I have been driving the new 2025 Toyota Camry for a week. The Camry is a very important car in America. Everyone knows someone who owns one. But for 2025, Toyota changed everything.
The biggest news is that the V6 engine is gone. In fact, the regular gas engine is gone too. Every 2025 Camry is now a Hybrid. This is a big move. I wanted to see if this new car is better or if we should miss the old one.
This review is for normal people who want a reliable car. I am not a race car driver. I just want to know if it is comfortable and saves gas.
Quick Spec Table
Here is the data for people who like numbers.
| Feature | Specification |
| Engine | 2.5L 4-Cylinder Hybrid |
| Horsepower | 225 hp (FWD) / 232 hp (AWD) |
| Transmission | e-CVT (Automatic) |
| 0-60 MPH | ~7.5 seconds |
| MPG (LE FWD) | 53 City / 50 Hwy |
| MPG (XSE AWD) | 44 City / 43 Hwy |
| Screen Size | 8-inch or 12.3-inch |
| Warranty | 3 Year / 36,000 Miles (Basic) |
| Battery Warranty | 10 Year / 150,000 Miles |
What is the 2025 Camry?
The 2025 Camry is a mid-size sedan. It fits five people easily. It is not an SUV, but it has plenty of room. Because it is a Hybrid, it uses a gas engine and a battery to move. You do not need to plug it in. It charges itself while you drive.
Toyota calls this the “9th Generation” Camry. It looks different, drives different, and has better technology.
Exterior Design: The “Hammerhead” Face
When you look at the front of the car, it looks angry. In a good way. Toyota calls this the “Hammerhead” look. It looks like a shark. The headlights are very thin and sharp.
The front grill is different depending on which model you buy.
- LE and XLE: These have a grill with horizontal bars. It looks classy.
- SE and XSE: These have a honeycomb mesh grill. It looks sporty.
I drove the XSE model. It had big 19-inch wheels and a small spoiler on the trunk. It also had a black roof, which makes the car look lower and cooler. My neighbor said it looks like a Lexus. I think he is right.
Interior: A Big Upgrade
The inside of the old Camry was okay, but it felt a little old. The new one is much better.
The Screens
If you buy the base model (LE or SE), you get an 8-inch screen. It is big enough. But if you buy the fancy models (XLE or XSE), you get two huge 12.3-inch screens. One is for the gauges and one is for the radio.
The screens are very clear. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard on all cars. This means your phone connects automatically. You dont need a cable. It worked perfectly every time I got in the car.
The Seats
The seats are very comfortable. The cushions are longer now, which is good for tall people. The XLE and XSE have leather seats. They can be heated and ventilated (cooled). I used the cooled seats on a hot day, and it was amazing.
However, there is a lot of “Piano Black” plastic near the gear shifter. It looks nice when it is clean, but it gets fingerprints and dust very easily. You will need to keep a cleaning cloth in the car.
Also Read My Honest Review of the 2025 Honda CR-V Hybrid: The Sensible King?
Driving Impressions: Smooth but Not Fast
So, how does it drive?
The Power
The new engine is a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder paired with electric motors.
- Front-Wheel Drive (FWD): 225 horsepower.
- All-Wheel Drive (AWD): 232 horsepower.
It is faster than the old 4-cylinder Camry, but it is slower than the old V6. When you step on the gas, it moves quickly enough for highway merging. But it is not a sports car.
The Noise
The car uses a CVT transmission. This is good for gas mileage, but it can be noisy. If you press the gas pedal all the way down, the engine makes a loud droning sound. It sounds like a vacuum cleaner. But when you are just cruising, the car is very quiet.
The Ride
The suspension is great. It soaks up bumps and potholes very well. The steering feels a bit heavier than before, which makes the car feel stable. It is a very relaxing car to drive.
Gas Mileage: The Real Winner
This is why you buy a Camry. The gas mileage is incredible.
- The LE model gets about 51 MPG combined.
- The XSE AWD (the one I drove) gets about 44 MPG.
In my real-world driving, I got 42 MPG. I drove on the highway and in the city. This is amazing for a car of this size. I only filled the tank once in the whole week.
Trim Levels and Pricing
There are four main versions.
- LE: The base model. It has cloth seats and smaller wheels (16-inch). It is the most comfortable because the tires are thick. Starts around $28,700.
- SE: The sporty value model. It has fake leather seats (SofTex) and stiffer suspension. It looks cooler. Starts around $31,000.
- XLE: The luxury model. It has real leather, the big screens, and extra sound insulation (acoustic glass) to make it quiet. Starts around $33,700.
- XSE: The sporty luxury model. It has everything the XLE has, but with the sporty look and big wheels. Starts around $35,000.
All-Wheel Drive (AWD) costs about $1,500 extra on any model.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Is there a V6 engine option?
A: No. The V6 is dead. The Hybrid is the only option now. If you want a fast Toyota sedan, you have to look at the Toyota Crown or maybe a used Camry.
Q: Does it have a spare tire?
A: Yes! Unlike the Honda CR-V Hybrid, the Camry still has a temporary spare tire under the trunk floor. This is a big plus.
Q: Is the All-Wheel Drive good for snow?
A: Yes. It is an “On-Demand” system. The back wheels have their own electric motor. It kicks in when the front wheels slip. It is good for snow and rain, but not for off-roading.
Q: Is the back seat big enough for adults?
A: Yes. The legroom is very good. Two adults can sit in the back very comfortably. Three adults might be a tight squeeze.
Final Verdict
Is the 2025 Toyota Camry worth buying?
Yes, definitely.
It is not the most exciting car in the world. It will not make your heart beat fast. But it is excellent at being a daily car. It is comfortable, reliable, and saves you a ton of money on gas.
The new interior is a big improvement. The technology finally feels modern. And the fact that it comes with a spare tire makes it a very practical choice.
If you are looking for a car that just works and asks for nothing in return, the 2025 Camry is the best choice. I would recommend the LE trim if you want the best MPG, or the XLE if you want luxury. The sporty wheels on the XSE look cool, but they make the ride a little bumpy.
Pros:
- Excellent gas mileage (50+ MPG).
- Standard Hybrid powertrain is smooth.
- New tech is easy to use.
- Available All-Wheel Drive on all trims.
Cons:
- Engine can be loud when accelerating hard.
- No more fast V6 engine option.
- Piano black plastic gets dirty fast.
