Driving impressions of the 2012 Camry Hybrid XLE

[hoser]

No one has mentioned the change to the trunk. I have a 2009 but am not happy with the trunk and would like to know the difference with the 2012. Anyone?

[AML]

Originally Posted by hoser

No one has mentioned the change to the trunk. I have a 2009 but am not happy with the trunk and would like to know the difference with the 2012. Anyone?

New trunk is much larger and much more usable. I don't know the numbers off the top of my head, but you'll now have enough room to fit a weekend's worth of luggage for four adults now.

[ToyotaHeng]

Originally Posted by AML

New trunk is much larger and much more usable. I don't know the numbers off the top of my head, but you'll now have enough room to fit a weekend's worth of luggage for four adults now.

Just picked up a '12 TCH XLE, with all the bells and whistles Tuesday night. The trunk is now 13.1 cubic feet. It will hold the golf bags and luggage for our road trips. I am starting to learn the different controls but, it is quite a process. I haven't tried Entune yet as I have an iphone with OS5. I just downloaded the Entune app update and will have to try it out this weekend.

ToyotaHeng

[williamsagency]

Yes, the trunk is larger in the '12 than previous models. I, personally never had any problems with the size, and can put as much luggage and stuff in there as I need to. A larger trunk is not enough to convince me to trade, however. I'm sure whomever buys the new car, will absolutely fall in love with it. Congrats to all of them.

[venzoid]

Test drove the Camry Hybrid and was very impressed with fuel econ, power and driving dynamics. Looks like I am not alone. The last Consumer Reports compared diesel Jetta and Camry H and liked even the driving dynamics better in the Camry(much faster and better handling). 90% of reviewers choose diesels over hybrids because of the driving experience, well we'll see if they change their tune. I think this is a huge step forward for Toyota.

[ukrkoz]

why in the holy world will you compare diesel and hybrid? those are 2 perfectly different drivetrains...

[venzoid]

Originally Posted by ukrkoz

why in the holy world will you compare diesel and hybrid? those are 2 perfectly different drivetrains...

they are often compared as the two ultimate fuel sippers

[Tideland Prius]

Originally Posted by ukrkoz

I am waiting for Infinity M3 series Hybrid. That's a whooping car.

Did you see the video of the M35h vs. Panamera S Hybrid?

[MFLetou]

I traded an '07 TCH w/over 100k today for a '12 XLE with every option. Honestly, I'm a little baffled over some of the comments. There's a big difference between these vehicles. I spent a LOT of time in the previous generation and I loved it. However, the level of refinement in the new one is in a totally different league. The most notable difference is the integration with the battery system--its now whisper quiet and impossible to feel. In my '07 it was fairly noisy and you certainly knew when it was kicking on and off.

The new one is noticeably faster off the line and the acceleration band is smoother. The steering feel is quite a bit different--it will take me some time to get used to. More dynamic, I'm witholding judgement. Engine noise is much less.

And then of course the interior is totally redesigned. The quality of materials is a major step up across the board--controls, plastics, instrumentation, etc.

I thought the previous generation was a great car and it was. However, there is a reason the new one is the highest rated sedan under $35k by Consumer Reports (with a road test score of 93). When you cut nearly 300 pounds, improve acceleration to the low 7's, increase fuel economy by as much as 40%, increase the interior room by 2 cubic feet and trunk space the same using the same footprint...well, that's pretty impressive engineering.

[venzoid]

I couldn't agree more with the above comments. It'll be interesting if you can post some fuel consumption numbers as well.

This is the beauty of forums. If you want to know about cars, then see what the owners say. Outside of Consumer Reports, I haven't seen a good review. One even said he found the new Camry noisy! The last time he was in an 07 Camry was probably five years ago.

[Tmann77]

This is my first Camry hybrid and have been very pleased with it. I had all Hondas up until three years ago when I bought my tundra, liked the build quality and options that when I was in the market for a new vehicle that I decided to look into the TCH XLE and can't say enough good things about it. I just came home from a small vacation where I drove about 90 miles each way to park it at an airport and I averaged 42 going down and 44 coming home. This was the best MPG so far but I have only had 2 fuel ups on it so far. I am really beginning to learn how to drive it to maximize my MPG. I am sort of compulsive about trying to maximize my mpg that I haven't even punched it to see what it can really do.

[OlyCam]

I bought my XLE about three weeks ago. It's my first hybrid and after a lot of around town driving, I did a 35 mile trip today. it was brilliant. I haven't tried the TCH '10 or '11, so I can't comment on the post's question, but I think this car is fabulous. It drives smoothly, is comfortable, has space, and gets great gas mileage. I couldn't be happier.

[ToyotaHeng]

Originally Posted by Tmann77

This is my first Camry hybrid and have been very pleased with it. I had all Hondas up until three years ago when I bought my tundra, liked the build quality and options that when I was in the market for a new vehicle that I decided to look into the TCH XLE and can't say enough good things about it. I just came home from a small vacation where I drove about 90 miles each way to park it at an airport and I averaged 42 going down and 44 coming home. This was the best MPG so far but I have only had 2 fuel ups on it so far. I am really beginning to learn how to drive it to maximize my MPG. I am sort of compulsive about trying to maximize my mpg that I haven't even punched it to see what it can really do.

It has been almost 2 months since we got our '12 TCH XLE and we love it. I have been averaging around 43mpg but, if I didn't go as fast I could do better. I did punch it on an uphill freeway onramp today and it has enough of a punch for me. I too, had been a Honda fan, with 11 of them since my first Civic in '76 to the '07 TSX. With the issues with the Civic hybrid battery, software and mileage, I decided to go for the space of a Camry and Toyota hybrid technology. As the gas prices go up, we are glad we made this purchase.
Henry

[Tun]

I test drove 2012 Camry H LE yesterday. I heard hizzing sound from engine whenever I start the car from stop condition. I asked dealer what is that noise and they told me it is design to warn blind guy but I don't believe it. Pls advise whether you all hear that hizzing sound from your engine. Tks.

[Tmann77]

I can't hear a thing when it is in ev mode except for when I am hitting the brakes which is just a small sound from the electric motor going in reverse and charging the battery.

On another note; I noticed that you can't drive in EV mode until the engine seems to warm up a bit, anyone else notice this?