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2012 Toyota Camry

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Overview

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2012 Toyota Camry Review

By KBB.com Editors

KBB Expert Rating: 7.6

America's top-selling passenger car for the past nine years, the Toyota Camry receives a major overhaul for 2012. While the seventh-generation of the front-drive sedan retains its midsize status, a new look, new features and an even more people-focused personality are all aimed at infusing its well-honed practical persona with a new measure of emotional appeal that Toyota hopes will curry favor with younger buyers. Available in L/LE/SE/XLE trims with four-cylinder and V6 (SE/XLE) gasoline engines as well an impressively redone Hybrid variant in LE/XLE variations, the 2012 Toyota Camry will need every edge it can muster as it takes intense challenges from perennial arch-rival, the Honda Accord, as well as formidable foes like the Ford Fusion, Hyundai Sonata, Nissan Altima and also-new-for-2013 Chevrolet Malibu.

You'll Like This Car If...

Arguably better in every measurable way, the thoroughly tweaked 2012 Toyota Camry has what it takes to retain its already bountiful buyer base and make an even-stronger case for consideration by anyone seeking a top-rate midsize sedan with either conventional or hybrid power.

You May Not Like This Car If...

Its comprehensive list of enhancements notwithstanding, those with more avant-garde styling preferences still will find the 2012 Toyota Camry sedan falls short in the head-turning department, especially compared to the current sedan-class benchmark, Hyundai's high-profile Sonata.

KBB Expert Ratings

Overall Rating

7.6
Driving Dynamics

7.4
Comfort & Convenience

8.8
Design: Interior & Exterior

6.2
Value

8.0
Safety

10.0

How It Ranks

#13

out of 41

MPG

#25

out of 40

Horsepower

View all rankings

Consumer Rating

9.0 out of 10

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consumer ratings

What's New for 2012

The 2012 Toyota Camry sedan is a generational redesign that builds on the midsize sedan's historic strengths by complementing its practical nature with an even more modern character and better value at all trim levels.

Driving the Camry

2012 Toyota Camry Front angle view photo

Driving Impressions Toyota engineers diligently worked to improve the new Camry sedan's structure and suspension. More high-strength steel increases rigidity of the body while trimming weight – significantly on gasoline models and...

by over 230 whopping pounds on the Hybrids. Revised chassis components and new geometry give all Camry versions a more confident feel with better ride compliance and body control, changes that are particularly noticeable when the going gets twisty. Numerous new noise-abatement technologies also make the 2012 Toyota Camry far quieter over most roads. Without a doubt, the biggest beneficiary of the 2012 Camry remake is the Hybrid. With major mass reduction, handling dynamics on par with its conventional kin, and a redone Hybrid Synergy Drive system that finally has the engine/motor/transmission triumvirate speaking far more directly to each other, the most fuel-efficient Camry variant should have far greater consumer appeal regardless of the price of gasoline.

Favorite Features

Upgraded Hybrid Synergy Drive (HSD)
Taking a much-needed next step in the greener arena, the 2012 Toyota Camry Hybrid features a comprehensively redone HSD system that's lighter, tighter and far more impressively integrated – improvements that yield more spirited performance under all conditions and a stunning 30-percent bump in key fuel economy numbers.

Toyota Entune
Still a work in process, Toyota's new Entune multimedia/telematics system already shows solid introductory capabilities and offers both a user-friendly interface and the promise of an ever-expanding group of downloadable apps that should make it a worthy state-of-the-art rival to in-car alternatives of its competitors.

2012 Toyota Camry Details

2012 Toyota Camry Dashboard, center console, gear shifter view photo

Interior

The redesigned 2012 Toyota Camry cabin adds both space and contemporary sophistication, highlighted by a leather-covered "layered" dash set off by trim-specific instrumentation and a center cluster inspired by portable music players. Headroom is up in all positions while aft passengers also gain significant hip and legroom. Other key plusses include more supportive front buckets and a revised lower cushion on the 60/40 folding rear bench seat that adds stretch space for the middle rider – although minimal padding still limits the center perch to part-time duty. Trunk space also is up, modestly in gasoline-powered Camrys; but by 2.1 cubic feet in the new 2012 Hybrid.

Exterior

Although its external dimensions are virtually unchanged, the 2012 Toyota Camry's fully redrawn bodywork adds an edgier flair. The new sedan sports a bolder front and rear look with more expressive contours and character lines that impart a wider, lower look and a more wedge-like profile. Helping the cause are a host of subtle touches like mini-strakes on the mirrors and taillamps that channel air to improve stability, and new underbody work that further reduces drag. Unique front/rear/side-sill styling adds more cosmetic swagger to the Camry SE while blue-trimmed "Hybrid" and "HSD" (Hybrid Synergy Drive) badges visually define the most fuel-efficient 2012 Camry.

Notable Equipment

Standard Equipment

Impressively packaged at all levels, even the base Camry L sedan offers numerous power assists, air conditioning, cruise control, AM/FM/CD/MP3/WMA audio with AUX/USB/iPod inputs, Bluetooth, Toyota's STAR safety system and 10 airbags. The LE adds keyless remote entry, multifunction steering wheel, and an upgraded Display Audio sound system. Moving up to the Camry SE nets you a dedicated sport suspension/wheel/tire package with unique trim, Softex covered sport seats and paddle shifters. The top-line Camry XLE sedan features dual power seats, dual-zone climate control, power moonroof and premium fabric or leather (V6-only) upholstery. Both the SE/XLE V6s add Navigation and Entune multimedia telematics, HD radio and SiriusXM Satellite Radio. The Camry Hybrid sedan offers LE and XLE trim-level appointments.

Optional Equipment

The 2012 Toyota Camry sedan's extras roster is confined to color choices on the L trim and a power driver's seat and moonroof on the LE. Upgraded Display Audio packages with Navigation and Entune – including a 10-speaker premium JBL system with energy-saving GreenEdge speaker technology – dedicated Convenience Packages and Leather-trimmed Ultrasuede Sport Seats with deluxe trim also are available on SE/XLE models, while SEs can be had with a power moonroof. Camry Hybrids offer a Leather Package, Moonroof Package and two tiers of JBL-enhanced Upgrade Packages, one with Navigation and one without.

Under the Hood

Focused drivetain revamps yield impressive gains in both performance and economy for all 2012 Toyota Camry sedans. Modest internal enhancements to the largely carryover 178-horsepower 2.5-liter four and 268-horse 3.5-liter V6 coupled with revised final-drive ratios in their standard 6-speed automatic transmissions, plus lower-rolling-resistance tires, help raise EPA city/highway numbers by three mpg on four-cylinder Camrys and one mpg on V6s. While its electric motor remains unchanged, a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine replaces the previous 2.4-liter in the Camry Hybrid, which also features lighter, more compact and better-managed electrical components – including a new battery pack and a CVT (continuously-variable transmission) automatic with new ECO/EV modes. While the total hybrid-system output rises from 187 to 200 horsepower, preliminary EPA figures – 43/39 mpg for the LE and 41/38 mpg for the XLE – reflect a huge 30-percent uptick in fuel economy.

2.5-liter in-line 4
178 horsepower @ 6,000 rpm
(PZEV 173 horsepower @ 6,000 rpm)
170 lb-ft of torque @ 4,100 rpm
(PZEV 165 lb-ft @ 4,100 rpm)
EPA City/highway fuel economy: 25/35 mpg (6-speed automatic)

3.5-liter V6
268 horsepower @ 6,200 rpm
248 lb-ft of torque @ 4,700 rpm
EPA City/highway fuel economy: 21/30 mpg (6-speed automatic)

2.5-liter in-line 4 plus a 105-kilowatt Permanent Magnet AC Synchronous Electric Motor and Ni-MH battery pack
Engine: 156 horsepower @ 5,750 rpm
Battery: 141 horsepower 4,500 rpm
Total hybrid system (engine and battery): 200 horsepower
Engine: 156 lb-ft of torque @ 4,500 rpm
Battery: 199 lb-ft of torque @ 0-1,500 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 43/39 mph (LE with CVT automatic), 41/38 mpg (XLE with CVT automatic)

Pricing Notes

Toyota has placed more emphasis on total value for the 2012 Camry while encouraging more buyers to consider moving beyond entry-level trims. Although the 2012 Toyota Camry L sedan opens just under $22,800, a $710 rise versus a comparably equipped 2011, the spread between the high-volume LE – which now starts $200 lower at around $22,300. Four-cylinder SE and XLE models start just under $23,800 and $25,500, respectively, roughly $1,000 and $2,000 under their 2011 counterparts. Stickers on the V6 SE and XLE sedans are unchanged, opening around $27,400 and $30,600. On the Camry Hybrid front, the LE gets a $1,150 price slice to start just under $26,700 and the premium XLE version opens below $28,200, reflecting an $800 drop from the 2011 LE Hybrid with an upgrade package. Historically, the Toyota Camry has shown above-average reliability with similarly robust long-term resale stats. Intense competitive pressures notwithstanding, that tradition seems likely to continue on with this new Class of 2012.

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2012 Toyota Camry Consumer Reviews

Overall Rating

9.0

Out of 10

Based on 103 Ratings for the 2012 - 2013 models.

Review this car

Value

8.9/10

Quality

8.8/10
Reliability

9.3/10

Performance

8.9/10
Comfort

8.8/10

Styling

8.7/10

Best value midsize easy!

By DRJJJ (OR) on Friday, June 14, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 15,000

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 8/10
Performance: 9/10
Styling: 9/10
Comfort: 9/10

Pros: "Safest choice for your hard earned money, mpg exc!"

Cons: "LE shocks on SE, bigger temp gauge, dump paddles !"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"Bullet proof engine and drive train without problematic direct injection or CVT tranny (read forums) roomy, quiet, refined engine/drivetrain, exc re-sale, mpg and base model can be had for under $20k with free money now! I own the 12 SE 2.5 find it upscale with compact car mpg! Look under the car-aero dynamic covers, robust components -a little over engineered in the SE for it's target but that's value! SE is too firm when driving slow on bumpy pavement, the shift paddles are a gimmicky waste that could be spent on a bigger temp gauge, etc and the paint under ultraviolet is marginal, but if you keep your cars and want reliability and function, best value/choice-no brainer! CRV, new Rav and regular Prius are excellent choices too-did massive homework on these and almost pulled the trigger on a Prius/CRV! I keep my cars 10+ years, still wrench a little and need 30 mpg avg+, so Camry. Many don't like the wedge/clean look, I do, it's aerodynamic with .28 drag-makes it quiet and increases mpg with conventional engine & drive train! Well done Toyota Production Systems-you've changed the world of autos for the better! Most American made too! Thanks, Picky Engineer"

2 people out of 2 found this review helpful

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Toyota went with the cheapest materials

By 310LosAngeles (CA) on Thursday, June 13, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 2,356

10 3.0

overall rating 3 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 3/10
Value: Not Rated
Reliability: 2/10
Quality: 1/10
Performance: Not Rated
Styling: 1/10
Comfort: 2/10

Pros: "Looks"

Cons: "too many to list"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 1

"The car looks like Toyota went with the cheapest things they could get away with. After less that 24 hours of owning the vehicle. The car gave out and left us stranded away from home. Less than 120 miles and it gave out. Toyota refused to give us a new replacement. Then there are issues with the radio and Navigation system. It's the cheapest and most difficult to use. There are numerous problems with the Navigation(Toyota says "it's functioning as designed"). The radio sometimes picks up your phone and sometimes it won't. The usb gets stuck on the same song. The MPG has dropped to only 22.7 miles total, Hiwhway or street. All you get is 22.7. Toyota is basically sticking to "It's functioning as designed". The seats are so uncomfortable and feel like cheap leather.After only 3 weeks, the shift knob peeled. Really cheap material.Worst car I ever owned and I had a 2011 Camry that was great. Toyota just went with the cheapest build."

3 people out of 5 found this review helpful

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love this car

By mwall (CA) on Thursday, June 13, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 32,000

10 9.0

overall rating 9 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 9/10
Value: 7/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 4/10
Performance: 9/10
Styling: 5/10
Comfort: 6/10

Pros: "quic acceleration"

Cons: "plasticy interor fells cheep"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"I've had my Camry for about a year and a half now and I absolutely love it. The ride and the interior quality could be better ,but that is the only thing that I would change about it. Its so easy to just turn my car on ,and it already have bluetoothed my music playlist to it befor I even put the thing in drive! I love my Camry and it will be with me for a long time."

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Still not convinced

By Sophia (TX) on Sunday, June 09, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 500

10 7.0

overall rating 7 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 7/10
Value: 6/10
Reliability: 7/10
Quality: 6/10
Performance: 7/10
Styling: 7/10
Comfort: 6/10

Pros: "Bluetooth connection to iPhone."

Cons: "Mpg not that Great!"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 5

"I just trade in my Tahoe 2007 for the Camry SE, for the mpg I research online. It was one of the best mid size and convinced me. It's has been hard because of the space obviously, the look made me fell better though. I love it because its my first new car, but the gas mileage is not the best. It's way better than my SUV but for the comfort it might have been worth paying a bit extra. I'm still not convinced i made the right choice but I hope the reputation of reliability the Toyota has proves me wrong."

3 people out of 3 found this review helpful

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Still not convinced

By Sophia (TX) on Sunday, June 09, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 500

10 7.0

overall rating 7 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 7/10
Value: 6/10
Reliability: 7/10
Quality: 6/10
Performance: 7/10
Styling: 7/10
Comfort: 6/10

Pros: "Bluetooth connection to iPhone."

Cons: "Mpg not that Great!"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 5

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Upscale, reliable midsize with compact car mpg!

By Dr J (OR) on Friday, June 07, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 15,000

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 9/10
Performance: 9/10
Styling: 8/10
Comfort: 8/10

Pros: "Johnny on the spot tranny, refined 2.5, MPGs"

Cons: "Soften the dampers a bit on SE loose paddle shift!"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"Bought a 2012 SE 2.5 and love the car! The aero/slab looks are growing on me too-cause it's so aerodynamic-even under the car, kinda like a prius sedan without the stigma (.28 drag)! Have 15k on it now, no problems, 30mpg avg, durable interior, doesn't burn a drop after each 8000 miles on synthetic and is roomy and upscale for the price point! The SE can be a bit firm over rough stuff when going slow, but only then-will try H rated tires for softer sidewall, but love the michelins! I can get 40 mpg+ with cruise on about 65mph so I consider this a big, upscale compact car! Like the folding rear seats too! Drop the paddle shifters-waste of feature and add bigger temp gauge and add even more foam in seats! The others I considered had DI engines which are loud, require very high fuel pressure/components and may be problematic in the long run (carbon deposits) Also, many others have a CVT tranny which I don't trust (expensive sealed unit with belt) or like the way they slip/slop at stop/go slower speeds! Best value (cost,maintenance, resale, mpg and reliability) in my opinion-paid 22k before T & L only and included SE with pwr seat only opt, no trade, free money/terms with no negotiations (about $3k off ad)! Thanks, Picky Engineer that looked hard at traditional Prius (exc engineering) and CRV (exc value too)) Well done Toyota Production Systems-you've changed the world for the better! Most American made car now I hear too!"

1 person out of 1 found this review helpful

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See all 103 reviews