The 2012 Toyota Camry Hybrid debuted at your Northbrook Toyota dealership with a few subtle changes that manage to make it even more irresistible than its predecessor. Slight design tweaks for the exterior, new styling and features inside and improved driving dynamics make the Camry Hybrid a top choice for Chicago residents looking to lighten their carbon footprint.

Exterior

Aside from the hybrid badges, the Camry Hybrid Chicago residents now have to choose from is barely distinguishable from the gas-powered model, which is a good thing. A new chrome grille and newly designed headlights are the most significant changes this year’s Camry Hybrid received. Other minor changes have resulted in a sleeker, more athletic appearance that won’t disappoint.

Interior

The inside of the 2012 Toyota Camry is where the most notable design changes occurred and include the use of more upscale materials throughout. Brushed aluminum accents, lavish stitching above the redesigned dash and a leather-wrapped steering wheel create a luxurious appeal not expected in a car priced similarly to the Camry Hybrid. An upgraded audio system comes standard at your Northbrook Toyota dealer and can be added to Toyota’s new Entune multimedia system.

Improved Driving Dynamics

Thanks to the more extensive use of high-strength steel, the Camry Hybrid Chicago drivers have to choose from is now quicker and more fuel efficient thanks to its lighter weight. The results of reducing the Camry Hybrid’s weight so significantly enable it to go from 0 mph to 60 mph in a swift 7.4 seconds and allow it to achieve a combined EPA estimated fuel economy of 41 mpg. A revised suspension makes for a smooth ride and enhanced electric steering allows for a more responsive drive.

Vincentric, a firm providing data to the automotive industry, recently released the results of its eighth annual Best Value in America awards. Toyota took top honors after being named best overall brand for passenger cars and earning 13 Best Value awards. With its Best Passenger Car Brand award and 13 Best Value awards, Toyota walked away with the most awards out of any other automaker considered.

Vincentric’s Best Value award winners are chosen based off a number of various cost factors, including taxes and fees, depreciation, fuel consumption and financing. Of Toyota’s 13 Best Value Awards, four won in the Hybrid segment. Other notable award winners took top honors in the SUV, minivan and pickup truck segments.

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Those of us who went to the Chicago Auto Show earlier this year got to see the latest and the greatest from Toyota, including the 3^rd generation Prius. Toyota has sold over one million Prius models in the U.S. since its debut in 2000 making it the best-selling hybrid in America. With the number of automakers now manufacturing hybrids, it makes you wonder why the Prius the one hybrid vehicle Chicago residents continue to flock to despite such a competitive market.

So what does the Toyota Prius have that other hybrid vehicles don’t? Everything you’d want in a hybrid vehicle without any of the drawbacks. Of the many advantages the Prius has over other hybrids, these three can be attributed to the success of America’s favorite hybrid.

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Though the RAV4 was expected to debut for the 2012 model year fully redesigned, it arrived at your Northbrook Toyota dealer largely untouched from its predecessor. The versatility, number of trim levels and long list of options of previous RAV4 models have attracted a broad market of consumers and have made it a favorite among Chicago residents. With these qualities still in tact for 2012, the RAV4 is sure to remain a favorite among consumers.

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Particularly for residents of Chicago who are enduring the highest gas prices in the nation, opting for a greener car is becoming more and more appealing by the day. Luckily, there is no shortage of hybrid cars Chicago residents have to choose from, but which ones are the safest? Industry experts, consumers and simple research will likely guide you to the same automaker: Toyota.

In addition to being the industry leader when it comes to hybrid vehicles, Toyota also sets the bar when it comes to safety. Of the many eco-friendly vehicles Chicago consumers have to choose from, the following Toyota models rank among the safest in the hybrid car segment.

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