The 2012 Camry Hybrid now comes with an EV Drive mode button à la Prius. Pushing that button allows the car to drive up to 40 km/h under electric power alone for a distance up to about 2.5 km. That’s about the same as what we could achieve in the previous-gen model; the difference is that the EV Drive makes it easier to accomplish.
The most important data about a hybrid is obviously fuel economy. The new car benefits from reduced mechanical losses, low rolling-resistance tires with higher pressure, a slightly improved aerodynamic drag coefficient and – most noticeable – a curb weight reduction of 200lbs or 90kg.
The Camry Hybrid LE boasts ratings of 4.5L/100km city and 4.9L/100km highway, while the XLE’s ratings are a smidgen higher at 4.7 and 5.1 respectively. The combined numbers of the Camry Hybrid beat out those of the Ford Fusion Hybrid, the Hyundai Sonata Hybrid and the Kia Optima Hybrid, reclaiming its fuel economy championship belt.
Will it be priced right?
We don’t know yet, as Toyota Canada hasn’t yet announced the MSRPs for the hybrid models. The conventional 2012 Camry LE starts at $23,700; in comparison, the Hybrid LE gets a more basic stereo, but adds an intelligent key system and dual-zone climate control. Our guess is it will start at around $27,500.
The Hybrid XLE piles on a sound system upgrade, Bluetooth connectivity, a power driver’s seat, leather-wrapped wheel and shift knob, 17” alloy wheels, fog lamps, as well as optional leather/simulated suede upholstery, heated front seats, a power sunroof, and navigation. We expect this version to start at around $29,500.
The 2012 Camry Hybrid isn’t a revolution in the realm of gas-electric vehicles, however, there are many improvements here that makes it a serious threat to the Fusion, the Sonata and the Optima including marginally better fuel economy. And it should cost less than all three of them. The Camry Hybrid is scheduled to arrive in showrooms in November.
The most important data about a hybrid is obviously fuel economy. The new car benefits from reduced mechanical losses, low rolling-resistance tires with higher pressure, a slightly improved aerodynamic drag coefficient and – most noticeable – a curb weight reduction of 200lbs or 90kg.
The Camry Hybrid LE boasts ratings of 4.5L/100km city and 4.9L/100km highway, while the XLE’s ratings are a smidgen higher at 4.7 and 5.1 respectively. The combined numbers of the Camry Hybrid beat out those of the Ford Fusion Hybrid, the Hyundai Sonata Hybrid and the Kia Optima Hybrid, reclaiming its fuel economy championship belt.
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| We expect the 2012 Camry Hybrid to start at about $29,500. (Photo: Michel Deslauriers/Auto123.com) |
Will it be priced right?
We don’t know yet, as Toyota Canada hasn’t yet announced the MSRPs for the hybrid models. The conventional 2012 Camry LE starts at $23,700; in comparison, the Hybrid LE gets a more basic stereo, but adds an intelligent key system and dual-zone climate control. Our guess is it will start at around $27,500.
The Hybrid XLE piles on a sound system upgrade, Bluetooth connectivity, a power driver’s seat, leather-wrapped wheel and shift knob, 17” alloy wheels, fog lamps, as well as optional leather/simulated suede upholstery, heated front seats, a power sunroof, and navigation. We expect this version to start at around $29,500.
The 2012 Camry Hybrid isn’t a revolution in the realm of gas-electric vehicles, however, there are many improvements here that makes it a serious threat to the Fusion, the Sonata and the Optima including marginally better fuel economy. And it should cost less than all three of them. The Camry Hybrid is scheduled to arrive in showrooms in November.
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