2012 Toyota Camry Hybrid

A couple of months back we reviewed the all-new, 7^th generation Toyota Camry. We found the new Camry very evolutionary, yet still improved in virtually every way. And that includes the latest Camry hybrid. Now, the Camry went full-hybrid for 2007, setting impressive mileage benchmarks for a true family-size sedan. Since then, similar sized four-door hybrids from Ford, Hyundai, and Kia, have put pressure on Camry to up the ante. So let’s see what their new hand shows.

The 2012 Toyota Camry Hybrid comes in two trim levels, the well equipped LE and our car’s top level XLE trim. Both come fitted with a revamped Hybrid Synergy Drive powertrain with a slightly larger 2.5 liter Atkinson-cycle four cylinder engine and 105 Killowatt electric motor for a combined output of 200 horsepower, up 13 from last year. 

As a full-hybrid, the Camry can run on either gasoline or electric alone, or any combination of the two. A new EV-mode button gives the driver control over pure electric operation as long as speeds stay below 25. Toyota says maximum battery-only range is 1.6 miles.

In far more long distance driving than that we found the Camry Hybrid to be quieter than ever, with the only disruption to seamless operation being a slight bump when the gasoline engine kicks in. Automatic stop/start to reduce idling is naturally a part of the system.

And performance? Well, the kind most buyers want to know about are best said by stellar Government Fuel Economy Ratings of 43 city and 39 highway in LE trim. The combined rating of 41 makes a huge jump from 33 last year. Even in our XLE that is rated a bit lower, we were able to achieve an impressive 40 miles-per-gallon in mixed driving without any difficulty.

The Camry Hybrid’s energy impact score is an environmentally friendly 8.3 barrels of oil consumed per year, with a Carbon Footprint of only 4.6 tons of CO2 emitted annually. And, when taken to the track the Camry Hybrid showed another impressive side to green performance, quick stepping from 0 to 60 in 7.2 seconds, and launching solidly to a quarter mile of 15.5 seconds at 91 miles per hour.

The Camry Hybrid’s low rolling resistance tires, in 17-inch for the first time, also gripped the pavement far better than past high efficiency tires we’ve tried. So, despite soft springs, plenty of roll, and tire squealing push, feedback was quite good and we never felt even close to losing control. And, slamming on the all-disc, regenerative ABS brakes, all produced better than expected results, 129 feet from 60. The pedal was solid, with short travel, and fade was not a problem. We finally have something good to say about Camry brakes.

On public roads, the Camry Hybrid is a very pleasant drive. Battery power kicks in right away with no lag from a dead stop. The CVT transmission is naturally smooth. So, no matter if it’s on highways, byways, or parkways, you feel confident and safe behind the wheel. 

The Camry Hybrid’s exterior differs little from the rest of the redesigned clan - more modern yet still pretty conservative. Hybrid badging is found on the side panels and trunk lid, with a Hybrid-specific blue ring around the Toyota logo on the grille.

As we noted before, the new Camry’s interior feels roomier. The handsome dash has better materials and everything is more stylish. The hooded gauges and LED readouts include Hybrid specific info on efficient driving modes and instantaneous miles-per-gallon. XLE trim adds a 6.1 inch touch screen for navigation, stereo, backup camera, and of course, a lot of additional hybrid information like fuel economy history and energy use.

One Camry complaint is the seat heat controls. Located in front of the shifter, a button instead of a thumb dial would be much easier to use. The back seat is comfy and roomy for adults and children. 

And, here’s another surprise, Toyota moved hybrid hardware to allow for a single, folding seatback. The previous car’s fixed seat limited versatility. While the pathway is small, it is welcomed and adds nicely to the reasonable 15.4 cubic foot trunk.

Most 2012 Toyota Camry prices are the same or lower than last year. That includes the Camry Hybrid LE that begins at $26,660. That’s a $3,400 premium over a gas only Camry LE. Our top trim XLE starts at $28,160. 

Hybrids are now mainstream. So, hybrid buyers expect smart design and good comfort as well as great economy. The 2012 Toyota Camry Hybrid delivers those expectations and more. It may not make a big splash when driving down the street, but it will made a big impression where it counts most on you.