2025 Toyota Camry: Eclipsing the Competition

Toyota sold as many as 290,000 Camrys in the U.S. last year but only 8,500 in Canada. And yet it’s the best-selling midsize sedan in both countries. Shoppers on this side of the border clearly prefer SUVs, smaller cars or entry-level luxury models like the BMW 3 Series or Audi A4.

Evidently, the Camry isn’t designed with Canadian drivers in mind. After getting the axe in Japan, it’s now focused almost exclusively on the U.S. market, where it easily outsells the Honda Accord and Nissan Altima. For 2025, a new generation and a new chapter begin with both the standard four-cylinder engine and the optional V6 exiting the lineup. Toyota is the first automaker in the segment to go hybrid-only. Not only that, but the system can be paired with all-wheel drive on three of the five models available in Canada.

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In a wise move, selection has been simplified—quite the opposite of the Corolla, which is nearly four times more popular. The base Camry is now the sporty-looking SE, which offers three trim levels and available AWD. Next up is the XSE AWD, and then the more classic XLE AWD, which is the one we tested and is pictured here.

A Classy Evolution

While the chassis, roof, windshield and rear window are unchanged, everything else is new. The 2025 Toyota Camry is 35 mm longer, and unlike the fancier SE/XSE models, the top-line XLE keeps it classy with chrome window surrounds, silver and black wheels plus unique front and rear bumpers. It will appeal to customers looking for comfort and luxury.

Incidentally, the XLE model is the first Camry to feature a combination of leather and Dinamica microfibre trim, offered in Light Gray or Black. A quilted pattern with the Dinamica trim can also be found inset on the front door panels and dashboard. It makes for a pretty elegant and refined cabin, and a sharp contrast with the available Cockpit Red interior on the XSE model.

Unsurprisingly, the new Camry features a revised dashboard with a standard 7-inch digital instrument panel and 8-inch infotainment touchscreen in base trim. Dual 12.3-inch displays can be found in both the XSE and XLE. The graphics aren’t the most stunning out there, but we find them attractive enough and more intuitive than in the past. Meanwhile, the centre console adds a wireless smartphone charger and multiple storage solutions for a more versatile layout.

The seats are obviously very comfortable, but interior space remains the same. We’re not really complaining, just pointing out that the Accord provides more room for rear passengers. On the other hand, the Camry is available with a panoramic sunroof for the first time (apparently at the request of many current owners), something its arch nemesis doesn’t offer.

40 Percent More Efficient Than a Yaris

With a combined fuel consumption rating of 4.6 L/100 km, the 2025 Toyota Camry SE is approximately 40 percent more efficient than a 2019 Toyota Yaris Hatchback, which achieved 7.5 L/100 km on average. How amazing is that? Toyota’s latest hybrid system proves quite impressive, delivering 225 horsepower in FWD configuration or 232 horsepower with AWD due to the addition of a second electric motor.

Now, if you opt for AWD, especially the sportier XSE model riding on 19-inch wheels, fuel consumption increases nearly 20 percent. Even then, the combined rating is 0.1 L/100 km better than that of the Accord Hybrid, which doesn’t have AWD, remember. Bravo, Toyota. 

The quieter 2025 Camry still suffers from an unpleasant CVT under hard acceleration, but thanks to generous low-end torque, you don’t have to put as much pressure on the throttle as in the past, which makes for a better driving experience overall. Meanwhile, the completely revised suspension reduces body roll and contributes to sharper handling. Steering is firmer and more precise, too, especially in Sport mode. Also, the brakes have more bite and more endurance. The Accord might still be the most dynamic sedan in the segment, but the new Camry is a smooth and well-rounded performer.

More Frugal, But 10 Percent More Expensive

Starting at $34,300, the 2025 Toyota Camry is 10 percent more expensive than a comparable 2024 SE model, except that it comes with a standard hybrid powertrain. The mid-level Camry SE Upgrade AWD starts at $37,950, while a 2024 Camry Hybrid SE Upgrade costs $35,930. Don’t forget about freight, PDI, dealer charge and other fees amounting to $2,881.  

What about the competition? Let’s see. A 2024 Accord Touring (without AWD) is priced $50 above the 2025 Camry XLE AWD, which retails from $44,950. As you can imagine, more people will choose Toyota, which offers the only AWD hybrid setup in the segment. That being said, the company expects 65 percent of Camry sales in Canada to be SE models. With those, selecting AWD means a premium of $1,650 at the time of purchase and a 10-percent hit at the pump. Just something to think about.