'Consumer Reports' says Toyota Camry Hybrid is top sedan

Consumer Reports has picked what it believes is the best family sedan: It's the 2012 Toyota Camry Hybrid.

Though few observers were particular bowled over by the new Camry's less-than-bold looks, Consumer Reports found a lot of practical considerations. "The Camry has a nicer interior, more responsive handling, and better fuel economy than previous models," the magazine says in a statement. And the gas mileage in the hybrid? an "amazing" 38 miles a gallon.

The hybrid was the best of the three versions that the magazine tested. The other two were the standard four-cylinder and the V-6. Prices for the tested sedans ranged from $23,830 for the four-cylinder Camry LE to $33,720 to the V-6-powered Passat SEL Premium. The hybrid was $29,052.

The Camry rides well and is quiet. Handling has improved, with quick steering and appropriate response and heft, but is not sporty, according to Consumer Reports. The magazine praises the stitched and padded dashboard but says some cheap details remain.

Among other models, Consumer Reports wasn't as kind to the Volkswagen Passat, which it says has "grown larger and softer." It doesn't handle as well and the interior seems more ordinary compared to previous Passats. Fuel economy is ordinary except on the diesel version, which managed "an excellent" 37 mpg overall and 51 mpg on the highway. Passat is Motor Trend's Car of the Year and is a candidate for the coveted North American Car of the Year.

"Volkswagen has made the redesigned Passat surprisingly similar to the Camry, but with so-so results," said David Champion, senior director of Consumer Reports' Auto Test Center.