2013 Toyota Camry Buying Advice
The 2013 Toyota Camry is the best car for you if you’re impressed with Toyota’s fresh take on America’s most popular automobile.
The 2013 Toyota Camry isn’t apt to stray from the looks, features – or prices – Toyota laid out with the fully redesigned 2012 Camry. That marked the first all-new version of this car since model-year 2007. Despite fresh styling, enhanced telematics, and better fuel economy, Toyota kept intact the core appeal that makes Camry such a popular midsize-car choice. A new exterior color or two and perhaps a minor tweak to equipment or options constitute the extent of likely changes for the 2013 Camry. Toyota, however, will be watching closely to see what course corrections might be required to fend off a formidable array of redesigned 2013 Camry rivals, including the 2013 Honda Accord, 2013 Chevrolet Malibu, 2013 Nissan Altima, and 2013 Ford Fusion.
Should you wait for the 2013 Toyota Camry or buy a 2012 Toyota Camry? Little reason to wait. The redesigned 2012 Camry is a stellar example of the formula that’s made this roomy, front-wheel-drive midsize four-door sedan so successful. The 2013 Camry is highly unlikely to be more comfortable or refined than the 2012 model. It would have a hard time being more fuel-efficient. And it certainly won’t get more spacious. It won’t look noticeably different, either.
2013 Toyota Camry Changes
Styling: The 2013 Toyota Camry’s styling will be a virtual carbon copy of the all-new look that came on line with the model-year 2012 redesign. Contemporary but conservative is the best description. Creased bodywork, the suggestion of a wedge profile, and a trendy big-mouth lower grille will return. Dimensions will be unaltered and the 2013 Camry will again be a spacious midsize sedan with comfortable seating and a family-vacation-sized trunk.
The 2013 Camry will reprise a front-wheel-drive configuration, which places the weight of the engine and transmission in the nose of the car. That promotes efficient packaging and aids traction in rain and snow by concentrating mass over the tires that also propel the car. Rear-wheel-drive cars have better-balanced road manners, but Toyota’s goal here is a predictable, driver-friendly character, and Camry delivers.
Expect the return of a four-step 2013 Camry lineup, plus two versions of the gas-electric Camry Hybrid. Base models should again wear the L label and the roster will likely ascend through volume-selling LE, sporty SE, and top-line XLE models. The Camry Hybrid will likely return in LE and XLE trim.
Styling distinctions among 2013 Camry models will again be limited mostly to the fine points of trim, though SE and XLE models should again be identified by their alloy wheels. Expect the 2013 Camry XLE to retain an exclusive horizontal chrome strip between the taillamps. And the SE will again have aero-inspired touches and a body-colored instead of chrome grille surround.
Mechanical: The 2013 Toyota Camry will remain mechanically unadventurous -- at least in terms of gaudy horsepower figures or cutting-edge suspension design. Indeed, Camry’s knack for over-delivering on ordinary specifications is a big reason for its wide appeal. Camry is honed to achieve an impressive level of refinement and given its modest aspirations, it provides good all-around performance, too.
Even as prime rivals such as the 2013 Malibu and 2013 Fusion follow the example of the Hyundai Sonata and transition to an all-four-cylinder-engine lineup, expect Toyota to return the 2013 Camry with the traditional choice of four- and six-cylinder engines.
The four will again be a 2.5-liter almost certain to repeat at 178 horsepower and 170 pound-feet of torque. (Consider torque the muscle behind acceleration, horsepower the energy behind momentum.) The V-6 will be a 3.5-liter likely to remain at 268 horsepower and 248 pound-feet of torque. Expect the V-6 to again be available only on 2013 Camry SE and XLE models in place of the four-cylinder.
Both these 2013 Camry engines will link exclusively to a six-speed automatic transmission that allows manual-type gear control via its floor shift lever or, in SE models, with supplemental steering-wheel paddles. SE models also will again feature sport-tuned suspension and steering calibrations. Wheel diameter should remain 16 inches on L and LE models, 17 on XLE versions and on four-cylinder SE models, and 18 on V-6 SEs.
The 2013 Camry Hybrid will continue to team a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with electric-motor power for a net 200 horsepower. This is not a plug-in hybrid and will again be capable of running on electricity or gasoline independently or in harness as sensors determine the best mix for acceleration and fuel economy. However, the 2013 Camry Hybrid will also return with a dashboard button to lock in an EV (electric vehicle) mode intended to favor electric propulsion at around-town speeds -- battery charge permitting. The 2013 Camry Hybrid will again use a continuous variable transmission (CVT) that performs the duties of a conventional automatic transmission but without individual gear ratios.
All 2013 Camrys will come equipped with 10 airbags, including head-protecting curtain side airbags for both seating rows, knee airbags for front occupants, and torso-protecting side airbags for rear outboard passengers. Also on the standard safety list will be an override system that automatically cuts signals from the throttle if the brake and accelerator are applied simultaneously. Like ever 2013 Toyota, Camry will come with the automaker’s Star Safety System. Designed as a comprehensive aid to vehicle control, it integrates the actions of Toyota’s Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) antiskid system to combat sideways slides, an anti-lock braking system (ABS) to improve control in emergency stops, and traction control to reduce wheel spin on take-offs.
Features: The 2013 Camry probably won’t make any earthshaking additions to its available features but Toyota could spread popular ones among more models or reconsider some that proved slow-sellers in the 2012 Camry. Overall, the 2013 Camry should again offer virtually every infotainment and connectivity item buyers in this class demand, though you’ll probably still need to pop for an SE or XLE model to get a navigation system.
Air conditioning, outside temperature gauge, cruise control, and power windows, locks, and mirrors will continue as standard on every 2013 Camry. All versions will also return with Bluetooth hands-free mobile phone connectivity and a USB iPod interface included in their base price. For model-year 2012, all but the L model came with steering-wheel buttons for Bluetooth and audio control and that’s likely to hold true for the 2013 Camry.
Toyota probably also will continue a slightly confusing array of audio and infotainment systems, starting with one that incorporates a 6.1-inch dashboard touchscreen as standard on all but the 2012 Camry L.
Available as standard or optional, as you climb the model ladder will be an upgrade that includes Toyota’s Entunes system. Entunes works with smartphones to deliver Web-based services such as Pandora Internet radio and text messaging, This upgrade will retain the 6.1-inch touchscreen but integrate a basic navigation system; it’s likely to again be standard on 2013 V-6 SE and XLE Camrys and optional on four-cylinder SE and XLE models. A further upgrade adds a 10-speaker JBL audio system.
Toyota is apt to reserve for V-6 XLE models Camry’s most complete infotainment option. This one includes all the features listed above but has a 7-inch touchscreen that delivers notably greater clarity than the 6.1-inch screen. Toyota could liberalize availability of this setup, but more important would be wider access to blind-spot detection, which warns of unseen vehicles in adjacent lanes and to the carmaker’s Safety Connect system, which provides emergency assistance, automatic collision notification, and stolen vehicle location assistance. On the 2012 Camry, those safety adjuncts were options confined to the XLE model.
Remote keyless entry would be a worthwhile addition to the L-model’s standard-equipment list (it’ll be on all other Camrys), but don’t expect Toyota to make the 2013 Camry L available with any extra-cost features. It should return a fairly extensive options list for the other models.
A power moonroof should again be available for LEs and SEs and remain standard on XLEs. Among other popular features, a Convenience Package with proximity unlocking, pushbutton ignition, and a rearview backup camera should remain optional on 2013 Camry SE and four-cylinder XLEs and standard on V-6 XLEs.
Expect leather upholstery and heated front seats to again be optional on the four-cylinder XLE and standard on V-6 XLEs. And leather seats trimmed in imitation-suede should again be optional for all SE models.
2013 Toyota Camry Prices
Pricing for the 2013 Toyota Camry was not announced in time for this review but expect a base price range of around $22,500-$31,000. (Estimated base prices in this review include the manufacturer’s mandatory destination fee. For 2012 Toyota cars, that fee was $760. Toyotas sold in Southeastern and Gulf states may carry a different fee.)
Expect base prices of around $22,500 for the 2013 Camry L model and $24,000 for the 2013 Toyota Camry LE. The 2013 LE should again add to the L such standard features as variable intermittent windshield wipers and the steering-wheel Bluetooth and audio controls.
Estimated base price of the 2013 Camry SE is $24,500 with the four-cylinder engine and $27,500 with the V-6. The 2013 SEs should again come with their own exterior spiffs, plus sport-calibrated steering and suspension and front bucket seats with special side bolstering for support during fast turns. Expect a power driver’s seat to remain standard on the V-6 SE and optional on four-cylinder SEs.
Estimated starting price for the 2013 Camry XLE is around $27,500 with the four-cylinder engine and around $30,000 with the V-6. Dual-zone automatic climate control, power front seats, unique fabric trim, and a power moonroof should again be among its standard upgrades. Expect leather upholstery and heated front seats to again be standard on V-6 XLEs and optional on four-cylinder XLEs.
Estimated base price for the 2013 Toyota Camry Hybrid is around $26,000 for the LE model and around $29,500 for the XLE version. Except of course for powertrains and some special hybrid-data instrumentation, the 2013 Camry Hybrids will be similarly equipped to their gas-only LE and XLE counterparts, with leather upholstery and the moonroof options exclusive to the XLE.
2013 Toyota Camry Fuel Economy
EPA fuel-economy estimates for the 2013 Toyota Camry were not released in time for this review but don’t expect them to vary greatly from the 2012 numbers. In general, four-cylinder Camrys should remain among the most fuel-efficient midsize sedans. V-6 Camrys, though, will likely be somewhat less fuel-efficient than the turbocharged four-cylinder engines various rivals will use in place of six-cylinders.
Anticipate fuel-economy ratings of 25/35 mpg city/highway and 28 mpg combined city/highway for 2013 Camrys with the four-cylinder engine.
Look for ratings of 21/30 mpg city/highway, 25 mpg combined for 2013 Camry SEs and XLEs equipped with the V-6.
The 2013 Toyota Camry Hybrid LE model should repeat at 43/39 mpg city/highway and 41 mpg combined, with the marginally heavier 2013 Hybrid XLE again coming in at 41/38 mpg, 40 combined.
2013 Toyota Camry Release Date
The 2013 Toyota Camry should be in showrooms during late summer 2012.
What's next for the 2013 Toyota Camry
By redesigning the Camry for model-year 2012, Toyota got a jump key on competitors that will be all-new for model-year 2013. The 2013 Honda Accord, 2013 Chevrolet Malibu, 2013 Nissan Altima, and 2013 Ford Fusion will boast fresh styling of their own and interesting powertrain and technology story lines.
Toyota could tweak the Camry in response but isn’t likely to make any notable changes until model-year 2014. A midcycle facelift probably is on tap for model-year 2015, with the next full redesign likely slated for model-year 2016. How this seventh-generation Camry will change over the course of its lifecycle is open to debate. But we’re not betting on introduction of a turbocharged four-cylinder engine or elimination of the V-6. Neither move would fit the expectations of Camry’s vast and loyal customer base.
Whether the seventh-generation Camry design will spawn a two-door coupe or convertible model also is open to conjecture. The Toyota Solara was a Camry spin-off that served that role but was discontinued after the 2008 model year because of slow sales. Among key rivals, only the Honda Accord and Nissan Altima have offered coupe body styles in addition to their sedans. No direct competitor is available as a convertible.
Return of a Camry-based coupe or convertible could help Toyota inject a bit of sportiness into the Camry family without having to compromise the core mission of the sedan. The Venza crossover shows how Toyota has already broadened Camry’s reach without diluting its sedan flavor. Venza plays the role of a Camry station wagon, but goes SUV-trendy with a high seating position and available all-wheel drive.
Credit: Chuck Giametta
