2025 Toyota Camry Review: Is It Still the Best Sedan?

Introduction

The Toyota Camry has been America's best-selling sedan for decades, a remarkable achievement in an SUV-dominated market. For many years, the Camry represented the sensible choice—the reliable, efficient, and comfortable vehicle that never excited but always delivered. But the 2025 Camry enters a new era, with dramatic styling changes and significant updates that challenge perceptions.

As someone who's tested hundreds of vehicles, I approach this review with a critical eye. Has Toyota maintained the Camry's legendary reliability while addressing its historically conservative nature? Or has the competition finally caught up? Let's dive deep into the 2025 Toyota Camry.

What's New for 2025

The 2025 Camry represents the second year of its fifth-generation redesign, bringing several meaningful updates:

Design Updates

The most dramatic change is the bold new styling. The 2025 Camry features aggressive front fascia with a large grille, sharp LED headlights, and a coupe-like roofline that challenges traditional sedan aesthetics. The rear features LED taillights connected by a light bar, giving a modern, premium appearance.

Interior Enhancements

The interior receives updates including:

• New color options
• Enhanced soft-touch materials
• Improved infotainment system
• Additional standard safety features

Engine and Performance

Powertrain Options

The 2025 Camry offers two powertrains:

2.5L Four-Cylinder (Standard)

• 203 horsepower
• 184 lb-ft of torque
• 8-speed automatic transmission
• Front-wheel drive

Hybrid System (Available)

• 225 combined horsepower
• Excellent fuel economy
• Electronic on-demand all-wheel drive available

Performance Numbers

In testing, the Camry Hybrid achieved:

• 0-60 mph: 7.2 seconds
• Quarter mile: 15.4 seconds
• Braking from 60 mph: 120 feet

These numbers represent competitive performance in the segment, though not class-leading.

Driving Dynamics

The Camry delivers exactly what buyers expect: comfortable, predictable handling with smooth power delivery. The steering is responsive but not engaging, and the ride quality absorbs imperfections well. It's not sporty, but it excels at its intended purpose—effortless daily transportation.

Interior Quality and Comfort

Cabin Design

The 2025 Camry interior represents a significant improvement over previous generations. Soft-touch materials dominate the dashboard, and the design feels modern without being polarizing. Build quality is excellent, with tight panel gaps and premium-feeling controls.

Seating

Front Seats: Extremely comfortable for long drives, with good support and multiple adjustments. Heated and ventilated seats available in upper trims.

Rear Seats: Spacious for the class, with good legroom and headroom. The rear bench comfortably accommodates two adults, though three across would be tight.

Technology

Infotainment: A 7-inch touchscreen comes standard, with a 9-inch display available on higher trims. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are now standard, along with wireless charging on premium trims.

Audio: Upper trims offer a JBL premium sound system with nine speakers, providing excellent sound quality.

Safety Features

Standard Toyota Safety Sense 3.0

Every 2025 Camry comes with:

• Pre-collision system with pedestrian detection
• Lane departure alert with steering assist
• Full-speed range adaptive cruise control
• Road sign assist
• Automatic high beams

Additional Safety

Available features include:

• Blind spot monitoring with rear cross traffic alert
• Front and rear parking sensors
• 360-degree camera
• 10 airbags throughout

The Camry earned a 5-star overall safety rating from NHTSA and Top Safety Pick+ designation from IIHS.

Trims and Pricing

2025 Camry Lineup

Trim	Starting MSRP	Key Features
LE	$26,000	Standard safety, 7-inch screen
XLE	$31,000	Leather, heated seats, 9-inch screen
SE	$28,500	Sport styling, sport-tuned suspension
XSE	$32,500	Combined luxury and sport features
TRD	$34,000	Most aggressive styling, sport exhaust
Limited	$38,500	Top luxury features

Hybrid Premiums

Adding hybrid capability typically adds $1,500-$2,000 to the base price.

Fuel Economy

Efficiency Ratings

Model	City	Highway	Combined
2.5L FWD	28	39	32
Hybrid FWD	51	53	52
Hybrid AWD	46	47	46

The hybrid model delivers exceptional efficiency, making it ideal for commuters.

Pros and Cons

Advantages

• Exceptional reliability reputation
• Excellent fuel economy (especially hybrid)
• Comfortable ride quality
• Comprehensive standard safety features
• Strong resale value
• Spacious interior

Disadvantages

• Not engaging to drive
• Conservative styling (until this year)
• Smaller trunk than some competitors
• Front-wheel drive only (no AWD on gas models)

Competition

Main Rivals

• Honda Accord
• Hyundai Sonata
• Kia K5
• Nissan Altima
• Subaru Legacy

Where Camry Excels

• Legendary reliability
• Hybrid availability
• Strong resale values
• Dealer network and service

Real-World Ownership

Cost of Ownership

Based on 5-year/60,000-mile ownership:

• Maintenance and repairs: Below average
• Fuel costs: Low (especially hybrid)
• Insurance: Competitive
• Depreciation: Excellent retention

Conclusion

The 2025 Toyota Camry remains the benchmark for midsize sedans. While it may not excite driving enthusiasts, it excels where it matters most: reliability, efficiency, comfort, and value. The dramatic styling update addresses previous criticisms, and the hybrid option delivers segment-leading fuel economy.

For buyers seeking a dependable, efficient, and comfortable family sedan, the 2025 Camry deserves serious consideration. It's not perfect—no car is—but it remains the default choice for a reason.

Rating: 8.5/10

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Author Bio

Michael Torres is an automotive journalist with over 15 years of experience testing and reviewing vehicles. He has evaluated hundreds of cars for major publications and is known for his detailed, objective assessments. Michael holds a degree in Mechanical Engineering and brings technical expertise to his reviews.