The Toyota Camry has long been the gold standard for mid-size family sedans and is not simply America’s favorite automobile. However, in recent years, the Camry has found itself on the defense due to recalls, natural disasters, and new competitors like the Hyundai Sonata. The Camry is now going offensive with a brand-new 2012 model. So let’s check to see if the Camry should continue to win.
The 2012 Toyota Camry, which is part of the 7th generation, seeks to make you comfortable during your quick commute while also keeping you safe and secure. In light of Toyota’s desire for this new generation sedan to appeal to a younger, more tech-savvy, and environmentally conscious family car buyer, the last sentence portends a change in Camry philosophy. But before drawing younger buyers into the showroom, the new Camry must first captivate the sense of sight. The Camry’s designers chose an aggressive, if yet extremely progressive, style over the Hyundai Sonata’s swooping appearance.
Strong character lines, flatter sides, and a wider stance are all contemporary elements that are present on our Red Metallic Camry SE test vehicle. The aggressive, spoiler-style, three port lower inlet gives the front end the appearance of being prepared to inhale the road. A shorter mesh grill is connected by wide headlamps with distinct contours. Other Camrys, notably the Hybrid, feature a lovely two-bar chrome grille and a sizable lower hole for a single port. Only the SE and XLE come standard with weird fog lights. The SE has a silhouette that is sufficiently sporty thanks to a full length shoulder line up top, rocker panel extensions below, and beautiful 18-inch alloy wheels. The trunk lid spoiler, contoured lower facia, and dual chrome exhaust tips are all present in the back view as well. Other variants are less obvious, but they all have enormous, talon-shaped tail lamps that give them all a unique appearance.
The Camry continues to feature a V6 in contrast to newer rivals. Our SE’s 3.5-liter engine continues to produce 268 horsepower and 248 pound-feet of torque. The standard 2.5-liter I4 engine produces 178 horsepower and 170 pound-feet of torque. Although the SE does feature paddle shifters, the 4 and 6 are both 6-speed automatics with only a manual mode. The hybrid’s 2.5-liter engine has been improved for more efficiency, producing 200 horsepower using a combined hybrid drive CVT, an increase of 13.
Fuel efficiency for hybrid vehicles increases to 43 City and 39 Highway, easily outperforming the Ford Fusion Hybrid. But rather than only changes to the powertrain, the new Camry’s improved aerodynamics, weight loss, and addition of more fuel-efficient tires are more to blame. Even with carryover engines, the I4’s government ratings of 25 City and 35 Highway mpg each increased by three, while the V6’s ratings of 21 City and 30 Highway mpg both increased by one.
With each new Camry generation, comfort and luxury have increased. The cabin feels larger and more luxurious even though the external and internal measurements have hardly changed. Better materials and even real stitching are used to dress the gorgeous dash. The art is in the details. The twin LED readouts on the hooded, overlapping gauges are quite visible. Switches are large and convenient to reach. The shifter and cupholders are placed side by side in the convenient central console. All current Camry models come standard with USB ports with full iPod integration and Bluetooth. A backup camera, however, is an alternative.
The 6.1-inch touch screen for navigation, radio, trip functions, and Entune is standard on SE and XLE V6 Camry models. Toyota’s new multimedia system, Entune, connects to smartphones via applications to access Pandora, Bing, and schedules for sports, weather, and traffic. All front and rear passengers are protected by 10 airbags, and all seats are more comfortable. With standard split 60/40 folding seatbacks, rear legroom is somewhat more spacious in the back. Up slightly to a respectable 15.4 cubic feet, the cargo volume.
We were surprised by the Camry’s smooth ride and professional poise when navigating the Columbia River and the winding roads close to Roslyn, Washington. With electronic steering now available on all hybird models, we had quick reaction and positive feedback. The front strut, rear two link suspension is capable of handling whatever task this car would ordinarily be required to perform. The automobile is incredibly silent as well. With a stronger suspension setting and tighter ride, our SE, the sportiest model, yet provided a drive that you could tolerate all day without becoming tired.
And now for more positive news. Most 2012 Toyota Camry costs are cheaper than those from the previous year. The high volume LE is now $22,500, saving $200. The XLE drops $2,000 to $24,725 while the SE drops $965 to $23,000. Even the Camry Hybrid has a cheaper starting price now, at $25,900, which is $1150 less than before.
The 2012 Toyota Camry is still a well-targeted answer to American families’ wants for a sedan. However, it is now younger-looking, more opulent, tech-savvy, and fuel-efficient, as well as less priced for core customers. We don’t know what will put competitors on the defensive if that doesn’t.
In This Article...
When was the Toyota Camry’s backup camera introduced?
Yes, a rear view camera is a standard feature on every 2014 Toyota Camry manufactured after December 2013. The rearview camera is a standard feature on all 2014 Camry models, starting with the L (those constructed beginning in December 2013).
What distinguishes the 2012 Camry SE from the LE?
Both the 178 horsepower four-cylinder and the 268 horsepower V-6 engines are paired with six-speed automated transmissions to power the SE. 2012’s fuel economy rating for the sport-tuned V6 is 21/30 mpg, up from 20/29 mpg in 2011. The variant has a stiffer suspension setting and quicker steering due to its sporting aims. The SE also has a distinctive look: The exterior is finished off with a sport mesh grille, ground effects, and chrome exhaust (dual exhausts on the V-6) The SE’s interior features a leather-wrapped gearshift and a three-spoke steering wheel (the other variants have four spokes). Genuine leather with suede accents is an option in addition to the leatherette upholstery that is standard (fabric was standard in 2011). The SE also includes silver trim and paddle shifters. The features of the LE trim are supplemented by the inclusion of standard heated mirrors in the SE trim. The new Toyota Entune multimedia system, navigation, push-button start, and a rearview camera are standard on V-6-equipped vehicles (which start at $26,640) and optional on four-cylinder ones.
Has the 2011 Toyota Camry got a backup camera?
I had the Camry for the weekend when I visited my mother, which offered me a nice opportunity to compare it to her seven-year-old model. Although the seven-year-old vehicle has aged quite gracefully, it is clear that Toyota has taken special care to maintain and constantly enhance one of the most well-liked vehicles in America. Naturally, this Camry XLE test vehicle is fully equipped with optional features like remote start, GPS, a backup camera, XM radio, and unique wheels. In spite of this, the Camry would still be a very well-kept vehicle even if any of those options were removed. The V-6 and six-speed transmission work well together, making it easy for the driver to summon extra power for passing and accelerating quickly. The cabin is cozy, the controls are simple to operate, and the trunk has plenty of room. Although the Camry isn’t designed for enthusiasts, Toyota is clearly doing something right because of its continued appeal. Toyota wants to convey to American auto buyers that the Camry is a vehicle that will be practical, dependable, and have a high resale value. That’s not a horrible formula for achievement.
Is there a backup camera on the 2012 Toyota Corolla?
The backup camera for the Toyota Corolla is specially made for the car. The camera is practically unnoticeable because to its sleek, small design. With an IP67 rating, the camera is totally weatherproof and offers superior night vision.
Toyota added a backup camera when?
The 1956 Buick Centurion concept car, which had a rear-mounted camera that transmitted images to a dashboard screen, was most likely the first vehicle that had the potential for a backup camera. However, it would take another 35 years until the 1991 Japanese-market Toyota Soarer coupe became the first production vehicle to use a backup camera.
On the 2002 Q45 sedan, Infiniti was the first automaker to provide a rear camera in the United States. Rear-View Monitor was an optional feature that utilized a camera near the rear license plate, with the image and parking guidance lines displayed on a dashboard screen.
Rear cameras were initially marketed primarily as parking aids, but safety advocates soon focused on how they may save lives. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, thousands of pedestrians, including many young children, were hurt and died in incidents every year when automobiles backing up failed to see the pedestrian (NHTSA).
After several years of delays, the NHTSA finally imposed in 2014 a requirement that all light vehicles have backup cameras by May 1, 2018.
By the time the NHTSA imposed the requirement, cameras were standard equipment on around 50% of cars and SUVs sold in the US, not just high-end models but also compact cars and SUVs like the Chevrolet Trax, Honda Fit, and Kia Soul. Rear cameras were a standard feature on all Acura, Buick, Honda, and Infiniti vehicles for the 2015 model year. Ford, Nissan, and Toyota, among other automakers, made them standard before the 2018 government requirement.
Are there reverse cameras in Camrys?
The Toyota Camry’s rear camera detection feature may identify pedestrians in the detection zone when the car is backing up. A buzzer will sound and an icon will appear on the audio system screen to alert the driver of any detected pedestrians.
When was my backup camera manufactured?
The 1956 Buick Centurion concept automobile, which was unveiled in January 1956 at General Motors Motorama, had the first backup camera. The car was equipped with a television camera located on the back that transmitted images to a TV screen mounted on the dashboard in place of the rearview mirror.
Later, a backup camera was added to the 1972 Volvo Experimental Safety Car (VESC). The camera component, however, was left out of the Volvo 240 model that followed.
The 1991 Toyota Soarer Limited (UZZ31 and UZZ32), which was only offered in Japan and not on its American counterpart, the Lexus SC, was the first production car to use a backup camera. The Toyota system has a color EMV screen and a CCD camera installed on the rear spoiler. In 1997, the system was abandoned. At the 2000 New York International Auto Show in April, Nissan’s luxury brand, Infiniti, debuted the RearView Monitor on the 2002 Q45 flagship sedan. The RearView Monitor used a license plate-mounted camera in the trunk to relay a mirrored image to an in-dash (7-inch) LCD screen, adding colored onscreen guide lines as a parking distance guideline. When the North American market opened in March 2001, it was offered as an optional piece of equipment. Outside of Japan and North America, the RearView Monitor backup camera feature was first offered in the 2002 Nissan Primera.
Car aftermarket choices have been accessible for a while.
Numerous automotive improvements are now available from electronics manufacturers that can be installed by experts without changing the center console of the vehicle.
What does the acronym Camry SE mean?
What does LE mean on a car before we examine the distinctions between SE and LE? SE stands for sport edition, whereas LE stands for luxury edition. Consider the Toyota Camry as a good illustration; both offer upscale features. There are, however, performance variations.
Compared to the SE model, the LE luxury version has a substantially superior seat. The basic suspension systems, anti-lock brakes, 2.5-liter four-cylinder engines, and turning radii are all present in both Toyota Camry series vehicles.
In any case, their performance is where the biggest disparity is found. The SE model’s engine boasts an extra 10 horsepower above the LE’s 169 horsepower, giving it a total of 179 horsepower. To provide a more sporty driving experience, the SE has a shock absorber that lowers the car by an inch.
Q: What does SE stand for on Vauxhall?
The second-most opulent vehicle in the Astra line is the Vauxhall Astra SE. It has a stylish interior that makes for a comfortable ride. It is equipped with high-end amenities like trip computers, an electric hand brake, automatic headlights and wipers, 17-inch alloy wheels, front and rear electric windows, anti-whiplash front headrests, and lighted vanity mirrors.
Ambient lights in the front doors and a steering wheel covered in leather are just two of the amenities that have been enhanced over the inferior Astra. It has an effective engine. Regardless of whether you choose a gasoline or diesel engine, you can be sure that it will provide a satisfyingly dynamic driving experience.
Q: What does SE mean on Hyundai cars?
Asking what SE implies on automobiles and Hyundai brands is important if you’re thinking about purchasing a Hyundai brand with the letters SE or SEL on it. Among its versions, the 2020 Hyundai Elantra delivers great fuel efficiency and outstanding performance.
It has a 2.4 liter, four-cylinder engine. The engine generates 132 pound-feet of torque and 147 horsepower. Compared to the SEL models, the Hyundai Elantra SE series is less expensive and uses less fuel. The powertrain is the same for both engines. The outside visual feel is the main distinction. The SEL has external characteristics that are more opulent.
Q: Is XLE better than SE?
Opt for the XLE type if you want a sportier driving experience in a Toyota Camry. For a sporty ride, it has a more aggressive aesthetic vibe. The SE model gets upgraded sporty characteristics in the XLE. It has a suspension system that has been fine-tuned, enabling it to look sportier than the SE.
Despite their similar appearances, the Camry XLE and LE models should not be confused. The XLE differs from the LE model by having a different set of 17-inch alloy wheels. The LED taillights add to the vehicle’s upmarket appeal. It has more advanced headlamps with stylish daytime running lights (DRL).
The interior is where the XLE and SE diverge most significantly. The XLE model’s interior has plush leather upholstery, which contributes to its air of luxury. You will like the heated front seats, dual-zone automatic temperature control, and adjustable front passenger seat.
The 8-inch touchscreen display on the XLE is superior. On the XLE variant, additional two USB ports, direct wireless charging, blind-spot monitoring, a panoramic glass sunroof, a color head-up display, a nine-speaker audio system, and a bigger amplifier for a richer soundtrack are all enhancements.
Q: Which is better, corolla SE or LE?
An improved model of the LE Toyota Corolla is the SE. The SE model is superior to the LE model. It has the majority of LE Plus’s features;
- Front grille made of sports mesh and metal with upgraded LED accent lighting.
- Sport mode for the car
- A blind-spot monitor is available.
- machined alloy wheels measuring 18 inches with dark gray accents.
Under the hood of the Corolla SE and LE, the biggest distinction can be seen. The Corolla LE has a continuously variable transmission and a 1.8-liter, four-cylinder engine with 139 horsepower. On the other hand, the SE has a 2.0-liter, four-cylinder engine with 169 horsepower that is mated to either a continuously variable transmission or a six-speed manual transmission (CVT).
Is the Camry LE or SE better?
The SE trim has sport SofTex-trimmed front seats, while the LE trim has fabric-trimmed front seats. Steering wheel: The LE has a three-spoke tilt/telescopic steering wheel. With a tilt/telescopic three-spoke sport steering wheel with leather upholstery, the SE slightly improves on this feature.