The Toyota Camry has long been synonymous with reliable, comfortable, and economical transportation. For decades, it has been a top choice for drivers seeking a dependable sedan that prioritizes practicality over thrills. The 2025 Toyota Camry marks a new generation, aiming to be the “best Camry ever,” according to loyalists. But does this redesign truly elevate the Camry beyond its established reputation, or is it simply a refreshed version of the same sensible, yet somewhat unexciting, formula? This review delves into the all-new 2025 Toyota Camry XSE to uncover whether it offers more than just dependable blandness, and if it justifies its increasingly premium price tag.
Exterior Styling: A Case of Mismatched Halves?
The 2025 Camry represents a full redesign, replacing the previous generation that debuted in 2018. While the older model enjoyed significant sales success, Toyota opted for an evolutionary rather than revolutionary approach to the new design. The automaker has grafted a new front and rear onto what appears to be the same central structure of the outgoing model. This results in a somewhat disjointed aesthetic, where sharp, modern design cues at the front and rear clash with the carry-over, rounder midsection. The reviewer found this approach to lack visual harmony, suggesting a “lazy overhaul.” Furthermore, certain trim levels feature a prominent mesh lower front fascia that may appear garish, especially on brighter paint colors. While subjective, the exterior design of the 2025 Toyota Camry might not be universally appealing and could be considered a step back in cohesiveness for some.
Interior Ambiance and Comfort: An Appreciable Upgrade
Stepping inside the 2025 Camry, there is a noticeable improvement in overall cabin quality. The XSE trim, positioned as the top-tier offering, showcases the nicest Camry interior to date. Occupant space is generous both in the front and rear, and the seats provide ample comfort for longer journeys. The leather-wrapped steering wheel feels premium to the touch, and the large center display screen is user-friendly and responsive. The interior is consistently “good” across the board, lacking any glaring weaknesses. However, it doesn’t quite reach the level of luxury found in competitors like the Hyundai Sonata, particularly in material quality.
Despite the positive steps forward, the interior isn’t without its flaws. The steering wheel controls are criticized for being overly complicated and cluttered with buttons, some of which feature glossy surfaces prone to fingerprints. The digital gauge cluster is described as typical “Toyotaness,” implying a lack of intuitiveness and customization options. While cabin quality is improved, the overall design remains somewhat bland, lacking standout elements that spark excitement. A peculiar trim piece on the dashboard, resembling “venetian blinds,” is mentioned as visually jarring and out of place. A notable oversight is the exposed hexagonal screws on the sun visor mounts, an unusual and unrefined detail in a new vehicle interior.
Technology and Safety Features: Helpful and Hindering
The 2025 Toyota Camry comes equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety systems and standard features expected in modern vehicles. However, it also incorporates Toyota’s “PDA” (Proactive Driving Assist), an active driving assistant that functions continuously, even when cruise control is not engaged. This system, intended to prevent close following, is criticized for being overly sensitive and applying brakes unnecessarily, even on downhill stretches of country roads. The reviewer found it intrusive and even potentially dangerous, requiring throttle input to override the system. While it can be deactivated, the process involves navigating the complex steering wheel controls, as the setting is not accessible through the main display.
Performance and Hybridization: A Welcome Power Boost
A significant change for the 2025 Camry is that every model is now exclusively a hybrid. This move is seen as a positive step by Toyota. Power output has increased to 225 horsepower for front-wheel drive models and 232 horsepower for all-wheel drive versions. This power gain is immediately noticeable, providing the Camry with improved responsiveness when accelerating. More importantly, the updated 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine is now more refined, addressing the previous generation’s reputation for a rough and unrefined engine note. The new engine operates more quietly and smoothly. The 2025 Camry achieves a 0-60 mph time of approximately seven seconds, aligning it with the Toyota Prius in terms of acceleration, though slower than the outgoing V6 Camry.
Fuel Efficiency: Falling Short of Expectations?
The window sticker for the Camry XSE hybrid boasts an impressive 47 MPG combined fuel economy. However, real-world testing revealed a still respectable but lower 39 MPG during a week of typical driving. This discrepancy suggests that the 2025 Camry may not quite live up to its advertised fuel efficiency figures. Interestingly, newer Toyota hybrids, in general, seem to deliver slightly worse mileage than their predecessors, potentially due to a focus on enhanced performance. While the fuel economy is still commendable, prospective buyers should be aware that real-world MPG may fall short of the official claims.
Driving Dynamics: Competent but Uninspiring
In terms of driving experience, the 2025 Camry remains “competently complacent,” prioritizing comfort and ease of use over engaging dynamics. The steering is described as lacking feel and feedback, discouraging spirited driving. However, the front wheels respond accurately to driver inputs. Ride quality is commendable, providing a comfortable experience across various road surfaces, with minimal wind and road noise intrusion. When pushed in corners, the Camry reveals its lack of sporting intentions. It lacks precision and composure in quick maneuvers, exhibiting noticeable body roll during transitions. While handling remains adequate up to a certain point, the Camry clearly prefers a relaxed pace. Competitors like the Honda Accord and Mazda6 offer surprisingly more engaging and enjoyable driving dynamics in comparison. Toyota’s focus remains on comfort and practicality, which aligns with the preferences of their typical customer base.
Conclusion: A Better Camry, But Is It Enough?
The 2025 Toyota Camry is undeniably an improvement over its predecessor, offering enhanced interior quality, a more refined hybrid powertrain, and the same dependable and comfortable transportation experience that Camry is known for. However, it doesn’t fully shed its reputation for blandness. The exterior design is debatable, the interior, while improved, still lacks excitement, and the driving experience remains uninspired. The most significant concern, however, might be the price. The top-of-the-line XSE model reaches a hefty $42,195, a considerable sum for a Camry. For buyers seeking a more engaging driving experience or a truly luxurious interior, alternatives might be more appealing. The 2025 Camry is a better version of itself, but it’s still fundamentally a Camry – sensible, reliable, but ultimately, bland, and now more expensive.
Pros:
- Typically impressive hybrid fuel economy
- Improved interior
Cons:
- Mismatched exterior design
- Expensive price tag
- Lacks dynamic driving appeal
