2025 Toyota Camry Hybrid Review

The 2025 Toyota Camry Hybrid arrives with a refreshed design and an evolved focus, cementing its place as a mainstay on Australian roads. While technically a heavy facelift rather than an all-new generation, Toyota has made substantial updates beneath the surface, refining this popular sedan to better meet the needs of its diverse audience.

Now hybrid-only in Australia, the Camry's efficient powertrain pairs with updated technology and a modernised interior, aiming to balance practicality, comfort, and economy. With prices starting at $39,990 for the Ascent and topping out at $53,990 for the SL (before on-road costs), it offers a range of trims for those seeking reliable daily transport or fleet vehicles, especially for rideshare services like Uber.

Whether you view it as a stylish upgrade or a practical tool, the new Toyota Camry promises to deliver what it always has: dependable, no-nonsense motoring with just the right touch of refinement. Let's explore whether it remains the king of the mid-size sedan segment.

How much does the Toyota Camry cost?

‍The 2025 Toyota Camry sees a modest price increase, reflecting its updated design and added features. Starting at $39,990 for the base Ascent trim, the Camry offers a hybrid-only lineup in Australia, with prices climbing to $53,990 for the range-topping SL.

2025 Toyota Camry Pricing:

• Toyota Camry Ascent – $39,990
• Toyota Camry Ascent Sport – $42,990
• Toyota Camry SL – $53,990

Note: Prices exclude on-road costs and may vary based on location and dealer charges.

What’s the exterior like of the Toyota Camry?

‍The 2025 Toyota Camry builds on its familiar design with a subtle yet effective refresh, showcasing a more dynamic and refined appearance. At the front, the new grille design integrates seamlessly with sharper LED headlights, lending a modern edge to the sedan’s styling. The bonnet flows into the sleek front fascia, where functional aero elements direct air across the sides, contributing to the hybrid’s efficiency.

From the side, the Camry retains its elongated sedan profile, now slightly extended with a 30mm increase in length. Depending on the trim, it comes with either 17-inch alloy wheels or upgraded 18-inch options on higher models. These wheels are paired with Yokohama tyres designed to reduce road noise and enhance comfort. Keyless entry is standard across the range, while hybrid badging on the flanks identifies its electrified powertrain.

At the rear, the refreshed tail-light design incorporates LED turn signals and body-coloured inserts, adding a touch of sophistication. The Camry badge is prominently displayed below the Toyota emblem, while the rear bumper integrates eco-friendly plastics in a clean, functional layout. The overall design strikes a balance between practicality and subtle flair, ensuring it remains a standout in the sedan segment.

What’s the interior like of the Toyota Camry?

‍The 2025 Toyota Camry’s interior focuses on practicality and comfort, delivering a thoughtful and user-friendly experience. Depending on the trim, material quality and features vary, but even base models feel well put together. Higher trims like the Ascent Sport elevate the experience with upgraded inclusions.

The Ascent Sport introduces stylised cloth upholstery that feels both modern and durable. These seats provide strong lumbar and under-thigh support, ensuring long-distance comfort. While manual seat adjustment is standard on base models, the Ascent Sport offers powered adjustments that make fine-tuning your driving position much easier.

Technology has seen notable upgrades, particularly in the mid-tier Ascent Sport, which now features a large 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The system is fast, intuitive, and well-integrated into the dashboard. Meanwhile, the base model Ascent retains smaller displays, which may feel more utilitarian but still functional.

Storage options throughout the cabin are practical. The centre console offers ample space for daily essentials, while the wireless phone charger in the Ascent Sport adds convenience. Cupholders and a sizeable glove box enhance usability, but the door bins are notably small, limiting their practicality for larger items.

The dashboard and door trims feature soft-touch materials in key areas, helping to reduce road noise and elevate cabin comfort. The leather-wrapped steering wheel in higher trims feels premium and includes controls for media and cruise functions. Ahead of the driver, a digital display complements the analog dials, providing clear and responsive readouts of essential information.

Overall, the 2025 Toyota Camry’s interior is a well-considered space that blends practicality with comfort. It’s not ostentatious, but it delivers what most buyers in this segment seek: a reliable, comfortable, and tech-friendly cabin tailored for everyday use.

What about back seats?

‍The back seats of the 2025 Toyota Camry provide ample space, with excellent legroom, headroom, and toe room for taller passengers. Depending on the trim, they’re upholstered in comfortable cloth or leather-like materials that balance support and softness.

Rear passengers benefit from air vents and two USB-C ports, while a wide, flat floor makes the middle seat more practical. Storage includes seatback pockets and a fold-down armrest with cupholders, though the door bins are small.

Large windows keep the rear feeling open and bright, making it comfortable for families and rideshare passengers alike.

What’s boot space like in the Toyota Camry?

‍The 2025 Toyota Camry offers a practical boot with a capacity of 524 litres, accommodating luggage, shopping, or gear for a weekend getaway with ease. This generous space is competitive for the sedan segment and adds to the Camry’s practicality, particularly for families and rideshare drivers.

The rear seats can fold down to expand the storage area, though accessing this feature requires releasing levers in the boot and manually folding the seats from inside the cabin—a process that could be streamlined. Beneath the boot floor, a space-saver spare wheel is included, along with a small storage compartment for tools or other items.

What’s under the bonnet of the 2025 Toyota Camry?

‍The 2025 Toyota Camry is powered by a 2.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine, operating on the Atkinson cycle to prioritise efficiency. Paired with Toyota’s hybrid system, it combines with an electric motor to deliver a total system output of 160kW, an increase of 10kW over the previous model. This hybrid-only configuration aligns with Toyota's move toward electrified powertrains, phasing out purely petrol versions in Australia.

The petrol engine produces 131kW and 221Nm, while the electric motor on the front axle adds substantial low-end torque for smooth acceleration. An integrated starter generator (ISG) handles engine restarts seamlessly, contributing to the car’s refined operation in stop-start conditions. A lithium-ion battery pack stores energy recovered through regenerative braking, supporting the electric motor and enhancing efficiency.

Toyota claims a combined fuel consumption of 4.7L/100km, a figure achievable under ideal driving conditions, cementing the Camry’s reputation as an efficient option in the mid-size sedan segment. The hybrid system works with an e-CVT (electronic continuously variable transmission), tuned for smooth transitions between electric and petrol power.

How does the Toyota Camry Drive?

‍The 2025 Toyota Camry continues to impress with a driving experience that balances comfort, efficiency, and refinement. Its hybrid powertrain, featuring a 2.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine and an electric motor, delivers a smooth and linear power delivery. With a total output of 160kW, the Camry feels responsive off the line, particularly in urban settings where the electric motor's instant torque shines.

Around town, the Camry glides quietly, thanks to its hybrid system prioritising electric operation at low speeds. The transition between electric and petrol power is seamless, aided by the smooth e-CVT transmission. While it’s not a performance-oriented sedan, the Camry provides enough power for confident overtaking and merging on highways, making it well-suited to both city commutes and long-distance journeys.

The suspension setup is tuned for comfort, absorbing most road imperfections with ease. It manages to strike a good balance between soft damping for urban driving and enough firmness to maintain stability on the open road. The electric power steering is light at low speeds, making parking and manoeuvring in tight spaces effortless, while weighting up enough at higher speeds for a stable, planted feel.

Body roll is well-contained through corners, though the Camry prioritises composure over sporty handling. This makes it a relaxing car to drive, whether you’re an Uber driver tackling long shifts or a private owner enjoying a leisurely weekend trip. The hybrid system’s regenerative braking is smooth and unobtrusive, helping to recharge the battery while maintaining predictable stopping power.

Overall, the Toyota Camry delivers a refined and predictable driving experience, excelling in efficiency and comfort—qualities that have made it a perennial favourite among Australian sedan buyers.

What do you get with the Toyota Camry?

Toyota Camry Ascent highlights:

• 17-inch alloy wheels
• LED Daytime Running Lamps (DRLs)
• Electrically adjustable rearview mirrors with side indicators
• 8-inch colour touchscreen display
• Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility
• Smart entry and start system
• Dual-zone automatic climate control
• Reversing camera with moving guidelines
• Toyota Safety Sense, including Lane Departure Alert, Pre-Collision Safety System, and All-Speed Active Cruise Control
• 8 SRS airbags, including dual front, side, curtain, centre, and driver’s knee airbags

Toyota Camry Ascent Sport adds:

• 12.3-inch colour touchscreen display
• Premium steering wheel
• 8-way power-adjustable driver’s seat with lumbar support
• Front USB-C audio jack
• Enhanced multimedia with inbuilt navigation
• Auto-dimming interior rearview mirror
• 12.3-inch Multi Information Display (MID)

Toyota Camry SL adds:

• 18-inch alloy wheels
• Panoramic full glass roof
• Leather-accented seats with heating and ventilation for driver and front passenger
• Heated steering wheel
• Driver’s seat memory function
• Nanoe™ X air conditioning technology
• Rain-sensing wipers
• Sports paddle shift for e-CVT

Is the Toyota Camry safe?

‍The updated Toyota Camry received a 5 star ANCAP safety rating in August 2024.

The Toyota Camry comes with plenty of standard safety features, including:

• Toyota Safety Sense: Pre-Collision, Lane Departure Alert, Road Sign Assist, Active Cruise Control.
• Eight airbags, including front, side, curtain, and driver’s knee airbags.
• Reversing camera, parking sensors (higher trims).
• Vehicle Stability Control, Traction Control, ABS with Brake Assist.
• Blind Spot Monitor, Rear Cross Traffic Alert (higher trims).
• Hill-Start Assist and ISOFIX child seat anchors.

How much does it cost to run the Toyota Camry?

‍The 2025 Toyota Camry offers competitive running costs for its segment, with a focus on long-term affordability. Toyota provides a 5-year, unlimited-kilometre warranty, ensuring peace of mind for owners.

Service intervals are set at 12 months or 15,000 kilometres, whichever comes first, and capped-price servicing is available for the first five years. The total capped-price servicing cost over this period is $1,275, averaging $255 per service.

However, it’s worth noting that Toyota does not include roadside assistance as standard, which may be an additional cost to consider.

Final thoughts on the Toyota Camry

‍The 2025 Toyota Camry continues to uphold its reputation as a practical, reliable, and efficient midsize sedan. While its heavy facelift might not redefine the model, it introduces meaningful updates, particularly in design and hybrid-only powertrains, ensuring the Camry remains a strong contender in its class.

Inside, the Camry offers a comfortable and functional cabin, with thoughtful touches that cater to both everyday drivers and rideshare operators. Its hybrid system delivers excellent fuel efficiency without sacrificing day-to-day usability, while safety remains a standout, thanks to Toyota's comprehensive suite of driver-assistance features.

Despite increasing competition in the hybrid segment and slightly higher pricing, the Camry still excels in delivering what buyers value most: reliability, efficiency, and practicality. Whether for families, professionals, or fleet operators, the 2025 Camry remains a benchmark for sensible motoring.