The 2012 Toyota Camry prices up close

Yesterday, Toyota pulled back the sheets on the 2012 Camry and Camry Hybrid with TorqueNews correspondent Hawke Fracassa on-site for an in-depth look at the two models and today, we bring you a closer look at the 2012 Toyota Camry pricing.

The 2012 Toyota Camry is offered in four trimlines (L, LE, XLE, SE) while the 2012 Camry Hybrid is available in just the LE and XLE forms and throughout much of the lineup, 2012 Camry buyers will pay less than those who opted for the 2011 models.

2012 Toyota Camry L
The 2012 Toyota Camry L serves as the base model and unlike the majority of the 2012 Camry trimlines, this base model sees an increase in MSRP compared to the 2011 models. The current Camry base with a 4-cylinder engine and automatic transmission starts at $21,245 while the 2012 Camry L carries a price of $21,955 – an increase of $710. However, for that additional cost 2012 buyers get a wide variety of new features including projection headlights and all sorts of power accessories inside.

2012 Toyota Camry LE
The next step up is the 2012 Toyota Camry LE, which carries a price of $22,500 and with this model, 2012 buyers will begin to see savings over the 2011 models, as the current Camry LE starts $200 more at $22,700. In addition to costing less than the current LE models, the 2012 Camry LE will come with the impressive Display Audio system which includes a 6.1 inch touch screen and some other convenience items like remote keyless entry and automatic headlamps. Both this model and the 2012 Camry L are powered exclusively by Toyota’s 2.5L 4-cylinder engine, sending out 178 horsepower and 170lb-ft of torque while achieving 25 miles per gallon around town and 35 on the open road.

The LE level is where the 2012 Toyota Camry Hybrid comes into play, with this fuel sipping sedan offering a starting price of $25,900 - $1,150 cheaper than the 2011 Camry Hybrid. The 2012 models will feature a new 2.5L 4-cylinder engine mated to Toyota’s hybrid drive system to offer 200 horsepower while also achieving 43mpg around town and 39mpg on the open road.

2012 Toyota Camry SE
Next, we have the 2012 Toyota Camry SE with a price tag of only $23,000 (with the 4-cylinder engine) – the model that Toyota claims is the “Camry with attitude”. This is achieved by adding a uniquely aggressive front fascia, 17” aluminum wheels, sport tuned suspension and steering, chrome exhaust tips, leather wrapped interior items including a steering wheel with paddle shifters and sport seats – all for just $500 more than the 2012 Camry LE. Compared to the 2011 Camry, the 2012 SE costs $965 less when equipped with the 2.5L 4-cylinder even though it comes with more amenities. If you want the 3.5L V6 engine that offers 268hp and 248lb-ft of torque, the 2012 Camry SE will start at $26,640 – the same price as the 2011 Camry SE V6 – although the V6 engine comes with unique 18” alloy wheels and the ne Entune audio system.

2012 Toyota Camry XLE
The top of the line for the traditionally powered (non-hybrid) 2012 Toyota Camry models is the XLE, which starts at $24,725 when powered by the 2.5L 4-cylinder mill. This is an impressive $2,000 decrease compared to the lesser-equipped 2011 Camry XLE models and even though it costs less, the 2012 model includes goodies like the Display Audio system with Entune and Navigation, as well as leather appointments throughout the interior. The 268hp 2012 Toyota Camry XLE V6 starts at $29,845 –the same as the 2011 models even though it includes the new features inside and out.

The 2012 Toyota Camry Hybrid XLE packs the same luxury features as the non-hybrid models but it adds the 200hp hybrid drivetrain that offers a combined 41mpg – and it costs $800 less than the 2011 Camry Hybrid models equipped with the upgrade package (Hybrid XLE was not offered in 2011).

The Toyota Camry has been the bestselling car in America 13 of the last 14 years and with new features, a new look and new, lower prices – Toyota has seemingly turned up the heat on the American automakers with the 2012 Camry lineup.

Click here for a look at the 2012 Camry SE and click here for a look at the 2011 Toyota Camry that will serve as the Daytona 500 Pace Car.

Other Camry News:
2012 Toyota Camry frenzy hits fever pitch
IMPRESSIONS: 2012 Toyota Camry SE
IMPRESSIONS: 2012 Toyota Camry LE Hybrid
The 2012 Toyota Camry will pace the Daytona 500