2012 Toyota Camry XLE

At a Glance

Pricing $21,955 - $29,845
Drive Types FWD
Engines 2.5l I4, 2.5l I4 HEV, 3.5l V6
Transmissions A6, CVT
Fuel Economy 21-43 (city), 30-39 (highway)

The Camry is Toyota's mid-sized sedan and a perennial top-seller. The Camry has a solid reputation for reliability that makes it an automatic choice for many buyers. Most families looking for a new car should start their search with a mid-sized sedan. These vehicles have seating for five passengers, large trunks, good fuel economy, and are priced less than most SUVs. The Camry is the embodiment of these traits with over 80 inches of combined legroom, 15.4 cubic feet of cargo volume in the trunk, and fuel economy of 25/35 (city/highway) for four cylinder models. Toyota offers the front-wheel-drive Camry in three trim levels with three powertrains. The Camry range starts with the L and LE models which include basic power equipment, but the L omits remote keyless entry and both models include steel wheels with wheel covers. The sportier SE model adds lower profile tires, and alloy wheels. The top XLE trim level includes power seats, automatic climate control and a sunroof. All four grades equip a standard 2.5l four-cylinder engine paired with a six-speed automatic. A 3.5l V6 is available on the SE and XLE and also adds additional packaged features. The Camry range also includes Toyota's famed hybrid system which is offered in LE and XLE grades. Hybrid models add about $3500 to the price, but substantially increase fuel economy to an EPA rated 43/39 (city/highway). With Camry prices ranging from $22,000-$30,000, comparison shoppers will find that there are more powerful, stylish or affordable choices in the segment. However, the Camry represents a good overall blend of the segments best traits and very few cars can equal the Camry's stellar reputation.

What Changed:

The seventh generation Camry wears all-new exterior and interior styling. Compared to the previous model, the new Camry is identical in size on the exterior and slightly larger on the inside. The standard 2.5l four-cylinder engine is rated at 178-bhp, and the optional 3.5l V6 produces 268-bhp. The power on the hybrid model's gasoline engine increases to 156-bhp. Fuel economy is improved on all models and most models are priced at or below the sixth generation model.

Model/Trim/Package Engine Original MSRP
Camry L 2.5l I4 (178-bhp) A6 FWD $21,955
Camry LE 2.5l I4 (178-bhp) A6 FWD $22,500
Camry SE 2.5l I4 (178-bhp) A6 FWD $23,000
Camry SE 3.5l V6 (268-bhp) A6 FWD $26,640
Camry XLE 2.5l I4 (178-bhp) A6 FWD $24,725
Camry XLE 3.5l V6 (268-bhp) A6 FWD $29,845
Camry LE Hybrid 2.5l I4 HEV (200-bhp) CVT FWD $25,900
Camry XLE Hybrid 2.5l I4 HEV (200-bhp) CVT FWD $27,400