The Toyota Camry came back with a vengeance 17 years ago as the Japanese automaker decided to stop selling this vehicle in Western Europe during the 1990s.

Despite this, it did rather well elsewhere - 19 million units have been sold across more than 100 countries over more than 40 years. Notably, they're particularly popular in the US and the Middle East.

In Britain, Top Gear suspected that the Camry did not do very well because the Brits like big premium cars and the option of diesel, two things that the Toyota model did not offer. That didn't stop the Camry from making a comeback this year, however. This is a risky move considering saloons are becoming increasingly unpopular.

It's available with the same type of self-charging hybrid system as a Prius. The Camry's most likely competitors are the Ford Mondeo Hybrid and the plug-in VW Passat GTE.

Unfortunately, this car may very well struggle to sell. Even Toyota have admitted themselves that they expect to sell 500 or so a year at first if they're lucky.

The Camry's asking price does not help either. In the United States, it will cost customers about $41,200 (according to Toyota), which makes it more expensive than an entry-level Passat, Superb, or Mondeo, and it definitely costs more than an Insignia. There is a rather generous standard equipment list, and if hybrid cars are a necessity for anyone reading this piece, then this Toyota model is definitely one of the most formidable hybrid cars out there, nonetheless.

Toyota is renowned for producing decent cars, and the Camry has a feature that helps it stand out, specifically its powertrain. Let's take a closer look at what we love at the Camry Hybrid's engine.

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The Toyota Camry Hybrid Has A Solid Engine

2021 Toyota Camry Hybrid
Via: Toyota

This car holds its own while driving. Its hybrid engine produces 178 hp, which is delivered through a CVT automatic gearbox. That means the power is delivered continuously. While revving will produce plenty of noise, the good news is that the engine sound is kept nicely in check, whereas that cannot be said for a lot of other cars. The Camry's engine noise and power delivery help make the engine the best feature of this Toyota model.

Furthermore, the revving doesn't last too long. Car Wow reckons that the Camry Hybrid offers decent performance for overtaking, and its other strength lies in its relaxing, silent electric operation at low speeds for cruising through towns. The Camry has got to be one of the best options when it comes to performance. As long as it's driven sensibly, drivers will witness it return 50 mpg, while its 98 g/km CO2 emissions beats all of its alternatives.

When driving along highways, it is even more likable because there's little wind or road noise, and its engine settles down nicely, too.

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The Camry Hybrid Has An Awesome Interior And Lots Of Trunk Space

Toyota Camry Hybrid
Via YouTube/Ben Hardy

It was difficult to choose between the Camry Hybrid's engine and interior for its best feature. What Car? suggests that the latter feels more solid than those of the Ford Mondeo and Vauxhall Insignia Grand Sport. But what lets it down is that other models such as the Volkswagen Passat are more sophisticated regarding interior designs.

On the plus side, there are soft-touch materials scattered around the interior, and every Camry comes with a sat-nav, DAB radio, Bluetooth, and a USB socket as standard. Excel models have a wireless phone charging tray located in front of the gearshift lever.

Visibility is impressive front and rear, and entry-level Design models come with front and rear parking sensors, with the range-topping Excel trim adding a reversing camera.

Regarding storage, passengers will find two adequately sized cup holders located between the front seats, an armrest with cubby storage inside, and a pair of usable door pockets that are large enough for drink bottles or travel cups to be inserted.

Luggage capacity standing at 524 liters is impressive too. It's made possible thanks to a compact rear suspension design and the position of the car's batteries beneath the rear seats. This minimizes intrusion into the trunk.

The rear seats fold in a 60/40 configuration and can be released using two toggles in the trunk - ideal when passengers are loading awkwardly shaped items from behind the vehicle. The driver receives plenty of standard electronic seat and wheel adjustment, including a supportive driver's seat.

Here's hoping that the Camry Hybrid does well because it has many outstanding features although it is also part of a shrinking car market. Best of luck to it.