Hi Scotty!
Considering getting a new 2021/22 Camry for a long distance road trip car. Like the reliability and comfort over my current 2017 Prius.
But confused whether to get the hybrid or not. Planning to keep this car up to 150K and am concerned the non-hybrid 8 speed transmission may not be as reliable as previous 6 speed models. Seems like the hybrid may actually be more reliable as wells as being more fuel efficient.
What do you think?
Also, seriously considering the Honda Accord hybrid/non-hybrid. Their hybrid system seems simpler and potentially more reliable to me. What do you think?
Jon
Toyota hybrids are amongst the most reliable on the market today compared to the rest of the competition. They’ve been refining and improving the technology for over 20 years now, so if considering a hybrid go with the Toyota over the Honda.
Since you plan to keep for only 150,000 miles it won’t matter too much whether you get the Camry gas vs. hybrid. You should work out the costs in a spreadsheet to see if it truly makes sense. Personally, I’d go gas even with the 8-speed AT. As long as you stay on top of the maintenance, I don’t see why it couldn’t last to 150,000 miles; plus, you are getting a 2021 vs. a 2018 (first year transmission came out on the Camry).
I usually recommend Toyota Hybrids over any other hybrid, even Honda. Toyota has 20 years of time tested hybrid technology. Prius technology has made it across their entire fleet.
However Honda has a compelling hybrid technology. It is their third attempt at creating a hybrid system, and it is significantly different than their Honda predecessors, and even Toyota. Honda predecessors weren’t necessarily bad in terms of quality. They just weren’t as popular as Toyota’s technology.
Current generation Honda Hybrids are basically an EV but get its power from gasoline. Very fascinating. If it is was any other company I probably wouldn’t give it a second look, but it is Honda, a company known for quality and longevity.
Toyota Hybrids usually split the duty of propelling the vehicle between the ICE and the electric motor.
If you want tried and true, go with a Toyota Camry Hybrid.
If you are willing to take a chance, go with the Honda Accord Hybrid. Heck, drive them both and see what you like better.
ICE or Hybrid?
At 150K miles is around the break even point for ICE price vs Hybrid price - Gas saving. You’d have to run the numbers for the specific vehicles you are comparing.
Just from a cost perspective, if going only around 100K or less miles, I’d say go ICE. At 200K+ miles, go hybrid. Around 150K miles is breakeven. So get whatever car feels better for you.
Benefits of hybrid besides gas savings: changing the brakes less. Since the hybrid system helps in braking, there is less wear and tear on the brakes.
Honestly depends on what you want, both Toyota and Honda make good hybrids, but Toyota does sell more Hybrids than Hondas and you get a lot more choice by going Toyota hybrid since there is a hybrid version for nearly every single car in their lineup.
