsepower. It scored big for its overall fuel consumption of 38 miles per gallon and its surprisingly brisk acceleration.

The gasoline-powered four-cylinder LE, $23,830 as tested, has a 2.5-liter, 173-horsepower engine and returned 27 miles per gallon overall.

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The Camry XLE V-6, $32,603 as tested, was commended for its “very quick acceleration” and its overall fuel consumption of  26 mpg.

In general, the automotive staff found that the 2012 Camrys have upgraded interiors and better handling and brakes than before.

A full report on the Camrys is now available to subscribers at www.Consumer Report.org and will be featured in the February issue of Consumer Reports, which will be on newsstands Jan.3

, NY Cars Examiner

Nick Yost has been writing about all things automotive since 1979 for newspapers, magazines and the Web. He's the author of "The Essential Hybrid Car Handbook" and a member and past director of the International Motor Press Assn., New York.

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