2025 Toyota Camry | MotorWeek Road Test

Motor Week is made possible by AutoValue at Bumper to Bumper and TireRack.com Whether you call a Camry or Cam Ray, you have to call this Toyota the best-selling sedan in the U.S. for 2023. Not bad for a car in the last year of its lifecycle. That's right, the Camry is all-new for model year 2025. So let's find out if this ninth-generation Camry can stay truly competitive in this world of SUVs and crossovers. There have been many variations of the Toyota Camry over the last 40 years, some more exciting than others, but all have been incredibly comfortable, efficient, and practical. That theme carries over for the all-new 2025 Toyota Camry. Though it feels like they purposely avoided any type of wow factor inside. Sure, there are the expected big screens for multimedia and gauge display, but they kept them separated, keeping the overall vibe traditional and classy rather than flashy. They've also retained lots of physical controls, added some unique materials, and attempted to open up the space a bit, knowing that they're going up against EVs these days too, not just usual family sedan nameplates. The new Camry follows Toyota protocol of basic LE series and more sport-oriented SE series. Adding an X in front of either adds a bit more content. For our X SE tester, that mostly means a flashier exterior that includes black trim and rear spoiler, dual exhaust tips, and 19-inch wheels, but it also gets a sport-tuned suspension. Following the pattern of many recent Toyotas, Camry now has an all-hybrid lineup. Toyota's newest fifth-generation hybrid system mates to a 2.5-liter i4 engine for the first time. It works with two electric motors for a 225-horsepower output, 17 more than the outgoing Camry hybrid, and it delivers up to 51 miles per gallon combined. All-wheel drive versions add an additional electric motor in back for powering the rear wheels. For an increased total output of 232 horsepower, an AWD is available for all trims. Our all-wheel drive tester did feel quite peppy on the street, with a competent suspension that soaked up bumps easily without feeling soft or floaty. At the test track, there was great grip off the line and a substantial punch of power to get us to 60 in 6.9 seconds. There was a nice little engine growl at takeoff, too, but it quickly turned into a consistent droning noise due to the electronically controlled CVT trans. There are some simulated gears you can play with, but they don't really add much to the performance. Our best quarter-mile time was 15.2 seconds at 94 miles per hour. This is one case where sport-tuned suspension seems to really mean something, as this is easily the best-handling Camry we've driven. Minimal body roll, great road feel, and steering that was both tight and responsive. All-wheel drive grip was great through the cones, but most people will find it much more beneficial when driving on slippery roads. The hybrid's regen braking is not the most natural feeling, but in panic stops the brakes clamp down quickly, causing some aggressive nosedive, but ultimately resulting in short 110-foot stops from 60. As mentioned earlier, government fuel economy ratings are as high as 51 combined, but all-wheel drive XSEs come in at 44 city, 43 highway, and 44 combined, though our lead foot test loop saw just but still noteworthy 42.6 miles per gallon of regular. Pricing starts with the base LE at $29,535. All-wheel drive is another $1,525 if you want it. XSE tops out the range at $35,735. While the midsize four-door sedan is not the suburban staple that it once was, the Camry absolutely remains a staple of the Toyota lineup, and even kept its status as America's best-selling car last year. So, it looks like there's no stopping the Camry, as the more efficient 2025 Toyota Camry is better looking, has better performance, and is a better all-around family car than ever. The MotorWeek app, which includes our latest reviews and feature stories, is now available for mobile devices.