Toyota Camry loses V6 to be hybrid only, even with all-wheel drive

Sedans may be losing ground, but don’t think their end is near. The Toyota Camry is a good example that this segment still has its audience: it was the fifth best-selling car in the United States last year, but the first among those that are not SUVs or pickup trucks.

To continue its success, the 2025 Toyota Camry line debuts a new look and new mechanics. Despite being considered a ‘big guy’ car, the sedan will be more modern and the automaker will opt for purely combustion options.

This means the end of versions with a 305 hp 3.5 V6 engine, which won’t make a big difference, after all, this engine only represented 7% of Camry sales in the USA this year. However, the basic combustion version with a 205 hp 2.5 four-cylinder engine will also be goodbye. It was the favorite among buyers, accounting for 82% of sales.

Now only the hybrids will remain, also with a 2.5 engine, but linked to two other electric motors to add 228 hp. Just like the model that was sold here in 2022, the drive is front-wheel drive, in this case.

The biggest news for the new generation is an all-wheel drive version. The mechanics are basically the same, the difference is that the AWD model receives a third electric motor to drive the rear axle. Most of the time, it operates like the front-wheel drive model, and the rear electric motor kicks in only when needed. With this, the total combined power increases to 235 hp.

In addition to the mechanical change, the Camry also had its look renewed. At the front, the Camry has new headlights and a slim DLR with a C-shaped design, which is very reminiscent of the new Prius. The ‘V’ shaped grille was replaced by a more robust one located lower on the bumper – which receives different finishes depending on the version. The logo is no longer centralized, being moved to the tip of the hood and facing upwards.

The rear also gained new lights, thinner and with a new design. The entire rear was redesigned, giving it a flatter look and the center of the trunk gained the model name just below the Toyota logo. Speaking of which, the symbol has a new look, more minimalist and without the blue outlines that identified the electrified powertrain.

Those who want a slightly bolder look can opt for the SE or XSE versions, with a rear diffuser, spoiler in the vehicle’s color, suspension with a sporty setting, canards on the front bumper, aluminum pedals and paddles for changing gears. For those who are more conservative, they can opt for the LE and XLE options.

As standard, the Toyota Camry 2025 has dual-zone air conditioning, wireless phone charger, 16” aluminum wheels, wireless phone charger, 7” digital instrument panel and 8” multimedia center. The XLE and SE versions have 18” wheels, while the XSE gets an exclusive 19” one. Finally, the top-of-the-line models (XLE and XSE) have a set of larger screens, measuring 12.3” each, as well as LED rear lights, heated and electrically adjustable leather seats in the front and proximity key entry.

Well equipped, the Camry brings the Toyota Safety Sense package to the entire line. This means that autonomous emergency braking, blind spot monitoring, lane keeping assistance, automatic high beams and adaptive cruise control are present in all cars.

Prices for the new Toyota Camry in the United States have not yet been released, but it is very likely that it will be more expensive than the previous generation hybrid, which started at U$28,855, approximately R$140,000. Its launch is scheduled for the second quarter of 2024.