2025 Camry Hybrid First Drive Review: Luxury and Performance with 25kmpl

Toyota has rolled out the all-new third-generation Camry Hybrid in India, with fresh styling, an updated interior, and new features. It’s also a bit longer now, with more room inside. Even though it's a premium executive sedan, it claims to deliver impressive fuel efficiency of up to 25.49km/l, thanks to Toyota's latest fifth-generation hybrid system with a lighter and more powerful lithium-ion battery. However, it comes with a price tag of Rs 48 lakh (ex-showroom), around Rs 2 lakh more than the previous version. So, is that extra cost worth it? And how does it feel to drive? Let’s dive in and find out.

Bold and Beautiful

The new Camry Hybrid looks totally different from the old version and in a good way. The edgier, bold design stands out and yet seems to align with designs of the latest Toyota models like the Prius and C-HR. Striking design lines give it a sporty vibe, while strong creases on the hood give it a nice sculpted look. The front grille reminds me of Lexus cars, and the angular headlights create a cool hammer-like shape along with the lines on the hood, which Toyota calls the 'Hammer-Head' design. Plus, the new LED headlights are way more efficient than the old projector units.

While the front end is attractive enough to grab attention, the real beauty of a sedan lies in its profile, and the new Camry nails it. While the wheelbase hasn’t changed, the car is now a bit longer, adding to its overall appeal. The 18-inch wheels with a star-like pattern fit perfectly with the overall appearance. The rear end features boomerang-shaped LED lights. While it might seem a little bulky compared to other models in the segment, we think the rear styling of the Camry has its own appeal. Overall, the new Camry Hybrid looks sharper and makes a better impression than the previous model.

Well Furnished

The interior of the Toyota Camry is adorned with warm yellowish-brown leather, creating a pleasant atmosphere. Almost every surface inside this spacious sedan is made of soft materials. Space has always been a strong point for the Camry, and this new generation continues that tradition. In fact, it offers slightly more legroom and headroom in the back, thanks to its larger dimensions. What's more, the confusing Y-shaped central stack has been replaced, and the new dashboard presents a sleek and practical design. It features a 12.3-inch multi-information display for the driver, along with a similarly sized touchscreen for the infotainment system. The screen is stylish and compatible with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, although the user interface could be improved for a smoother experience.

The steering wheel feels just right and includes controls for music, phone calls, the instrument cluster, and driver-assistance features. Both the steering wheel and seats are electrically adjustable. It also features the Toyota Safety Sense system, offering a range of helpful tools like the Pre-Collision System, Lane Keep Assist, Adaptive Cruise Control, and Automatic High Beam. On the safety front, the new Camry is well equipped with nine airbags, ABS with EBD and Brake Assist, a Tyre Pressure Monitoring System, Uphill and Downhill Assist, an Electronic Parking Brake, and Vehicle Stability and Traction Control. Additionally, it features a 360-degree panoramic view camera.

Three-zone climate control allows the driver, front passenger, and rear-seat occupants to set their preferred temperatures, ensuring personalised comfort. Given that the Camry is often used as a chauffeur-driven vehicle, its rear seat comfort takes centre stage. The back seats even offer a power reclining feature, manual window curtains, and an electric rear curtain that can be controlled via an optical touch panel in the central armrest. The space and seating in the back are extremely comfortable, and there are controls for the left-side passenger to adjust the seat in the front for added convenience. The Camry also features an electric sunroof, which adds to the overall in-cabin experience.

Also Check: 2025 Toyota Camry Hybrid vs Skoda Superb vs Audi A4 vs Mercedes-Benz C-Class

Feels Lighter

The ninth-generation Camry Hybrid comes with the same 2.5-litre petrol engine, but there’s a big upgrade under the hood with the electric parts. It now has Toyota's latest fifth-generation hybrid system with a lighter lithium-ion battery instead of the old nickel-metal battery. This change has helped the car shed some weight, making it lighter despite its increased length – something that becomes quite apparent while driving.
The powertrain still delivers 221Nm of torque, but the power output has increased to around 230PS. This combination of less weight and a bit of additional power really adds to the performance.

The coolest upgrade, however, is that it now features a stiffer suspension, which provides better stability and gives you more confidence around sharp corners at decent speeds. Don’t worry, the ride quality is still super comfortable – it glides over bumps without jostling passengers too much. Plus, the steering feels great – it’s speed-sensitive, so it’s light and easy to handle in the city but gains some heft as you pick up speed.

Toyota kept the same eCVT gearbox, which works really well with the hybrid setup. Shifting is super smooth, and it switches between electric and petrol modes effortlessly. If you want to take control, you can also use the 10-speed sequential mode for manual shifting with either the gear lever or paddle shifters. There are three driving modes: Eco (for better efficiency), Sport, (all about performance), and Normal (suitable for everyday driving). Overall, the new Camry Hybrid makes for a fun ride, whether you’re driving or just chilling in the back seat, and it’s sure to bring a smile to your face.

All-rounder

After taking the new Toyota Camry Hybrid for a spin, it’s clear that it stacks up pretty well against the German competitors. In fact, it might even have an edge over its competitors in terms of features and space. The ride is super comfy, and it grips the road nicely. It can reach triple-digit speeds almost as fast as the C-Class. Sure, its top speed is a bit lower than the German models, but it really has everything you’d want in a high-end sedan. If you're looking for a premium executive sedan, you definitely need to test-drive the new Camry at least once.

Also Read: 2022 Mercedes-Benz C-Class Review

----