The Toyota Camry->ke246 first debuted back in 1982 and after thirty years on the market, the sedan will now be entering its seventh generation. The new Camry has received a bold, sophisticated new design with a more spacious interior, improved driving dynamics, and an even quieter ride than before. Also, both of the vehicle's engines have been improved to deliver more HP and improved fuel economy.

"The all-new 2012 Camry blends an evolution of the car’s values – such as comfort, efficiency, reliability and safety – with a more appealing design and engaging driving experience," said Bob Carter, Toyota->ke88 Division group vice president and general manager. "Competition in the midsize sedan segment is the strongest it’s ever been, and the all-new Camry is designed to maintain its long-standing leadership while also broadening its appeal."

For 2012, the Camry will be offered in four different model grades: entry-level L, value-driven LE, premium XLE, and sporty SE. Prices start from $21,955.

Hit the jump to read more about the seventh generation Toyota Camry.

2012 Toyota Camry

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2012 Toyota Camry
  • Engine/Motor: V6
  • Horsepower: 268 HP at 6,200 rpm
  • Torque: 248 lb.-ft. of peak torque at 4,700 rpm
  • Transmission: six-speed automatic transmission
  • [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array
Pros
Cons

Exterior

For the new generation Camry, Toyota has opted for a more simple, yet more elegant design language. The exterior expresses an "architectural statement through crisp, precise character lines, while a more strongly curved door cross-section and more defined rocker panel molding (chrome accented on LE and XLE) give the Camry a more expressive appearance."

Up front, anyone can easily spot the new headlamps with a more dynamic shape and a pronounced curvature of the main-beam unit merging into the bumper cover. The rear lamp clusters wrap tightly into the body sides with their top sections extending into the trunk panel.

The LE and XLE trims will be distinguished by additional exterior chrome trim, while the SE version will receive a three-part lower grille section housing fog lamps, along with black sport trim headlamp bezels, more prominent rocker panel moldings, and a truck lid with an integrated spoiler.

Interior

While the exterior dimensions remain unchanged, the interior is now more spacious than ever before, plus it delivers a new level of luxury and technology. The 2012 Camry has received a new dashboard design, modified seat locations, redesigned seats, and "lean" door, pillar and headliner trim.

The driver's seat has been repositioned so that the driver can enjoy 33% improved comfort while also benefiting from better visibility. Next to the new seat position, Toyota is also offering a redesigned center console.

For the new generation, customers will choose between four seat-covering materials: fabric in the LE and XLE; fabric with SofTex in the SE; standard leather trim on the XLE V6 (optional in the XLE four-cylinder); and Ultrasuede with leather available for the SE and XLE Hybrid.

Engine

The 2012 Toyota Camry is offered with two engine options. The base version will receive a revised 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, while the top versions will get a 3.5-liter V6 engine.

The 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine has been modified to deliver a total of 178 HP and 170 lb.-ft. of peak torque, an improvement of 9 HP over the previous year. At the same time, it delivers a fuel economy of 25 mpg city/35 highway. This engine will be offered with Dual VVT-i (Dual Variable Valve Timing-intelligent), which controls valve timing on both the intake and exhaust camshafts for optimal performance and efficiency at all engine speeds.

The 3.5 liter V6 engine delivers a total of 268 HP at 6,200 rpm and 248 lb.-ft. of peak torque at 4,700 rpm. It has a fuel economy of 21 mpg city/30 mpg highway, which is the best fuel economy for any current V6 midsize sedan.

The two engines will be offered with a six-speed automatic transmission that offer a sequential manual shift mode using the console shifter.

Prices

Model Year

Model Code

Grade

Engine / Transmission

MY 2012 MSRP

MSRP Chg ($)

MSRP Chg (%)

MY2011 MSRP

2012

2514

L

2.5L L4 (2AR) / 6AT

$21,955

$710

3.3%

$21,245

2012

2532

LE

2.5L L4 (2AR) / 6AT

$22,500

(-$200)

-0.9%

$22,700

2012

2546

SE

2.5L L4 (2AR) / 6AT

$23,000

(-$965)

-4.0%

$23,965

2012

2540

XLE

2.5L L4 (2AR) / 6AT

$24,725

(-$2,000)

-7.5%

$26,725

2012

2550

SE

3.5L V6 (2GR) / 6AT

$26,640

$0

0.0%

$26,640

2012

2554

XLE

3.5L V6 (2GR) / 6AT

$29,845

$0

0.0%

$29,845


Competition

The list of competitors for the Toyota Camry includes models like the Honda Accord and the Hyundai Sonata.

The Honda Accord is a vital competitor since it is one of the most successful models in this segment on the market. The new Accord is now being offered with improvements for both the exterior and interior, as well as a choice of two engines: a 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine with 177 HP and a 3.5 liter V6 engine with an output of 271 HP.

Another competitor in this segment with an impressive exterior look is the Hyundai Sonata. The Sonata is powered by Hyundai’s new Theta II GDI 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine with a Gasoline Direct-Injection (GDI) fuel delivery system. The engine is rated at 198 hp (200 hp in the SE version) and 184 lb.-ft. of torque and is mated to a six-speed automatic transmission.