2025 Toyota Camry First Drive Review: Hybrid-only overhaul is a hit

BARRETT JUNCTION, Calif. – It’s been common for multiple Camry generations to share a platform, so it shouldn’t be surprising or disappointing that the 2025 Toyota Camry shares the same TNGA set of platform components as its predecessor. It definitely shouldn’t be surprising considering how similar they look, apart from its attractive new face that boasts a sleek LED headlight arrangement and a grille area below filled with a selection of different mesh patterns depending on trim level. There are other, more subtle design updates throughout (the rear quarter area actually has been changed), but you have to compare them side-by-side to see the differences. 

Despite this, substantial improvements have been made under the skin. First, every 2025 Camry is a hybrid. Not only that, but it features the next, fifth-generation hybrid system Toyota debuted in the new Prius – albeit with a bigger 2.5-liter inline-four. While the 2025 Camry system produces more power at 225 horsepower with front-wheel drive and 232 hp with all-wheel drive (more on that soon), the big gain is that the system is smoother, quieter and just makes for better driving. Engineers increased the amount of energy provided by the lighter and more compact motor-generator to delay engine engagement while accelerating, make that engagement smoother when it does happen, and then lessen engine load.

The upgraded hybrid powertrain is a lot quieter, too, and the noises it does make are far more pleasant. The electronically controlled continuously variable transmission no longer yo-yos revs up and down so severely when you momentarily lift off the throttle – it does an even better job of keeping engine revs where they should be in Sport mode – with the added benefit of an engine note that sounds less like a droning leaf blower. There’s actually quite a nice four-cylinder thrum now indicative of a car. I had an opportunity to drive a Toyota with the previous-generation hybrid system the day after my time with the Camry, and the improvement really is significant.

Fuel economy is an eye-popping 51 miles per gallon combined for the base LE and its balloony high-profile tires. The other trim levels get 47 mpg