Hybrids Entering New Segments

Toyota adds a hybrid version of its Camry for 2007.

New gasoline-electric hybrid vehicles continue to trickle into the market. For 2007, Toyota debuts a hybrid version of its popular midsize Camry sedan. Combined output of its 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine and electric motor/generator is 187 horsepower, and the EPA estimates its gas mileage at 40 mpg in city driving and 38 mpg on the highway. Actual mileage may vary. Meanwhile, Toyota's luxury brand, Lexus, has readied a hybrid version of its GS sport sedan.

Like Ford and Mercury have done with the Escape and Mariner, Saturn has given its small Vue sport utility vehicle the hybrid treatment. The 2007 Vue Green Line Hybrid features an "eco" indicator in the instrument panel that lights when you're getting better gas mileage than the EPA estimate. Estimated fuel economy is 27/32 (city/highway).

Farther off are two 2008 hybrids shown on the auto show circuit. Chevrolet's Tahoe Hybrid brings the technology to the full-size SUV segment — a slice of the market arguably in need of better gas mileage — and Lexus' LS 600h lets full-size luxury sedan buyers join the green scene.