Judy with her new ride, a 2025 Toyota Camry SE AWD.

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Text taken from Judy's post on in-universe social media:

Kicking off 2025 in style with my new ride: the 2025 Toyota Camry SE AWD! I know, I just picked up my 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser First Edition last year, but I couldn’t resist the allure of this Camry. For one, it looks and feels way more premium than you'd expect. It has those luxurious Lexus vibes both inside and out. Plus, it’s incredibly fuel-efficient, boasting 41 mpg in the city and 43 mpg on the highway.

I needed something a bit smaller and easier to handle for solo drives and navigating city streets. But don't worry, it’s still plenty roomy for my kids and friends. This Camry is a big upgrade from my old ride—a 2001 Camry LE, which was previously complemented by the Land Cruiser. I've been eyeing a sedan for a while, and with my recent Land Cruiser purchase, it had to be a Toyota. But, the Corolla felt a bit too compact, the Avalon is a thing of the past, and the Crown...well, let's just say it made me go “what the hell?!” So Camry it is. The benchmark of affordable, reliable, efficient, and comfortable midsize sedan.

The Camry set me back $36,277 (including options and accessories), but thanks to some great deals from the dealership, plus a $3,750 federal HEV incentive and a $1,500 New Jersey state HEV incentive, it was a fantastic deal. I also decided to jazz it up with 19-in. Vossen CG201 wheels and Michelin CrossClimate2 tires. I've had it for about six months now, put on 5,000 miles, and it’s hands down the best Camry I've ever driven. I even penned a review for Consumer Reports, so check it out below if you’re curious!

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2025 Toyota Camry: Hybrid Power Moves the Needle

Rating: 9.5/10

Highs
- More powerful and efficient hybrid powertrains
- Impressive fuel economy across the lineup
- Upscale interior with improved materials and design
- Most necessary advanced driver-assistance features are standard
- Spacious and comfortable cabin for all occupants
- Available all-wheel drive enhances all-weather capability
- Upgraded infotainment system with larger screens
- Sleek exterior design with sporty touches

Lows
- Steering feel remains somewhat numb
- V6 engine option no longer available
- Some premium driver-assist features restricted to higher trims
- Slight increase in starting price compared to previous generation
- CVT transmission may not appeal to driving enthusiasts

Verdict
The 2025 Camry's shift to an all-hybrid lineup represents a major development for Toyota's top-selling sedan. In 2024, the Camry and its main competitor, the Honda Accord, are the only internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles, excluding SUVs, crossovers, and trucks, to have sold over 100,000 units. The new Camry boasts enhanced efficiency, a more upscale interior and sporty exterior, and numerous tech improvements, offering a stronger mix of economy, comfort, and features that should attract a broad range of buyers. While it may not thrill car enthusiasts, it remains a practical, efficient, and well-rounded family vehicle.

By: Judy Reinard

Overview
The Toyota Camry has long stood as a cornerstone in the midsize sedan segment, renowned for its reliability, practicality, and value proposition. For 2025, Toyota has taken a bold step by transitioning the entire Camry lineup to hybrid powertrains. While it might not be the go-to choice for driving enthusiasts, the 2025 Toyota Camry is poised to maintain its popularity due to its affordability, spaciousness, and enhanced efficiency. The family sedan receives a comprehensive refresh inside and out, bolstering its appeal with a more modern aesthetic that draws inspiration from Toyota's larger and more premium Crown sedan.

The decision to offer only hybrid powertrains marks a significant shift from the previous generation, which included a V6 option as well as both hybrid and non-hybrid four-cylinder engines. Now, buyers can choose between two hybrid setups, available in either front- or all-wheel-drive configurations. The new hybrid-only Camry produces up to 232 horsepower, ensuring adequate performance for most driving scenarios.

Industry insiders speculate that Toyota might introduce a more powerful plug-in-hybrid Camry Prime in the near future, potentially catering to buyers seeking additional electric range and performance. This would align with Toyota's strategy of expanding its electrified vehicle offerings across its lineup as part of its Beyond Zero vision.

Exterior Design
The 2025 Camry showcases a sleeker and more modern exterior design that builds upon the previous generation's sporty aesthetic. Taking inspiration from the Crown, the Camry's front fascia features a larger grille with a honeycomb pattern, giving the car a more aggressive appearance. Slim LED headlights and daytime running lights contribute to a contemporary look, while the sculpted hood adds a touch of muscular charm.

Along the sides, crisp character lines and subtle creases create a sense of motion, even when the car is stationary. The roofline maintains a coupe-like slope towards the rear, enhancing the Camry's aerodynamic profile without significantly compromising rear headroom. This design choice not only improves fuel efficiency but also gives the Camry a more dynamic stance.

At the rear, redesigned LED taillights span the width of the trunk lid, creating a distinctive nighttime signature. The bumper integrates faux air vents and a diffuser-style element on higher trims, adding a sporty touch to the overall design. These elements, combined with the available dual exhaust outlets on XSE models, give the Camry a more premium and athletic appearance.

Wheel options range from 16 to 19 inches, depending on the trim level, with the sportier SE and XSE trims featuring unique designs and larger wheels for a more dynamic stance; both trims also offer extra-cost two-tone colors. The variety of wheel designs and the optional dual-tone colors allow buyers to choose a look that best suits their preferences, from conservative to sporty.

Interior and Technology
Step inside the 2025 Camry, and you'll find a thoroughly revamped interior that feels more expensive than it is. The dashboard design is highlighted by a large trim piece that stretches from the passenger's side to the infotainment display, creating a sense of width and sophistication. This design element, inspired by the Lexus-like Crown sedan, elevates the Camry's interior ambiance to near-luxury levels.

The spacious interior continues to be a strong point for the Camry, with ample room for adults in both the front and rear seats. Cloth upholstery comes standard, but higher trims offer leather seating surfaces for a more premium feel. The front seats provide good support for long drives, while the rear bench offers ample legroom and headroom, even for taller passengers. Dual-zone automatic climate control and rear air vents ensure comfort for all occupants.

Storage options are plentiful, with a large center console bin, spacious door pockets, and a wireless charging pad on higher trims. The trunk offers 15.1 cubic feet of cargo space, which is competitive for the class. 60/40 split-folding rear seats come standard, allowing for easy expansion of the cargo area when needed. The hybrid battery pack is now positioned under the rear seats, which helps maintain the Camry's generous trunk space.

On the technology front, Toyota has made significant strides. The standard infotainment display on LE and SE trims is an 8.0-inch unit, but a larger 12.3-inch screen is standard on higher XLE and XSE trims, and available as an extra-cost option on SE. Both screens run Toyota's latest software interface, which has been praised for its intuitiveness and responsiveness. The graphics are crisp, and the menu structure is logical, making it easy for users to navigate through various functions. iFruit CarPlay and Drone Auto are standard across the board and work wirelessly on all trims, enhancing connectivity options for users.

A fully digital instrument cluster is now available, with a 12.3-inch display offered on top trims. This customizable screen provides clear, easy-to-read information and adds a high-tech feel to the driver's cockpit. The digital cluster can be configured to display a variety of information, including hybrid system operation, navigation directions, and driver assistance features.

For audiophiles, an optional nine-speaker, 800 watt JBL stereo system is available on higher trims, promising an enhanced listening experience. This premium audio system delivers clear highs and punchy bass, making it a worthwhile upgrade for music lovers.

Other notable tech features include:
- Available head-up display, projecting key information onto the windshield
- Multi-color ambient interior lighting, allowing drivers to customize the cabin atmosphere
- Standard Toyota Remote Connect smartphone app for remote start, lock/unlock, and vehicle status checks
- Optional digital key feature allowing smartphone-based vehicle access and sharing

Powertrains and Performance
The 2025 Camry's transition to an all-hybrid lineup brings two powertrain options:

1. Front-wheel drive: A 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine combined with two electric motors, producing a total of 225 horsepower.
2. All-wheel drive: The same setup as above, but with an additional electric motor driving the rear axle, increasing total output to 232 horsepower.

Both setups utilize a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) for smooth power delivery. These powertrains are similar to what's found in the Toyota Prius, albeit with a larger 2.5-liter gas engine in place of the Prius' 2.0-liter four-cylinder.

In test drives, the hybrid setup has proven to be responsive around town, thanks to the instant torque provided by the electric motors. The system seamlessly blends electric and gasoline power, providing smooth acceleration and minimal noise under normal driving conditions. While the new Camry won't match the acceleration of the outgoing V6 model, it offers a good balance of performance and efficiency that should satisfy most drivers.

The SE and XSE trims feature sportier suspension tuning, providing tighter body control in corners. These models also come with paddle shifters that allow drivers to select from preset ratios in the CVT, simulating a traditional automatic transmission. However, some drivers may find the steering lacking in feel, a common criticism in many modern electric power steering systems. Despite this, the Camry's handling is predictable and composed, with good grip levels, especially in AWD models.

Performance figures:
- 0-60 mph: 7.3 seconds (FWD), 7.1 seconds (AWD)
- Top speed: 116 mph (electronically limited)
- Quarter-mile: 15.6 seconds @ 92 mph (Camry SE AWD)

The 2025 Camry also features multiple drive modes, including ECO, Normal, Sport, and EV, allowing drivers to tailor the car's responsiveness to their preferences or driving conditions. ECO mode maximizes efficiency by reducing throttle response and limiting climate control operation. Sport mode sharpens throttle response and adjusts the steering for a more engaging driving experience. EV mode enables the Camry to travel for short distances (1-2 miles) at low speed (25 mph max) using purely electric power, which can be useful in parking lots, quiet neighborhoods, and zero-emissions zones.

Fuel Economy
While official EPA fuel economy estimates are pending, Toyota projects impressive efficiency figures for the 2025 Camry:

- Combined ratings between 44 and 51 mpg, depending on trim level and powertrain configuration.
- In my real-world highway fuel economy test, my 2025 Camry SE AWD achieved 43 mpg, suggesting that Toyota's estimates are attainable in everyday driving conditions.

These figures represent a significant improvement over the previous generation and should position the Camry as one of the most fuel-efficient options in its class. The efficiency gains are attributed to improvements in the hybrid system, enhanced aerodynamics, and the use of low-rolling-resistance tires on certain trims.

Estimated fuel economy breakdown:
- LE FWD: 51 mpg city / 53 mpg highway / 52 mpg combined
- XLE/XSE FWD: 44 mpg city / 47 mpg highway / 46 mpg combined
- LE AWD: 49 mpg city / 51 mpg highway / 50 mpg combined
- XLE/XSE AWD: 43 mpg city / 45 mpg highway / 44 mpg combined

The Camry also features a 13.2-gallon fuel tank, providing an estimated range of over 600 miles on a single tank in optimal conditions. This impressive range makes the Camry an excellent choice for long-distance cruising, minimizing the need for frequent fuel stops.

Ride and Handling
The 2025 Camry continues to offer a comfortable and composed ride, with improvements to noise isolation and suspension tuning. The standard setup prioritizes comfort, soaking up road imperfections with ease while maintaining good body control. Riding on the TNGA-K platform, Toyota has reduced noise, vibration, and harshness (NVH) levels, resulting in a quieter cabin at highway speeds.

For those seeking a more engaging driving experience, the SE and XSE trims offer a sport-tuned suspension that provides sharper handling without significantly compromising ride quality. These models also feature larger wheels and more responsive steering calibration. The difference is noticeable, with reduced body roll in corners and a more planted feel during spirited driving.

The transition to an all-hybrid lineup has resulted in improved weight distribution, which contributes to better overall balance and handling characteristics. The low-mounted battery pack helps lower the center of gravity, which enhances stability during cornering and emergency maneuvers.

While the Camry may not be a sports sedan, it offers confident handling and a level of driver engagement that should satisfy most buyers in this segment. The addition of all-wheel drive as an option further enhances the car's all-weather capability and appeal in regions with challenging climate conditions. The AWD system can send up to 50% of available torque to the rear wheels when needed, improving traction on slippery surfaces.

Safety and Driver-Assistance Features
Toyota continues to prioritize safety with the 2025 Camry, equipping all models with a comprehensive suite of driver-assistance features, Toyota Safety Sense 3.0, as standard. This includes:

- Automated emergency braking with pedestrian and cyclist detection
- Lane-departure warning and lane-keeping assist
- Adaptive cruise control with a lane-centering feature
- Blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert
- Automatic high-beam headlamps
- Road Sign Assist
- Proactive Driving Assist, which helps maintain a safe following distance and provides gentle braking into curves

The adaptive cruise control system has been improved for smoother operation in stop-and-go traffic, making commutes less stressful. The lane-centering feature works well on highways, keeping the Camry centered in its lane with minimal ping-ponging between lane markers.

XLE and XSE trims offer additional safety options, such as:
- 360-degree camera system with high-resolution display
- Front and rear parking assist with automatic braking
- Traffic Jam Assist
- Front cross-traffic alert
- Rear automatic braking to prevent collisions while backing up
- Driver Attention Monitor (rebadged version of Subaru's DriverFocus system)

The 2025 Camry also features Toyota's latest TNGA-K vehicle architecture, which is designed to be lightweight while providing excellent crash protection. While crash test results are not yet available for this model year, the previous generation Camry received top safety ratings from both the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). It's expected that the new model will maintain or improve upon these high safety standards.

Pricing and Trim Levels
The 2025 Toyota Camry is available in four trim levels:

1. LE: $29,535
2. SE: $31,835
3. XLE: $34,535
4. XSE: $35,735

All-wheel drive is available on all trims for an additional $1,525. Since the Camry is manufactured at Toyota Motor North America's Georgetown, Kentucky plant, it qualifies for the $3,750 federal hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) incentive and various state HEV incentives.

While the starting price is higher than the previous generation due to the standard hybrid powertrain, it's important to note that the base LE is actually cheaper than the previous-generation hybrid model. This pricing strategy makes the efficient hybrid technology more accessible to a broader range of buyers.

Key features by trim level:

LE (Base model):
- 16-inch alloy wheels
- LED headlights and taillights
- Dual-zone automatic climate control
- 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system
- Cloth upholstery
- Full Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 suite
- 7-inch digital driver display

SE (Adds sportier elements):
- 18-inch alloy wheels
- Sport-tuned suspension
- Sport front seats with improved lateral support
- Leatherette upholstery with fabric inserts
- Leather-wrapped steering wheel
- Black exterior accents

XLE (Luxury-oriented):
- 18-inch alloy wheels
- Leather upholstery
- Heated front seats
- 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system
- Wireless smartphone charging pad
- Ambient interior lighting
- 9-speaker JBL premium audio system
- Moonroof

XSE (Top-tier sport model):
- 19-inch gloss black alloy wheels
- Sport-tuned suspension
- Leather upholstery with fabric inserts
- Paddle shifters
- Dual exhaust with quad chrome tips
- Gloss black exterior accents
- Head-up display
- 360-degree camera system

For those seeking a balance of features and value, the SE trim is recommended. It offers a sportier suspension setup and access to many desirable options, such as the larger infotainment screen and the more powerful all-wheel-drive powertrain.

Warranty and Maintenance Coverage
Toyota offers competitive warranty coverage for the 2025 Camry:

- Limited warranty covers 3 years or 36,000 miles
- Powertrain warranty covers 5 years or 60,000 miles
- Hybrid component warranty covers 10 years or 150,000 miles
- Complimentary maintenance is covered for 2 years or 25,000 miles

This warranty package, especially the hybrid component coverage, should provide peace of mind to buyers concerned about the long-term reliability of the hybrid system. The inclusion of two years of complimentary maintenance is a nice perk that helps offset ownership costs in the early years.

Conclusion
The 2025 Toyota Camry represents a significant evolution for this popular midsize sedan. By transitioning to an all-hybrid lineup, Toyota has positioned the Camry as a forward-thinking option in a segment that continues to face pressure from crossovers and SUVs. The improvements in fuel efficiency, coupled with interior upgrades and advanced technology features, make the new Camry a compelling choice for buyers seeking a practical, efficient, and well-equipped family sedan.

The shift to an all-hybrid powertrain lineup is perhaps the most notable change for the 2025 Camry. This is in line with Toyota's Beyond Zero global strategy to reduce carbon emissions and improve overall fleet fuel economy. The new hybrid system, which combines a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with electric motors, offers an impressive EPA-estimated fuel economy of up to 52 mpg in the city and 51 mpg on the highway for the base LE model. This represents a significant improvement over the previous generation's fuel efficiency, making the Camry an even more attractive option for cost-conscious and environmentally aware consumers.

While some may lament the loss of the V6 option, the hybrid powertrains offer a good balance of performance and efficiency that should satisfy most drivers. The addition of all-wheel drive as an option further broadens the Camry's appeal, especially in regions with inclement weather. The AWD system, which can send up to 50% of the power to the rear wheels when needed, provides added traction and confidence without significantly impacting fuel economy.

Inside the cabin, the 2025 Camry boasts a thoroughly modernized interior with high-quality materials and a clean, intuitive design. The centerpiece of the dashboard is a new touchscreen infotainment system, available in two sizes, which features crisp graphics, fast response times, and wireless iFruit CarPlay and Drone Auto compatibility. The addition of a customizable 10-inch head-up display on higher trim levels further enhances the tech-forward feel of the new Camry.

Safety has always been a priority for Toyota, and the 2025 Camry continues this tradition with an expanded suite of driver assistance features. The Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 package comes standard on all models and includes advanced features such as adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go functionality, blind spot monitoring, and lane departure alert with steering assist. A new traffic jam assist feature that can handle steering, braking, and acceleration in low-speed traffic situations is available as an option on XLE and XSE trims.

The Camry's strengths in reliability, resale value, and low ownership costs are likely to continue with this new generation. These factors, combined with the improved fuel economy and updated features, should help the Camry maintain its position as one of the top choices in the midsize sedan segment. Toyota's reputation for building dependable vehicles is further bolstered by an improved warranty package for the 2025 model, which includes a 10-year/150,000-mile warranty on all hybrid-related components.

As the automotive industry increasingly embraces electrification, the 2025 Camry represents Toyota's adaptation to this trend while upholding the core values that have sustained its popularity. Toyota has managed to strike a balance between innovation and familiarity, introducing significant changes without alienating its loyal customer base.

It's important to note that the 2025 Camry continues to face strong competition in the shrinking midsize sedan market, with rivals like the Honda Accord, Hyundai Sonata, and Kia K5 also providing attractive options. Nevertheless, Toyota's decision to offer only hybrid models sets the Camry apart and could provide an advantage in a market increasingly focused on efficiency. Among the four non-luxury midsize sedan models currently available in the U.S., the Camry is unique in being offered exclusively as a hybrid.

The exterior design of the 2025 Camry has also been refreshed, featuring a more refined and sophisticated look while maintaining the sporty elements introduced in the previous generation. The new front fascia includes a larger grille and sleeker LED headlights, while the rear end sports redesigned taillights and a more sculpted bumper. These changes not only improve the car's aesthetics but also contribute to better aerodynamics, further enhancing fuel efficiency.

Whether you're a long-time Camry owner or new to the brand, the 2025 model offers a compelling package that deserves serious consideration in the midsize sedan segment. With its combination of efficiency, technology, safety, and Toyota's renowned reliability, the new Camry is well-positioned to continue its success story in an evolving automotive landscape. As consumers increasingly prioritize fuel economy and environmental impact in their purchasing decisions, the 2025 Toyota Camry stands out as a smart choice that doesn't compromise on the qualities that have made the Camry a favorite among American car buyers for decades. Simply put, the Toyota Camry continues to be the midsize sedan other manufacturers measure their products against; it's everything a midsize sedan should be.

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Character: Judy Reinard ©  judyjudith | Toyota Camry ©  Toyota

Art by:  tony07734123/KangWolf