Has the 2025 Toyota Camry Still Got It? A Full Review

The 2025 Toyota Camry blends the trusted reliability of the nameplate with bold updates in hybrid tech, design and comfort. With the move to an all hybrid powertrain, modernised interior and available all-wheel-drive, Toyota aims to keep the Camry relevant and maybe even thrilling in today’s crowded midsize-sedan market.

2025 Toyota Camry

So, not gonna lie, the new Camry? It’s kinda surprising, honestly. You know how everyone’s always like, “Camry is just safe and boring”? But I mean, I drove the 2025 Hybrid and it actually felt… not slow? Almost peppy. They ditched all the non-hybrid stuff, even the V-6, which is a little sad for the weekend warriors but for regular people, you get like, 232 horsepower and freaking 47 mpg combined, so you’re barely ever stopping for gas.The base price is around $29,900 or a bit more if you want the fancier XSE, like $36,000 or so. The tech? Dude, it’s pretty sweet Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, wireless charging, a big touchscreen, all the little USB thingies. And, okay, the steering’s still a little numb, and I kinda miss the old engine sounds, but I’ve gotta admit, for family stuff and daily stuff, Camry still has it. Maybe not the car to make your neighbors jealous, but yeah, rock-solid choice.

Honda Accord

So, the Accord man, this is the one where, if you’re cross-shopping, you always gotta try it. It’s usually a little cheaper than the Camry like $29,500 to start. It’s got this kinda sleek, grown-up-Lexus look now; I mean, I know it’s a Honda, but the interior? Super posh for what you pay. Feels roomy, you get hybrid options, and honestly, Honda just nails that whole “drives pretty good but never stressful” vibe. I still think the infotainment is, uh, one click less cool than Toyota’s new screen, but the Accord’s handling is lively like, you actually wanna drive it, ya know? If Camry is the reliable friend, Accord is the cool friend who makes you stay out late and order extra fries.

Kia K5

Alright, the Kia K5 is, uh, shockingly stylish for a sedan that’s under $29,000 . When I first saw one, I was like, wait is that a fancy European car? Nope, K5. The thing is, it’s roomy, nice tech, and kind of fun to drive, especially compared to the old Optima days. You get a turbo four-banger, which, honestly, is a punchier engine than you’d expect. I’ve heard people say the ride’s a touch firm, but honestly, I’d take that over the Camry’s softer bounce if I wanted a sportier feel. Is it perfect? Nah, there’s still a bit of Kia-ness in some of the plastics and stuff, but for the money? Solid pick.

Hyundai Sonata

Sonata time! So, everyone talks about that wild “catfish” front grille, and, I mean, yeah it’s funky. But if you want crazy warranty (like ten years, bro!), decent features for under $28,200[1], and a cabin that’s almost luxury-lite, Sonata’s a strong deal. The hybrid’s really good on gas too, you know? Sometimes I wish they’d made the driving more exciting it just doesn’t really wake you up in the morning, if that makes sense but for road trips, it’s quiet, smooth, and pretty chill. Kinda has this “surprise, I’m way better than my price tag” energy.

Nissan Altima

Oh, Nissan Altima, my dude people rent this car all the time, but would you buy one? Maybe, starting at $28,200-ish . It’s got this kind of “I’m trying to be classy” look, some all-wheel drive, and, okay, honestly, it’s comfortable and fuel efficient. But, not gonna lie, the driving feels a little detached as in, the steering is kinda video game y. Inside, it’s decent like, nice for the price, but not as modern as the Camry/Accord interior. I do like the safety features, though. Easy car to live with, but doesn’t get your pulse up.

Subaru Legacy

So, the Legacy. This one’s, I dunno, kind of the quiet kid in the group. Starts around $27,980 , which is totally reasonable. Like, if you’re somewhere snowy, the standard all-wheel drive is actually a big deal, and it’s Subaru reliable. Sometimes I feel like the design is kinda grandma-core, but the seats are comfy, the tech is simple, and you’ll probably never get stuck somewhere dumb. Nobody gets excited talking about Legacy, but nobody’s ever really disappointed, either.

Mazda6

This one, I gotta sneak in. The Mazda6 isn’t selling new, I know, but if you can find a recent one for like $25-$30k, it’s just so damn fun to drive. If Camry = sensible shoes, then Mazda6 is, like, your surprise pair of cool sneakers. Tight steering, smooth ride, and an interior that’s way more premium than most rivals in this price range. Sometimes I wish Mazda was a little more generous with the rear legroom, and, uhm, yeah, some of the tech lags a bit, but smiles per mile? High.

Volkswagen Passat

I almost forgot about the Passat, ’cause VW sorta stopped making it here, but you still see some kicking around, used for around $23-$28k. It’s got this understated Euro vibe, big rear seats seriously, you can fit actual tall people back there a sturdy ride, and kind of minimalist inside. Downside? The tech and engine options are a little beige (like, not gonna thrill a car geek), but it’s nice for long hauls. Cheap to buy used, but I’d worry about repair costs later, ‘cause, you know, VW quirkiness.

Chevrolet Malibu

Chevy Malibu everyone’s high school rental car, right? But the newer ones, you get them for $25-31k, and, honestly, the ride and seats are surprisingly decent. The design is a bit blah like, you won’t see one and go “I NEED that” but the touchscreen is easy, the turbo engine is kind of snappy in town, and it feels solid. My uncle drives one, like, 40k miles a year, and he says it’s “never complains” which, for a non-car guy, is basically all you need.

Honda Civic Sedan

Last one, gotta mention it. Civic sedan, which still starts under $25k, but goes up if you get snazzy stuff. It’s like, the Swiss Army knife of compact cars. Maybe not as midsize as Camry, but the new one looks almost swoopy like, way cooler than before. Super fuel efficient, reliable, and kinda fun in the corners. If you need more room for kids and junk, go Camry, but for singles or young couples? Civic might be the smarter buy.