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2025 Toyota Camry Review: The OG Hybrid Is Back
The year was 2002 and Japanese carmaker Toyota introduced the Indian market to its C-segment sedan, the Toyota Camry. In the 22 years since then, the Camry has been the firm's flagship vehicle in India, at least, that was the case until Toyota introduced the Velfire MPV.
Where the Camry has been the guiding light for Toyota in India is showing off the firm's hybrid prowess. In 2013, the Camry became the first ever hybrid car to be locally manufactured in India.
Now, 22 years after its debut in India, the 9th Generation (XV80) has finally arrived on our shores. We recently got the chance to drive the 2025 Toyota Camry, the only sedan in the carmaker's current Indian lineup, in Bangalore. Here are our thoughts...
2025 Toyota Camry Review: Design & Features - Evolution Outside, Revolution Inside
The exterior design of the new 2025 Camry has undergone an evolutionary update. The premium sedan looks sportier than ever after adopting a few design changes from its international family and Lexus.
At the front, the 2025 Camry sports C-shaped LED DRLs borrowed from the Prius, dual projector LED headlights and a sculpted bonnet that moves the Toyota badge up slightly compared to the previous model. The front bumper adopts a look that Lexus spindle design fans will be familiar with.
At the sides, the new Toyota Camry sports a sharp character line that runs across the door handles, as well as flared wheelarches hosting redesigned 18-inch alloy wheels. At the rear, the 2025 Camry sports C-shaped LED combination taillights, a redesigned bumper and a small boot lip spoiler.
Step inside the 2025 Toyota Camry's cabin and the changes are more revolutionary. Dual 12.3-inch screens for the instrumentation and infotainment dominate the multi-layered dash that is draped in soft-touch material.
The infotainment touchscreen is responsive and easy to use and supports wireless Apple CarPlay. However, Android Auto support is still wired. The infotainment unit is connected to a nine-speaker JBL sound system that belts out your tunes with ease.
Other highlights of the new 2025 Camry's cabin include three-zone automatic climate control, a 10-inch head-up display, a sunroof with a retractable sunshade and ventilated and electrically adjustable front seats along with reclining rear seats.
The driver's seat is a 10-way adjustable unit and combined with the tilt and telescopic adjustment for the steering wheel allows you to find the perfect driving position with ease.
We found the 2025 Camry's seats to be plush and supportive with the recline function of the rear seats allowing you to get into the perfect position for the long drives ahead with the sedan offering ample amounts of leg, knee and headroom.
The rear controls for the climate control setup and the sunroof just make the Camry an even more enticing car to be in the back of, when on the move.
The new Camry comes packed with a host of safety features including Toyota's Safety Sense 3.0 suite ADAS setup that includes the likes of pre-collision assist with pedestrian detection, radar-based cruise control, lane-tracing assist and more. The 2025 Toyota Camry also packs 9 airbags, a 360-degree camera, parking sensors on both ends along with stability and traction control among its safety features.
2025 Toyota Camry Review: Specs & Dimensions - Hybrid Evolution With A Pinch More Power
The 2025 Toyota Camry is based on the firm's TNGA-K platform and measures 4,920mm long, 1,840mm wide and 1,455mm tall and sports a 2,825mm long wheelbase. The new Camry offers 165mm of ground clearance and weighs tips the scales at 1,645 kilos.
Powering the 2025 Camry is a fifth-generation hybrid system which combines a 2.5-litre petrol engine with a single electric motor that is powered by a Nickel-Metal Hydride (Ni-MH) battery pack. The system output of the hybrid powertrain of the Camry has gone up from the previous generation's 215bhp to nearly 227bhp, an increase of almost 12bhp. The Camry's hybrid powerplant is paired with an e-CVT gearbox.
2025 Toyota Camry Review: Driving Impressions - A Sporty Yet Relaxed Electrified Drive
On the move, the new Camry feels slightly more spirited than before but the overall calm and smooth demeanour of Toyota's flagship hybrid sedan for India. The Camry continues to offer three driving modes - Eco, Normal and Sport.
Inside the city and under light acceleration, the Camry is content to just run off the electric motor with the engine only kicking in to recharge the battery pack. Combine this EV drive with Eco mode and the Camry delivers fuel economy numbers that will make you wonder if the car you're driving is a luxury sedan or an economobile.
However, switch the Camry into Sport mode and mash the "Go Faster" pedal to the floor and you'll find yourself reaching triple-digit speeds at quite a brisk pace. And while the e-CVT is usually silky smooth, pushing the Camry to its limits does bring back that familiar and annoying rubber band effect.
The suspension of the new Camry is quite well set up. It takes on most bumps and sharp ruts with ease but at higher speeds, some road imperfections do make themselves known. This slightly sporty setup along with a nicely weighted steering wheel means that the new Camry feels confident and composed whether you're pushing it down a highway or around a corner.
2025 Toyota Camry Review: Verdict & Final Thoughts - The Return of The Hybrid King
The new 2025 Toyota Camry has returned to our shores in its latest avatar with a slightly sportier exterior design, a brand new tech-packed interior and a hybrid powertrain setup that is now even more powerful.
Combine this with a sportier driving setup and Toyota's legendary reliability and the new 2025 Camry does seem like a brilliant alternative to its German rivals, despite being priced at Rs 48 lakh (ex-showroom).
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