Skip to main content
  1. Home
  2. Auto

Say goodbye to the gas-only Toyota Camry: New Camry to be hybrid only

Toyota puts a ring on it with new Camry

By
2025 Toyota Camry front view.
Courtesy Toyota / Toyota

SUVs and pickup trucks may get the most significant share of attention among vehicle types, but Toyota’s November 14 statement about the automaker’s signature 4-door sedan struck a chord. Toyota’s announcement that the 2025 Camry lineup will powered solely by hybrid engines was the car world equivalent of a power chord with open G tuning. Strong, clear, and unmistakable.

This announcement is monumental for Toyota. In January 2023, Toyota President and CEO Akio Toyoda stepped down. Toyoda had resisted going all in on battery-electric vehicles (BEVs), although under his reins, the company introduced two generations of the Mirai, a hydrogen fuel cell-powered car. Also, the Toyota Prius, which has been for sale in the U.S. since 2000, proved there was a market for automobiles powered by alternative fuel.

Recommended Videos

Koji Sata became Toyota’s new CEO and President in 2023. Previously, he led Toyota’s Lexus and Gazoo rally racing divisions. Earlier in 2023, Sata said Toyota would intensify the development of battery electric vehicles (BEVs) while still working on hybrids and fuel cells. But later, in 2023, Sata seemed less enthusiastic about BEVs and again emphasized Toyota’s multi-pathway approach to electrification, including hybrid cars and fuel cells in addition to BEVs.

2025 Toyota Camry hybrid engine.
Copurtesy Toyota / Toyota

Toyota’s commitment to improving the Camry

Toyota’s announcement that the 2025 Camry will be an all-hybrid model is significant because the Camry represents the core of Toyota’s U.S. business. Four-door sedans aren’t popular now and haven’t been for a while. The smaller Toyota Corolla currently outsells the Camry worldwide. However, the Camry’s reputation for reliability and durability has been a significant asset in Toyota’s ascent to the top ranks of automotive manufacturers worldwide.

2025 Toyota Camry interior.
Courtesy Toyota / Toyota

Starting with the 2025 Camry, all trim levels will be available with either FWD or AWD. The car will be more powerful, with a combined 225 horsepower in the FWD models and 232 HP in the AWD models. The all-wheel-drive version has 30 hp more than the current AWD Camry. Toyota also improved the suspension and braking for better handling and more agility.

2025 Toyota Camry right side front view.
Courtesy Toyota / Toyota

The best of the 2025 Toyota Camry

All 2025 Camrys will have a Blind Spot Monitor, Rear Cross-Traffic Alert standard, and Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 (TSS 3.0). The full menu of TSS 3.0 aids includes:

  • Pre-collision system with pedestrian detection
  • Full-speed range dynamic radar cruise control
  • Lane departure alert with steering assist
  • Lane tracing assist
  • Road sign assist
  • Automatic high beams
  • Proactive driving assist for gradual braking steering assistance

2025 Toyota Camry left rear three-quarter view.
Customers who order a 2025 Toyota Camry with the XLE or SLE trim can select the Premium Plus Package, which includes:

  • Traffic jam assist
  • Front-cross traffic alert
  • Lane change assist
  • Panoramic view monitor
  • Front and rear parking assist with automatic braking

2025 Toyota Camry trim models.
The 2025 Camry will be developed and assembled in the U.S. It will be interesting to observe whether available AWD with all trim levels will lead to an uptick in sedan sales at the expense of Toyota SUVs. It will be perhaps even more interesting to see if Toyota’s momentous support for hybrid powertrains will slow BEV development for Toyota or other manufacturers. The 2025 Toyota Camry hybrid is on track to be in Toyota dealerships in the spring of 2024.

Bruce Brown
Bruce Brown
Former Digital Trends Contributor
A Digital Trends Contributing Editor and Contributor for TheManual.com, Bruce Brown writes e-mobility reviews and covers…
Topics

Editors’ Recommendations

New Q by Aston Martin series celebrates a decade of Aston Martin in Mexico.
Aston Martin's six new Q cars honoring Mexico
new q by aston martin series celebrates a decade of in mexico 3000 am612 ext front 3 4 ionblue

To celebrate ten years of Aston Martin in Mexico, the company is excited to introduce a special project that really highlights the region’s rich culture. Teaming up with Aston Martin Mexico City and Menchaca Studio, the ‘Q’ by Aston Martin division has created the Mex’Uk Series, featuring six unique Vantage coupes that showcase Mexico’s indigenous heritage.

Each of these cars is more than just a ride; they’re crafted to represent a different power animal from the Wixárika culture, which is known for its deep spiritual connection to nature and amazing artistic traditions. The designs on both the outside and inside capture the essence of these animals, filled with vibrant colors and meaningful details that tell a story about strength and harmony.

Read more
The new De Tomaso P72 hypercar is a brilliant mix of modern tech and retro soul
De Tomaso P72 hypercar debuts
the de tomaso p72 hypercar is a brilliant mix of modern tech and retro soul production specification exterior 05 e17473187211

The P72 draws inspiration from the fabulous 1965 De Tomaso P70, a fantastic collaboration between Alejandro De Tomaso and the iconic Carroll Shelby. It captures the vibe of a time when cars were designed with heart and soul, not just data. With its smooth curves and classic analog feel, the P72 is a throwback to the 1960s, a time when cars were artistic expressions and driving was all about passion. First shown off as a concept at the 2019 Goodwood Festival of Speed, the P72 is now ready to hit the road in its final, jaw-dropping form.

At the heart of the P72 is a brand-new carbon fiber chassis, carefully woven in a striking 4x4 twill pattern. This chassis extends from the center monocoque to the front and rear, and what’s really impressive is that it’s made from a single piece of carbon fiber—no glued-on sections. This not only makes the car stronger and lighter but also sets a high standard for quality.

Read more
New survey reveals what Tesla owners really think about EV ownership
Tesla owners second guessing their purchase
Tesla group photo with Model S, Model 3, Model X, Model Y parked in front of charger during sunset.

Electric cars might be seen as the future, but many Tesla owners have been surprised by some of the challenges that come with the ride. From dealing with slashed tires to rising insurance premiums, the experience hasn’t been as smooth as they’d hoped. A recent survey by Guardian Service examined how issues such as vandalism, rising insurance costs, and public perception are affecting the ownership experience of Teslas, particularly for younger drivers and residents in specific regions of the U.S.

Nearly half of the Tesla owners surveyed (44%) reported that their cars have been vandalized, which includes being keyed or having tires slashed. The average repair bill is around $1,900. In the South, the problem seems to be even worse, with 46% of owners saying their vehicles were intentionally damaged—way more than the 11% in the Midwest and higher than the 21% in the West and 22% in the Northeast.

Read more