Vehicle Overview
Redesigned for 2012, the Toyota Camry has identical dimensions and similar styling as its predecessor, but it’s lighter and more fuel efficient. Competitors to the popular family sedan include the Honda Accord, Ford Fusion and Nissan Altima. A four-cylinder engine and automatic transmission are standard; the SE and XLE trim levels offer a V-6.
(Skip to details on the: Camry Hybrid)
New for 2013
For 2013, the Camry gains interior improvements. Changes include new soft-touch front door panels for LE and SE trim levels, and the armrests in LE trims now match the interior color scheme, replacing black ones.
On the technology front, Toyota’s 6.1-inch touch-screen is now standard, and the available blind spot warning system adds rear cross-traffic alert, a feature designed to make backing out of parking spaces and other areas with restricted visibility safer.
Exterior
The Camry features angular design cues and boomerang-style taillights. The sport-tuned SE has unique bodywork including racier bumpers and a different grille. Four-cylinder cars have a single tailpipe in back while V-6 models have two. Exterior features include:
- Standard 16-inch steel wheels with plastic covers
- Standard body-colored side mirrors
- Optional 17- and 18-inch alloy wheels
- Optional fog lights
- Optional power moonroof
InteriorThe Camry’s dashboard has a layered design. Stitched faux leather covers the upper dashboard while the center control panel sits elevated to appear as if it’s hovering. All trim levels have a 60/40-split folding rear seat, and trunk volume is 15.4 cubic feet. Toyota offers two navigation systems: an entry-level unit with a 6.1-inch screen or an upgraded 7-inch system with sharper graphics. Other features include:
- Standard power windows, locks and mirrors
- Standard cruise control and air conditioning
- Standard iPod/USB-compatible stereo with Bluetooth connectivity
- Optional JBL premium audio
- Optional power seats, heated leather upholstery
- Optional dual-zone automatic climate control
Under the HoodMechanical features include:
- Standard 2.5-liter four-cylinder with 178 horsepower and 170 pounds-feet of torque
- Optional 3.5-liter V-6 with 268 hp and 248 pounds-feet of torque
- Six-speed automatic transmission (both engines) with paddle shifters in SE
- Sport-tuned suspension in SE
SafetySafety features include:
- 10 standard airbags, including front knee airbags and front and rear side-impact airbags
- Standard all-disc antilock brakes
- Standard electronic stability system
- Optional blind spot warning system with rear cross-traffic alertÂ
Camry Hybrid
The Camry Hybrid combines a 2.5-liter four-cylinder with an electric motor for a combined 200 hp. An automatic transmission is standard. The Camry Hybrid gets 41 mpg in combined city/highway ratings for the LE trim, or 40 mpg for the heavier XLE. Like Toyota’s Prius hybrid, the Camry Hybrid has Eco and EV modes. Eco mode trades air-conditioning effectiveness and accelerator sensitivity to maximize gas mileage, and EV mode raises the threshold the Camry Hybrid can travel on electric power alone — up to 1.6 miles at speeds below 25 mph, Toyota says. The backlit gauges have a hybrid display that shows gas mileage history and real-time power flow between the drivetrain components.
Like most hybrids, the Camry Hybrid has a battery pack behind the rear seat that powers the electric motor. Braking friction and engine power recharge the battery. The sedan has 13.1 cubic feet of trunk volume, which is close to the regular Camry’s 15.4-cubic-foot trunk. The battery obstructs most of the pass-through space for the folding rear seat, however.
The Camry Hybrid LE gets standard dual-zone automatic climate control and, for 2013, a 6.1-inch touch-screen stereo. Load up a Camry Hybrid XLE and it can come with heated power seats, leather upholstery with faux suede inserts, JBL audio and a navigation system. Back to top
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