The 2011 Toyota Camry vs. The 2012 Toyota Camry

The 2011 Toyota Camry is pretty great, but is it worth waiting for Toyota to release the 2012?

The 2011 Toyota Camry is a mid-size 4-door sedan that is available in four models, entry level, LE, SE and XLE. The entry level Camry model is powered by a 2.4 Liter four cylinder engine that is rated at 158 horsepower and 161 pound-feet of torque. The entry level model is equipped with a five speed manual transmission.

The fuel economy ratings of the Toyota Camry entry level model are 21 miles per gallon on city streets and 31 miles per gallon highway. The entry level model achieves a speed of 60 miles per hour in 7.5 seconds. The LE, SE and XLE models are powered by a 3.5 Liter V6 engine that is rated at 268 hp and 248 lb-ft of torque. All three models are equipped with a six speed manual transmission. The fuel economy ratings of the Toyota Camry LE, SE and XLE models are 19 miles per gallon on city streets and 28 miles per gallon highway. The Camry’s closest competitors are the Audi A4, the Kia Optima, and the Volkswagen Passat.

Models range from the well-equipped base Camry to the near-luxury Camry XLE. In between are the popular LE, a modest step up from the base and available with the V6, and the SE, decked out with suspension, tires and trim to please the sporty crowd. All Camry models offer good EPA mileage ratings and low emissions in their respective categories.

Wait for the 2012 Camry if you want the all-new, next-generation version of a mid-size car that is defined as good transportation value. The 2012 Camry will also be further distanced from Toyota’s recall catastrophe, and that should benefit its residuals. Buy a 2011 Camry if you’re in immediate need of a roomy sedan whose main surprise may be just how refined it really is.