The ageless Toyota Camry gets a complete makeover for 2025, marking the ninth-generation version since its U.S. debut 41 years ago.
Along with the entirely new look, every 2025 Camry model has a hybrid powertrain, and is Toyota’s first-ever sedan pairing of its 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine and fifth-generation Toyota Hybrid System.
The new Camry is an able-bodied performer on city streets as well as freeways. Acceleration is quick and smooth, while the cabin stays calm and quiet. Tightly twisted roads are handled with finesse unless you drive like you’re at DirtFish.
Front-wheel-drive Camry models have two electric motors, while all-wheel-drive models have three. The third motor creates AWD by automatically sending power to the rear wheels when needed. Combined thrust is 225 horsepower for front-drive models, and 232 horsepower for those with AWD.
In another first for the Toyota Camry in hybrid form, AWD is available for every trim level.
There are four trims in the lineup: LE, SE, XLE, and XSE. Pricing starts at $29,495 for the LE with front-wheel drive. The top-level XSE is $35,695. These figures include the destination charge of $1,095. AWD is an extra $1,525 on every model.
The LE leads the pack in fuel economy with an EPA rating of 51 mpg for combined city and highway driving.
SE and XSE are considered sport grades and are equipped accordingly with sportier suspension tuning, a range of sport-inspired interior and exterior features, unique paint, and upgraded wheels.
Camry’s reputation for roomy and comfortable interiors is boosted by the 2025 model, where five-passenger seating provides generous amounts of headroom and legroom, and modifications to the cushions make Camry’s seats more comfortable than ever.
Interior design is brought up to date handsomely, and modernized with a 7-inch digital gauge cluster and 8-inch infotainment touchscreen as standard features. My test car, a Camry XSE AWD, came with a more extravagant setup befitting the top trim: a bigger 12.3-inch gauge cluster and 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen. Other standard tech trappings included SiriusXM, wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility, and wireless phone charging.
Mastering the infotainment system is pretty straightforward, and the touchscreen isn’t fussy, responding quickly to input.
The test car’s sweet 9-speaker JBL premium audio system was part of an optional Premium Plus Package adding multiple other irresistible items including driver assistance systems, a panoramic view monitor, ventilated front seats, and a panoramic glass roof with a front power tilt-and-slide moonroof. All things considered, the $4,075 extra charge seems reasonable.
There’s a premium to be paid for the XSE AWD model’s largesse. With its 44 mpg combined fuel economy, it can’t compete with the LE when it comes to fuel saving.
2025 TOYOTA CAMRY XSE AWD
Base price, including destination charge: $37,220
Price as driven: $42,200
Mary Lowry is a member of the Motor Press Guild and a member and past president of the Northwest Automotive Press Association. She lives in Snohomish County. Vehicles are provided by automotive manufacturers as a one-week loan for evaluation purposes only. Manufacturers do not control content of the reviews.
Talk to us
> Give us your news tips.
> Send us a letter to the editor.
> More Herald contact information.