This week I bring you the all-new ninth-generation 2025 Toyota Camry. A review I must say I've been uniquely looking forward to - as I'm not just reviewing for all of you, but my parents as well. They have a 2020 XLE Camry and are considering an upgrade to the 2025, to get all the new technology and safety features it has to offer.
Truth be told, this is actually my second time with the new Camry - albeit it's my first full week with one. I drove one briefly at the TAWA Texas Auto Roundup in the spring. That model was a range-topping XSE.
This week's review vehicle is the SE, which slots second of four trims. Be forewarned however that it is equipped with a few optional packages, which give it more amenities than you'll find on the base SE.
While the Camry gets new looks, it's still distinctively recognizable as a Camry. Its re-styled exterior is on point with current trends - that is to say it gets sleeker, more modern as well as more athletic. It has a low and wide stance. Dimensions don't really change except it's a tad longer.
My SE model wears Reservoir Blue set against sporty with 18-inch black finished wheels, a black sport mesh front grille along with front bumper side canards, side sport air curtains, and sport side rocker panels, and in the back, a rear sport lower diffuser along with single exhaust with dual chrome tips. A color keyed rear spoiler and gloss-black CAMRY lettering give a nice look from the tail end.
Heated side mirrors have integrated turn signals and blind spot warning indicators. The SE is equipped with Bi-LED low and high beams, along with LED daytime running lights and tail lights.
The big powertrain news with the Camry - is that it's hybrid-only. A 2.5 Liter 4-Cylinder Engine paired with Toyota's Hybrid System delivers 225 horsepower for front-wheel drive models like this one. It increases slightly to 232-hp for all-wheel drive equipped models. The engine is mated to a CVT which I didn't have any complaints about. Also new for 2025: all hybrid grades are available with all-wheel drive, a first for Camry hybrid.
First, let me say, that the quality of the cabin impresses for the SE's base $30K price point. It's not luxurious - but it's nice. It's also roomy, like the current generation.
My test model comes in a two-tone medium gray interior dubbed "Boulder" and sports SofTex- and fabric-trimmed seats with bold white accents. The driver's seat is 8-way power, but the passenger's seat is manually adjustable. I took my parents for a spin, and sadly the seats didn't live up the ones in their current 2020 XLE (which admittedly is a higher trim level so perhaps a comparison isn't really fair.) More padding for the seat cushion was on my mom's wish list. Interestingly, however, Toyota says it enhanced seat comfort by changing the shape and density of the seat cushion as well as by increasing the cushion length. Perhaps it's the difference in fabric?
The Camry's new available leather-wrapped, heated steering wheel gets my thumbs up- the design seems more refined and sleeker sans the heavy silver trim it had previously. Above it, you'll see a new 7-inch digital gauge cluster, (you get a 12.3-inch fully digital display on the top trims.) Also a huge leap into the modern digital age.
My favorite update however is the new multimedia system and optional in the SE 12.3-inch touchscreen (8-inch is standard). More on the multimedia system itself later. Another notable change related to the re-design of the center stack is regarding the air vents. They're now located below the multimedia screen - and - they are smaller. Given my mom's love of car A/C I was a bit worried, however, she was happy with the the A/C performance so it was non-issue. Above it you find easy to use traditional climate controls.
The redesigned center console doesn't change dramatically. Trim pieces are more refined. The cup holders are square as opposed to round and the wireless charger is now vertical. On the console you'll find familiar-to-Camry controls for the electric parking brake, brake hold, and drive modes. The leather-trimmed gear shift knob is a surprise - as in -if I'm not mistaken it's exactly the same. Toyota did not update it with its new gear shift knob, likely because the Camry still goes with the aforementioned CVT. Moving along, the console bin is also pretty much the same in the new model, except there are no USB ports in it, just a 12-volt.
Rear seat passengers enjoy lots of leg room, and headroom is okay too. They get a basic drop-down center console with cupholders, along with their own A/C vents. Soft seat back pockets give it some upscale ambiance. It's a 60/40 rear split seat setup, and like the current generation there's plenty of cargo space.
Other standard features in the SE include aluminum sport pedals, a lockable glove box, and dual zone climate with with an air filter and humidity sensors.
Multimedia / Connectivity / Audio
The new Toyota Multimedia Auto system is fantastic - I've had the chance to experience it multiple times. The entire lineup offers wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto regardless of screen size, a huge plus. Navigation works great, as does "Hey Toyota" its voice command system. A six speaker sound system is standard on the SE and sounded okay to me. A nine speaker JBL system is an option on the top two grades. Connectivity wise, there are 5 USB ports: two A's and 3 C's which is a terrific mix.
Ride and Drive
Getting behind the wheel of the Camry - while all-new - was delightfully familiar in mostly the best ways. Toyota says it re-engineered the suspension and Camry also has a newly adopted electronically controlled braking system. (The SE and XSE have a specific sport-tuned suspension.)
As expected, the Camry's ride and drive is comfortable, easy-going and enjoyable. The ride is smooth, (something my mom also remarked on), handling is great, and steering is responsive especially in sport mode. Acceleration is terrific!
On the downside, I wish the cabin was quieter. Upon reading the media release, I discovered why. Only the top two grades benefit from standard front-side acoustic laminated glass that helps reduce wind noise and harshness.
But wow!! Let's talk about that great fuel economy! 47 MPG combined!
The new Camry is equipped with Toyota Safety Sense 3.0, a fantastic suite of advanced driver assistance features. Features include: Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection, Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist, Full-Speed Range Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, Lane Tracing Assist, Road Sign Assist, Auto High Beams and Proactive Driving Assist which is Toyota's semi-autonomous driving system
Other standard safety features include blind spot monitor with rear-cross traffic alert, safe exit alert, rear seat reminder, hill start assist control.
My grade does not have a head-up display, panoramic camera, rear cross traffic braking, front cross-traffic alert, lane change assist or front and rear parking assist. All are options on the top two Camry trims.
Back to price. Wow, Toyota really did a fantastic job offering such a well-crafted, stylish sedan at the SE's price point, options or not.
Note again that this SE model is additionally well-equipped because of extra options. Those include the Convenience Package ($600) with an auto-dimming rearview mirror with HomeLink® universal garage door opener, Smart Key System on front doors and trunk with Push Button Start, remote keyless entry system and remote illuminated entry.
It also has the Cold Weather Package ($500) with heated Front Seats and the leather-trimmed heated tilt/telescopic steering wheel with paddle shifters
Finally the Multimedia Upgrade package ($735) nets you that wonderful can't-live- without 12.3-in. Toyota Audio Multimedia touchscreen.
Still, the MSRP is roughly $32,500 -- which I consider an outstanding value. Also considering Toyota's well-known reputation for its hybrid technology and high resale value.
I did lament the lack of a Panoramic moonroof - which fortunately you can get on the top two trims.
Toyota knew better than to mess too much with a good thing, as is obvious with the new Camry. It gets better in all the right ways, while keeping its successful formula that's made it a best-seller in the U.S. for count em' - 22 years! Toyota clearly knows its market and knows what works for Camry buyers. Something that's so important as sedan sales dwindle, as it will keep loyal Camry buyers hooked.
As for the question of the hour - will my parents soon have a 2025 Camry in their driveway? The jury is still out on what they'll decide to do, but if they do upgrade to a new Camry I expect it will be the XLE grade like the one the are enjoying now.
2025 Camry Hybrid in a few words: A superb redesign that keeps the Camry poised to retain its best-selling crown for years to come.
Warranty: 36 months/36,000 miles basic warranty; 60 months/60,000 miles powertrain, 60 months/unlimited miles Corrosion Perforation.