2012 Toyota Camry Review
The empire strikes back.
Reviewed by Automobile
on 12/5/2011
Overview
For two decades, the Toyota Camry was virtually unchallenged for the title of America's favorite mid-size sedan, but that era is over. Barbarians are at the gate armed with better styling, newer technology, and superior fuel economy. The 2012 Camry intends to turn them back with an all-new design and thoroughly revised mechanicals. The transformation is most readily apparent inside, where the hard, tan plastics have given way to stitched leather and chrome accents. The new exterior design still plays to conservative tastes but is no longer bland. Unlike some of its newest competitors, the Camry still offers a V-6. The familiar 3.5-liter engine, despite mild fuel economy gains, gives up 4 mpg on the highway to the Hyundai Sonata's more powerful 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder. The six is still worth considering, though, as it's perhaps the smoothest engine in the segment. The four-cylinder and hybrid powertrains both post gains as well, with the Hybrid likely to achieve an impressive 41 mpg combined. We're most surprised--and pleasantly so--by how the new Camry drives, particularly the Hybrid. The soupy handling, artificial steering, bouncy ride, grabby brakes, and clumsy throttle response we complained about have all vanished without a trace. The electric power steering (now fitted to all Camrys) is precise and almost natural, the brake pedal feels as good as any hybrid's, and the suspension tuning is nothing short of a revelation. The top-level SE serves up surprisingly balanced handling from its firmer suspension and heavier steering. ... Expand full summary 
The Range
Base Price Range: $22,715-$30,605
Drive: Front-wheel
Trim levels: L, LE, SE, XLE, LE Hybrid, XLE Hybrid
Body style: Sedan, 5-passenger
Engines: 2.5L I-4, 178 hp, 170 lb-ft
2.5L I-4/electric hybrid, 200 hp net, 156 lb-ft
3.5L V-6, 268 hp, 248 lb-ft
Transmissions: 6-speed automatic, continuously variable
Passenger volume: 101.3-102.7 cu ft
CARGO SPACE: 13.1-15.4 cu ft
What's New
The Camry is new for 2012. Beyond the stylish sheetmetal and much improved interior materials, the Camry boasts improved fuel economy in all its variants. Leading the way again is the Hybrid, which improves to an estimated 41 mpg in combined city and highway driving.
Exterior
Interior
Performance & Handling
Safety
Front, side, side curtain, and driver's knee air bags; ABS; traction and stability control; and a tire-pressure monitoring system are all standard.
EPA Fuel Economy
All: 21-43 mpg city/30-39 mpg highway
You'll Like
- Upscale new interior
- Hybrid mpg leads segment
- Good driving dynamics
You Won't Like
- Six-cylinder can't match fuel economy of a turbo four
- Somewhat dull styling
Sum Up
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The empire strikes back.
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