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

Toyota has rolled out the all-new third-generation Camry Hybrid in India, and it offers a fresh style, updated interior, and new features. It’s also a bit longer, giving you more room inside. Even though it's a premium executive sedan, it claims to deliver impressive fuel efficiency of up to 25.49kmpl, 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), which is around Rs 2 lakh more than the previous version. So, is that extra cost worth it? And how does it actually 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 really stands out, and it fits right in with the latest Toyota models like the Prius and C-HR. Some striking design lines give it a sporty vibe, and the hood has strong creases that make it look nice and sculpted. The front grille reminds me a lot 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 ones.

While the front grabs attention, the real beauty of a sedan is in its side profile, and the new Camry nails it. The wheelbase hasn’t changed, but the car is a bit longer, which adds to its sedan appeal. Those 18-inch wheels with a star-like pattern fit perfectly with the overall look. The back also has boomerang-shaped LED lights, and while it might seem a little bulky compared to the rest of the car, we think the rear styling is not bad too. All in all, the new Camry Hybrid definitely looks sharper and makes a bigger 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 you touch while driving or relaxing in 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. Thankfully, the confusing Y-shaped central stack has been replaced, and the new dashboard presents a sleek and practical design that truly captures the essence of a sedan. 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 allows for wireless connections to 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. The Toyota Safety Sense system is also included, 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, as well as Vehicle Stability and Traction Control. Additionally, it features a 360-degree panoramic view camera.

Three-zone climate control allows front passengers to set their temperatures individually, and the rear-seat passengers can do the same. Since many people will use the Camry as a chauffeur-driven vehicle, backseat comfort is a priority. The rear 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 available for the left-side passenger to adjust the seat in the front as well. To enhance the experience, the Camry also includes an electric sunroof.

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-liter 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, swapping out the old nickel-metal battery for a lighter lithium-ion one. This change helps make the car lighter overall, even though it’s a bit longer than before, and it definitely feels lighter when you’re driving it.
The powertrain still delivers 221 Newton-meters of torque, but the power output has jumped to around 230PS. This combination of less weight and a bit more power really boosts performance.

The coolest upgrade, though, is the stiffer suspension, which provides better stability and gives you more confidence when taking sharp corners at decent speeds. Don’t worry, the ride quality is still super comfy; 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 weight when 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, which optimizes for better efficiency, Sport, which is all about performance, and Normal, which is just right for everyday driving. Overall, the new Camry Hybrid makes for a fun ride, whether you’re driving or just chilling in the back seat—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 the edge when it comes to 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 thinking about getting a premium executive sedan, you definitely need to test-drive the new Camry at least once.

Also Read: 2022 Mercedes-Benz C-Class Review

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