I'm back in the saddle of the new, hybrid-only 2025 Camry this week. This time, the XLE variant, which I am particularly interested in because my parents have a current generation XLE and are considering the new one.
As I shared in my review of the SE model, while the the new Camry doesn't get drastically different proportions, it takes on more modern, chiseled, athletic looks.
My XLE test vehicle really turned my head in a new Ocean Gem hue. It's really gorgeous especially set against 18-inch two-tone black and machined-finished wheels.
The XLE's metallic grey bar grille is flanked by dual LED headlights. It also features chrome accents on the window trim and rear "CAMRY" lettering. Premium LED combo taillights and a gloss black rear diffuser round out the tail end.
Other exterior elements include black front side air curtains and heated side mirrors which are optionally heated.
So you know by now the new Camry is exclusively a hybrid. A 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine is paired with Toyota's 5th-generation Hybrid System, mated to an Electronic Continuously Variable Transmission. The powertrain delivers 232-hp for all-wheel drive equipped models. (It drops to 225 horsepower for front-wheel drive.)
My XLE is equipped with available all-wheel drive - and still gets amazing fuel economy. We're talking 46 mpg combined. That's just a gallon less than the forward-wheel drive model.
My XLE's light gray leather- and Dinamica microfiber-trimmed interior certainly looks inviting. A quilted-patterned fabric was a surprise on the dash and door panels. Unfortunately leather-only is not an XLE option and you must step up to the XSE.
As I divulged in my previous SE review, the new Camry's seats are redesigned for enhanced seat comfort and have longer seat cushions. I am pleased to report that both myself and my parents deemed them more cushiony in the XLE variant, as opposed to the SE, which I'll attribute to differences in upholstery. The XLE's 8-way power driver and passenger front seats are heated and optionally ventilated. The Camry's available leather-wrapped, heated steering wheel with paddle shifters is more refined than the previous one.
A redesigned center stack relocates the middle air vents. They're smaller and now sit below the multimedia screen. Below, Toyota sticks with traditional dual-zone digital climate controls.
A subtly redesigned center console with gloss black trim stays fairly true to form. Square cup holders replace round ones and the wireless charger goes vertical. You'll see a familiar-to-Camry gear shift knob, along with the controls for the electric parking brake, brake hold, and drive modes.
Tech updates are terrific. The XLE benefits from two new 12.3-inch displays. One is a new digital tachometer that you'll find in other new Toyotas. The other is a new 12.3-inch touchscreen that runs the new Toyota Multimedia Audio system. I'm a fan of this system which includes "Hey Toyota" voice command. Graphics are good, the touchscreen is responsive and maps also look great. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto is also standard across the lineup, regardless of screen size.
Roomy both in front and back, the new Camry is one of those now-rare sedans that doesn't give up too much headroom in the rear due to stadium seating or a fast-back design. The XLE's 60/40 split second row is comfortable and offers passengers a drop-down center console with cupholders, soft seat back pockets and A/C vents. You'll find plenty of room in the trunk.
A Premium Plus package adds some nice upgrades I think I'd have to have. They include a nine speaker JBL system, glass panoramic sunroof, ventilated seats, a panoramic view monitor, rain sensing wipers and some additional advanced driver assistance tech.
Standard Camry features include 5 USB ports in the cabin, three of those USB-Cs.
Ride and Drive
The Camry is quite simply a winner in the ride and drive department. It's going to make your passengers happy with its smooth, comfortable ride. And you as the driver are going to enjoy a nice steering feel, nice acceleration and great handling.
A big difference between the SE and XLE - cabin noise. The XLE was noticeably quieter and there's a reason for that. Unlike the SE, the XLE and XSE grades benefit from front-side acoustic laminated glass that helps reduce wind noise and harshness. It's one of the top reasons I'd opt for the high-end trims.
I've been very impressed with Toyota's latest safety system TSS 3.0 and I am thrilled say the 2025 Camry now benefits from it. It includes 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.
Other standard safety features include blind spot monitor with rear-cross traffic alert, safe exit alert, rear seat reminder, hill start assist control.
This model is optionally equipped with a bunch of other safety tech: front cross-traffic alert, rear parking assist with automatic braking, rear cross traffic braking, a 10-inch head-up display and front and rear parking assist.
After driving the SE I admit to a bit of sticker shock with the XLE. It's about $10-grand over the SE I reviewed, but granted it has roughly $5,700 worth of options (the bulk of which is the Premium Plus package which has a lot of great driver assistance tech). Plus, it's equipped with all-wheel drive.
Here are the options: the Premium Plus Package ($4,760), trunk LED bulb ($25), Cargo net ($49), illuminated door sills ($345), wheel locks ($90) Carpet floor protection ($309) and mudguards ($150).
The new Camry hybrid has an impressive lineup. Speaking to the SE, XLE and sporty XSE (which I drove briefly earlier this year), you can't go wrong. The Camry as a whole is more refined, has a wonderful new powertrain and fantastic tech upgrades. As for my parents, the XLE would definitely be their choice over the SE due to seat comfort and the quieter cabin.
2025 Camry Hybrid XLE in a few words: A more refined sedan with a fantastic new hybrid powertrain and technology updates.
Warranty: 36 months/36,000 miles basic warranty; 60 months/60,000 miles powertrain, 60 months/unlimited miles Corrosion Perforation.