Camry improves its winning formula for 2012

BY KIRK BELL For Sun-Times Media January 13, 2012 2:57PM

Camry XLE

Times have been tough for Toyota. In the midst of the global economic meltdown of 2008 and 2009, a widely publicized series of recalls hurt the brand’s image. In early 2011, an earthquake and tsunami in Japan crippled manufacturing, and just a few months later flooding in Thailand shut down parts suppliers, resulting in further manufacturing backups.

As America’s best-selling car, the Camry, scheduled for a 2012 redesign, the time appeared to be right for Toyota to restore its tarnished reputation. A home run with this car would show that Toyota is not vulnerable, and it would set the bar higher for the improving American and Korean rivals.

But Toyota didn’t take that approach. Instead of pushing the envelope with the 2012 Camry, Toyota aimed to improve upon an already great-selling car. Specifically, Toyota looked to improve fuel economy, driving dynamics and connectivity.

On sale now, the 2012 Camry features three engine choices, all of which boast improved fuel economy. The base 2.5-liter four-cylinder has nine more horsepower this year for a total of 178, and fuel economy is up by three mpg overall to 25 mpg city/35 highway. This engine offers plenty of pep for most needs and is pretty refined for a four-cylinder. It accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in 8.8 seconds, about average for the class; low-end torque is readily available from a stop. It will be the choice for the majority of buyers.

The optional 268-horsepower 3.5-liter V-6 is up by one mpg overall with ratings of 21/30 mpg. It is the choice for those who want real power. Zero to 60 mph takes just 6.6 seconds. Better yet, the engine is silky smooth and whisper quiet. It’s one of the best V-6s in this class.

Most impressive, though, is the hybrid powertrain. It swaps a 2.4-liter four for the 2.5. The engine makes 156 horsepower and total power is up to 200 from 187. Thanks to reductions in friction and mechanical and electrical losses, fuel economy improves immensely, from 31/35 mpg to 43/39 mpg. There is also an eco mode button that dulls throttle response and cuts back on air conditioning to yield slightly better fuel economy. I don’t like how unresponsive the throttle is in this mode, but many hybrid buyers will be willing to suffer it for an extra mpg or two.

Better yet, the Camry Hybrid is quick. Power is surprisingly easy to access. Zero to 60 mph comes in 7.8 seconds, which is almost V-6 territory. I made a couple of passes at 60 mph on country highways and was amazed I was driving a hybrid. The hybrid is clearly the star of the Camry lineup.

With any engine, the Camry offers a smooth ride, but Toyota also aimed to improve the car’s notoriously slushy driving dynamics. To do so, company engineers reduced the weight (150-200 pounds depending on the model), changed the rear suspension geometry, tweaked the shocks and stabilizer bars and used inversely wound coil springs up front.

The sportier SE model received even firmer shocks, springs and stabilizer bars, as well as unique steering knuckles and lower suspension arms. Electric-assist power steering was also added to all models, with a bit quicker steering ratio.

The result? While the steering is a tad quicker and pleasingly predictable, it still doesn’t offer much feel. The Honda Accord, Nissan Altima and new Chevy Malibu are much more satisfying in this respect. The Camry still delivers a ride worthy of a luxury car, and handling is improved, but only slightly. The new Camry is more stable in a straight line, more controlled through corners and has more road feel. It’s still not as agile or engaging as the Altima, Accord, Malibu or Mazda6, but there is a refinement to the driving character that Hyundai and Kia can’t match. The SE model has quicker moves and a firmer ride, but it’s firmer without feeling appreciably sportier. Some will prefer the SE’s slightly quicker reactions, while others will think the ride is too firm.

While the dynamics are better, they’re clearly not best in class. So what about the interior? This is an area where Toyota could have distinguished itself from the competition. Again, it’s improved, but not best in class. The 2012 Camry’s cabin gets a new look, but it doesn’t impart the quality feel offered in the Hyundai Sonata, Kia Optima or new Malibu.

That’s not to say the interior isn’t nice. The dashboard has a soft-touch surface highlighted by stitched accents. The upper door trim, door armrests and center armrest also feature soft-touch surfaces. The materials are pretty good for the class, but I doubt Toyota spent much, if any, more money to achieve the look.

Functionally, however, the cabin is improved. Though the Camry is no bigger this year, interior space is more useful. The front seats have longer lower cushions to reduce long-trip fatigue, and the tilt/telescoping steering wheel has 33 percent more tilt range to help tailor a better driving position. The base seats are a bit flat, so I prefer the SE’s extra seat bolstering.

Many of the panels and trim pieces also have been sculpted back to open more space throughout, and Toyota has moved the front seats and pedals forward to improve rear seat room. The rear seat has excellent head, leg and toe space, making the Camry one of the most useful cars in its class for families.

The trunk is large and deep, with 15.4 cubic feet of space. To make that space even more useful, the rear seat folds down in a 60/40 split. The hybrid’s trunk isn’t quite as accommodating, as the large nickel-metal hydride battery cuts space down to 13.1 cubic feet and blocks one side of the pass through.

Occupants also can enjoy greater connectivity through the new Entune multimedia system. Entune pairs with smart phones to provide access to five mobile apps. Available at launch are movietickets.com, OpenTable dining reservations, music streaming through Pandora and iheartradio, and Bing local search. All of these services are easy to access through the dashboard screen and there is no monthly fee. Be aware, however, that constant use of these features could get expensive if you exceed your cell phone plan’s data streaming limits.

In the final analysis, Toyota didn’t hit one out of the park with the 2012 Camry, but it did make America’s best-selling car better. It offers plenty of room for a family of five, good fuel economy from its two standard engines and the hybrid is now amazingly effective. Handling is also improved and the interior adds space and fun new connectivity features.

The 2012 Camry isn’t about to stop the momentum of the Hyundai Sonata, but it is a strong choice and it should maintain its sales lead.

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