2025 Toyota Camry, first drive: the legend continues

• Auto123 conducts a first test of the new generation 2025 Toyota Camry.

San Diego, California — Few models survive more than 20 years on the market. Then imagine a journey that has lasted for more than 40 years. This is the case with the Toyota Camry. Launched in 1982 as a 1983 model, this car is now part of the furniture on our market. And for 2025, she’s enjoying the kind of treatment reserved for a legend.

Toyota Camry 2025: what’s new?

The Camry benefits for 2025 from a complete overhaul which introduces us with the ninth vintage. In addition to the revised design and improvements to the chassis and equipment, the Camry is now defined in a new way, that is to say in hybrid configuration only.

For the rest, we must speak of an evolution of the model, not of a revolution of the latter. You don’t change a winning recipe, you only add the right spices. This is what Toyota did.

Design of the 2025 Toyota Camry – 7.5/10

It will be easy to recognize the new generation, but also to differentiate it from its predecessor. That’s what an evolving style is. We keep the signature, while ensuring that the design will still be relevant in five years. We will not dwell on the language used by the company to describe the approach to you, we will let you observe the model.

We will simply tell you that the work was done in the United States and that there are four finishing levels (SE, SE Improved, XSE and XLE). Each offers daytime running lights and LED headlights, and with the SE and XSE versions, you get a sportier touch. The rim size is 16 inches from the start, but it can be between 18 or 19 inches with the other versions.

The SE versions offer blackened elements. This theme is further explored with the XSE livery which also inherits functional air intakes, a spoiler, a diffuser and skirts inspired by motor racing. We must not forget that in the NASCAR series (stock car racing), it is the Camry that represents Toyota.

Toyota Camry 2025, interior

Inside
On board, everything is evolving and in the right direction while the presentation is in good taste. The screens are well integrated and there are enough buttons so that you don’t always have to go through the first ones to access the features.

Depending on the version, we are entitled to different qualities inside; SofTex fabric for the SE livery, leather for the XSE variant, while with the XLE version, leather and Dinamica microfiber team up. Gray and black dominate almost everywhere, but it is possible to opt for a red interior with the XSE proposal, if you want to add a little color and life to your model.

The Camry SE and XSE benefit from an aluminum sports pedals, as well as leather surfaces on the steering wheel and gear selector, all in line with the sportier appearance of the model.

For the equipment of each version, we will have the opportunity to come back to it, but from the start, let us mention the push-button start, as well as a two-zone air conditioning system. At the top of the range, we find a panoramic sunroof (XSE and XLE) and driver position memory (XLE), among other things.

Toyota Camry 2025, driver data screen

Technology of the 2025 Toyota Camry – 8/10

The screen in front of the driver is 7.0 inches with the SE trims, 12.3 inches for the XSE and XLE versions. The latter also offer a head-up display, on a surface of 10.0 inches. For the multimedia system screen, its size is 8.0 inches with the SE model, 12.3 inches otherwise.

Wireless connections are standard for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto apps, and charging for cellular devices is also done wirelessly. Note that it is possible to connect two phones to the Bluetooth system. And those who want more can always subscribe to the Drive Connect system which allows them to benefit from additional conveniences, such as voice recognition for access to certain functions.

Finally, on the safety side, All 2025 Camrys are equipped with the TSS 3.0 (Toyota Safety Sense) suite which offers a host of features.

Toyota Camry 2025, front

Engine of the 2025 Toyota Camry – 9.5/10

Under the hood, only one solution, a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder offering a power of 225 horsepower with front-wheel drive models, 232 with those equipped with all-wheel drive. The offer is simple. The SE model is front-wheel drive only. By adding the “Enhanced” package, you can get it in two- or four-wheel drive configuration. For the XSE and XLE variants, all-wheel drive is automatic.

As for the hybrid system that teams up with this mechanism, we are talking about a fifth generation for the latter. It’s the same one that serves the Prius, as well as the Corolla Cross. It is more compact, lighter, and tuned to provide more natural acceleration and synchronized with engine speed. Toyota explains that it achieved this objective thanks to a better contribution from the electric motor. In other words, the latter sends more power and prevents the gasoline engine from running too quickly, compared to the speed of the vehicle.

Toyota Camry 2025, rear

Driving the 2025 Toyota Camry – 8/10

20 years ago, we described the behavior of a Camry with uncomplimentary expressions such as “sleepy driving”, “boring to death”, or even simply “beige”, referring to one of its dreary colors .

All of this was justified. We didn’t question quality and reliability, but when it came to approval, we were far from the equation at Toyota.

How things have changed in 20 years. We won’t tell you that the Camry has become a track beast, but its behavior is dynamic and when pushed, it responds with aplomb. In fact, its chassis is capable of taking more than its tires, which will start to sing before the suspension cries foul.

The steering offers excellent feedback, the symbiosis is good with the road. So much so that with the model tested, my first impression is that the Honda Accord, the sworn enemy, is smoother, but that the Camry is more nervous.

No, I wasn’t drinking before saying such a thing.

Testing an XLE variant will be necessary to fully understand this, because the suspension settings of the SE and XSE variants are sportier. We are talking about a first contact here. Our test allowed us to each cover around fifty kilometers, my co-pilot and me.

It’s convincing, we limit ourselves to that for the moment.

Toyota Camry 2025, three-quarter rear

Consumption
What Toyota promises is an average of 4.6 liters per 100 km at the pump with a front-wheel drive model, 5.1 liters with all-wheel drive, which is starting to be very interesting for a car of this size. During our half-day test, we saw vehicles displaying 4.2 liters per 100.

Prices for the 2025 Toyota Camry in Canada

This is what the offer looks like in the country:

– Camry SE (wheel drive) – $34,300
– Camry SE Improved (wheel drive) – $36,300
– Camry SE Improved (all-wheel drive) – $37,950
– Camry XSE (all-wheel drive) – $44,250
– Camry XLE (all-wheel drive) – $44,950

To this must be added transportation and preparation costs of $1,860 for the Camry. Other fees may be added.

Toyota Camry 2025, headlight

Frequently Asked Questions About the 2025 Toyota Camry

Is the Camry the best buy in its class?
It is impossible to have a clear answer on this subject, because your final choice will depend on your preferences. What we can say is that the 2025 Toyota Camry remains one of the three most interesting cars in its category, along with the Honda Accord and the Subaru Legacy.

Does Toyota plan to one day offer a plug-in hybrid version of this model?
This is not in the short-term plans, but the company wants to expand its offering of plug-in hybrid vehicles. It would start with certain SUVs and pickup trucks. We would probably have to wait for the next generation of the Camry to see it offer electric autonomy, if we decide to do so.

The final word
The Toyota Camry is progressing once again, with this new generation for 2025. Without being exceptional, it does everything well, and scores points with really attractive consumption ratings.

In fact, if you have one thing to remember, it’s that the 2025 Toyota Camry will not disappoint. So.

Strong points