The Toyota Camry is proof that a sedan can stay relevant, and even thrive, in a world dominated by SUVs. It’s also a good example of how hybrid tech is not just mainstream, but nearly ubiquitous. It’s certainly omnipresent across the Camry lineup this generation, with each trim getting at least one electric motor (all-wheel drive adds a second at the rear) to complement the 2.5-liter inline-four under the hood, plus another small e-motor serving as a generator for when the engine is asleep. The result is an adequately powerful sedan that’s impressively efficient, with fuel economy figures as high as 51 miles per gallon combined.
Toyota is a veteran of the hybrid world, with over two decades of selling them in the U.S. Since the launch of the Prius, Toyota has produced numerous other hybrids, helping to perfect the tech for various segments and use cases, and even lending its systems to other automakers. The new Camry’s hybrid powertrain is the result of years of refinement to create a car that is as quiet and comfortable as it is efficient.
“The Camry feels like mom’s spaghetti sauce that somehow tastes better each time you eat it. It knows what it was built to do and does it like a champ.” — William Clavey, Editor-at-Large
And it’s not just the fuel savings that make this such an economical choice. The 2025 Camry starts under $30,000, and even the higher trims keep well under $40,000. Nevertheless, the Camry doesn’t force sacrifices upon its owner for those savings. On the contrary, it treats the driver and passengers to a spacious interior with quality materials and easy-to-use tech.
We award this category to the hybrid vehicle that performs the best in four areas: Value, Success Relative to Mission, Tech, and Gut (something about the pieces of the car just come together in a way that’s pleasing), as voted upon by the TopSpeed staff. This was a particularly crowded field of competitors, making the Camry’s win all the more impressive, especially for such a mainstream nameplate.
The Toyota Camry Has Staying power
The 2025 Toyota Camry may not be the most thrilling driver — that’s not its mission, after all — but it remains an excellent place to spend time and a comfortable way to get around. Toyota didn’t have to change much going into this ninth generation of the Camry. It was already a solid seller, bolstered in no small part its reputation for reliability. As Editor-at-Large William Clavey noted inhis First Drive review, his 2001 Camry XLE V-6 is still in service, though under new ownership.
And it’s not because it’s the most entertaining car to drive — though the new Camry holds its own, especially with the sportier suspension tuning of the XLE or XSE. It’s not because it’s the cheapest, nor the most high-tech, or the coolest design. The Camry is so successful because it’s predictably good across the board, and doesn’t try to be something it’s not. Why would Toyota try to deviate from a proven path when it already knows exactly what its loyal customers want?
The Runner-Up: 2025 BMW X5 xDrive50e
The BMW X5 has been a great SUV for a long time, both practical and a bit aspirational, with plenty of performance on offer. The new generation maintains that, and improves things a little bit. And despite a plug-in hybrid’s reputation for efficiency, the X5 xDrive50e is an upgrade in power over the base model, and over the previous generation. With a total of 483 horsepower and 516 pound-feet of torque at the ready, this sucker can really move.
And if you do want to drive green, you can utilize the X5 xDrive50e’s 39 miles of all-electric range, which is enough to cover most Americans’ daily commutes. You have to behave yourself, though, as the temptation of spinning up that beefy, twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter I-6 under the hood is a constant presence.
Whatever way you decide to drive, you’ll be in a well-designed, comfortable crossover with a surprising amount of room for people and cargo, plus a whole host of luxury content. You’ll pay for it, though. The X5 xDrive50e starts at $73,100, but owners will probably tell you it’s money well spent.
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