In a gutsy move, Toyota elected to merely update the Camry that debuted for 2018 instead of issuing the expected all-new model. In another high-bravado flourish, Toyota made the 2025 exclusively hybrid, in an era where Toyota Canada has been unable to supply Camry hybrids to Canadian buyers.

The 2025 Camry an extensive update of the model that debuted for the 2018 model year. The main part of the car body is essentially unchanged, retaining the same metal panels. Toyota has grafted new front and rear styling clips onto the old centre section. The new front and rear look contemporary and the restyling is relatively successful.

The cabin is all-new. The driver faces a seven-inch digital gauge package on the base SE trims, with a larger 12.3 inch screen employed on XLE and XSE. There is an eight-inch infotainment screen on the base trim with a 12.3 inch display featured on fancier versions of the updated Camry. The redesigned seats on the SE are trimmed in vinyl, with the premium trims boasting leather on the seat bolsters and faux suede center cushions. A power driver’s seat is standard across the board. The new interior looks more upscale than previously. Cabin room is unchanged as cabin dimensions are unaltered.

Combined horsepower is now 225 on front-wheel-drive Camrys and 232 on all-wheel-drive variants. Power reaches the wheels exclusively via a CVT. Toyota has moved away from its stable and durable nickel-metal-hydride battery pack to one based on Lithium-Ion technology. Driven briefly, the new Camry is quick and generally quiet but the transitions from electric to gas operation are coarse. Toyota is promising astounding combined fuel economy of 4.9L/100 km, an astonishing figure for a big, fast car. Large windows provide impressive visibility for a modern sedans.

Toyota has been in the forefront of active safety equipment in mainstream cars and the updated Camry is no exception. Forward collision warning, autonomous emergency braking, lane departure, blind spot and rear cross traffic warnings as well as active cruise control are all standard.

The Camry hybrid, which was practically unavailable in Canada over the last few years. While delivery will take about six months, there were virtually no hybrids sold in Canada over the last few years. With a comprehensive active safety suite, alloy wheels, power driver’s seat, heated front seats and wireless cellphone charging, the base SE front-wheel drive model is nicely equipped. The SE Upgrade model adds a sunroof. All-wheel drive is offered on the SE Upgrade trim for $1650. The XSE trim upgrade adds a dual-panel sunroof, a 360 degree camera system, leather seating, a head up display system and a JBL-branded audio system. The XLE is the luxury-themed version of the XSE, equipped the same and similarly priced.

Sourced solely from the U.S., the Camry may become unsellable is a 25 percent tariff is imposed in April.

Traditionally Toyota hybrids have been reliable but the new Camry uses unproved Lithium-Ion batteries rather than the proven Nickel-Metal hydride batteries. In addition, the rear wheel drive part of the all-wheel drive system is driven electrically via a cable which generated a lot of complaints and failures in the related RAV4. Toyota recalled the cable but still only warrants the cable for three years/60,000 on 2025 Camrys.