2012 Toyota Camry Hybrid named NADAguides' Car of the Month

(September 6, 2011) COSTA MESA, Calif. — NADAguides has picked the all-new 2012 Toyota Camry Hybrid XLE as the Car of the Month for September. NADAguides says the Camry offers consumers a completely redesigned  hybrid vehicle with class-leading upgrades at a price lower than the 2011 model.   

The Toyota Camry has been the best-selling vehicle in the country for the past nine years and the analysts at NADAguides feel this reign will continue with the help of the all-new 2012 model. 

The analysts noted that improved fuel economy, lower price and Entune, Toyota's new multimedia system, as differentiating factors that set the Camry apart from the competition. 

"From the moment you sit inside the all-new 2012 Camry it is clear to see that Toyota rethought every detail of the interior — ensuring it was comfortable, instinctive for the driver to navigate and overall appealing in design," said Troy Snyder, director of Product Development at NADAguides.

"While behind the wheel of the 2012 Camry XLE Hybrid I had to actually remind myself that it was a hybrid — the usual motor change and braking feel that comes with hybrid models disappears in the 2012 model.  This is definitely a vehicle that hybrid consumers need to drive." 
   
The recent non-conventional reveal of the 2012 Camry on Aug. 23 was followed by tremendous industry buzz and, after the analysts at NADAguides were able to experience first-hand the changes to the vehicle, it was unanimous that it be named the NADAguides Car of the Month for September. 
   
The hybrid XLE trim level has a starting MSRP of $27,400 and the Hybrid LE has a starting MSRP of $25,900.  For non-hybrid models, the Camry L has a starting MSRP of $21,955, and the Camry XLE V6 model will start at $29,845. 

"We're thrilled that just two weeks after publicly introducing the all new, reinvented 2012 Camry, it has already earned NADAguides' Car of the Month award," said Bob Carter, Toyota division general manager. "The new Camry is the most technologically advanced Toyota ever made, and delivers best-in-class connectivity, driving dynamics, safety features, fuel economy and refinement. It's our best Camry ever."

The hybrid model comes standard with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine and electric motor that achieves an estimated 43 mpg city, 39 mpg highway and 41 mpg combined — more than a 30 percent increase in fuel efficiency from the 2011 model.  And the hybrid is no slug, either achieving a 0-60 mph time of just 7.6 seconds.

Toyota says that for short drives up to 1.6 miles, a new EV mode allows the Camry Hybrid to be driven on the electric motor alone.