You have to wonder how anyone can afford a new car these days when the average price for a new vehicle is running about $28,000, and the monthly payment on a new car starts at around $400. In this scenario, this year’s Toyota Camry Hybrid (completely redesigned for 2015) is average. But in every other field of consideration, it is far above average and truly a contender for Gayest Car of the Year.

In short, there was nothing I did not like about the Camry. Critics will say it’s not a fun car to drive. I say that sometimes My Favorite Husband is a bit of a bore but he is reliable, dependable and has a savoir faire that is always a draw. The Camry is not a bore, but perhaps not as exciting as a leather and fetish fair in Wisconsin.

Inside and out, the Camry-Hybrid looks classier and more refined. What the heck does that mean, Sam? Okay, okay, let me think of some words …. and I can’t, really. The materials inside are better, and outside, the look is more pronounced. To the average eye, I’m not sure you could tell the difference between 2014 and 2015. No new exterior colors have been added: you can still get this club chub in Crème Brulee, Parisian Night Pearl, Super White or Attitude Black. Last year’s model was also given a ‘That’s So Gay’ award from me, and this year’s Camry-Hybrid gets the same award with a few more o-o-o-o’s. Did that help?

Inside, there is plenty of room for your Pink or Pinkberry party. I had no trouble getting my friends of size in and out of the Camry. This is important, because many LGBTs don’t want a large vehicle, but they do want space – for their friends, their children, their pets or just for all their stuff. With this hybrid, gone are the days when interior space was sacrificed so you can strap-on a battery to the undercarriage. Now there is 13.1 cubic feet of cargo space with no bumps – that means more ‘gay’ for your Gay Pride.

Safety on the Camry is tops, as it consistently receives either five-stars-out-of-five or a Good (the highest) rating on all kinds of smash-up tests. The Camry does offer automatic braking, the life-saving feature which keeps you from plowing head-first into a car because you were painting your nails or shaving. Unfortunately, you have to get the top-tier XLE trim to get it – and it will cost you. Until such time as automatic braking is standard, try to pay attention. We at Gaywheels want to keep you alive so you can keep reading our reviews.

This automotive segment of affordable small sporty hybrids is very competitive. If you are reading this and considering buying a Camry hybrid, you are no doubt also looking at the Ford Fusion Hybrid and the Honda Accord Hybrid, both of which give the Camry a fast and long run for the money. I can’t tell you which one is better and most automotive writes can’t either, since every year, the cars just keep getting better and better – and more expensive (yet still cheaper than rent, healthcare and education – Go USA!).

Long and short, I like the Camry-Hybrid (which sounds like a nice same-sex couple who couldn’t decide on whose surname to use). It’s refined, it’s great on gas (40 city / 38 hwy), it’s a breeze to drive – though it’s tricky to park and not very sporty, unless you get the SE trim, which is sporty. Grrr!

U.S. News and World Report gave the Toyota Camry Hybrid the blue ribbon award for 2015 Best Hybrid Car for the Money. That’s some very serious high praise from one of the most respectable names in journalism. Of course, they forgot to mention how gay the car is and how great you will look in it …….

….. which is why you come to Gaywheels.