Why no Camry Hybrid SE?

[swingman]

And in my opinion, I'd still want one even if they couldn't make it feel the same as a camry SE.

That may be the reason toyota wouldn't do a hybrid se but that doesn't matter to me as far as wanting that option.

[venzoid]

Originally Posted by swingman

And in my opinion, I'd still want one even if they couldn't make it feel the same as a camry SE.

That may be the reason toyota wouldn't do a hybrid se but that doesn't matter to me as far as wanting that option.

What would you like to see in an SE that isn't already in the LE or XLE hybrid?

We've already established that the hybrid is faster than the I4 and 2 seconds faster than a Jetta diesel (0-60mph). And has a better weight distribution than gas FWDs, and better handling than a Jetta diesel. If you want fatter tires then there is a fuel consumption issue. The XLE gets 2 mpg less than the LE for this reason.

[swingman]

The exterior visual changes in the SE are nicer IMO and the main reason for wanting that trim. The new camry design is a bit bland so every little bit helps.

Also, I want the black interior fabric option. I have a black interior in my current camry and it's really nice.

The features (assuming the upgrades would follow a similar path to the i4 SE) would match what I want better without spending extra on the xle for additional features. Biggest feature that the hybrid le is missing that I'd want is the display audio.

Given that I won't be in the market til next year, maybe the feature list on the trims will change a little for 2013 model.

[05CamryGuy]

Originally Posted by swingman

The exterior visual changes in the SE are nicer IMO and the main reason for wanting that trim. The new camry design is a bit bland so every little bit helps.

Also, I want the black interior fabric option. I have a black interior in my current camry and it's really nice.

The features (assuming the upgrades would follow a similar path to the i4 SE) would match what I want better without spending extra on the xle for additional features. Biggest feature that the hybrid le is missing that I'd want is the display audio.

Given that I won't be in the market til next year, maybe the feature list on the trims will change a little for 2013 model.

If your main reason is the SE exterior visual trim, I would suggest getting a hybrid and bolting on the SE trim pieces as some of the other posts suggested. The interior upholstery can be swapped out as well if you really wanted.

Good luck on your endeavor for your hybrid SE. Perhaps Toyota is monitoring this thread and will release a hybrid SE for your needs next year.

[swingman]

That would be rather expensive. If the new 2013 ford fusion hybrid is as good as it looks, then that would end up being the better option at that point.

I doubt Toyota does it. I was just sharing my opinion.

[El Loco VG]

People that generally want the hybrid don't want sporty and vise versa.

[El Loco VG]

Remember the accord hybrid died because they made it a sport hybrid using the hybrid motor almost as a Turbo so the mileage wasnt that much better than a regular accord so almost nobody bought it.

[jetsfan2012]

Originally Posted by El Loco VG

People that generally want the hybrid don't want sporty and vise versa.

I was thinking the same thing. I have owned sporty cars in the past, and did not care about mpg, etc...

Now I do, and the TCH works for me!

[habu968]

I have been reading this with interest. May look at getting a TCH this year, and would certainly buy it if it came in SE version. I prefer the exterior look of the SE as well as the dark interior. So I do think there is a group of people out there that would buy one.

And I had a prev gen TCH and would have bought an SE trim in that one as well.

[Tideland Prius]

Give it time....

Manufacturers need to test the water as well as see how consumer demand and interests change over time.

First you had the specialized hybrids (Insight-I and 1G Prius)
Then they tried out the power hybrids (HAH, HiHY, RXh)
And expanded on other models (HCH and FEH)
Then performance hybrids (GSh)
Well what about the family car? (TCH & FFH)

Now you have the Prius that offers Lexus-like options (water-repellent front door glass, DRCC, PCS, LKA etc) and a Camry in two trim levels (ok Ford offered the Escape in two trim levels too).

We'll see what Porsche does with their hybrid range and whether they'll cater to the performance crowd. The Panamera is a good start (yes there's a Cayenne Hybrid too) and I'm sure Honda and Toyota (probably moreso Honda) will be taking a close look and see how they can better produce sporty hybrids (but not necessarily sports cars. The CR-Z isn't a bad first stab but it could've been better for sure).

[tfelsky]

2007-2008 GS 450h would be a good compromise?