I had a 2006 Prius that was, unfortunately, destroyed a couple of months
ago (comprehensive claim--I wasn't even in the car at the time).

While I waited for a new car, I had the chance to drive a HyCam for
quite a bit of the intervening months. I think I can give a pretty fair
evaluation.

Before anyone jumps on the positive things I have to say about the
HyCam, remember that I' now driving a Prius again, so know where my
loyalties lie.

Perhaps my #1 issue with the Prius is the seats. Just don't like 'em,
and I haven't found a good way to fix the deficiencies. Back in the
summer of '04, BP (Before [my] Prius), I drove cross country in a
'99 Solara. I absolutely would not want to attempt the same in the
Prius; in the latter, even shorter trips, say 500 miles round in 1-2
days, are quite uncomfortable. I'd love adjustable electric seats--or
even manually adjustable seats with more adjustment points, if it's a
weight issue. The Hycam seating is *much* more comfortable, and that's
not simply a luxury--I think good seats is important with something you
may well sit in for hours at a time, and the Prius has the worst seats
of any car I've owned since about 1990. The irony of this is that the
Prius's efficiency shines with pulse-and-glide driving--which would
*really* benefit from an adjustable seat bottom for more thigh support.

Noise. Wow, the HyCam is quieter. I can listen to the radio at much
lower settings in the HyCam than in the Prius (I listen to talk radio;
it's not a matter of thumping bass).

This is, I am certain, a function of sound insulation. I was startled to
find out how easily you can hear the Prius's sound system at even modest
volume levels (e.g., even under 20) if you're standing *outside* the car
with all the doors and windows closed.

The Camry is, basically, a more pleasant car to drive. I thought the
"more familiar layout" statement in the Edmunds video to be just silly.
I've had people sit in my Prius and state how they liked its layout
better; "because I'm more familiar with it" isn't in itself a good
enough reason.. Personally, I wish the MFD was a little less MF--I like
being able to change AC/Heat modes without messing with switching
screens.

HyCam trunkspace: pretty bad. Weekend for two at best.
Prius: bring a mattress for quick camping in back.

Yep.

Because there are ride characteristics that hybrids share not found in
ordinary gas engine vehicles. They are significantly quieter and
smoother than the gas equivalent and don't wear out as quickly as the
gas only vehicles. So instead of changing cars every 3-6 years, the
hybrids keep rolling on and on and on. There is a cost of replacing a
worn out, gas car more frequently than the hybrid.

Bob Wilson