Source: 2018 Toyota Camry Hybrid LE Matches Toyota Prius' 52 MPG Fuel Economy | Torque News In the case of the new 2018 Camry Hybrid, the LE uses a lithium-ion battery instead of the nickel metal hydride batteries the SE and XLE Hybrid trims use. It also has steel wheels and slightly different dimensions and a lower weight than the other two trims. I have long suspected steel vs alloy wheels have a measurable impact on the City driving protocol results because the polar moment of inertia effect. I would love to see the results of an alloy wheel version of the new, Camry hybrid. Bob Wilson
Camry is a heavier car or is it not? To me the higher highway rating is more interesting, Camry has bigger frontal area, don't know about Cd but even if air resistance is the same it's still interesting, it can't be all attributed to higher 41% thermal efficiency? In the end I think they just understated the Prius figures a little or maybe bloated Camry numbers a little.
The Prius is better in the city and the Camry is better on the highway. I think that points to engine and possibly wheel efficiencies.
Look no further than Canada 2018 Camry Hybrid MPG Table | PriusChat LE Hybrid w/ 17" alloys: 48/49/48
