2025 Toyota Camry XSE FWD - Review by David Colman

The best Camry ever and that says a lot.

David Colman

Story and Photos by David Colman
Special Correspondent to THE AUTO CHANNEL

It's been 42 years since Toyota began production of the first generation Camry. Since 1982, nine generations of Toyota's best-selling passenger car (300,000 yearly) have been introduced to the USA, with the latest iteration being the substantially revised 2025 model XSE, which we recently tested. For the first time ever, this elegantly restyled four-door, five-passenger family mover is hybrid-powered only. Four grades are on offer: LE ($29,495), SE ($31,795), XLE ($34,495) and XSE ($35,695). In addition to the restyled exterior and interior, the big news lies under the hood, where the thumping V6 engine has been replaced by a pair of four-cylinder gas-fueled motors linked to Toyota's fifth-generation hybrid drivetrain.

If you select a front wheel drive (FWD) Camry, you automatically get the aluminum block and head 2.5 liter inline-4, mated to 2AC motors good for 225hp (combined). This array is similar to the 2.0-liter hybrid which powers the new Prius. However, the 2025 Camry is also available with all-wheel-drive (AWD), which links the gas motor to a trio of AC motors that boost output to 232hp (combined). Both the FWD and AWD Camrys store their electrical output in an air-cooled lithium-ion 0.06kWh battery pack. A continuously variable automatic transmission provides direct-drive to either the front wheels, or all four wheels.

The revamped Camry body is stunningly attractive, especially if you select the most sporting version we drove, the XSE. Our test sample was finished in a provocatively understated shade of metallic grey called "Heavy Metal" ($425). Further adding to the paint tag was an extra $500 fee for a "Two-tone Midnight Black Metallic Roof" which did wonders visually by reducing the apparent height of the roofline to stealth fighter proportions. The black roof also blended beautifully with the charcoal rear spoiler, blacked out rear view mirrors, and black XSE trunk garnish. The Camry's new "hammerhead" sport mesh front grill, finished in body color rather than chrome, is visually enticing in a way that puts the grotesque grill efforts from sister car Lexus to shame.

The final component of our test car's arresting appearance was its $1,500 set of 19-inch dark grey metallic wheels. These are the only 9-inch wide alloys you can buy from Toyota for the new Camry. They look great in combination with the Heavy Metal paint job. As an added benefit, they're shod with 235/40R19 Bridgestone Turanza EL440 M&S radials with a TW 480 rating. To keep these beefy rollers connected to the pavement, Toyota has upgraded the suspension of the new Camry for XSE duty. They have installed a larger diameter front anti-sway bar as well as newly recalibrated sport shocks. Even more important is the addition of a new pump motor in the brake actuator which enables the Camry to gain better brake feel. Toyota dubs their system Electronically Controlled Braking (ECB). As a long time victim of poor brake response in hybrid vehicles, I was more than pleasantly surprised by the excellent feel of the brake pedal in the new Camry.

The XSE upgrades brake and throttle pedals with aluminum ribbing, an added enhancement to the spectacular-looking new interior. While the XSE's full leather seats are available in Black with Blue trim, I highly recommend selecting the "Cockpit Red" leather that graced the interior of our test car. To moderate the red blitz, interior designers have incorporated an artistic "Shooting Blade" pattern of perforations in the seating surfaces. The dash boasts a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster directly in front of the driver. Next to it is a 12.3-inch audio multimedia screen that controls a 6-speaker system that is easy to modulate via touch gestures. Note that lesser variants of the Camry make do with a diminished size 8-inch media screen

The fat rimmed, leather wrapped steering wheel feels reassuringly chunky in your hands. It's equipped with a pair of shift paddles that work for quick shifts when you've selected the "Drive" range from the transmission's console mounted stick. For longer periods of manual control, you can slide the stick into the Manual gate and retain preferred engine rpm ranges by flipping the up/down paddles. Likewise, the XSE offers three useful Drive Modes for your selection: Eco/Normal/Sport. All three can be instantly selected because Toyota has thoughtfully installed separate fixed buttons for each of the choices on the top of the center console.

The new Camry, in XSE trim, proved a revelation. It's really quick in a straight line (0-60mph in 7.3 seconds/ SS 1/4 mile in 15.4 seconds), will happily haul your whole family in luxury, and look better when doing so than any Camry built since 1982.

2025 TOYOTA CAMRY XSE FWD

• ENGINE: 2.5 liter inline-4, DOHC, 16-valve, aluminum block and head + 2 AC Motors
• HORSEPOWER: 225hp (combined)
• TORQUE: N/A
• FUEL CONSUMPTION: 48MPG City/47MPG Highway
• PRICE AS TESTED: $42,195

HYPES: Does it All for a Super Price

GRIPES: Cut My Shin on the X-ACTO Blade Sharp Lower Back Edge of the Front Door

STAR RATING: 10 Stars out of 10

©2024 David E Colman