Day-by-Day Review: 2012 Toyota Camry Hybrid XLE

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2012 Toyota Camry Hybrid

Day 1 | Day 2 | Day 3 | Day 4

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This week I’m travelling green, in a green Toyota Camry Hybrid XLE. Although I didn’t get horrible gas mileage last week in the GS 350, I always welcome a week where my fuel bill will be on the very low side.

This 2012 Camry Hybrid is part of an all-new design for the Camry. It has a starting price of $26,990, and is powered by a 2.5-litre inline four-cylinder engine that is augmented by an electric motor for a total of 200 horsepower, fed to the wheels through a continuously variable transmission (CVT). The Camry Hybrid has a Natural Resources Canada rating of 4.5 L/100 km city and 4.9 L/100 km highway—pretty darned impressive for a large family sedan.

2012 Toyota Camry Hybrid XLE. Click Image to Enlarge

The XLE model adds $2,000 to the price of a base Camry Hybrid, but adds an eight-way power adjustable driver’s seat, an upgraded stereo, 17-inch aluminum alloy wheels (over the standard 16-inch steel wheels), fog lamps and the ability to add a few other option packages.

My tester has the Leather and Premium Package, which adds Navigation, 10-speaker JBL audio system, power moonroof, backup camera, anti-theft system, leather-trimmed seating and heated front seats, for an additional $5,520, which seems like a considerable amount for the features you get.

With features like dual-zone climate control, cruise control, power windows and mirrors, and keyless entry with push-button start standard on all Camry Hybrids, I feel that the real value is in the base model. But I have to evaluate based on what I have in my possession, and this week I hope to test how seamless and comfortable this new Camry Hybrid can be.

2012 Toyota Camry Hybrid XLE
MSRP as tested (including destination): $34,510

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Day 1 | Day 2 | Day 3 | Day 4

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The interior of the Camry is basic and simple yet very functional — and when your significant other comes home with the car after some grocery shopping and says: “I really like this car.” You know that Toyota has done something right as I have only heard that statement a few times — ironically the last time those words were muttered was when I had a Lexus CT200h tester… I see a pattern here.

It is that simplicity that makes the Camry so appealing, it doesn’t try to be anything it is not — it is basic transportation but it does so by ensuring the occupants feel comfortable and safe.

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The rear seating is very roomy as with most other mid-sized sedans the vehicle is larger than the previous generation and offers more interior space. The trunk is large enough for a few large suitcases although it does lack folding rear seats due to the battery placement — the only real downside to the Camry Hybrid design.

Visibility is good and of course having the backup camera makes reversing a cinch. The seats are comfortable, but I think I would skip on the leather option as it is not a full leather treatment anyways. The steering wheel is not leather wrapped and feels rather cheap and there is a large scratch on the wheel of my tester that proves it is not the most durable either.

Day 1 | Day 2 | Day 3 | Day 4

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Why am I so surprised that the 2012 Camry Hybrid is so darn quiet and refined? I’m not sure, but it sure is a very quiet ride out on the open road where most of my driving takes place. The tires are quiet, but it takes barely any cornering forces to make them squeal like a pig, and wind and road noise are basically non-existent.

This is perfect for a car like the Camry Hybrid where, really, what the owner wants is an unobtrusive driving experience, and that is what this Camry does best. The CVT transmission, usually a hated commodity in the car field, suits this car perfectly as it ensures that power is delivered in the smoothest possible way.

Step on the gas gently and the torque from the electric motors get you moving before the gas engine fires up for extra assistance. But stomp on the accelerator and all 200 hp is unleashed—it’s not fast, but the Camry Hybrid offers extremely smooth acceleration. At times the power actually surprises you as it is delivered so smoothly that acceleration can feel jet-like as the speed climbs and climbs without a fuss.

In fact, the engine is so quiet in the new Camry Hybrid you would be vary hard pressed to hear it even at full acceleration! When cruising or during idling I have to use the provided energy readouts to determine if the gas engine is running—it is that seamless and quiet as the system switches between electric and gas power.

With a light foot you can stay in EV mode up to about 75 km/h, which allows me to do a lot of my commute in EV mode. As a result the average fuel consumption readout has been praising me daily as I arrive at my destination. So perhaps the Camry Hybrid isn’t exciting in the traditional sense, but I had the choice today to take it or a Hyundai Genesis for my daily commute and I chose the Camry for its quiet and comfort—not to mention fuel savings.

Day 1 | Day 2 | Day 3 | Day 4

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The Camry Hybrid, although not super exciting, did get me to work and back day in and day out this week. And it did it while burning very little fuel. In fact, I had over half a tank remaining after over 450 km on the odometer for the week. I averaged 6.1 L/100 km, and considering most of my driving is highway, I found this pretty impressive for the size of vehicle.

It was obvious that if I wanted to achieve even better fuel economy I just had to try harder as I was able to achieve 5.5 L/100 km on one trip from work to home, but most of the time I averaged 5.8 L/100 km. One day I drove less conscientiously of fuel savings and averaged 6.1 L/100 km on the same route, so there certainly is something to be said for ensuring you are driving in a fuel efficient matter, the difference between 5.5 and 6.1 L/100 km doesn’t sound like much but it is a whopping 11%!

*Rating out of 5: