Hybrid-only 2025 Toyota Camry promises all-round improvements

Update: ‘Price’ section revised.

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While the falling popularity of sedans has claimed models like the Chevrolet Malibu, Ford Fusion, and VW Passat, the Toyota Camry, a stalwart in the U.S. market for over 40 years, is in no mood to give up. In fact, the Camry ended 2023 as America’s top-selling passenger car for the 22nd consecutive year!

Entering its ninth generation, the mid-size sedan has transitioned to being exclusively a hybrid model. The 2025 Toyota Camry made its stage debut at the 2023 Los Angeles Auto Show, and having had the chance to experience it in person, here are my impressions:

Design

Toyota is marketing the 2025 Camry as a new generation, but after seeing it up close, I’m convinced it’s more of a thorough facelift of the current Camry Hybrid. The Prius-inspired headlamps, C-shaped tail lamps, the chic trunk lid with an integrated spoiler, and other features point to this. The car’s overall shape remains unchanged, which is a dead giveaway of its facelift status.

My favorite part of the updated exterior is the striking honeycomb grille, lending the hybrid sedan a bold yet elegant appearance. The curvy hood with a raised center, echoing the latest Prius design, contributes to its sleek look. However, I feel the new, slender front doesn’t quite sync with the simpler side profile and the more traditional rear-end.

New Hybrid badge

Toyota has been using an emblem tinged in blue on its electrified cars for years, but it recently decided to phase out this feature. Unlike the previous-generation Camry Hybrid, the MY2025 doesn’t feature the blue-hued Toyota logo at the front or the rear. Similarly, it doesn’t have the outgoing car’s “Hybrid” badge on the right side of the trunk lid either.

The 2025 Camry Hybrid flaunts Toyota’s new ‘Beyond Zero’ logo clubbed with an “HEV” badge on the left side of the trunk. The Beyond Zero logo is the company’s latest way of letting people know that they’re looking at a hybrid or plug-in hybrid Toyota, and the “HEV” badge is exclusive to hybrid models.

Interior

The interior of the 2025 Toyota Camry is simple and uncluttered, and a touch more modern than the current Camry Hybrid. I like the quilted pattern on the dashboard and the intricate trim on the AC vent adjusters. This is the first-ever Camry with leather and Dinamica microfiber-trimmed seat covers. I also fee that the quality of plastics used in the dashboard and center console is a step up from the current generation model.

I like the fact that Toyota has avoided using touch-operated buttons in the steering wheel and the climate control system of the 2025 Camry, opting for old-school physical buttons. One of the best upgrades of this model in my opinion is the new in-cabin electronics. The instrument cluster is a fully digital 12.3-inch unit with customizable layouts. Going by early demos, I think this display has good resolution, and is easy to read.

One of the biggest complaints I have in the current Camry Hybrid is the outdated infotainment system. I’m glad to report that this has been taken care of in the 2025 model. The new, 12.3-inch infotainment system of the 2025 Toyota Camry Hybrid is also positioned better, as, unlike in the current model, it doesn’t affect forward visibility. From the early demos, I feel that it is a big improvement in graphics and the menu structure is easy. I think the most useful new capability of this system is wireless connectivity for both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

Toyota claims that the 2025 Camry’s seats offer improved comfort. The 10-way/8-way adjustable front seats, which are heated and ventilated, are visibly different from the current model, and look similar to the appointments in the Crown. Furthermore, the steering wheel is also lifted from the Crown’s parts bin. In the back, the next-gen Camry appears to have a similar level of space to today’s car, though taller folks would have to sit lower as the panoramic sunroof eats into the headroom.

Specifications

The 2025 Toyota Camry has the fifth-generation Toyota Hybrid System (THS 5) and a 2.5-liter gas engine. Assisted by a front electric motor, the engine pushes forward the front wheels with 225 hp, which is an improvement of 17 hp. I expect the redesigned model to be safer on snow-clad roads during the winter, thanks to available e-AWD, enabled by a dedicated rear electric motor. Checking out the eAWD option bumps up the system power to 232 hp.

In addition to increased power, I expect the new powertrain of the hybrid-only 2025 Camry to offer a more dynamic drive. That’s because it has a revised suspension tuned for more responsiveness and agility. Moreover, I think this system will be quieter in urban driving, as it has been tuned to operate at lower engine RPMs at lower speeds. I think the 2025 Camry could deliver an impressive fuel economy of at least 53 MPG.

Price

I expect the 2025 Toyota Camry to start at just under USD 30,000 (excl. DPH fee). The all-new hybrid-only mid-size sedan is scheduled to start arriving at U.S. dealerships in Spring 2024.

Toyota Motor North America would be eagerly awaiting the availability of the new Camry as sales of the current sedan remained flat in 2023. Toyota sold 290,649 units of the sedan, 1.5 percent lower compared to 2022.

TopElectricSUV says

The 2025 Toyota Camry Hybrid has a more stylish exterior and a classier and more high-tech interior and promises improved performance and handling. Expected to be priced attractively, it could be a fantastic value-for-money family car.

2025 Toyota Camry FAQs

An automobile engineer by training, I’ve analyzed the global car market since 2005, with a keen focus on EVs since 2008. My journey in online automotive publishing spans 16 years, during which I have reviewed cutting-edge automotive technologies and interviewed leading CEOs and vehicle developers from around the world.