Let's just call it the Toyota Camry with benefits

Mark Glover’s AutoGlo car reviews can be seen here and in the Cruisin’ News, "Oregon, Nevada and California's classic auto news & marketplace."

Sacramento, California -- You know life is good when a Toyota Camry shows up with major extras.

That would be the 2023 Toyota Camry SE Hybrid Nightshade. Not only is it a Camry, the venerable midsize juggernaut that has been a monster seller for Toyota for decades, it's a fuel-sipping hybrid that gets 44 miles per gallon in the city and 47 mpg on the highway.

And it had the Nightshade Edition treatment, which included a sporty black front grille, a rear spoiler, black trimmed exterior lights and 19-inch matte bronze aluminum alloy wheels.  The Camry in full?  I should say so.

And for a bottom line of $32,839, the tester was priced far below the current average price of a new motor vehicle in these United States.

I should add: It's a pleasure to drive.

My Camry was smooth and robust off the line, and it weaved effortlessly and securely through dicey highway traffic.  The ride was pleasantly quiet; conversations were held at normal living room levels. The midsize is a snap to park, even in tight city parking structures.

The hybrid powertrain system -- anchored by a 2.5-liter, four-cylinder engine -- is rated at 208 horsepower ... or more than enough to put the Camry through its paces on the flatlands or in the Sierra Nevada.

With the Camry, it's the little things that take it beyond the norm.  You can be captivated by the functional dash layout and not realize how roomy this Camry is for a midsize model.  Stitching is excellent.  Ditto fit and finish.

No wonder the Camry appeals to such a diverse crowd of car buyers.  Given that it has been around for eight generations and some 40 years, the Camry's enduring popularity is a feather in the cap of Toyota.

And in this special Nightshade, hybrid version, buyers have more to like.