2025 Toyota Camry: Hybrid Only, Where’s the Problem?
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The latest Toyota Camry redesign came two full years after that of its closest rival, the Honda Accord, but the Japanese juggernaut could easily afford the wait as its midsize sedan continues to rule the segment like Kenyans rule marathons. The Accord, Nissan Altima and Hyundai Sonata are all declining, while the Chevrolet Malibu, Kia K5 and Subaru Legacy won’t be back in Canada after 2024.
Canadian sales of the Camry were even up 37 percent in the first half of this year. With 7,076 units, they surpassed every other Toyota model not named RAV4, Corolla or Corolla Cross. Surprised?
- Also: Fans Want V6 Back in Toyota Camry, Launch Petition
- Also: 2025 Toyota Camry: Eclipsing the Competition
Less Selection, More Inflation
Is it the beginning of the end, though? Will the new (ninth) generation be the last? It’s hard to predict given the current state of flux the passenger car market is in. The discontinuation of the Camry’s two ICE options speaks volumes. But you know what? Going hybrid-only was the right move for Toyota.
Priced from $37,181-$47,831 (all fees included), the 2025 Toyota Camry is about $3,000 more expensive than its predecessor, partly due to the loss of the naturally aspirated 2.5-litre four-cylinder as the base engine, partly due to the various upgrades that were made by designers and engineers. As for the 3.5-litre V6, which delivered the fastest accelerations but could not be paired with AWD, the writing had been on the wall for a couple of years. Missing its muscle and sound, some fans have launched a petition to hopefully get it back, but don’t count on it.
The new Camry is moving forward exclusively with a hybrid system combining the aforementioned four-cylinder with one or two electric motors. At 225 hp or 232 hp depending on the model, it’s nowhere close to matching the V6’s 301 horsepower. However, sprints are stronger and smoother than with the old Camry Hybrid, especially thanks to the available AWD system (optional on SE, standard on XSE and XLE) and the low-end zippiness that comes with it. There’s still a CVT to deal with, and it can be annoying in those rare moments where you need to go full throttle, but the combustion engine isn’t too loud in the process, which is a good thing.
Toyota’s fifth-generation hybrid system really is a model of efficiency, enabling pure electric driving on regular occasions and at higher speeds, even on the highway. In FWD configuration, fuel consumption is officially rated at 4.9 L/100 km according to Natural Resources Canada. AWD-equipped Camrys achieve a combined 5.1 L/100 km and our tester was just two tenths worse. Outstanding.
Buttons near the shifter allow you to easily switch between drive modes, but the actual changes to the car are fairly trivial. The ride is comfortable and steering is nicely calibrated, giving drivers a good sense of control behind the wheel.
Now, it’d be awesome if Toyota added its turbocharged Hybrid Max powertrain as an option for customers who seek superior performance. The problem is that they’ll likely want to reserve it for the Crown—unless the Camry’s unconventionally styled “big” sister gets the axe due to poor sales, suffering a similar fate to the Avalon and making more room for the Crown Signia crossover that’s landing in showrooms this summer and bound to enjoy more success.
Sleeker Styling With Familiar Attributes
The 2025 Toyota Camry has the same TNGA-K platform, the same wheelbase and pretty much the same silhouette as the previous generation, albeit stretched a few millimetres. Designers have tastefully modernized the body, highlighted by a much more elegant front fascia complete with Prius-inspired headlamps. The entry-level model lacks a bit of flair with run-of-the-mill 16-inch wheels, but the SE Upgrade and higher-end models beautifully fix that with their 18- or 19-inch alloys.
Many customers will want to move up from the SE AWD to the XSE AWD, and rightfully so, not only because of the sportier appearance, but also the addition of a panoramic roof and 12.3-inch touchscreen with virtual assistant. The standard display is only 8 inches in size and looks even smaller. At least it’s easy to reach and use.
Other desirable features such as a nine-speaker JBL audio system, 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and head-up display are also available to XSE AWD drivers. Ditto for a number of driver assistance technologies and ventilated front seats with genuine leather (the non-perforated, synthetic leather-clad buckets will make you sweat on hot days). As far as we’re concerned, the top-line XLE AWD model isn’t worth the extra money.
Speaking of the seats, we found them accommodating enough for larger drivers, though at the expense of lateral support in corners. Space is not a problem no matter where you sit, but the 428-litre trunk is the smallest in the midsize sedan segment. Incidentally, the battery is located beneath the 60/40 split-folding rear seat.
Our Verdict
Regardless of how the Toyota Camry is evolving, it’s pretty clear at this point that you won’t ever see it fall from first place. And with competitors dropping like flies, the choice is even more obvious. Even as we wait to find out if the company will bring back a higher-performance model in the lineup, this hybrid-only Camry makes a tremendously strong case—that is, for drivers who still care about traditional cars.
