Base L and LE models ride on chintzy 16-inch steel wheels with plastic hubcaps, but SEs forgo those pizza cutters for stylish 18s. Range-topping XLEs get their own 17-inch bling.
SEs gets slightly more seat bolstering and a three-spoke steering wheel; other models make due with flatter seats and four spokes but, curiously, the same rim.
Toyota has never been an electronics leader, but its smooth operator Entune system is set to change that. Confusingly, Toyota will offer two separate Entune systems. LE, SE and XLEs come standard with a 6.1-inch screen developed by Harman that feels a bit clunky in its operation. We’d suggest that Toyota drop the Harman system entirely to focus only on the larger Denso unit.
Careful trimming and repositioning gives drivers a little more head room and a slightly higher seating position, as well as more shoulder space. The biggest benefactor is the sporty 2012 Camry, which adds its own steering and suspension tuning, more heavily-bolstered seats and a unique body kit.
Feel isn’t a strong point, but the resistance encourages more aggressive driving than the Camry badge might imply. Other models make due with lighter, duller tillers.
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| 2012 Camry |
Underneath, all Camry’s share front MacPherson struts and a rear dual-link strut setup, but the SE gets its own stiffer springs and shocks and rigidity-adding steering knuckles. While Camry SE is hardly a sports sedan, it is considerably crisper than other models, with precise, stable handling and a general sense of control never before seen in a 2012 Camry.
On the highway, the latest Camry runs arrow straight with minimal intrusion gusty wind or passing large trucks. Tasked with motivating the roughly 3,200 lbs. Camry, the four-cylinder is nearly silent in its operation and perfectly capable of working with its six-speed automatic transmission to deliver perfectly acceptable acceleration.
Fuel economy is way up; Toyota estimates EPA ratings of 25/35.
Camry’s V6 cranks out a solid 268 horsepower and 248 lb-ft. of torque. As a result, the Camry SE four-cylinder winds up feeling way better balanced than its on-paper-sportier V6 cousin.
Isolation remains a Camry assets; even the SE lets in little road, engine and wind noise until you approach triple-digit speeds.
Base Price: $20,500 (estimated)
Competitors: Honda Accord, Nissan Altima, Chevy Malibu, Hyundai Sonata, Ford Fusion
Powertrain: 2.5-liter I4, 178 hp, 173 lb-ft; 3.5-liter V6, 268 hp, 248 lb-ft; 2.5-liter I4 with electric–hybrid, 200 hp (net system); six-speed automatic, CVT; front-wheel drive
EPA Fuel Economy (city/highway): 25 to 43/30 to 39 estimated
What's New: The arrival of a new 2012 Camry carries a sense of occasion. So for the first time in Camry history, the model hasn't grown. In hybrid models, Toyota has modified the rear section of the chassis to accommodate a battery pack that's been moved forward 5.5 inches to increase trunk space, improve crash performance and save weight, chief engineer Yukihiro Okane tells PM.
As before, every grade of 2012 Camry gets the 178-hp 2.5-liter four-cylinder as standard. The SE and XLE models have an optional 268-hp 3.5-liter V6 that became a Camry offering during the car's previous redesign.
Tech Tidbit: Inside, the Camry team eked out every bit of room they could. The new sport package wears new knuckles up front, lighter and stiffer lower control arms, springs that are 15 percent stiffer and shocks with 50 percent more dampening power than an ordinary Camry's.
Favorite Detail: The Camry hybrid blows the old one away when it comes to refinement. The fact that the hybrid Camry delivers an estimated 43 mpg in the city doesn't hurt, either.
Driver's Grievance: The new Camry is impressive—underneath the metal. Why can't a Camry look as swoopy as a Mazda6? The Camry will never be the sportiest or sexiest sedan on the road. Perhaps more importantly, with gas prices spiking, the Camry Hybrid delivers near-Prius mileage.
