2012 Toyota Camry: Trim Level Breakdown

Toyotas traditionally have pretty straightforward trim designations, and the redesigned 2012 Toyota Camry remains loyal to this setup.

The 2012 Toyota Camry will be available in L, LE, XLE and sporty SE trims. The Toyota Camry Hybrid is now available in two trims instead of just one highly optioned model like the previous generation. It’s available in LE and XLE trims for 2012.

Although pricing hasn’t been announced yet, we have detailed feature and mileage specifications ready for your early research. The 2012s go on sale this October.

Update: Toyota has announced pricing just now; the mid-sized 2012 Toyota Camry base price will start at $21,995, not including a $760 destination fee, which is a $1,800 increase from the 2011 base model, but keep in mind that an automatic transmission, Bluetooth and USB port are now standard. The 2012 Toyota Camry Hybrid LE starts at $25,900, $1,150 less expensive than the 2011 model, but there’s less content on this model than before.

The 2012 Camry is one of the most fuel-efficient sedans to date — all-three powertrains offer extremely competitive fuel-economy figures. The 2012 Camry Hybrid now beats the Ford Fusion Hybrid and Hyundai Sonata Hybrid in fuel efficiency, with ratings of 43/39 mpg city/highway and 41 mpg combined on the LE Hybrid.

New safety features for the model year include 10 airbags. (A rear passenger-side thorax airbag and dual front knee airbags are new.) Most models get a 6.1-inch center console touch-screen, and side-detection monitoring is an all-new feature. All models come with an automatic transmission standard; the manual available on the 2011 Camry Base, LE and SE trims is gone.

Continue reading below for more trim details:

2012 Toyota Camry L: $21,955

L is the new designator for the entry-level trim. The model comes with a 178-horsepower four-cylinder engine and six-speed automatic standard. A manual transmission was standard in 2011, and it is no longer offered on any Camry. The setup achieves 25/35 mpg city/highway. New key features on the base model include Bluetooth connectivity and a USB port standard with the six-speaker stereo. The L also comes with power windows, locks and mirrors, as well as air conditioning and a tilt/telescoping steering wheel.

2012 Toyota Camry LE: $22,500

Toyota says this is the Camry’s core trim. New features include a 6.1-inch touch-screen and Bluetooth music streaming standard. The LE also gets remote keyless entry and steering-wheel-mounted controls, on top of the features on the L trim. A power driver’s seat is optional on the LE; it was standard on the 2011 LE.

2012 Toyota Camry SE: $23,000

The SE can be powered by either the 178-hp four-cylinder or a 268-hp V-6 engine, both mated to six-speed automatic transmissions. The sport-tuned V6 is rated 21/30 mpg for 2012, up from 20/29 mpg in 2011. The model’s sporty intentions mean it has firmer suspension tuning and quicker steering.  The SE also gets a unique appearance: A sport mesh grille, ground effects and chrome exhaust (dual exhausts on the V-6) complete the exterior look. Inside, the SE gets a leather-wrapped three-spoke steering wheel — all other models have four spokes — and a leather-wrapped shifter. Leatherette upholstery is standard (fabric was standard in 2011), and genuine leather with suede inserts is available. The SE also comes with paddle shifters and silver trim, too. The SE comes with standard heated mirrors added on top of the features of the LE trim. Toyota’s new Entune multimedia system, navigation, push-button start and a rearview camera are optional on the four-cylinder and standard on V-6-equipped models (which start at $26,640). 

2012 Toyota Camry XLE: $24,725

2012 Toyota Camry Hybrid LE: $25,900

The Toyota Camry Hybrid LE gets the same features on the four-cylinder LE, but it also gets an automatic climate-control system, push-button start, a passive entry system and electroluminescent backlight gauges. Strangely, the LE Hybrid gives up the 6.1-inch touch screen and the Bluetooth audio streaming even though that was standard on the more basic LE four-cylinder. The LE Hybrid is powered by a hybrid system that produces a combined 200 hp, up from 187 hp in 2011.

2012 Toyota Camry Hybrid XLE: $27,400

This decked-out hybrid comes with the same features as the Hybrid LE as well as an eight-way power adjustable driver’s seat, auto-dimming mirror, rear air vents, leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio controls and a 6.1-inch touch screen, all standard. All the options on the XLE with the V-6 are available here. The Hybrid XLE gets slightly worse fuel economy compared with the Hybrid LE, returning 41/38 mpg city/highway.