2025 Toyota Camry XSE Hybrid Review: Sporty In Looks and Feel
Toyota has launched the ninth-generation 2025 Camry as a bold, hybrid-only model, now available with all-wheel drive. After a quick test drive in the Camry XSE FWD, I was thoroughly impressed overall. That said, there's still some room for improvement. The sleek, sporty looks and driving dynamics of Toyota's refreshed sedan make the loss of the V-6 engine option tolerable- though it's hard to forget.
New Camry Is Hybrid-Only, But No Plug-In (Yet)
Powering the 2025 Toyota Camry is the automaker's fifth-generation Toyota Hybrid System. The powertrain includes a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine paired with two electric motors in FWD models and three motors in AWD models. The Camry produces a healthy 225 horsepower in FWD models and up to 232 in AWD models.
There is no longer a V-6 engine option, but the new Camry does get impressive fuel economy returns. According to the EPA, the Camry LE FWD grade returns 53 mpg in the city and 50 mpg on the highway. The Camry LE AWD grade returns 51 mpg in the city and 49 mpg on the road. Front-wheel drive SE, XLE, and XSE grades are rated at 48 mpg city/47 mpg highway, while AWD SE and XLE grades are rated at 46 mpg city/46mpg highway. The top-of-the-line XSE grade, the heaviest Camry, with all-wheel drive, is rated for 44 mpg city/43 mpg highway.
Behind The Wheel Of A 2025 Toyota Camry XSE FWD
On the road, the Camry XSE FWD quickly got up to speed. Throttle response feels naturally linear at any input, and the electric motors provide enough added power to reduce prolonged dependence on the gas engine at cruising speeds. Toyota attributes this more natural feeling of acceleration synchronized with the increase in speed to increasing power from the Lithium-ion traction battery through the electric motor generator. This is helpful because, although noisy by today's hybrid-with-CVT standards, engine noise still breaches the Camry's cabin at a noticeable threshold. Once the Camry gets to speed, things quiet down significantly for longer stretches.
Two things that stuck out to me most were how the Camry handled and braked. The FWD sedan took corners confidently thanks to a MacPherson strut front suspension and multi-link rear suspension. Steering was direct, and the vehicle felt well-planted with its 19-inch wheels on all-season tires.
The brake feel was also stellar for a hybrid. It's firm, and the regenerative braking is hardly noticeable. According to Toyota, the 2025 Camry will get a new Electronically Controlled Braking system that features on-demand pressurization provided by a new pump motor in the brake actuator. This translates to another more natural-feeling experience in the Camry.
A hybrid powertrain typically means added mechanics and weight, so the 2025 Camry handles this well. Weighing 3,538 pounds, Toyota says its latest hybrid system uses lighter, more compact electric motors. It's optimized for fuel efficiency, even with all-wheel drive, but that doesn't make this new Camry a fun-sucker. At the end of my time in the front-drive Camry, I noted the gauge display showed a total average fuel economy rating of 41.1 mpg.
An Eye-Catching Interior
The XSE model I drove had a well-appointed interior, including an 8-way power-adjustable driver seat wrapped in soft-touch perforated leather. The two-tone black and red interior gives the Camry a modern, athletic appearance that is eye-catching but not too loud.
The interior is well laid out, and the level of fit and finish enhances the appearance of quality and feel of durability synonymous with the Camry. Lines throughout the interior draw your attention front and center. Toyota isn't shy with its use of plastics, but they don't make the Camry feel like a hollow shell. Surfaces are soft to the touch, and all doors close with a satisfying weight and sound.
The standard 12.3-inch Audio Multimedia touchscreen was in good reach of the driver's seat and was easy to use. I enjoyed the screens about vehicle performance and the hybrid system monitor the most. There are various built-in apps, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capabilities are standard for all grades.
Pricing For The 2025 Toyota Camry
Pricing for the 2025 Toyota Camry ranges from $29,835 for the entry-level LE FWD grade to $36,435 for the XSE AWD grade. Pricing includes Toyota delivery, processing, and handling fees. The Camry XSE FWD I spent time with is priced at $36,035.
The 2025 Toyota Camry XSE FWD Is Fuel Efficient, Fun, Practical, And Well-Equipped For The Price
My time with the 2025 Toyota Camry was brief, but it left a lasting impression of how far hybrid technology has come. The all-hybrid Camry isn't just a fuel-efficient commuter. It's stylish and sporty and utilizes electrification to boost performance rather than stifle driving behavior for the sake of being green. However, it's still hard to forget the thrill of the outgoing Camry's V-6. A natural brake feel and solid suspension setup add to the fun of driving the Camry. Altogether, the 2025 Camry delivers a practical package at a reasonable cost.