The Prius may be the poster child for Toyota’s hybrid vehicles, but it’s far from the only option for Toyota lovers looking to go green. For example, take the Camry. This midsize sedan has been available as a hybrid since the 2007 model year. Back then, the new hybrid powertrain managed to bump the car’s fuel economy up to 34 MPG combined, according to the EPA. Consider that the average 2024 vehicle, after nearly two decades of automotive evolution, only gets 28 MPG, and you’ll see why the Camry’s hybrid option was a hit and has remained popular over the years. Of course, it’s come a long way in that time — a 2024 Camry can get you up to 52 MPG, saving you around $750 on fuel annually by the EPA’s estimates.
For the new model year, the 2025 Toyota Camry is kicking off the ninth generation of the nameplate and is making headlines thanks to a bold decision: the Camry’s lineup is becoming fully hybrid. While the 2024 model year saw the hybrid options available alongside a 4-cylinder gas engine and a V6, the new lineup is going all-in on the powerful and efficient hybrid. In this age of electrification, this move makes the Camry look much more future-proof than competitors and has motivated engineers at Toyota to make other changes for the new generation, like offering an AWD system for the hybrid Camry for the first time.
If you want to know what this change and others add up to for the next-gen Camry, you’ve come to the right place. We’re going to take a look at what we know so far and see how it all comes together to form a modern sedan that’s versatile, efficient, and fun to drive. Let’s dive in and see what the Camry has to offer now that it’s proudly embracing its new identity as a hybrid-only model.
Exceptional Efficiency
Of course, an all-hybrid lineup means that every trim of the Camry will be highly fuel-efficient. The 52 MPG delivered by the 2024 Camry Hybrid LE is only 4 MPG away from being double the fuel economy that the average 2024 vehicle gets. That means that even if you have an hour-long daily commute or like to celebrate the summer with an adventurous road trip, you won’t have to worry about pain at the pump behind the wheel of a Camry.
Of course, the gas powertrains of the 2024 model were still impressively efficient, but not at the same level. The 2024 Camry LE and SE models, equipped with FWD, were the most efficient non-hybrid trims in last year’s lineup, getting a combined city/highway rating of 32 MPG. That’s above average but a far cry from 52. With only hybrid options, the next-generation Camry is stunningly fuel-efficient in a few trims and across the board, so all drivers can get great bang for their buck at the gas station. While the 2025 numbers have not been released yet by the EPA, we expect the new Camry to continue its unparalleled efficiency.
Great Performance
Don’t think the hybrid’s efficiency comes at the expense of power. Remember, the hybrid setup pairs a gas engine with multiple electric motors, which work together to provide more power than either would alone. For the 2024 Camry, the hybrid powertrain delivered 208 hp, giving it more pep than the base gas-only powertrain, which produced only 205 hp. The available V6 did deliver more, at 301 hp, but you had to pay for that with decreased fuel economy. The Camry models with the V6 engine are the only ones in the 2024 lineup that get below-average fuel efficiency for 2024 vehicles, with a 26 MPG rating for the XSE trim and only a 25 MPG rating for the TRD trim.
For the 2025 model year, the Camry’s hybrid powertrain is set to be even more powerful than it used to be. The base powertrain uses a 2.5L engine and a pair of electric motors to deliver front-wheel drive. Between all the components, this setup produces 225 hp, so you can accelerate quickly when the situation calls for it. There’s also a sport-tuned suspension available for improved driving dynamics. An all-new AWD hybrid powertrain delivers 232 net hp.
The Electronic On-Demand All-Wheel Drive System
While the 2024 Camry was offered as a hybrid with all-wheel drive, you had to choose between one and the other. All-wheel drive provides extra traction so that you can drive with confidence on wet roads or loose gravel driveways, but it tends to lower fuel economy. With the extra efficiency boost of a hybrid powertrain, you can strike a perfect balance with a vehicle that’s ready for anything but still doesn’t burn more fuel than necessary. For the next-generation Camry, a hybrid all-wheel drive system is available for the first time in the nameplate’s history. This powertrain is an available option on all trim levels and uses a third electric motor on the rear axle to provide additional power.
The 2025 Camry goes even further in giving you the best of both worlds by using an Electronic On-Demand AWD system. This gives you the freedom to use AWD when the weather is bad, or the roads are rough but allows you to switch to more efficient FWD when conditions are good. The electronic system can even automatically detect changes in driving conditions and switch back and forth automatically so you can focus on driving.
A Sharp, Modern Design
The new Camry announces its futuristic powertrain with an all-new look that’s sleek and modern inside and out. On the exterior, the face has an updated design with narrow headlights that don’t need to be large to provide plenty of light. An eye-catching grille design has different patterns for different trims, making each Camry a little more unique so you can choose one that best matches your sense of style.
The makeover continues inside with a new layout that’s cleaner and more intuitive. A new trim on the passenger side blends in with the air vent for a cohesive look, and a large center console gives you room to store everything you might need to have on hand without cluttering up the cabin. A wireless phone charger now comes standard, so you can keep your phone powered up without cluttering the interior with a tangle of wires. Of course, there are still plenty of USB ports in both the front and back rows for devices that aren’t compatible with Qi.
The New Camry Hybrid Has Something for Everyone
Some may think the Camry is losing something by switching to an all-hybrid lineup. But while two powertrain options are being retired, there are brand-new options coming in to take their place. The next-generation Camry can be had with a hybrid AWD, a sport-trimmed suspension, and more. At the end of the day, this change will make the Camry more modern and better able to serve drivers both today and in the future. As technology continues to improve, we’re sure that the options available on the hybrid-only Camry will only increase over the years, giving drivers of all stripes something to appreciate.
Even now, the versatile 2025 Camry has plenty to offer. Its spacious cabin and wide array of safety features make it a wonderful family car. Its efficient powertrain makes it perfect for commuters looking to keep costs down. And its available AWD capability makes it a great choice for going on road trips, traveling through rural areas, and heading out on adventures no matter the weather. Truly, this is a jack-of-all-trades sedan that can handle whatever life throws your way.