Introduction
The 2012 Toyota Camry is the seventh generation, with redesigns coming every five years since 1982. Toyota claims that the new Camry is not only the current bestselling midsize sedan, but also the safest, quietest, and most fuel-efficient. Five models of the 2012 Camry range from the stripped-down L to the sport-tuned SE to the Hybrid.
 
New for 2012, the Camry hasn't changed its size, as the wheelbase, length, track and height are within fractions of an inch of those of the sixth-generation 2011 model. But the sheetmetal is totally new, and a new roofline makes it slightly more slippery. The 2012 Camry's lines are attractive, and it's clearly more contemporary than the 2011. What Toyota calls aero-corner design enhances this image. There are four new colors: Clearwater Blue, Attitude Black, Cypress Pearl and Cosmic Gray Mica.
 
The 2012 Camry interior is all new, both design and materials. Interior dimensions stay the same within fractions of those of the previous version. There's a bit more backseat legroom, and some interior parts have been thinned to create more eye, knee and elbow room. The instrument panel is pretty and functional, storage spaces well thought-out, and a 60/40 split rear seat is standard. A new leather dashboard is neat and stylish.
 
For powertrains, the standard I4 and optional V6 engines are carryovers from 2010 and 2011, respectively. Six-speed automatic transmissions are standard. The standard 2.5-liter I4 has double VVT-I technology, making 178 horsepower. The 3.5-liter V6 produces 268 horsepower. Fuel economy is an EPA-estimated City/Highway 25/35 mpg with the four-cylinder, 21/30 mpg with the V6.
 
We were impressed with such smooth and responsive acceleration from the standard four-cylinder while averaging 30 miles per gallon, and Toyota boasts a range of 650 miles.
 
The 2012 Camry boasts a new chassis with increased rigidity, using more high- and ultra-high-strength steel, as well as 56 more welded spots. It reflects ongoing research in impact energy management.
 
The tuned suspension in the Camry SE might be too firm for some; we didn't find the SE uncomfortable, but we did find the softer Camry XLE more relaxing around town. We preferred the SE's tighter steering in all circumstances.
 
The Camry Hybrid uses a new 2.5-liter Atkinson Cycle engine, with more horsepower and electric power than before. It feels like a totally different car than the I4 or V6, as it slows everything down and makes the vehicle feel bigger. The 2012 Camry Hybrid LE is rated by the government at 43/39 mpg, Camry Hybrid XLT at 40/38 mpg.

Lineup
The 2012 Toyota Camry comes in five models. Camry L ($21,955) uses the 2.5-liter I4 and is hard to find. More likely is a well-equipped Camry LE ($22,500), which comes standard with power doors and windows, cruise control, 60/40 rear folding seats, overhead console, display with 6.1-inch screen, AM/FM/CD/MP3/USB with iPod, Bluetooth hands-free phone capability, projector beam headlamps, manual front seat adjustment, and 16-inch steel wheels with wheelcovers.
 
Camry XLE ($24,725) adds a power moonroof, foglamps, heated outside mirrors, dual-zone automatic climate control, leather-wrapped steering wheel, leather-trimmed seats, heated front seats, power front seats, back-up camera, and 17-inch alloy wheels. Camry XLE V6 ($29,845) upgrades to the 3.5-liter V6 engine.
 
The sporty Camry SE ($23,000) and SE V6 ($26,640) has a thoroughly tuned suspension, sport mesh body-colored front grille, halogen headlamps, rocker panels and rear spoiler, SofTex-trimmed sport seats, paddle shifters, and 18-inch alloy wheels on the V6, 17-inch on the I4.
 
Safety equipment standard on all models includes 10 airbags, electronic stability control with traction control, ABS with Brake Assist and Brake Force Distribution, and a tire pressure monitoring system.

Walkaround
The redesigned 2012 Camry hasn't changed its size, as the wheelbase, length, track and height are the same within fractions of an inch. But the sheetmetal is 100 percent new, and a new roofline makes it slightly more slippery, at 0.27 Cd vs. the previous 0.28. It's quite attractive for a vanilla car, with clean sides and nice edges, with no lumpy cladding or gratuitous chrome. Hold up pics of the 2011 and 2012 side-by-side, and clearly see the styling evolution from yesterday to today.
 
In fact there's almost no chrome, which makes the new Camry look svelte. Indeed it has lost weight, 150 pounds (220 pounds for the Hybrid). It might all be under the skin, but no matter, it's all good. What Toyota calls aero-corner design enhances this image. Hips and shoulders tucked in.
 
The Camry LE uses wheelcovers over 16-inch steel wheels, the Camry XLE uses 17-inch alloy wheels, and the Camry SE uses 17- or 18-inchers. All three styles successfully avoid cookie cutting, with the LE's 20-spoke titanium-tinted wheelcovers ironically being the most ambitious and eye-catching, if not the classiest.
 
The new roofline angles the windshield more steeply. There's a nice character line under the windows slanting slightly up to the rear deck, where there's a small spoiler lip on the SE. Windows outlined in chrome, but no more, except for a thin strip at the rocker level on the LE and XLE. Body-colored door handles on all models.
 
The face of the Camry SE is tweaked, for the better, with body color over the black mesh grille, and more aggressive air intakes in the valance under the bumper. Headlamps are the same, angled, narrow and sleek, with a neat little notch in the line at the bottom.

Driving Impression
Ironically, after driving four models of the 2012 Toyota Camry, we think the model we didn't drive might be the call. That would be a Camry SE with the I4 engine, rather than our V6. That's because the Camry SE is tighter than the Camry XLE or LE; and the 178-hp I4 is quick, silent and smooth, no matter that the 268-hp V6 is faster. Both the I4 and V6 are carried over, the I4 new in 2010 and V6 new for 2011.
 
On the Camry XLE, using the lighter 6-speed for the I4, we noted good ratios, smooth upshifts and invisible kickdowns around town. With the I4, to get 30 mpg with that kind of performance is great. Toyota boasts a range of 650 miles, at 35 highway mpg.
 
Four-cylinder and V6 models use a 6-speed automatic that on the Camry SE comes with paddle shifters and normal and sport modes. No problems with the way the transmissions were programmed; both 5th and 6th gears in the V6 transmission are overdrives, with 6th being super overdrive at 0.068:1, for highway fuel mileage. There's a big leap between 1st and 2nd gears, but the 248 foot-pounds of torque in the V6 can make it.
 
The even-keel Camry SE suspension might be too firm for some; we didn't find it uncomfortable, but did find the softer Camry XLE more relaxing around town. We preferred the SE's tighter steering in all circumstances. Slightly bigger brakes felt good too, sensitive with good feel.
 
The Hybrid uses a new 2.5-liter Atkinson Cycle engine in 2012, with more horsepower and electric power than before. It feels like a totally different car than the I4 or V6. It slows everything down and it feels bigger; even the seats feel wider. Don't expect much from acceleration, cornering, or quick response, although Toyota says 0-60 acceleration is 0.5 seconds quicker than before.
 
Braking is regenerative and sensitive, sometimes diving the nose. It's quieter, when you're not straining at throttle, but the tire noise on a rough freeway is still there.
 
Eco mode reduces the throttle opening, slowing the car way down, although Eco defaults to Power mode when you need more speed. EV mode with a good charge couldn't get us out of the parking lot. It wouldn't even run the air conditioner with the car at a standstill. The Hybrid is more slippery in the wind, with underbody fairing panels lowering the Cd to 0.27, but a small blue badge is the only visible difference.
 
The Camry XLE Hybrid is rated at 40 combined mpg (on Premium gasoline because the compression ratio with the Atkinson Cycle is raised to 12.5:1). We actually saw 45 mpg on our test run, probably because we were aghast at the idea of booting it.

Summary
The Toyota Camry is redesigned for 2012, using a two-year-old I4 engine, one-year-old V6, and new hybrid. It features a more rigid chassis and sleeker body, with a smooth 6-speed automatic transmission. Camry powertrains are so different you should consider your needs or drive them all before you choose. The I4 is exceptional, with good smooth response while delivering 30 mpg combined. The suspension is comfortable and all-new interior clean and convenient, while infotainment options can move the Camry upscale.
 
Sam Moses filed this NewCarTestDrive.com report from the Columbia River Gorge.