Text by Tom Appel
2025 Toyota Camry XLE AWD
Specs
Class: Midsize Sedan
Color: Ocean Gem
Seating Capacity: 5
Miles driven: 143
Real-world fuel economy: 33.2 mpg
| CG Report Card | |
|---|---|
| Room and Comfort | B+ |
| Power and Performance | B |
| Fit and Finish | A- |
| Fuel Economy | B+ |
| Value | B |
| Report-card grades are derived from a consensus of test-driver evaluations. All grades are versus other vehicles in the same class. Value grade is for specific trim level evaluated, and may not reflect Consumer Guide’s impressions of the entire model lineup. | |
| Big & Tall Comfort | |
| Big Guy | A |
| Tall Guy | A |
| Big & Tall comfort ratings are for front seats only. “Big” rating based on male tester weighing approximately 350 pounds, “Tall” rating based on 6’6″-tall male tester. | |
| Drivetrain | |
| Engine Specs | 232-hp 2.5-liter |
| Engine Type | Hybrid 4-cylinder |
| Transmission | CVT-automatic |
| Drive Wheels | AWD |
Driving mix: 60% city, 40% highway
EPA-estimated fuel economy: 46/46/46 (city, highway, combined)
Fuel type: Premium gas
Base price: $34,925 (not including $1095 destination charge)
Options on test vehicle: Premium Plus Package ($4760), Connected Services trial subscription ($325), trunk LED bulb ($25), dash cam ($375), mud guards ($150), door sill enhancement ($199), rear-bumper applique ($69), mat package $309
Price as tested: $42,232
Pros and Cons
The great: Refined driving experience, affordable AWD option
The good: Hybrid fuel economy, plenty of passenger space
The not so good: Engine sounds crude when pushed
Review
Business writers covering the auto industry have made a big deal of the recent spike in demand for hybrid-powered vehicles in the U.S. And, indeed, certain hybrid models are somewhat difficult to come by including compact crossovers from Hyundai and Toyota.
Though increased interest in hybrids is not driven by commensurate increase is gas prices, the buying public no longer seems to see hybrids as strange and risky technology. That fear has been shifted to pure electric vehicles.
But, it isn’t just public demand for hybrids driving the surge in adoption, it’s the massive increase in the number of vehicles available with hybrid powertrains. Or, in Toyota’s case, the number of models available ONLY as hybrids. Toyota’s excellent Sienna minivan, for example, cannot be had without a hybrid powertrain. Nor could the maker’s now-discontinued Venza small crossover.
And while those vehicles sold in some volume, there’s about to be a seismic shift in the hybrid take rate for 2025, as Toyota—as part of an update to the model—has added the Camry to its hybrid-only ranks. We’re talking serious volume here.
Toyota sold more than 290,000 Camrys in 2024, and—even with declining sedan demand and a price increase—should sell at least 250,000 examples this year. That’s a lot of hybrids. And, as far as we’re concerned, that pretty good news. We’ll get back to the powertrain news in a moment…
About the 2025 refresh: Camry returns for the new model year sporting new exterior styling, updated cabin appointments, and a single, more-powerful, hybrid drivetrain. Also new: For the first time, Camry is available with both hybrid power and AWD.
Perhaps anticipating slightly lower sales volume, Toyota has pared the number of 2025 trim levels down from nine four: entry-level LE ($29,495), mid-level SE ($31,795), luxury oriented XLE ($34,495), and sporty XSE ($35,695). All-wheel drive is available on all trim levels for a bargain $1525.
Available for the XLE ($4760) and XSE ($4075) is the Premium Plus Package, which includes a panoramic glass sunroof, premium audio system, and a number of desirable driver-assistance features. While we appreciate all the equipment in the package, the additional cost does drive the price of a Camry close to the entry point of decidedly luxurious Lexus ES ($43,190).
Note that the while the base price of a Camry rises $1925 for 2025 (2024 LE versus 2025 LE), the 2025 Camry LE is actually priced $500 below the 2024 LE Hybrid ($29,495 versus $29,950).
As discussed earlier, the 2025 Camry is offered only with a hybrid powertrain for 2025. Gone is the base 202-horsepower 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine, and the exquisitely refined 301-horse 3.5-liter V6. The gas/electric hybrid system mates a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine pairs two electric motor (or three motors in the case of AWD models) for 225 or 232 horsepower respectively. That’s up from the 208 horsepower the hybrid setup was rated for last year.
Consumer Guide recently spent a week behind the wheel of an AWD 2025 Toyota Camry XLE in Ocean Gem. Including destination charge, our test car came to $42,232.
While we generally don’t comment on design, we do find the Camry’s new look an improvement over the out-going model, and we’re all big fans of this color. And, as long as we’re on the topic of design, we were a little perplexed by the upholstered surface of the dashboard. It looked good, but it also seems like a strange affectation. Crossing our fingers that this doesn’t become a trend.
And speaking of the Camry’s interior, Toyota’s midsize sedan is as roomy and comfortable as ever. Large door openings help make entering and exiting the car easy, and there’s all sorts of space in both seating rows for adult drivers and passengers. And, in XLE trim, interior materials quality is high, as is apparent build quality. Everything in the Camry cabin looks and feels well screwed together.
As for connectivity, Camry comes standard with wireless Carplay and Android Auto. Topline XLE and XLS models are fitted with a 12.3-inch touchscreen, while the LE and SE make do with an 8.0-inch interface. We found the system to work well, incorporating easy-to-identify icons, and responding immediately to touch inputs. As for the JBL-brand audio system which comes as part of the Premium Plus Package—it’s OK, but not a compelling reason on its own to opt for the package.
On the road the Camry Shines. The cabin is quiet, the ride comfortable, and outward visibility excellent. It is for these reasons that the Camry is America’s favorite sedan, and for 2025 Camry continues to impress.
Camry also handles well. Though not actually sporty, Camry takes corners with a sense of control and reasonable precision, though this editor found the steering too light and a little over-boosted. And for the record, this same complaint applies to many new crossovers as well. Midsize sedan shoppers looking for a more-spirited ride may want to consider Honda’s excellent Accord, which is also offered with hybrid powertrain.
The hybrid powertrain gets the job done, and with a few extra horsepower on tap helps Camry feel sprightly enough moving away from a stop, or when powering up an onramp. The gas engine, when called on for extra power—as when hitting the gas coming out of a corner—sounds surprisingly coarse. Luckily, the powerplant settles down nicely when cruising and at highway speed, which is in keeping with the XLE model’s luxury pretense.
For whatever reason, we saw only 33 mpg during our week with the new Camry. While that is excellent fuel economy for a roomy and refined sedan, our numbers fall well below the EPA-estimated 46 mpg the Camry should be approximating in routine driving. Note that in our experience, Toyota hybrid mileage—no matter mode model—generally exceed their respective EPA estimates.
With sedan sales continuing to fall in the U.S., it is somewhat surprising that Toyota has put this much time and effort into updating the Camry. That said, the 2025 Camry is a better vehicle than the one it replaces, even allowing for the demise of V6 power. We wonder if top Camry trim levels play a little too close in price to the excellent Lexus ES, but that’s up to shoppers to decide.
We suggest that serious midsize sedan shoppers test drive both the Camry and Honda Accord, and decide if sportiness (Honda) or refinement (Toyota) suits their needs best. That said, we can’t think any good reason to pass on the Camry, especially if you’d rather not join the crossover club.
Listen to the Car Stuff Podcast
2025 Toyota Camry XLE Pictures
(Click below for enlarged images)
Consumer Guide Car Stuff Podcast Episode 260: 2025 Toyota Camry Review (Bonus Episode)