• HOME
• 
• AUTO LISTINGS
• 
• FINANCE
• 
• NEWS
• 
• DIRECTORY
• 
• REVIEWS
• 
• FORUM
• 
• BLOG
• 

2007 Nissan Altima Hybrid vs. Saturn Aura Green Line vs. Toyota Camry Hybrid Comparison Test

Just a few years ago, buying a hybrid vehicle meant purchasing something that looked like an upturned rowboat with nonexistent performance. To some, including a large number of automobile journalists, the first generation of hybrids were the epitome of efficiency, engineering to the max. These were cars deliberately crafted to get from a-to-b using the least amount of fuel as possible. Though they attracted attention, these first hybrids didn't sell terribly well as they demanded huge compromises from their owners. Few could downsize into a two-seat Insight, and although the first Prius was more practical and could run purely on electricity, it was very costly and looked rather odd.

Since then, hybrids have gained in popularity and have spread into just about every corner of the market. Automakers managed to squeeze battery packs and wedge electric motors into the trunks and engine bays of ordinary looking vehicles. Pickup trucks, sport utility vehicles, compact sedans and luxury cars are amongst the converts,

Presenting the midsize, four-cylinder hybrids. (Photo: Justin Couture, American Auto Press)

but thefastest growing segment for hybrids is the bread-and-butter midsize sedan. Honda launched the Accord V6 Hybrid in 2005, not only proving that a popular family sedan could be turned into a green machine, but also that a hybrid drivetrain could be used to improve performance, and while this formula hasn't resulted in success for Honda, which will be dropping the slow selling Accord Hybrid when the new Accord arrives this fall, the midsize hybrid has continued to grow with three more vehicles in this arena for 2007, though none with the Accord's wild V6 and electric motor punch.

We've assembled this most recent group of ordinary

The Camry, America's top-selling passenger car and longest established of the group, faces off against new contenders. (Photo: Justin Couture, American Auto Press)

sedans turned hybrid for a comparison test, cars that you might not even recognize as hybrids until you spot the little green or blue badges on their doors. The standard-bearer is the 2007 Toyota Camry Hybrid, America's best-selling car and this year's Motor Trend Car of the Year, although the budget-friendly 2008 Saturn Aura Green Line (based on the 2007 North American Car of the Year) is ready to usurp the throne, and the all-new 2008 Nissan Altima Hybrid, which incidentally uses Toyota's Hybrid Synergy Drive system mated to their own 2.5L engine should be a serious threat. Speaking of engines, the field is relatively level, with all of

Saturn's second hybrid is a mild hybrid, so power and economy gains were minimal. (Photo: Justin Couture, American Auto Press)

the cars here powered by naturally aspirated four-cylinder mills, and ranging in price from $22,000 to a little over $32,000, before taking into account varying government tax incentives and rebates on the purchase prices of hybrids.

So site back, grab a warm cup of something stimulating, and read on to find out which of the three becomes our midsize hybrid champ:

Saturn Aura Green Line

Still freshly beaming with the afterglow from winning North American Car of the Year and winning the heartsand minds of consumers with its stylish all-new (almost) product range, Saturn is finally getting the chance to bask in the media's spotlight. But for GM's import fighting

While other Auras impressed us with their build quality, this one did not. (Photo: Justin Couture, American Auto Press)

brand, there's no time for rest, so they've fitted the Vue Green Line's hybrid system to the Aura, propagating the brand's green image. With all conventional Auras being powered by V6s, the timing couldn't be better for a wallet-friendly car to attract an ever increasing group of fuel conscious buyers.

First, the good news. Unanimously, we adore the way the Aura looks; it's the most handsome car here, bar none. Nothing was done to spoil the lines of the car, particularly its low, sleek roofline and its fresh, clean styling. It's also the most practical car in this group of three, with lots of legroom derived from its lengthy wheelbase, plus a trunk that's actually full sized with handy cargo nets at the sides, and only minimal intrusion from the battery pack poking

Simplest hybrid system is also the cheapest to produce. (Photo: Justin Couture, American Auto Press)

out onto the flat load floor. From a pricing standpoint, it's also the clear winner starting at $22,045,making it the second cheapest hybrid on sale today, after Honda's much smaller Civic. But, um, that's where the good news ends.

What allowed Saturn to bring the Aura GL to market so quickly and at such low cost is that it's a “mild hybrid”, meaning that it features all the usual good hybrid parts, but it can't run on pure electricity. The second you release the brake pedal from a stop, the inline four wakes up from its idle-stop slumber with all the subtlety of a boot to the backside. Overall, the powertrain was the least refined of the group, and to compound the situation it doesn't have the advantage of being up to speed where wind and road noise could disguise the NVH of the four-banger. We also found

Eco light lets you know when you're doing better than your average fuel economy. (Photo: Justin Couture, American Auto Press)

that the Aurawas much slower than the others in this test; the hybrid pack provides a net total of 164 horsepower and 159 lb-ft of torque, hobbled by a less than optimal four-speed automatic. Where the other hybrid systems put out nearly 200 lb-ft of torque, the Green Line musters just three quarters of this amount. Expect 0-60 mph times to take about 10 seconds – so much for the whole “electric supercharger” theory. We also averaged just 28 mpg during easy driving, which could be matched by a frugally piloted four-cylinder midsize, like a Malibu or G6.

On the road, the Aura was unbelievably quiet and well-mannered thanks to its comfort-tuned suspension, laminated glass and extra soundproofing. The switch to an electric power steering system reduces feel through theschooner-sized helm but the weighting is well judged, mimicking the regular

The "Camry" of Hybrids. It's also the "Prius" of midsizes, not to mention the most "Hybrid" of the hybrids here. (Photo: Justin Couture, American Auto Press)

Auras. One thing all of the testers commented on was the intrusiveness of the regenerative braking system; letting go of the brake pedal while coasting felt as if the car had dropped an anchor.

What struck us as odd about the Green Line is that in many ways, it's the "base" model of the range. There's none of that detailed Morocco Brown leather, just simple albeit comfortable cloth chairs. The layout of the cabin is easy to operate and nicely styled; it's even better at night, with the yellow-amber glow of the ambient lighting for the console and door handles. Driving at night also hid the rather lackluster fit and finish... not as well put together as the V6 powered Aura we previously tested. Though the Aura is light years better than Saturns of the past, with squishy-touch dashboard plastics, its panels lined up as if assembled by someone who forgot to put on their glasses.

The Camry was the best equipped of the bunch, with the most toys. Its cabin is also massive. (Photo: Justin Couture, American Auto Press)

Another shortfall of the Aura is its content. It doesn't have a full power driver's seat, an intelligent proximity sensing key system, a fancy stereo, and while it does have digital climate control it's only single zone, whereas the others are dual zone. If anything, the Aura Green Line is a classic case of you get what you pay for, and in this respect it's priced well which should bring it some well deserved attention.

Toyota Camry Hybrid

Toyota takes its hybrids very seriously. Though Honda beat it to the North American market, Toyotaholds title to "creator of the first production hybrid car", the first generation Prius was launched in 1997. It coined the phrase “performance hybrid” with the Lexus RX 400h, not to mention this model launched the luxury hybrid that was more recently followed up by the ultimate performance hybrid, the GS 450h, and ultimate luxury/performance hybrid, the full-size LS

Cool, futuristic instruments encourage you to drive efficiently and not to waste fuel. (Photo: Justin Couture, American Auto Press)

600h. And of course, we can't forget the current Prius, king of the hybrids and the favorite mode of transportation for green socialites. With a decade of experience under its belt, Toyota is now taking hybrids to the masses with its midsize staple family mover, the Camry.

Toyota's midsize hybrid may look like a regular Camry with a couple of extra badges, but the driving experience is much different; sort of like getting behind the wheel of a large, four-wheeled computer. All controls are electronically metered and artificially weighted from the steering to the gas and brake pedals. They also happen to be over-servoed and sensitive to inputs, which takes a bit of time to get used to. The Camry is a cardesigned for smooth driving to save fuel; the suspension is so soft it makes a silk duvet feel like a burlap sack. The trade off is poor body control under emergency maneuvers, plus a general lack of feedback and low grip from the energy-saving Michelin tires. This discourages fooling around almost as much as

The inline-four and hybrid combo is smoother than you could imagine. (Photo: Justin Couture, American Auto Press)

the digital display. It's strange how the little pictogram and the giant fuel economy gauge can alter driving habits. Like the Prius, or other economy-based hybrids, you drive to maximize your fuel consumption. If you're in the top “Eco Drive” bracket, you'll even see the “Excellent!” message flash, a feel-good carrot at the end of your drive.

Futuristic is the best way to describe the Camry's interior.From the second your bottom touches the firmly padded velour seats, you know that this is no ordinary midsize transport. The steering wheel is chock full of handy buttons, and once the starter button is pushed the blue-hued instrumentation conjures up thoughts of Space Odyssey: 2001. Even the green backlit center console hints at a time period in the future when all cars will be powered by electricity. It's quite comfortable for all five passengers, with plenty of space to stretch out in each seat. One unpleasant surprise was an annoyingly high-pitched, plastic-on-plastic squeaking sound that came from somewhere we couldn't pinpoint,

Nissan didn't make the hybrid components, Toyota did. Nissan spent its money elsewhere. (Photo: Justin Couture, American Auto Press)

amplified by the eerily quiet cabin.

Squeaking aside, the Camry Hybrid is by far the smoothest and most refined hybrid we've tested, made possible by a very tight overall structure and years of honing the Hybrid Synergy Drive system. After all, HSD is featured on six Toyota products, including that aforementioned ultimate hybrid, the Lexus LS 600h. Blending the low power, high-efficiency Prius with theperformance-added nature of Lexus' hybrids, the Camry features the standard four-cylinder engine that's been modified to run lean on the Atkinson cycle. The gasoline engine makes slightly less power in these circumstances, but with a 40 hp boost from its electric motor the Camry Hybrid isn't at all slow. In fact, it's quicker off the line than the five-speed-manual, four-cylinder Camry SE we sampled two weeks prior, and it feels stronger to boot. It might not be as quick as the Altima Hybrid, but it's thriftier to run; we averaged 37 mpg. The Camry can also be driven on surface roads and underground parking lots on pure electricity, a novelty that never seems to wear off and another eco-ego-reward that

Looks and feels exactly like a regular Altima 2.5, inside and out. (Photo: Justin Couture, American Auto Press)

offers a self-satisfying pat on the back when you break your distance-on-electric-only record.

If luxury is a desire, the Camry is available with upgrade packages that include navigation, a sunroof and leather-trimmed seats. But the base car delivers unbeatable bang for the buck, including a proximity sensing smart key, seven airbags, auto-dimming rearview mirror, Bluetooth compatibility and the Plasmacluster Ion climate control system. Driving the hybrid keeps the air outside clean, and this filter does the same for the air inside – all for about $26,000. After all, why should people who go green have to sacrifice comfort?

Nissan Altima Hybrid

Let it be known to all that the Altima Hybrid, Nissan's first hybrid vehicle, isn't a vehiclethey developed all on their own. Nissan did not commit thousands of engineers burning the midnight oil to rush out a gasoline-electric solution like GM, Toyota, Honda or Ford. No, Nissan had better things to do with its time and finances, as was so blatantly explained by its CEO Carlos Ghosn. Why spend the big bucks on what could be just a trend? Instead, they've licensed

The engine is the strongest of the bunch; compared to the Aura, the Altima is a rocket. (Photo: Justin Couture, American Auto Press)

Toyota's trusted and proven Hybrid Synergy Drive, and have simply mated the opposition's battery packs, motors and silicon chips to its own hardware. But what really surprised us about the Altima is how much better its demeanor is than the Camry.

The all-new Altima, as we've established in prior reviews, is a very accomplished sedan. Redesigned for '07 on the Nissan-Renault Alliance "D" platform, it's a slightly smaller but roomier successor to the previous smash hit. We quite like the way that it looks – especially those “afterburner” tail lights, and we're pleased that there weren't any alterations to its sleekshape for the sake of fuel-saving aerodynamics. Were it not for the blue Hybrid badges and its sporty spoiler, it could easily pass for a standard Altima 2.5. Much the same goes for the interior; it's a little on the dark side, but it feels well screwed together and the choice of soft touch plastics, microsuede upholstery and orange “Fine Vision” instrumentation is pleasing.

A simple look across the instrument cluster tells you everything you need to know about the personality of the Altima Hybrid. Where others focus on eking out the most miles per drop

Power output gauge shows you just what kind of hybrid this thing is... (Photo: Justin Couture, American Auto Press)

of fuel, the Altima has a big, plain gauge that shows the total output of the hybrid drivetrain system; it could only be cooler if it were up on the A-pillar along with a couple others for electric boost and charge levels. Besides that, there's nothing special about it; noenvironmental mode on the climate control, and nothing goading you to drive with fuel savings as a priority. And then there's the issue of power: Nissan's strong 2.5-liter inline four has been de-tuned to 158 horsepower and 162 lb-ft of torque, but it's made up for by the gain of the electrical motors. Combined, they put out 198 horsepower and 199 lb-ft of torque, which is just a couple more horsepower than the Camry but just about equal in torque. Coincidence? We think not. But don't consider the Camry and Altima equal; in our performance tests, the Camry was trounced in standing and rolling acceleration. It's the hybrid for gearheads.

The Altima takes well to the hybrid drivetrain system. The torque-rich nature of the inline-four is only boosted by the seamless electrical flow. It also helps that the regular standard “automatic” for the regular Altima is a CVT, something we're used to already. Not only that, but it's a CVT that willmake you ask, “What's the difference?”

3rd Place - Saturn Aura Green Line: Without the Two-Mode hybrid system, the Green Line falls flat. (Photo: Justin Couture, American Auto Press)

It smoothly shifts its infinite ratios around to deliver impressive acceleration without seemingly over-revving or giving off that slipping-clutch sensation common to so many other CVTs. It just goes, and goes well. Much the same goes with the electrical power steering; there are no changes in consistency and feedback. The ride quality and stability are also the best out of the three; it was the firmest and the most fun on our back-road testing route. It's also the noisiest of the group at a steady cruise, not necessarily a good thing. On the positive, the Altima was more willing to operate in its EV Mode, seamlessly switching to and from gas power. Overall mileage was impressive at 35 mpg, although not quite the best of the bunch.

Despite having plenty of luxury goodies, like an intelligent key and heated seats, the Altima isn't the best-equipped car here, not to mention, it's the most expensive. We also suspect that there must've been something in the agreement to give Toyota the upper hand on pricing, but alas, such is the cost of saving RandD.

Conclusions

For the few in our office who had never previously driven a hybrid before (green in a different sense), this comparison involveda steep learning curve, helped along by those of us who

2nd Place - Toyota Camry Hybrid: Good job on the powertrain, features, now let's work on the driving dynamics. (Photo: Justin Couture, American Auto Press)

have driven every hybrid on the market and stayed on top of developing research in this technological field. However, hybrids aren't just a purchase decision, a powertrain or a fuel-saving measure. For many, they are a lifestyle choice, a vote for fewer pollutants, cleaner air, and supporting the research that will help us bridge the gap to a zero-emissions society. Then again, some of us don't care, and we want the best car for the money, which often translates into fuel savings. In the battle between "The Subtle Hybrids", with only a few small badges to distinguish these entries from their conventionally powered siblings, one car rose above its hybrid-ness and sold us, not just as a hybrid, but as a car.

Quite clearly, from the beginning the Saturn Aura Green Line was at a disadvantage. In this comparison of hybrid vehicles, its drivetrain was simply outdated. GM says that fitting in the mild hybrid allows it to be cheaper, while providing some performance and fuel economy benefits. To be honest, we didn't find either to be the case. As a car, we found the Aura to bequite pleasant to look at and nice to drive, if not a little slow and somewhat unrefined. Other turnoffs included the build quality of this particular car; it looked to have slipped passed quality control. Still, if you're out to buy a hybrid and you've only got a limited sum of money to

1st Place - Nissan Altima Hybrid: The closest in every way to the regular Altima makes this one a winner. (Photo: Justin Couture, American Auto Press)

work with, the Aura is an acceptable choice. Otherwise, keep reading.

Second place – and a fairly close second place at that – goes to the Toyota Camry Hybrid. In many ways, this is grown up version of the Prius that just so happens to be in the body of a Camry. It's the most hybrid-like of the bunch, and not surprisingly was the most efficient vehicle of the group. We liked that its hybrid drivetrain was seamless and we also enjoyed the downright cool display put on by its gauges and the console.We're sure that most consumers will also like the raft of standard equipment that it features, and that it costs about the same as a V6-equipped Camry. Our main reservations about the Camry had to do with the way it drove; the only fun factor it possessed was driving it to achieve the lowest fuel consumption.

Nearly unanimously, our favorite was the Altima. It wasn't the most efficient hybrid here, though it was close thanks to the technology it shares with the Camry. What impressed us, and ultimately won us over was the integration of the hybrid drivetrain, not only with the engine, but with the rest of the car. Especially its character. The Altima was the quickest of the bunch, the most enjoyable to drive, and what's more is that it felt just like the regular Altima to drive. For its efforts, the Altima Hybrid snatched first place, and is our hybrid midsize sedan of choice.

Page:  1

AUTOMOBILE REVIEWS BY MAKE

Acura  Audi   Bentley   BMW   Buick   Cadillac   Chevrolet   Chrysler   Daewoo   Dodge   Eagle   Ferrari   Ford   Geo   GMC   Honda   Hummer   Hyundai   Infiniti   Isuzu   Jaguar   Jeep   Kia   Lamborghini   Lexus   Lincoln   Lotus   Maserati   Mazda   Mercedes-Benz   Mercury   MINI   Mitsubishi   Nissan   Oldsmobile   Plymouth   Pontiac   Porsche   Saab   Saturn   Scion   Subaru   Suzuki   Toyota   Volkswagen   Volvo