2025 Toyota Camry Review: Still the King of Midsize Sedans?

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For decades, the Toyota Camry has been a dominant force in the midsize sedan segment. Reliable, practical, and refined—these have been the cornerstones of the Camry’s success story. In 2025, Toyota returns with a redesigned model that aims to uphold the Camry’s legacy while adapting to modern trends in technology, design, and performance. But in a world increasingly shifting toward SUVs and electrification, is the 2025 Toyota Camry still the king of the midsize sedan class? Let’s find out.

What’s New in 2025?

The 2025 Camry is more than just a facelift—Toyota has gone for a comprehensive overhaul, inside and out. This year, the Camry ditches its traditional gasoline-only powertrains in favor of an all-hybrid lineup. That’s right—every 2025 Camry comes equipped with Toyota’s latest hybrid system, setting a new standard for fuel efficiency in its class.

Additionally, the exterior design receives a bold refresh with sharper lines, a wider stance, and a sleeker profile. Inside, the tech upgrades are impossible to miss: a standard 8-inch (or available 12.3-inch) touchscreen, updated infotainment system, and a more premium feel overall.

Design: A Sportier and More Sophisticated Look

From the front fascia to the rear bumper, the 2025 Camry exudes a more aggressive, modern personality. The grille has been reshaped with a sportier edge, flanked by sleeker LED headlights. Sculpted side panels and a more aerodynamic silhouette improve not just looks, but efficiency too.

Toyota offers multiple trim levels—LE, SE, XLE, and XSE—each with its own styling cues. The sportier SE and XSE trims include darkened accents, larger alloy wheels, and a sport-tuned suspension for a more dynamic aesthetic and driving experience.

Inside, the Camry has taken cues from the Lexus playbook, offering soft-touch materials, contrasting stitching, and a cleaner layout. The cabin feels more upscale and tech-savvy than previous generations, with improved seating comfort and additional legroom, especially in the rear.

Powertrain & Performance: All-In on Hybrid

Perhaps the biggest headline for 2025 is the switch to a hybrid-only lineup. Every Camry now uses a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine paired with Toyota’s fifth-generation hybrid system, producing around 225 horsepower for front-wheel-drive models and 232 hp for all-wheel-drive trims.

This change makes the Camry one of the few midsize sedans to standardize hybrid technology across all variants, making it not only more efficient but also quieter and smoother to drive. The electric motor helps provide instant torque, and the transition between electric and gasoline power is seamless.

Toyota estimates up to 51 MPG in the city and 49 MPG on the highway, depending on the trim level—numbers that rival compact hybrids and leave most midsize competitors in the dust.

The driving experience is composed and refined. While it’s not a performance car, the 2025 Camry delivers confident handling, responsive steering, and a composed ride, especially in the SE and XSE trims with sportier suspension setups.

Technology: Smart, Connected, and Standardized

Tech-savvy drivers will appreciate the 2025 Camry’s improved infotainment system. The standard setup includes an 8-inch touchscreen, while higher trims get a 12.3-inch unit with enhanced graphics and a more intuitive interface. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come standard, along with a Wi-Fi hotspot, multiple USB-C ports, and available wireless charging.

Also new for 2025 is the Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 suite, which includes:

  • Pre-collision system with pedestrian detection
  • Lane departure alert with steering assist
  • Dynamic radar cruise control
  • Lane tracing assist
  • Road sign assist
  • Proactive driving assist

These features are standard across all trims, raising the bar for safety and driver-assist tech in the segment.

Higher trims offer an available head-up display, panoramic view monitor, and a premium JBL audio system for drivers looking for more luxury and convenience.

Interior Comfort and Space

The 2025 Camry maintains its reputation for comfort and practicality. The front seats are supportive for long drives, and rear passengers benefit from generous legroom. The trunk offers around 15 cubic feet of space, which is average for the class but more than sufficient for everyday use.

A quiet cabin—thanks in part to the hybrid powertrain—enhances the overall comfort. Toyota has added more sound insulation, and it shows. Whether you’re commuting or taking a road trip, the Camry feels serene and spacious.

Trim Levels and Pricing

As of now, Toyota hasn’t drastically changed the Camry’s pricing structure despite the hybrid transition. Prices start at around $28,000 for the base LE trim, and go up to about $38,000 for the top-tier XSE. Given the fuel savings and additional standard features, the Camry’s value proposition remains strong.

Each trim is well-equipped, but buyers looking for a balance between price and features will likely find the SE or XLE trims to be the sweet spot.

Pros and Cons of the 2025 Camry

Pros:

  • Standard hybrid powertrain across all trims
  • Excellent fuel economy
  • Updated, premium-feeling interior
  • Strong safety features and tech
  • Reliable and low cost of ownership

Cons:

  • No more V6 option for performance enthusiasts
  • Trunk space is good but not best-in-class
  • Conservative styling may not appeal to everyone

Verdict: Still the King?

The 2025 Toyota Camry may have dropped its traditional gas-only powertrains and V6 options, but it gains much more in the process. With its bold new design, standard hybrid efficiency, upgraded tech, and legendary reliability, the Camry remains a top contender in the midsize sedan category.

It may no longer dominate the road the way it once did, but the Camry adapts gracefully to a changing market—offering a smart, economical, and refined package that’s hard to beat. So yes, while the throne may be more contested today, the 2025 Toyota Camry still wears the crown with confidence.

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