9 min read
08 Jun
08Jun

The Toyota Camry midsize sedan got completely redesigned for the 2012 model year. Toyota built it on a new platform, resulting in updated styling, improved fuel efficiency, and enhanced technology features. The 2012 Camry was available in four different trim levels: the L, LE, SE, and XLE. The base L trim came with standard features such as air conditioning, power windows and locks, cruise control, and a six-speaker audio system with a CD player and auxiliary input jack. 

The LE trim added features such as a power-adjustable driver's seat, Bluetooth connectivity, and a six-inch touchscreen display with Toyota's Entune multimedia system. The SE trim was the sportier version of the Camry and featured a unique front grille, sport-tuned suspension, 17-inch alloy wheels, and paddle shifters for the six-speed automatic transmission. 

The top-of-the-line XLE trim added luxury features such as leather upholstery, dual-zone automatic climate control, heated front seats, a power moonroof, and a premium 10-speaker JBL audio system. In this article, we’ll take the luxurious XLE and sporty SE models on a head-to-head battle of the Camrys. You'll learn everything you need to know about both trims of the 2012 model year. Let’s roll. 

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Brief Overview Of The 2012 Toyota Camry

2012 Toyota Camry XLE vs SE

The 2012 Toyota Camry midsize sedan got redesigned for that model year and features a sleeker and more modern exterior design than its predecessor. 

Toyota blessed it with a prominent grille and sharp, angular lines. Nothing changed about the Camry’s traditional spacious interior - comfortable and well-appointed, with high-quality materials and a user-friendly infotainment system. 

The base engine is a 2.5-liter four-cylinder that delivers good fuel economy and adequate power, while a more powerful 3.5-liter V6 is available for those who want more performance. 

The Camry is famous for its reliability and strong resale value, and it offers a good balance of comfort, performance, and affordability. 

Overall, the 2012 Toyota Camry is a solid choice for anyone looking for a reliable and well-rounded midsize sedan, but choosing the most fitting trim has often presented a unique challenge to shoppers. 

What are the 2012 Camry trim levels?

2012 Camry trim levels.

As mentioned in the intro, the 2012 Toyota Camry is available in four trim levels: L, LE, SE, and XLE. Here's an overview of each trim level: 

1. Camry L:

The base L trim comes equipped with standard features such as air conditioning, power windows and locks, cruise control, a six-speaker audio system with a CD player and auxiliary input jack, and 16-inch steel wheels. 

2. Camry LE:

The LE trim adds features such as a power-adjustable driver's seat, Bluetooth connectivity, a six-inch touchscreen display with Toyota's Entune multimedia system, and 16-inch alloy wheels. 

3. Camry SE:

The SE is the sporty version of the Camry. It features a unique front grille, sport-tuned suspension, 17-inch alloy wheels, paddle shifters for the six-speed automatic transmission, and a sporty interior with cloth and leatherette upholstery. 

4. Camry XLE:

The top-of-the-line XLE trim adds luxury features such as leather upholstery, dual-zone automatic climate control, heated front seats, a power moonroof, a premium 10-speaker JBL audio system, and 17-inch alloy wheels. 

All trim levels of the 2012 Camry come standard with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 178 horsepower and 170 lb-ft of torque. 

The SE trim is also available with a more powerful 3.5-liter V6 engine that produces 268 horsepower and 248 lb-ft of torque. Both engines hooked up with a six-speed automatic transmission. 

What Does The XLE Mean In The Toyota Camry?

What does the XLE mean in the Toyota Camry?

Short for Extra Luxury Edition in the Toyota Camry, XLE is a trim level that represents the highest level of luxury and comfort available for that model year. 

The XLE trim is typically the most expensive and fully loaded version of the Camry, offering a range of premium features and amenities. 

For example, in the 2012 Toyota Camry, the XLE trim level includes features like leather upholstery, dual-zone automatic climate control, heated front seats, a power moonroof, a premium 10-speaker JBL audio system, and 17-inch alloy wheels. 

These features are in addition to the standard features found on lower trim levels, such as air conditioning, power windows and locks, cruise control, and a six-speaker audio system. 

The XLE trim level got designed for drivers who prioritize luxury and comfort and are willing to pay a premium for the best features and amenities available in the Camry. 

What Does SE Mean In Camry?

What the SE means in Toyota Camry.

In the Toyota Camry, SE stands for "Sport Edition". The SE is a trim level designed to offer a more athletic and dynamic driving experience compared to other Camry trim levels. 

The SE model typically comes with several sport-oriented features that enhance the car's performance, handling, and appearance. 

For example, in the 2012 Toyota Camry, the SE trim level includes a sport-tuned suspension, 17-inch alloy wheels, a unique front grille, a rear spoiler, and paddle shifters for the six-speed automatic transmission. 

The SE also features a sporty interior with cloth and leatherette upholstery, as well as a leather-trimmed steering wheel and a sport instrument cluster. 

Under the hood, the 2012 Camry SE got motivation from the same 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine found on other trim levels, but it produces slightly more horsepower and torque. 

The SE is also available with a more powerful 3.5-liter V6 engine that delivers even more performance. 

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Overall, the SE trim level is a good choice for drivers who want a Camry that offers a more engaging and sporty driving experience, while still providing the comfort, reliability, and practicality that the Camry is known for. 

Feature By Feature Comparisons Of The 2012 Toyota Camry XLE And SE Trims

Comparing the features of the 2012 Toyota Camry SE and XLE.

Here's a comparison of the features and specifications of the 2012 Toyota Camry XLE and SE trims: 

1. Engine: Both the Camry XLE and SE are available with two engine options. The standard engine for both trims is a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 178 horsepower and 170 lb-ft of torque. 

The SE trim is also available with a more powerful 3.5-liter V6 engine that produces 268 horsepower and 248 lb-ft of torque. 

2. Transmission: Both trims come standard with a six-speed automatic transmission, but the 2012 Toyota Camry was available with two different transmissions: a 6-speed automatic transmission and a 6-speed manual transmission. 

Here are the specifications for the 6-speed automatic transmission: 

- Type: Electronically Controlled 6-Speed Automatic Transmission with intelligence (ECT-i) 

- Gear Ratios: - 1st: 3.300 - 2nd: 1.900 - 3rd: 1.420 - 4th: 1.000 - 5th: 0.713 - 6th: 0.608 - Reverse: 4.148 

- Final Drive Ratio: 3.63:1 

- Shift Logic: Adaptive Shift Control and uphill/downhill Shift Logic 

- Torque Converter: Lock-up torque converter 

2012 Toyota Camry transmission.

The 6-speed automatic transmission was available on the SE, XLE, and Hybrid models of the 2012 Toyota Camry. It provided smooth and efficient operation, with the ability to manually shift gears using the sequential shift mode.

 3. Suspension: The XLE has a standard suspension that prioritizes comfort and ride quality. 

Toyota equipped the 2012 Toyota Camry XLE with a suspension system that provided a comfortable ride and good handling characteristics. Here are the details of the suspension system: 

Front Suspension: 

- Type: Independent MacPherson strut suspension with stabilizer bar 

- Shock Absorbers: Gas-filled shock absorbers

- Springs: Coil springs 

- Bushings: Rubber bushings 

Rear Suspension: 

- Type: Independent dual-link suspension with stabilizer bar 

- Shock Absorbers: Gas-filled shock absorbers 

- Springs: Coil springs 

- Bushings: Rubber bushings 

2012 Toyota Camry engine and performance.

The XLE trim of the 2012 Camry also came with standard electric power steering, which provided a responsive and precise steering feel. 

The suspension system was tuned to provide a comfortable ride, while still delivering good handling and stability. The stabilizer bars helped to reduce body roll during cornering, while the gas-filled shock absorbers helped to absorb bumps and uneven road surfaces. 

Overall, the suspension system of the 2012 Toyota Camry XLE provided a good balance between comfort and performance. 

The 2012 Toyota Camry SE featured a sport-tuned suspension system that provided a more engaging driving experience compared to the standard suspension system. Here are the details of the SE trim's suspension system: 

Front Suspension:

 - Type: Sport-tuned independent MacPherson strut suspension with stabilizer bar 

- Shock Absorbers: Gas-filled shock absorbers with sport-tuned valving 

- Springs: Sport-tuned coil springs 

- Bushings: Sport-tuned bushings 

Rear Suspension: 

- Type: Sport-tuned independent dual-link suspension with stabilizer bar 

- Shock Absorbers: Gas-filled shock absorbers with sport-tuned valving 

- Springs: Sport-tuned coil springs 

- Bushings: Sport-tuned bushings 

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The SE trim also came with a sport-tuned electric power steering system, which provided a more responsive and direct steering feel. 

The suspension system was tuned to provide sharper handling and improved cornering ability, while still maintaining a comfortable ride. The sport-tuned springs and shock absorbers helped to reduce body roll and provide better control during aggressive driving. 

The stabilizer bars were also larger in diameter compared to the standard suspension system, which helped to further reduce body roll. 

Overall, the suspension system of the 2012 Toyota Camry SE provided a more engaging and sporty driving experience. 

4. Wheels: The SE comes with 17-inch alloy wheels, while the XLE comes with 17-inch alloy wheels with a different design. 

2012 Toyota Camry XLE vs SE.

5. Exterior styling: The SE has a sportier exterior design with a unique front grille, rear spoiler, and sport side rocker panels. 

The XLE has a more refined and elegant exterior design with a chrome-accented front grille and additional chrome trim. 

6. Interior features: The XLE has a more luxurious interior with leather upholstery, dual-zone automatic climate control, heated front seats, and a power moonroof. 

The SE has a sporty interior with cloth and leatherette upholstery, a leather-trimmed steering wheel, and a sport instrument cluster. 

7. Multimedia system: Both trims come with a standard six-speaker audio system with a CD player and auxiliary input jack. 

2012 Toyota Carmy infortainment.

The XLE adds a premium 10-speaker JBL audio system, while the SE adds Toyota's Entune multimedia system with a 6.1-inch touchscreen display, Bluetooth connectivity, and advanced voice recognition. 

Overall, the 2012 Toyota Camry XLE and SE trims offer different features and specifications that cater to different preferences and needs. 

The XLE is a good choice for drivers who prioritize luxury and comfort, while the SE is a good choice for those who want a more engaging and dynamic driving experience. 

Current Price Of The 2012 Toyota Camry In Nigeria

2012 Toyota Camry price in Nigeria.

The price of a 2012 Toyota Camry in Nigeria can vary depending on several factors, such as the condition, mileage, location, and trim level. 

Generally speaking, a used 2012 Toyota Camry in Nigeria can cost between ₦6.5 million to ₦7.5 million but the price may be higher or lower depending on the factors mentioned above and your natural or learned powers of negotiation. 

We can’t say it enough that prices for used vehicles can fluctuate and may differ from one seller to another, so it's advisable to do thorough research and compare prices across various sellers to get the best deal. 

Additionally, we recommend taking a trusted mechanic with you to inspect the vehicle before buying to avoid a regretful purchase. 

Frequently Asked Questions About the 2012 Camry

2012 Toyota Camry XLE and SE.

How do you know if a 2012 Camry is XLE or SE?

There are a few ways to identify whether a 2012 Toyota Camry is an XLE or SE trim: 

1. Check the exterior badging:

The XLE and SE trims of the 2012 Camry have different badging on the exterior of the car. 

The XLE trim usually has "XLE" badging on the Camry's, while the SE trim usually has "SE" badging on the rear and sometimes on the front grille. 

2. Look at the wheels:

The XLE and SE trims of the 2012 Camry have different wheel designs. The XLE trim usually has more traditional, conservative-looking wheels, while the SE trim usually has sportier-looking wheels with a more aggressive design. 

3. Check the interior:

The XLE and SE trims of the 2012 Camry have different interior features. The XLE trim usually has more luxurious features, such as leather upholstery, woodgrain trim, and a power moonroof, while the SE trim usually has sportier features, such as sport seats, a sport-tuned suspension, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel. 

4. Check the equipment list:

The XLE and SE trims of the 2012 Camry have different equipment levels. The XLE trim usually comes with more standard features, such as dual-zone automatic climate control, a premium audio system, and heated front seats, while the SE trim usually has fewer standard features but offers more performance-oriented options. 

By checking these different factors, you should be able to determine whether a 2012 Toyota Camry is an XLE or SE trim. 

How do you know if a 2012 Camry is a V6 or 4-cylinder?

2012 Toyota Camry 4-cylinder engine.

The 2012 Toyota Camry was available with two different engines: a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine and a 3.5-liter V6 engine. Here are a few ways to identify whether a 2012 Toyota Camry has a V6 or four-cylinder engine: 

1. Check the badging:

The Camry V6 models usually have "V6" badging on the car's exterior, usually on the rear vehicle's rear or front grille. Some models may also have "3.5" badging to indicate the size of the engine. 

2. Look at the exhaust system:

The Camry V6 models usually have dual exhaust pipes, while the four-cylinder models usually have a single exhaust pipe. 

3. Check the engine specs:

The four-cylinder engine in the 2012 Camry produces 178 horsepower and 170 lb-ft of torque, while the V6 engine produces 268 horsepower and 248 lb-ft of torque. 

You can check the engine specs of a particular vehicle by looking at the owner's manual, the vehicle identification number (VIN), or by conducting a vehicle history report. 

4. Check the acceleration:

The V6 engine in the Camry provides faster acceleration than the four-cylinder engine, so if you test drive the car and it feels particularly quick, it's likely to have the V6 engine. 

By checking these different factors, you should be able to determine whether a 2012 Toyota Camry has a V6 or straight-4 engine.

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