Ol’ reliable returns

Since 1983, the Toyota Camry has sold over 21 million units worldwide. In the U.S, approximately 13 million Camrys have been sold, making it one of the top 10 most popular vehicles on the planet. One of the main reasons may be its combination of legendary reliability, packaging, and overall performance. Unlike previous generations, the 2025 Toyota Camry is only available with a hybrid powertrain and all-wheel drive (AWD). It has always been a smart buy, but competition from models like the Honda Accord and Hyundai Sonata is growing fierce. Sales have also declined slightly due to the popularity of crossovers and SUVs. The question is: Can the new powertrain and styling keep the Toyota Camry competitive?

Reason to love it #1: It’s more attractive than before

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Despite being based on the same XV80 (TNGA GA-K) platform as its predecessor, the 2025 Toyota Camry features an updated exterior design with a futuristic front-end design based on the new Toyota Prius. Many agree that this new styling theme is cleaner and helps modernize the feel of the Camry.

That choice helped Toyota back away from its unnecessary and overblown grill design, which is beneficial. While the profile is the same, the rear also gets a new design, getting rid of the odd tear duct lines from the previous generation’s tail lights. Altogether, the new Camry is a bit easier on the eyes. That’s especially true when you load it up with the fancy wheels from the XLE package.

Reason to love it #2: Comfort and convenience

Like the previous Camry, interior comfort is a priority. Updated seating surfaces, even in the base model, help elevate the comfort of all of the passengers. Dual-zone climate control and rear vents for the passengers are standard, too. Legroom and headroom are at or near the best-in-class, and the higher-end trims’ leather, heated seats, heated steering wheel, ambient lighting, and acoustic-laminated glass are nice additions. There’s also 15.1 cubic feet of trunk space, which is on par with the class.

Reason to love it #3: Power and efficiency

The 2025 Toyota Camry only comes with a hybrid powertrain, and the V6 and gas I4 are no longer in production. The front-wheel-drive (FWD) model comes with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine connected to two electric motors, which gives you 225 horsepower combined. AWD models add a third electric motor, which gives you a combined total of 232 hp.

All Camrys come with a planetary gearset that acts as a continuously variable transmission (CVT). It’s one of the more powerful vehicles in its class, while maintaining some of the best gas mileage. At the top of the MPG ratings, the Camry LE is EPA-rated at 52 mpg combined. At the lower end, the XSE AWD Camry is rated at 44 mpg combined.

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Reason to love it #4: AWD changes everything

Toyota has mastered the AWD system in their hybrids by building an all-electric rear end. Simply put, Toyota eliminated the need for a transfer case, clutch, driveshaft, or any mechanical device to send power to the rear axle. The motor in the rear activates automatically during low-traction situations and improves performance with no need for driver input. The penalty for AWD is about 1 mpg, but the gain (aside from the obvious) is an additional 7 horsepower.

Reason to love it #5: Tech across the board

As I mentioned earlier, all new Toyota Camrys are available as hybrids. Additionally, they come standard with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and wireless charging capabilities. Base trim Camrys get an 8.0-inch display while higher trims get a 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen. The Camry also comes standard with a 7.0-inch digital instrument cluster for the LE and SE models and a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster in the XLE and XSE trims.

Reason to love it #6: For the price, it’s a winning combination

There are four Camry trims, with the base model LE starting at $28,700 and the SE starting at $31,000. Going up to the XLE will cost $33,700, and the top-of-the-line XSE starts at $34,900. AWD adds $1,523 on the LE, and $1,525 on the other trims. Still, for what you’re paying for, the Camry gives you a hell of a lot of bang for your buck.

Reason to think twice #1: You can feel some of the cost-cutting

If you opt for the lower trims, some people get the sense that they are driving a not-so-premium vehicle. The tiny screen and the use of thin plastics in certain areas don’t help. Sure, the higher-end Camrys have very nice seats and a great-looking dash, but there are some hints that this car was built on a budget. Even with the acoustic-laminated glass on the higher trim models, there is a bit of road noise that enters the cabin.

Reason to think twice #2: Total lack of passion

Toyota ditched its brilliant 301 hp 3.5-liter V6, which, when combined with the TRD performance package upgrade, made for a fun Camry. I know, the word “fun” and “Camry” are rarely placed in the same sentence, but it was true – that car was a hoot to drive. While it’s still plenty quick, that old “zing” is lost. The steering is totally synthetic in feel, too, and the car’s swagger largely comes in the XSE trim, which bears a steep price.

Reason to think twice #3: Major drop in performance when you get the bling

Remember when I mentioned the XSE comes with a “steep price?” That isn’t just the financial premium. You see, the XSE package comes with sporty-looking 19-in. smoked gray and black-finished alloy wheels, a cool-looking spoiler, and lots of leather inside. Not only do those goodies add additional rolling mass to the wheels and extra heft to the curb weight, but it’s a massive penalty when it comes to efficiency and overall performance. So, the cooler you look, the lower your performance. Bummer.

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Final thoughts

Sure, it’s easy to nitpick the new Camry, but it is still an excellent ride considering what it is. Few can argue that there is another vehicle that can go toe-to-toe with it. Sure, others may be nicer, more powerful, or more efficient, but the combination of pricing, available AWD, and the overall packaging of the Camry has yet to be matched.

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