The 2025 Toyota Camry has undergone a comprehensive redesign, featuring a fresh exterior, an upgraded interior, and a modernized powertrain, all aimed at revitalizing sedan sales. As the second best-selling model in Toyota’s lineup, following the RAV4, the Camry continues to be one of the leading vehicles in the United States market. Sedans like the Camry present unique advantages over crossovers, such as their generally lighter and more aerodynamic structure, which leads to superior fuel efficiency compared to many crossovers. Additionally, the lower center of gravity found in sedans enhances their handling and responsiveness during cornering, thereby delivering an engaging driving experience.

Although sedans may not provide the same level of cargo capacity as crossovers, the advantages they offer in fuel economy and driving performance are considerable. The model in focus is the premium XSE trim with front-wheel drive (FWD), and an all-wheel drive (AWD) variant is also available, which currently represents the most powerful version of the Camry.

Stylish Exterior

This latest iteration of the Camry showcases a newly sculpted front fascia, characterized by a striking front grille, side air intakes, and elegant LED headlights. From the side and rear perspectives, its dimensions bear a close resemblance to those of its predecessor. As with the earlier model, the SE and XSE trims are designed to appeal to sportier preferences, featuring black grille accents and a more agile chassis, while the LE and XLE trims are adorned with chrome accents and a more comfortable suspension system. The XSE variant is outfitted with 19-inch alloy wheels in black and smoke gray, paired with Bridgestone 235/40 tires.

Under The Hood

The 2025 Camry is now offered exclusively as a hybrid model, eliminating the previous year’s non-hybrid four-cylinder and more powerful V-6 engine options. Toyota has unveiled a new fifth-generation Hybrid Synergy Drive system, which replaces the earlier hybrid four-cylinder configuration. This system integrates a 2.5-liter gasoline inline-four engine producing 184 horsepower, a compact starter generator, and a larger electric drive motor. In the front-wheel-drive (FWD) variant, this setup yields a combined output of 225 horsepower.

For the all-wheel-drive (AWD) version, an additional electric motor has been incorporated, functioning independently from the engine and the two front motors, and is located solely on the rear axle. This 40-horsepower rear drive unit enhances the gas-electric system at the front, raising the total output from 225 horsepower to 232 horsepower. The FWD Camry boasts an impressive fuel efficiency of 47 miles per gallon on the highway and achieves a 0-60 mph acceleration time of 6.8 seconds.

Driving

The Camry excels in daily driving, providing a genuinely pleasurable experience. The steering is direct but offers limited feedback as is typical with most systems fitted on modern vehicles.  Acceleration meets expectations, the electric motors provide seamless amounts of torque and it’s particularly lively in Sport mode where the gas engine kicks in a little more often. The downside is a buzzy engine note, but it seems to be quieter than the Prius which can get irritating at times.

The ride quality remains a standout feature, as the XSE model effectively balances comfort and control. While it may not offer an exceptionally plush experience, it allows for smooth navigation over rough pavement without the risk of spilling your coffee. However, that road noise detracts from the overall luxury feel, as it does not achieve the quietness and serenity typically associated with high-end vehicles.

The brakes are exceptionally responsive but the pedal feel is dodgy, one moment the pedal feels mushy the next hard so it’s difficult to modulate well, so if you have a passenger there’ll be lots of head bobbing.

Attack some twisty back roads as I did and the Camry provides a moderately sporty demeanor, meaning you can have some fun. This is thanks to the SE and the better-equipped XSE trims using sport-tuned springs and dampers, as well as larger-diameter anti-roll bars. These enhancements contribute to sharper handling and more responsive driving dynamics.

Interior

Upfront the XSE leather-covered seats are super comfortable, and very supportive, with just enough give and bolstering, so much so you could dash across the country with minimal rest stops. The driver is faced with a 12.3-inch digital display and a 10.0-inch head-up display, (available on XLE and XSE models). My tester was fitted with a surround-view camera system, lane-change assist, and parking assist with automatic braking.

The Camry’s dashboard features some piano-black trim that is susceptible to smudging; however, the remainder of the interior showcases a series of appealing enhancements, including stylish upholstery that varies by trim level and top both plastics quality.

One thing I’m not a fan of though is the pesky driver monitoring camera perched atop the steering column. It has the audacity to flash annoying messages in the digital gauge cluster, like telling me to sit up straight or pointing out that my face isn’t visible. The steering wheel buttons are somewhat of a puzzle to figure out but once you have them set you are ready to go.

Cargo Space and Rear Seat

The Camry’s trunk provides 15.1 cubic feet of cargo space, about average for a midsize car.  The good news is it does include a spare wheel. Passengers in the back get a decent bench seat and the seats are fairly comfortable with vents and some USBs scattered around. Taller folks might struggle for headroom due to the svelte sloping roof, it’s the price you pay for good looks. The legroom on the other hand is very generous.

Pricing

Toyota has made all-wheel drive available to every Camry purchaser, offering it across all four trim levels: the base LE, SE, XLE, and the top-tier XSE, for an additional cost of $1,595. The starting price for the XLE is set at $34,600, and this model can be equipped with the Premium Plus package for $4,075, which encompasses features such as a powered moonroof, a 10-inch head-up display, a premium JBL audio system, front and rear park assist with braking, along with numerous other safety enhancements.

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Verdict

The 2025 Toyota Camry continues to excel as a practical four-door transportation option. It can be likened to a reliable best friend who has undergone a stylish transformation, making it even more appealing. Despite its 4-cylinder engine being somewhat noisy, it offers a very enjoyable driving experience. Additionally, the starting price for the base trim is just under $30,000, making it a very affordable option. While the updates for the 2025 Toyota Camry may not be overly dramatic, they have all been implemented in a positive direction.

2025 Toyota Camry XSE Numbers

BASE PRICE: $42,875
AS TESTED PRICE: $46,074
VEHICLE LAYOUT: Front-engine, FWD, 5-passenger, 4-door sedan
ENGINE: Atkinson-cycle 2.5-liter four-cylinder + two electric motors
COMBINED: 225 hp 
TRANSMISSIONS: Continuously variable automatic/direct-drive
0-60 MPH: 6.8 sec
CURB WEIGHT: 3,780 lbs
CARGO VOLUME: 15.1 cubic feet
EPA COMB/ CITY/HWY:  47/48/47
OUR OBSERVED FUEL ECONOMY: 35.7 mpg 
PROS: Fun to drive, very economical, much-improved interior 
CONS: No sporty models