Tested: The 2025 Toyota Camry Remains the Smart Pick

In a landscape where the traditional family sedan has nearly fallen out of favor, the iconic Toyota Camry remains the benchmark for practical three-box daily drivers. The latest ninth-generation model opts exclusively for an inline-four engine enhanced by hybrid technology instead of offering a V-6 option. It comes equipped with either front-wheel drive or slightly more capable all-wheel drive. Trim levels ascend from LE to SE, then XLE, and finally XSE, though they all feature identical powertrains and performance metrics. In preparation for 2025, Toyota has refreshed the exterior design and upgraded the cabin features of the Camry to align better with the brand’s evolving range.

Our skilled editors put each car through its paces during our reviews. Learn more about the testing process for automobiles here. here .

The Lowdown

In the center of each 2025 Toyota Camry lies a 2.5-liter engine. Atkinson-cycle a four-cylinder engine that produces peaks of 184 horsepower and 163 pound-feet of torque. This operates using dual electric motors The smaller unit functions as both a starter and generator, while the larger one integrates its output with the gasoline engine via a planetary gearset. The maximum electric power output has been increased to 134 horsepower. According to Toyota, the combined system output for the front-wheel-drive Camry reaches 225 horsepower. However, adding all-wheel drive introduces an additional motor to propel the rear wheels, which boosts the peak output marginally up to 232 horsepower. Despite this enhancement, it remains significantly lower than the previous Camry V-6’s 301 horsepower.

• Vehicle Tested: 2025 Toyota Camry XSE with All-Wheel Drive
• Base Price: $37,560
• Price as Tested: $45,771
• Location: Detroit, Michigan

More Specs

Powertrain: 2487 cubic centimeters inline-four engine combined with three AC motors

Power: 232 hp (combined) Torque: 163 lb-ft @ 5200

0 -60 mph: 6.8 sec ( Car and Driver )

Transmission: constantly adjustable automatic/direct-drive, full-wheel drive

Weight: 3774 pounds

EPA MPG: 44 / 43 / 44 (urban / motorway / overall)

How Does It Drive?

Despite testing the somewhat stronger all-wheel-drive variant of the Camry, it didn’t feel notably agile, managing a 0-to-60 mph sprint just under the seven-second mark. While the continuously variable transmission excels at providing smooth power delivery for city driving at lower speeds, it tends to make the engine noisy and run at higher revolutions during acceleration requests.

Activating the Camry’s dedicated Sport mode did little to enhance the responsiveness of the powertrain; instead, it simulates different gear ratios using preset virtual “steps” within the continuously variable transmission (CVT). While these simulated gears can be adjusted via paddle shifters located behind the steering wheel, their utility seems minimal. In practice, allowing the transmission's electronic control system to determine the optimal RPM proved more effective. On the positive side, the CVT contributes to fuel economy—my test vehicle achieved an impressive 43 miles per gallon throughout my testing period.

The XSE version comes with distinctive components compared to standard Camry models to match its more dynamic appearance. To enhance performance and handling, Toyota fitted this model with firmer springs and shock absorbers along with a larger rear sway bar. This setup boosts steadiness and driver responsiveness but introduces additional firmness in the suspension. The inclusion of 19-inch tires amplifies these effects, contributing to a less cushioned driving experience overall.

The enhancements in handling do not sufficiently compensate for the reduction in comfort, particularly since the vehicle lacks a genuinely dynamic personality elsewhere. There isn’t much feedback transmitted via the steering wheel, though the weight does remain steady under increasing load. Similarly, the brake system offers minimal communication and fails to instill confidence due to an inconsistent force application curve. This doesn’t mean the car performs poorly on winding roads; however, it hasn't fully earned its title as a true “sports” sedan yet. TRD The model might address those issues in the future.

What Is It Like to Live With?

The enhanced Camry stands out notably due to its spacious interior. Whether you're sitting upfront or in the backseat—even when I'm at the wheel being six-feet three-inches tall—the cabin offers generous legroom. Additionally, the trunk boasts an expansive volume of 15.1 cubic feet. Both models, XLE and XSE, feature leather upholstery, enhancing their premium feel. While the materials seem adequate considering the class they belong to, one can still notice several areas where cheaper plastic has been used.

The positive aspect is that many conventional buttons are still available, with Toyota choosing to provide physical controls for crucial functionalities such as the sound system, temperature regulation, driving modes, and adjustable safety settings. This comprehensive array of options remains intact. Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 is included as standard, featuring adaptive distance-control cruise control, traffic sign recognition, and auto-highbeam lighting.

The upgraded version includes dual 12.3-inch displays as standard equipment, complemented by Toyota’s newest entertainment system. This setup was user-friendly and similar to operating a smartphone, complete with built-in support for wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. In my test vehicle, the available nine-speaker JBL sound system delivered robust audio output when required; however, it prioritized bass over mid-range frequencies.

Excluding the groans from the continuously variable transmission (CVT), the cabin remained a peaceful environment for spending time. The use of standard acoustic glass in the XSE model certainly contributed to this tranquility. However, there were occasional noises coming from the big sunroof panel and the B-pillar’s plastic trim, which somewhat detracted from the overall impression of quality construction.

Should I Buy One?

The Toyota Camry remains a prominent figure in the sedan category for good reasons. The newest iteration enhances the formula established by earlier models, boasting better fuel economy and aesthetics. While there are sportier options available, finding another car that matches its versatility is challenging. It’s tough to dispute the outstanding efficiency provided by the updated hybrid system as well.

As mentioned, the XSE amenities aren’t essential for those seeking cost-effective options. In 2025, the base price of the Camry series begins at $29,835, inclusive of destination fees, compared to the XSE which kicks off at slightly above $36K with front-wheel-drive configuration. Adding features like the optional Premium Plus Package, 19-inch rims, and an exclusive paint job bumped up our all-wheel-drive model’s sticker price to around $45,771. Should larger displays and leather upholstery not be priorities, opting for lower-tier models provides superior value. This advantage becomes even more pronounced since all-wheel drive availability doesn't depend on specific trim levels but can instead be chosen across various configurations.

Highlights and Lowlights

We Love:

• Impressive hybrid efficiency.
• Spacious, well-finished interior.
• Improved Toyota infotainment.

We Don't:

• Noisy interior plastics.
• Disappointing steering.
• Absence of a top-of-the-line engine option; mandatory continuously variable transmission (CVT).

Favorite Detail:

Occasionally, it’s the small details that truly make an impact. With the Camry XSE, choosing a red-leather interior significantly enhanced how I viewed the vehicle. Numerous people who saw it would ask if the Camry was speedy, which often led them to inquire about its cost. This kind of reaction isn’t common for your average daily driver. The vibrant touch adds personality to what is essentially a very competent all-rounder.

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