The 2012 Camry Hybrid LE is the latest incarnation of Toyota’s Hybrid. The hybrid system again teams a four-cylinder engine, a small high torque electric motor and nickel-metal hydride batteries. Power continues to be directed to the front wheels through the transaxle’s continuously variable transmission. The first half of the Camry Hybrid drivetrain is a new Atkinson-cycle version of the base Camry’s 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine. 

       It was powered by 200 horsepower, Fuel economy for the previous generation Camry Hybrid-31 mpg city/35 highway/33 combined-was first eclipsed by the Ford Fusion Hybrid and then Hyundai’s Sonata Hybrid. But the 2012 model demonstrates Toyota’s expertise in gasoline-electric hybrid technology, delivering a 43/39 mpg EPA fuel economy rating with a combined average of 41 mpg. That’s a whopping 12 mpg increase in city driving and an impressive gain of 8 mpg for combined driving cycles, numbers that elevate the Camry Hybrid to again claim the title of most fuel-efficient midsize sedan. 

Specification

          * Type of engine: 2.5-Liters 4 Cylinder DOHC 16-Valve Dual

          * Horse Power: 178 hp @ 6000 rpm

          * Transmission: 6-speed Electronically Controlled automatic overdrive

          * Price (est): $26,000