2011 Toyota Camry vs. Its Competition

Bengt Halvorson Senior Editor

The 2011 Toyota Camry steers a safe path, in terms of design, and it's no longer, with the Honda Accord, the unquestionable mid-size picks; the mid-size sedan segment is full of choices with more exciting styling or edgier performance.

The Hyundai Sonata used to feel just a bit behind the curve, but the 2011 Sonata made a giant leap ahead with respect to looks, refinement, performance, and everything that matters in a mid-size sedan; fuel economy is also class-leading in the Sonata.

The 2011 Chevrolet Malibu is another good alternative; it emphasizes a smooth ride and comfortable interior as much as the Camry, but it has a more distinctive silhouette and more impressive interior materials.

The latest version of the Honda Accord is now two years old, but it looks a generation ahead of the Camry, with a stunning interior, especially in the V-6 models, and a slightly sportier driving feel.

The Fusion and Altima are sportier overall but a little smaller inside, and the entire Nissan Altima lineup has a sportier look and feel that's only rivaled by the Camry SE.

For those considering the 2011 Toyota Camry Hybrid, the 2011 Ford Fusion, with its better EPA ratings of 41/36 as well as its more nimble driving feel, deserves some serious consideration.