By John Addison
The new 2012 Toyota Camry family of sedans offer improved fuel economy and more for the money. The new Camry Hybrid delivers a combined 41 miles-per-gallon (mpg), soaring past the current midsized sedan MPG leader, the Ford Fusion Hybrid.
The Camry is so popular that 15 million have been sold. It has been America’s best selling car for 9 years. Toyota has sold more than 3 million hybrids; more than all competitors combined. Toyota announces its new seventh-generation Camry family as a bold, sophisticated new design with a more spacious interior, class-leading safety features, improved driving dynamics and quieter ride than before.
The 2012 Camry Hybrid model features a highly revised Hybrid Synergy Drive powertrain that includes a new 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine, which produces a combined 200 horsepower and offers better MPG and lower price. The improved 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine is equipped with Variable Valve Timing with intelligence (VVT-i) for reduced noise and vibration levels. The impressive hybrid mileage is with a six-speed automatic transmission.
The Camry Hybrid LE not only delivers the best MPG of any mid-size sedan, achieving manufacturer-estimated 43 city/39 mpg highway/41mpg combined, but it will also carry a MSRP of $25,900, an impressive decrease of $1,150 compared to the 2011 model. The excellent fuel economy will not take long to pay for the $3,360 premium over the non-hybrid LE that delivers 28 mpg combined.
The LE has some distinguishing features. The LE model a new Display Audio system, which features a 6.1-inch touch screen that provides vehicle information and offers phone book access and music streaming via Bluetooth wireless technology. The LE model also includes remote keyless entry, auto on/off headlamps, side rocker panels with chrome inserts, steering wheel with audio and Bluetooth controls, and variable intermittent wipers.
The Camry XLE adds premium content with additional standard features like the all-new Display Audio, 17-inch alloy wheels, premium chrome exterior accents, heated outside mirrors, integrated chrome fog lamps, leather-wrapped steering wheel with integrated audio and Bluetooth controls, wood-style interior trim, dual-zone auto climate control with rear air vents and eight-way power driver seat. The premium Camry Hybrid XLE model features a MSRP of $27,400, a decrease of $800 compared to the previous model with upgrade package.
Better Mileage for non-hybrid Camry
“Despite all of the enhancements to the all-new Camry, prices for all popular models have been reduced with dramatic repositioning on SE, XLE and Hybrid models, representing the best value in the segment,” says Bob Carter, Toyota Group Vice President and General Manager. “Competing in the industry’s most competitive segment, we expect the Camry to continue as America’s best-selling car.”
The new Toyota Camry is powered with a 2.5L 4-cylinder engine produces 178 horsepower, an increase of nine horsepower, and 170 lbs-ft. of torque. Fuel economy is also improved with EPA estimated mpg ratings of 25 city/35 hwy/28 combined. All four-cylinder models are matched with six-speed automatic transmissions.
All 2012 Camrys are equipped with a class-leading 10 standard airbags, and like all Toyota models, the Camry will feature Toyota’s Star Safety System™ standard, which includes Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), Traction Control (TRAC), Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist. It also features the standard Smart Stop Technology brake-override system. An electronic tire pressure monitoring system is also standard.
Camry Hybrid Competition
Some will prefer the Camry SE to the Camry Hybrid to save about $3,400 and get better cargo flexibility. The Camry has a 60/40 fold-down back seat, handy when you’re hauling lots of shopping, sports equipment, school supplies, luggage and the rest. The Camry Hybrid only has a pass-thru space for skiis and boards.
If a mid-sized sedan is ideal for you, the Camry Hybrid offers better mileage than all competition. If you are open to a 5-door liftback, the Toyota Prius is now a family of four vehicles with exceptional mileage, passenger room, and valuable cargo flexibility with 60/40 fold-down back seat. Toyota Prius Family
If you’re willing to pay $7,000 more for a beautiful sedan, the Lincoln MKZ will surround you with premium features and still deliver 39 mpg. Its popular hybrid cousin, the Ford Fusion Hybrid is also worth a test drive. The new Camry Hybrid will prove to be tough competition for other well featured hybrid sedans including the Hyundai Sonata Hybrid, the Kia Optima Hybrid, and the Nissan Altima Hybrid.
The Camry and Camry Hybrid are made in Kentucky, where Toyota employs 7,000. Eighty percent of the parts are from U.S. suppliers. Toyota has invested $5.4 billion in plant and facilities and continues to invest to maintain its hybrid leadership.
Yes, with a fuel economy rating of around 43 miles per gallon in cities, and 39 miles per gallon on highways, it is obviously one of the best MPG sedan available in the present market.