American drivers just love their pickup trucks and utility vehicles. Millions and millions of these vehicles are snapped up by the motoring public every year, a trend that has been going on for decades. This shift in preference has greatly diminished the sales of traditional sedans, four-door family cars that used to dominate the nation’s roadways like Google does internet searches. Responding to this, in recent years, many manufacturers, including Ford, Chevrolet, Mazda, Lincoln, and Jaguar and have either completely stopped making sedans or have greatly diminished their passenger car offerings. But not Toyota, oh no.
Along with the smaller Corolla and elevated (both in terms of appointments and ride height) Crown, this Japanese automaker still offers the venerable Camry, America’s favorite four-door for more than two decades. Redesigned for the 2025 model year, this sedan offers more style, enhanced safety equipment, a retuned suspension, and even a standard hybrid powertrain that greatly improves efficiency with practically no trade-offs. To see how this new Camry feels and performs, Toyota sent me an upper-midrange XLE model with traction-enhancing all-wheel drive, another new feature with the electrified powertrain. Priced at $42,232 including $1,095 in destination fees, this vehicle certainly isn’t cheap, but it’s still remarkably affordable for everything it provides.
In order to provide you with an honest and unbiased review, the vehicle reviewed in this article was driven on a daily basis throughout the course of daily life for a period of one week. For detailed insight into testing procedures and data collection, please review our methodology policy.
2025 Toyota Camry XLE All-Wheel Drive First Impressions
I’ve never been a huge fan of Toyota design. In decades past, the automaker’s vehicles looked sleepy and uninspired, about as exciting as eating plain Cream of Wheat for dinner after a hard day of work. The cars were functional, safe, and undeniably reliable, they were just as sleepy as a litter of newborn puppies.
Fast forward to around 10 to 15 years ago and the automaker went in the completely opposite direction. Jettisoning its trademark blandness, Toyota vehicles became aggressively styled, with sharp creases, pronounced angles, and massive grilles. While far more interesting, I found this new design to be largely incongruous and rather over the top.
Strengths |
Weaknesses |
---|---|
|
|
Fortunately for me, and other drivers that appreciate subtly, Toyota stylists have learned how to split the difference between these extremes. The new Prius hybrid, for instance, is absolutely stunning, a gorgeous little hatchback that looks far more premium than its price tag would ever suggest. Additionally, the new Crown Signia station wagon (a technical term) four-door looks fantastic, and I’m happy to report, so does the 2025 Camry.
This sedan still has a large grille, but it better fits the front end and is far less angular than the previous model’s. As with the Prius, the latest Camry has C-shaped headlamps that look neat and tidy, assemblies that are mirrored at the back end by taillights that are similarly designed. Viewed in profile, this sedan looks nearly identical to its predecessor, which is fine, as the bodyside was clean and attractive.
Overall, the 2025 Camry is more handsome than ever. This car’s new styling is both sophisticated and subtle, something I greatly appreciate. As expected for a Toyota, the fitment of the various body panels is good, with consistent gaps all around. The paint job is likewise good, with a shiny, even finish that helps this example’s no-extra-cost teal hue called Ocean Gem really pop.
Exterior Dimensions
2025 Toyota Camry XLE AWD |
|
Length |
193.5 Inches |
Width |
72.4 Inches |
Height |
56.9 Inches |
Wheelbase |
111.2 Inches |
Front Track |
62.2 Inches |
Rear Track |
62.8 Inches |
Curb Weight |
3,649 Pounds |
Driving Impressions And Performance
The 2025 Camry is only offered with a hybrid powertrain. Some pundits are sure to gripe about this strategic decision, decrying the loss of the standard four-cylinder engine and optional V-6, but for Toyota this is 100 percent the right choice. The car’s electrified drivetrain is not only smooth and quiet, but it delivers excellent fuel economy and provides all the performance you could really ever need from a family-friendly car.
When it comes to chassis tuning, this new Camry does what is needs to. The ride quality is firmer than you might expect, but it’s also very refined. The suspension does a great job filtering out vibration and roadway grittiness, the sort of things that cause annoyance and fatigue on long drives. You do feel larger inputs, but the car handles them well, delivering a ride that is both smooth and planted. As for the steering, you don’t really get any road feel – par for the course in modern vehicles with electric assist – but the rack is remarkably sharp, with a quick-feeling ratio that makes this Toyota seem smaller and nimbler than its exterior dimensions would suggest. Overall, the new Camry is pleasant to drive and smooth without ever being sloppy.
Braking And Acceleration
As with many other hybrids in the broader Toyota lineup, the Camry’s powertrain is built around a familiar 2.5-liter four-cylinder that delivers 184 horsepower and 163 pound-feet of torque on its own, but this engine is not working alone. It’s augmented by an efficiency-boosting electronically controlled continuously variable automatic transmission (eCVT) that incorporates a couple motor-generators and a fancy planetary gearset. Additionally, models fitted with all-wheel drive feature an extra motor at the rear that powers the back axle. A 4.0-amp-hour lithium-ion battery pack is also part of the powertrain equation, storing and releasing energy as needed to dramatically slash fuel consumption.
What does all this under-hood wizardry get you? Well, front-wheel-drive models are graced with a respectable 225 system net horsepower and versions with four driven wheels have 232 hp. This output won’t throw you back into the seat like getting kicked by a horse, but it’s enough to move the Camry with authority. The 60-mph sprint should take less than 7 seconds. The engine will never win a Grammy for its singing voice, but this four-cylinder is smooth and quiet, slightly more refined than the hybrid system Ford uses in the Maverick small pickup truck and Lincoln Corsair Grand Touring, plus this setup is super-efficient.
When it’s time to slow down, the Camry’s blended braking system works well, though the pedal feels a bit rubbery under your toes. Still, the transition between regenerative braking, which recuperates energy that would normally be wasted, sending it to the battery pack to be used again later, and the conventional friction brakes is about as seamless as it gets. Pay attention to surrounding traffic, avoid charging at red lights or stop signs, and keep a gentle foot when decelerating are a few simple tips that help maximize fuel economy.
Performance Specifications
Engine |
2.5-liter four-cylinder |
Transmission |
eCVT |
Engine Horsepower |
184 @ 6,000 RPM |
Engine Torque |
163 LB-FT @ 5,200 RPM |
Hybrid System Net Horsepower (FWD/AWD) |
225/232 |
Battery Capacity |
4.0 Amp Hours |
Estimated City Fuel Economy |
46 MPG |
Estimated Highway Fuel Economy |
46 MPG |
Estimated Combined Fuel Economy |
46 MPG |
0-60 MPH |
6.8 Seconds |
Make And Model Fuel Economy
As alluded to earlier, the 2025 Camry is super fuel-efficient, but just how economical is this sedan? Well, the all-wheel-drive XLE model is rated at an even 46 miles per gallon straight across the board on all three test cycles: city, highway, and combined. Other versions of the 2025 Camry are even more efficient than that, with the LE front-drive model delivering an estimated 53 mpg city, 50 highway,y and 51 combined. In mixed driving over the week, a blend of driving on two-lane roads, puttering around town, and a little bit of high-speed freeway cruising, I managed to get 42.2 mpg according to the onboard computer, a little less than I expected. Toyota hybrids typically underpromise and overdeliver, though that score is still phenomenal.
City |
Highway |
Combined |
|
EPA Rated Economy: |
46 MPG |
46 MPG |
46 MPG |
Fuel Economy As Tested: |
42.2 MPG |
Interior Design And Comfort
As with its exterior, the Camry’s cabin is much nicer than before. The dashboard design has been cleaned up and is more elegant, though the striated piano black trim is a bit much, and will be a magnet for dust, fingerprints, and micro scratches. Other than that, there are attractive soft plastics on the dashboard and door panels, and this XLE model is also gussied up with some Dinamica artificial suede. Treated to a crosshatch pattern, this material adds a bit of extra warmth and softness to the interior.
Wrapped in leather, this car’s front seats are soft and supportive, power-adjustable in eight ways with heating and ventilation. These chairs are broad and rather flat. I’d prefer something a bit more form-fitting, but the front seats are still very comfortable, noticeably better than what you get in many vehicles these days.
Moving rearward, the Camry’s backseat is spacious and comfortable, roomy enough to easily accommodate six-foot-tall passengers. Folks any lankier than that will start to run out of headroom and noggin space, but still, this sedan takes care of passengers well. Furthermore, the XLE all-wheel-drive example provided for testing comes with separate air vents for the backseat and there are two USB ports at the back of the center console, one type-A and a type-C. There’s also a fold-down center armrest with a pair of cupholders, though FLOP-down might be more appropriate, as the component limply lays on the bottom cushion rather than being supported by some sort of elaborate hinge mechanism.
Interior Dimensions
Front |
Rear |
|
Max Headroom |
38.3 Inches |
37.6 Inches |
Max Shoulder Room |
57.7 Inches |
55.7 Inches |
Max Hip Room |
55.4 Inches |
54.6 Inches |
Max Legroom |
42.1 Inches |
38.0 Inches |
Technology And Ease Of Use
An 8-inch touchscreen is standard in this Toyota, though higher-end models feature a lovely 12.3-inch touchscreen that is bright and colorful. The infotainment system that runs on there is not my favorite, but it’s easy enough to use and quite responsive. A bonus, wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay are both standard across the lineup, and a wireless charging pad is included at no extra cost, too. I might be a bit old-fashioned, but I still prefer to bring a cable and plug my phone in, which I generally find to perform better and be more reliable, but to each their own.
Aside from all that, a seven-inch gauge display is standard in the LE and SE models, though the XLE and XSE grades feature a larger 12.3-inch cluster. That instrumentation provides a wide range of different views, but cycling through the menus is a little more complicated than I’d like, it’s not immediately intuitive. What is dead simple to use, however, are physical climate controls mounted high on the dashboard for excellent visibility. Other vehicles bury these commonly used controls in their touchscreens, but physical switches and buttons will always be superior, and you won’t change my mind.
The Camry comes standard with five USB ports and one 12-volt power socket. A 10-inch head-up display is also available on the higher-end XLE and XSE models. As advertised, this display is clear and crisp, helping you keep tabs on vital vehicle functions (chiefly speed) without taking your eyes off the road.
Cargo And Storage Space
Many drivers have switched from traditional sedans to pickup trucks and SUVs because of versatility. These vehicles typically have much more interior space than four-door cars, though the Camry is still plenty capacious. This Toyota has 15.1 cubic feet of trunk space, a respectable amount for a midsize sedan. Further enhancing this car’s usefulness, the 60/40 split rear backrest folds down, so long cargo can be accommodated, though the opening in the rear bulkhead is unexpectedly small.
The center console has a pair of large cupholders to accommodate a wide range of refreshments, plus there’s a useful cubby immediately ahead of these beverage receptacles. The flip-up armrest between the front seats also covers a decently large bin, one that could swallow a range of knick-knacks or even a small purse. There are also pockets in every door, though none of them are particularly large.
Cargo Capacity |
15.1 Cubic-Feet |
Max Passenger Volume |
99.9 Cubic-Feet |
2025 Toyota Camry XLE All-Wheel Drive vs. Its Competitors
As it always has, the Camry competes against other midsize sedans. Over the decades, this has included offerings like the Chevy Malibu, Chrysler 200, Mazda6 and Mitsubishi Galant as well as the Ford Taurus and Fusion, though the herd has dramatically thinned in recent years. Today, rival models include the Hyundai Sonata, Kia K5, Nissan Altima, maybe the Tesla Model 3 for drivers that are interested in something fully electric, and, of course, the Honda Accord. And that last model is, and always has been, the Camry’s No. 1 competitor, a proud tradition that continues in 2025.
How The Make Model Compares To The Make Model
Like Coke vs. Pepsi, McDonald’s vs. Burger King or Michigan vs. Ohio State, the Accord and Camry are CLASSIC rivals. If you’re trying to decide between these two sedans, the good news is you can’t make a mistake because both are phenomenal.
Traditionally, the Accord has had more interesting design and often been more engaging to drive. In comparison, the Camry is probably slightly more reliable and efficient, though the differences here are incredibly minor. What’s interesting for 2025, though, is that the Camry may be the more stylish of these two sedans. The current Accord’s exterior design is clean and timeless, though also somewhat boring.
Performance
The Camry Hybrid’s powertrain is built around a naturally aspirated 2.5-liter four-cylinder. In comparison, the Accord Hybrid features a smaller 2.0-liter engine. With either front- or all-wheel drive, the Toyota has a horsepower advantage, as the Accord Hybrid’s total system output is 204 ponies. Additionally, all-wheel drive is not available in the Accord, another advantage for the Toyota.
Comparing fuel economy, these two electrified four-doors are very close. The most economical Camry Hybrid stickers at 53/50/51 (city, highway, combined), while the XLE All-wheel-drive model is rated at 46 mpg across the board. As for the Accord Hybrid, it maxes out at 51/44/48, though fancier trims should return 46/41/44 mpg.
Comfort
Neither of these sedans has a big comfort advantage over the other. The Accord Hybrid has a tiny bit more front row legroom and 2.8 inches more in the backseat. The Camry, however, offers almost an inch more headroom up front and nearly half an inch more in the back. At an advertised 16.7 cubic feet, the Honda is slightly more capacious than the Toyota.
Both cars offer leather trimmings as well as heated and ventilated front bucket seats with power. The Accord’s driver chair is available with 10-way adjustment, two more than the Camry, however, the Honda is only offered with a four-way passenger seat, where the Camry is available 8-way power adjustment. It’s likely that comfort is largely a wash between these two cars.
Technology
Again, since the Accord and Camry are such heated rivals, the product development teams at each automaker are excellent at keeping pace with each other, and this is no different when we look at technology. The Accord Hybrid comes standard with a 12.3-inch touchscreen and a 10.2-inch digital instrument cluster; wireless smartphone mirroring is included, too. A 6-inch head-up display is also available on the range-topping Touring trim. As outlined above, these specs are broadly similar to what the Camry Hybrid offers.
Our Recommendation For Which Model You Should Buy
Choosing between the Camry Hybrid and Accord Hybrid is both easy and difficult. This task is simple because both vehicles are excellent, a near-perfect foil to the other, so you can’t make a mistake. But because of this lockstep similarity, picking a clear winner is almost impossible.
Inside and out, the Camry is more visually interesting, but the Accord has a touch more trunk volume. The most efficient version of this Toyota gets a couple more miles per gallon, but the Honda has slightly more backseat legroom. Tit for tat, each model parries the other’s blows.
If I had to pick between these two cars, I’d probably opt for the Camry in this case, which traditionally would not be the case. I think this generation of the Toyota looks a little nicer than the Accord, plus I appreciate the available all-wheel drive and that a hybrid drivetrain is standard across the model range. Throw in comfortable seats, good technology and a fair price for even the higher-end XLE trim, and you have a recipe for continued showroom success.
Read the full article here