2025 Toyota Camry AWD Review | An Uber driver’s dream in any climate

The Toyota Camry has an interesting history

Initially released in 1983, the first generation Camry was about the same size as the current gen Toyota Corolla and was powered by a 2.0-liter, four-cylinder engine rated at 92 hp. The second generation came with a more powerful 2.5-liter, four-cylinder engine that put out 160 hp.

I mention this because the modern Camry also has a 2.5-liter gas engine, but that’s about all they have in common. Over the past 30+ years, the Toyota Camry has grown in size and complexity but still represents one of the most popular vehicles in its segment.

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In 2024, Toyota sold more than 227,000 Camrys in the United States, making it one of the top-selling vehicles outside of crossovers and pickup trucks. Since its debut in 1983, the Camry has achieved global sales exceeding 21 million units across 100 markets, earning numerous accolades along the way.

Over the years, the Camry has been offered in a variety of body styles, including wagons, hatchbacks, and sedans, powered by a wide range of engines—from four-cylinders and V6s to diesel and turbo options—paired with more than a dozen different transmissions.

Today, hybrid powertrains come standard across the trim lineup with AWD available as an option. This also means the Toyota-designed electronically-controlled continuously variable transmission (ECVT) is your only transmission choice.

The hybrid powertrain pays off big time

Right off the bat, the powerful 301 hp V6 is gone, as is the eight-speed automatic transmission. The mechanical AWD system and the 2.5-liter four-cylinder gas engine vanished too.

The 2025 Camry gets a 2.5-liter, DOHC 4-cylinder hybrid engine. On its own, it makes 184 hp but when you add the output from the hybrid’s electric motor, that figure jumps to 225 hp. Opting for the AWD system as well adds another seven hp into the mix for a grand total of 232 hp.

No, it’s not as quick as the previous V6 Camry. In fact, it’s well over a second slower but the AWD Camry is no slouch with 0 to 60 mph times clocked at just under seven seconds (at sea level). Traction is better off the line too, as the AWD system mitigates wheelspin and allows for smooth acceleration.

The FWD model is slightly more mellow off the line, but it doesn't embarrass itself. It takes a beat for the CVT and gas engine to spool up to the optimum RPM for power passing and former V6 owners will definitely notice this.

The 2025 Toyota Camry continues the driving legacy of its predecessors

There are many reasons why the Toyota Camry is known as a solid car, not the least of which has to do with its driveability. Over the past 30+ years, each Camry has proven to be remarkably easy to drive, and easy to live with.

Outward vision is pretty good, without the massive pillars some crossovers have. The seating position is great and the switchgear is easy to reach and use. Even the screen level (there’s a 12.3-inch available on the higher trims) is elevated to a good eye level.

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Mash your foot on the accelerator and you’re subjected to an unpleasant racket emanating from the exhaust as it pushes for maximum usable RPM. It’s not slow, but it sure doesn’t feel fast. Once you relent on the heavy revs, the sound becomes peaceful and unobtrusive.

Handling is surefooted, secure, and predictable. Steering effort is just enough to feel like you have an idea of what the front tires are doing. There are no surprises, but I wish the brake feel was slightly less spongy. Overall, it’s not quite as rewarding as the Honda Accord hybrid, which I consider best-in-class.

Thrill seekers, if there is such a thing with Camry buyers, who are hoping for a TRD-style suspension setup should look elsewhere. I have noted that the setup between all four trims feels different, but some of that can be attributed to the larger wheels with thinner rubber. The best ride comes from the lower-level models with the taller sidewalls. 

Pricing is still great - as long as the dealership doesn’t gouge (good luck with that)

Starting at $28,400, the Camry LE is the least expensive model available. The MSRP for the 2025 Toyota Camry SE FWD starts at $30,700 with all-wheel drive being a $1,525 option. The XLE starts at $33,400 and a fully loaded XSE AWD will run about $42,000.

All four trims perform differently at the gas pump. The main benefit of this new tech is the improved economy, especially in the LE FWD base model with a combined 51 mpg. The least efficient Camry is the XSE AWD, which gets 44 mpg combined.

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Part of the mpg discrepancy has to do with the weight of each vehicle. Simply put, the more goodies you have, the heavier you’ll be. In addition, wheel size and weight make a big difference too. Want those cool-looking 19-inch wheels on the XSE? It’s gonna cost you in more ways than one.

Final thoughts

If you can live without all of the creature comforts, the LE is a great value. Sure, you get a small 8-inch screen, but wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and wireless charging all come standard.

People say that the design is always subjective, but I find the Prius-inspired exterior to be pretty slick. The proportions are also pretty curvaceous, at least for a mass-produced sedan, and they really pop when finished in the right color.

Internally, you have lots of space, good storage, and very comfortable seating. It’s a pleasant place to be but upgrade to the XLE or XSE, and it’s downright luxurious. The optional red interior looks a bit too sporty for such a vehicle though, in my opinion.

Finally, there’s the AWD system. It works just like Toyota’s other hybrids, with no mechanical driveshaft connection to the rear wheels. It uses an electric motor to power the rear wheels when needed, which comes in handy on challenging driving surfaces and when added performance is needed.

Toyota played it smart with the new Camry. Sure, it's lost that beefy and fun V6, but it’s gained a compelling and efficient compromise in all the other benefits it offers Honestly, if I were an Uber, or Lyft driver in any climate, the 2025 Toyota Camry with AWD would make an excellent choice. 

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