The Best-Selling Sedan is Now All Hybrid
Toyota knows hybrids. So much so they have eight models that are only offered with a hybrid power plant, and another six with the option of hybrid or gasoline. For good measure, Toyota’s electrification cred goes even further with several plug-in hybrids, one fully electric vehicle and one hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicle. If you want to reduce the amount of gasoline you buy, Toyota may have the car, SUV or truck for you.
Toyota handed me the keys to the all-new 2025 Camry XSE hybrid for the chance to experience the best-selling sedan in America, and I am glad they did.
Hybrid Efficiency
The 2025 Camry now only comes as a hybrid, delivering excellent fuel economy. Toyota’s Hybrid Synergy Drive system consists of a gasoline-powered 16-valve double overhead cam 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine paired with one or two electric motors. When combined with the 100-kW electric front and 30-kW rear motor, the all-wheel drive (AWD) model has 232 total system horsepower. The front-wheel drive Camry we tested only has the 100-kW front motor, but is good for 225 horsepower.
Clean Fleet Report drove the front-wheel drive, but both front-and all-wheel drive Camrys use a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) with paddle shifters to simulate gears.
Toyota’s hybrid system automatically switches between the electric drive mode, combined electric motor and gasoline engine and gasoline-only engine power. The unnoticeable transitions can be monitored by viewing the dash gauges. Fuel economy for the 2025 Camry is rated at 48 mpg city/47 highway/47 combined.
Running on regular unleaded, our Southern California cruising put on 210 miles, with the majority being on highways with speeds averaging 65 mph. The average fuel economy for our time behind the wheel was 46.4 mpg, which reflects not spending much time in-town driving. Had we, we would have exceeded the EPA estimates. Fuel economy numbers reported by Clean Fleet Report are non-scientific and represent the reviewer’s driving experience using the dash gauge computer. Your numbers may differ.
The lithium-ion battery is charged when applying the brakes or coasting. The regenerative charging system converts kinetic energy into electric energy and stores it in the battery. This process is also viewed on a dash gauge where you can watch the power flow into and out of the battery.
Hitting the Open Road
What made the Camry so pleasurable is how easy it is to drive. The smooth ride was unaffected by buffeting from passing semi trucks or anything but the worst road imperfections. The electric power steering was neutral with a positive connection to the road with good feedback.
Acceleration was responsive, if not fast, even in the driver-selectable Normal and Eco drive modes. Opt for the Sport mode and the acceleration improves with the assistance of the electric motor kicking in. It will scoot along 0-60 mph at a respectable 6.6 seconds.
The Camry XSE came with Smoke Gray and black 19-inch alloy wheels ($1,500 option) shod with 235/40 Bridgestone Turanza all-season tires. The package provided good traction and little tire slippage when under hard cornering stress. The Camry hybrid batteries are placed under the seats, making for flat, low-lean cornering and limited understeer.
The CVT did not produce the common droning when launching or under hard accretion. When selecting one of the three drive modes, Eco, Normal or Sport, or using the steering wheel-mounted paddles, the CVT performed well.
Stopping comes from Toyota’s Electronically Controlled Brake System (ECB) that incorporates regenerative control and power-assisted, four-wheel disc brakes with ABS and Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD). The stops were straight and consistent, producing a satisfying regenerative whirring while stopping.
Sleek Exterior
The 2025 Camry features a “hammerhead” grille, giving it a strong look with a classy design. The 5.4-inches of ground clearance makes for a low center of gravity enhanced by a wide stance. Our Camry, in Ocean Gem with a black roof ($500 option), had black B pillars, a trunk lip spoiler, heated power exterior mirrors, and body color-keyed bumpers and door handles. Exterior colors at no additional charge include Ocean Gem, Underground, Reservoir Blue and Midnight Black Metallic. Heavy Metal, Supersonic Red and Wind Chill Pearl cost an additional $425.
The Camry features smooth surfaces with only the Toyota badges and dual exhaust tips in chrome, and zero unnecessary body cladding. The LED head lights extend into the fenders, leading to a lightly sculpted hood and accent line running from fender to fender. The roofline is lightly arced at the B pillar, and incorporates a panoramic power tilt and slide moonroof. The only tip-off this car has been electrified is the lettering “HEV” on the trunk.
Welcoming Interior
The first thing you will notice when sliding into the Camry is how well laid out everything is. It took only a few short minutes to pair the phone and adjust the 8-way power, ventilated and heated leather driver seat, which included lumbar. The front passenger also gets an 8-way power adjustable heated and ventilated seat. The front seats are comfortable and offer good support on long road trips.
The leather-trimmed heated steering wheel (with controls for audio, hands-free telephone operation and cruise control) was centered by the tilt and telescopic steering column.
My next step was to become familiar with the JBL Premium infotainment system that came with Toyota’s all-new Multimedia system, replacing Entune, and the App Suite. The 12.3-inch high resolution touch-screen, housed the voice command navigation along with SiriusXM/FM/CD/HDAM with MP3 playback capability. The AM/FM is a cache radio, which is a nice feature, and the SiriusXM service is included for 90 days. There is an auxiliary audio jack, USB-A media and power-only ports, music streaming via Bluetooth wireless technology, Siri Eyes Free and Apple CarPlay.
Clean Fleet Report was driving the Camry XSE that was nicely equipped with standard equipment. When a few packages were added, it was as fully featured as any car can be. It’s import to order a car exactly as you like it.
From the Driver’s Seat
The cockpit design is driver-friendly with the 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster, including the hybrid management system, all in easy sight and the controls in easy reach. The visibility was excellent with large windows and a low belt line. A much appreciated feature was the 10-inch color head-up display (HUD).
The gauge cluster has customizable settings to select the speedometer, navigation, shift position, compass, audio, phone, outside temperature, Hybrid System Indicator, brightness adjustment and many more. It made for a safe and convenient driving experience.
Important settings are the TSS-P indicators, for the Toyota Total Safety Sense 3.0 system. They show the driver assist technologies of pre-collision, pedestrian detection, lane departure alert and the adaptive cruise control, all illuminated on the HUD. Remember, eyes on the road. Safety first.
Additional interior convenience features included the dual zone automatic climate control, power windows with front auto up and down, power door locks, the integrated backup camera with dynamic gridlines, electric parking brake, map and reading lights, a wireless Qi phone charger, USB-C ports and an auto-dimming Homelink-equipped rearview mirror.
There was another very handy feature that was activated by a dash-mounted button: the Panoramic View camera with Perimeter Scan. By pushing the button, the scan gives a downward 360º look at anything that may be in the Camry’s surrounding area. You will come to rely on this nifty feature.
Safety
The Camry is well-equipped with active and passive safety features, including 10 air bags, a tire pressure monitoring system, collapsible steering column, anti-theft alarm and engine immobilizer, rear view camera, blind spot monitor with rear cross traffic alert with sonar clearance, and rear cross traffic emergency braking, which is very helpful. When backing from a blind parking spot, and cars or pedestrians suddenly appear behind the car, the brakes are applied instantly. The first time it happens it can be quite a surprise, but when the passing object comes through your rearview mirror, you sigh a big “Whew!”
Pricing
The 2025 Toyota Camry comes in eight trims. These are the base prices, including the $1,095 delivery, processing and handling fee.
Front-Wheel Drive
- LE $29,495
- SE $31,795
- XLE $34,495
- XSE $35,695
All-Wheel Drive
- LE $31,020
- SE $33,320
- XLE $36,020
- XSE $37,220
Clean Fleet Report’s test car had a total price of $41,770, which included $6,075 in options and packages, and the $1,095 delivery, processing and handling fee.
Warranties
- Hybrid Components – Eight years/100,000 miles
- Powertrain – Five years/60,000 miles
- Basic – Three years/36,000 miles
- Maintenance Plan – Two years/25,000 miles
- Anti-perforation – Five years/Unlimited miles
- Roadside Assistance – Two years/25,000 miles
Observations: 2025 Toyota Camry XSE Hybrid
It is a shame more people are not considering sedans when shopping for their next vehicle. Clean Fleet Report has driven and reviewed many sedans from several different manufacturers, and can report their quality and value have never been better. The 2025 Toyota Camry is a case in point.
New for 2025, Toyota dropped the V6 gasoline-only engine and the TRD performance trim as an option. All Camry’s are now powered by the efficient Toyota Hybrid Synergy Drive system where, with careful driving, 50+ mpg is very doable.
Built in Georgetown, Kentucky, the Camry is among the EPA class-leaders for fuel economy for five-passenger, midsize sedans. This economical vehicle should cover all your driving needs, whether it’s commuting, in-town errands or long road trips.
The Camry has some fierce midsize sedan competition from the Honda Accord, and Hyundai Sonata, both with hybrids that also touch that magical 50 mpg number. Toyota also offers the Crown Hybrid, which they call a “lifted sedan,” that also is highly efficient.
This 2025 Camry is comfortable car with a quiet cabin—a place in which you will want to spend time. Treat yourself to a long test drive at your Toyota dealership, and see for yourself.
Story and photos by John Faulkner. Additional photos courtesy of Toyota.
Make sure to opt-in to the Clean Fleet Report newsletter (top right of page) to be notified of all new stories and vehicle reviews, including our Road Test reviews.
Disclosure
Clean Fleet Report is loaned free test vehicles from automakers to evaluate, typically for a week at a time. Our road tests are based on this one-week drive of a new vehicle. Because of this we don’t address issues such as long-term reliability or total cost of ownership. In addition, we are often invited to manufacturer events highlighting new vehicles or technology. As part of these events we may be offered free transportation, lodging or meals. We do our best to present our unvarnished evaluations of vehicles and news irrespective of these inducements.
Our focus is on vehicles that offer the best fuel economy in their class, which leads us to emphasize electric cars, plug-in hybrids, hybrids and other efficient powertrains. We also feature those efficient gas-powered vehicles that are among the top mpg vehicles in their class. In addition, we aim to offer reviews and news on advanced technology and the alternative fuel vehicle market. We welcome any feedback from vehicle owners and are dedicated to providing a forum for alternative viewpoints. Please let us know your views at publisher@cleanfleetreport.com.
