Review of the 2025 Toyota Camry Hybrid: Features, Performance, and Insights

While the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid has been receiving significant attention, another electrified Toyota, the Camry Hybrid, has seen a notable shortage in Australia.

Since late 2023, the mid-sized Camry Hybrid sedan has been unavailable due to high demand and limited supply, but it is now back on sale with enhancements.

Although many features are carried over from the previous model, this new Camry is larger, more powerful, and more efficient. This can significantly affect the operational costs for drivers, especially taxi and Uber operators, who make up about 70% of Camry buyers.

For private buyers, the car offers an upgraded interior and improved handling, making it particularly appealing.

Overall, the new Camry is an impressive vehicle that enhances the strengths of its predecessor.

What is the price of the Toyota Camry?

Pricing for the new Camry lineup starts at just under $40,000 before on-road expenses, with models tailored for private buyers like the SL priced above $50,000 prior to on-road costs.

To find out how the Toyota Camry compares with its competitors, utilize our comparison tool.

Interior features of the Toyota Camry

Every new Camry is designed to be more luxurious and mature than its predecessors, and this model is no exception.

The front seats reflect a luxurious feel with plush bases and supportive bolsters, complemented by a stylish dashboard design.

Considering that the Ascent and Ascent Sport models are geared towards fleet use, drivers who spend extensive time behind the wheel will find the Camry’s design and ergonomics strain-free, though passengers may have varied experiences.

The primary distinctions between the Ascent and Ascent Sport are found in the steering wheel and the touchscreen display.

While the Ascent’s steering wheel adheres to basic urethane standards, the leather-wrapped wheel in the Sport offers a more pleasant touch for lengthy drives.

The touchscreen in the base Ascent is well-equipped and responds promptly, yet it may appear less elegant in the new dashboard when compared to the premium-looking 12.3-inch version in the Sport or SL.

Regardless of the model chosen, the latest Toyota touchscreen technology marks a significant improvement over previous iterations. Wireless Apple CarPlay connects seamlessly and displays beautifully for Apple users, while essential vehicle menus are easy to navigate while driving.

The Ascent and Ascent Sport include a simple 7.0-inch digital driver’s display that is not overwhelming for users transitioning from an older Camry. Users can switch through various layouts showing media information or hybrid system details, although it lacks the extensive options available in other manufacturers’ systems.

Upgrading to the SL provides a more sophisticated 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, allowing for more customization, though it remains relatively basic compared to what’s offered in similarly priced rivals like the Skoda Octavia. The addition of a head-up display in the top Camry model is an appreciated feature.

Although the technology in SL doesn’t significantly elevate it over the Ascent models, it is a more enjoyable environment.

With leather upholstery, an enhanced sound system, and a sunroof—albeit at the cost of headspace for taller individuals—the SL offers an impressive approximation of Lexus ES luxury.

Storage options throughout the range are commendable. In addition to cupholders, there’s a compartment for a phone at the dashboard base (with wireless charging in all but the Ascent), spacious door pockets, a deep center console, and a sizable glove box.

Despite the new Camry being longer, most of the additional length is in the body rather than the wheelbase, meaning the rear door opening remains relatively small. However, once inside, the back seat is comfortable.

Legroom is ample for adults sitting behind other adults, and the bench seat is comfortably padded. Headroom is generally sufficient for most adults, though very tall individuals may find the roofline too restrictive.

This limitation is a trade-off of the Camry’s modern styling; sleek rooflines compromise headroom.

Features in the back include air vents and USB-C ports. The outer rear seats come equipped with ISOFIX anchors, and there are three top tether points for child seats. The rear bench folds down in a 60/40 split, and the trunk opening is wide enough to facilitate easy loading of strollers.

To find out how the Toyota Camry measures up against its competitors, utilize our comparison tool.

What powers the Toyota Camry?

The new Camry is the first Toyota in Australia to feature the brand’s latest fifth-generation hybrid system, which is both more potent and boasts improved efficiency compared to its predecessor.

To find out how the Toyota Camry stands in comparison with its rivals, utilize our comparison tool.

How does the Toyota Camry perform on the road?

We are well acquainted with how Toyota’s hybrid systems operate, and the new Camry brings an enhanced experience.

This new setup provides a noticeable electric boost, allowing for quicker acceleration and longer periods of electric drive before the gasoline engine engages. It also smoothens out speed maintenance on flat highways, contributing to a more refined and efficient driving experience.

When the petrol engine activates, it operates more smoothly and quietly than before, making it difficult to discern whether the car is using electric, petrol, or hybrid power at times due to improved noise isolation.

The combination of remarkably light steering and a comfortable low-speed ride—especially on the Ascent and Sport, which have smaller 17-inch wheels—makes the Camry an excellent choice for urban driving.

Although not classified as a high-performance vehicle, the Camry feels spirited compared to previous models, making less interior noise during acceleration. The enhancements in electric power delivery and upgrades to the petrol engine contribute to this perception.

This vehicle excels as a highway cruiser: its hybrid system transitions seamlessly between power sources, and its suspension is tuned for comfort.

However, a downside is the noticeable road noise from rough highways, with excess sound seeping into the cabin at speeds of 100 km/h.

Toyota’s suite of active driver aids are well-optimized. The adaptive cruise control effectively maintains a safe distance from vehicles ahead, while lane-keeping assist gently guides you back into your lane.

Active lane centering provides additional assistance for highway cruising, and the driver monitoring system remains unobtrusive during most driving sessions.

The Camry also handles well on twisty roads, exhibiting a nimble feel akin to other vehicles built on Toyota’s latest global architecture.

To find out how the Toyota Camry compares with its competitors, utilize our comparison tool.

Toyota Camry Trim Levels

The hybrid-only 2025 Toyota Camry offers several trim levels:

Camry Ascent features include:

• 17-inch alloy wheels
• LED headlights and tail lights
• Power-folding exterior mirrors
• Black cloth interior trim
• Manual front seat adjustment
• 60/40 folding rear seat back
• 7.0-inch digital instrument display
• 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment with:
• Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• Satellite navigation
• Bluetooth connectivity
• DAB+ digital radio
• Dual-zone climate control
• 6-speaker sound system
• 5x USB-C ports

Ascent Sport enhancements include:

• High-grade LED headlights
• LED front fog lights
• 8-way powered driver’s seat
• Power driver seat lumbar
• Leather-accented steering wheel and gear knob
• Auto-dimming rear-view mirror
• Wireless smartphone charger
• 12.3-inch touchscreen display

SL adds the following features:

• 18-inch alloy wheels
• Heated exterior mirrors with memory
• Front and rear camera washers
• Rear and side privacy glass
• Panoramic glass sunroof
• Leather seat trim
• 8-way powered passenger seat
• Driver’s seat memory
• Heated and ventilated front seats
• Paddle shifters
• 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster
• Digital rear-view mirror
• Automatic rain-sensing wipers
• Power-adjustable heated steering wheel
• Head-up display
• 9-speaker JBL sound system

To find out how the Toyota Camry measures up against its competitors, utilize our comparison tool.

Is the Toyota Camry safe?

The newest Toyota Camry has not yet undergone crash testing by ANCAP or Euro NCAP.

Standard safety features include:

• Forward collision warning
• Autonomous emergency braking, with:
• Detection for pedestrians, cyclists, motorcyclists, and oncoming vehicles
• Intersection collision avoidance assist
• Emergency steering assist
• Wrong-way mitigation
• Adaptive cruise control
• Lane-keeping assist with active lane centering
• Automatic high-beam lights
• Speed sign recognition
• Emergency vehicle stop assist

What are the running costs of the Toyota Camry?

Toyota Australia offers a five-year unlimited-kilometer warranty, which can be extended to seven years on the driveline when serviced regularly at Toyota dealerships.

Final Thoughts on the Toyota Camry

Toyota has successfully enhanced an already strong offering.

While electric vehicles continue to rise in popularity, the latest hybrid technology in the Camry serves as an excellent transitional option.

Regardless of personal views on the place of petrol, hybrid, and electric vehicles in 2024, Toyota’s commitment to enhancing hybrid efficiency is commendable. The new Camry exemplifies the benefits of continual refinement of a proven product.

Businesses looking for efficiency will appreciate the upgraded powertrain and enhanced comfort, while the SL is an attractive choice for private buyers seeking to avoid the SUV trend.

Putting aside preferences, the Camry convincingly meets the requirements of most consumers.

Thinking about purchasing a Toyota Camry? Reach out to one of CarExpert’s authorized dealers here

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