2025 Toyota Camry SE

[PWMDMD]

I’m outside San Francisco at a continuing ed meeting and rented a 2025 Camry SE with 11k miles through National. I have to say I’m really impressed. Seems like a ton of instant power/torque, engine is super quiet and this thing moves, handling it really good, super smooth and solid on the road. Interior is quality. There is occasionally a slight sputter from the start/stop system when the engine fires up but it’s minimal and there’s never a delay with anything happening due to the hybrid motor (this was not my experience with their start/stop in the Highlander 5 years ago). I’m driving it aggressively and averaging 44mpg in mixed driving.

There’s no moonroof so there’s tons of headroom and space - zero issues for me at 6’5”.

I’m thoroughly impressed and this platform and drivetrain is easily significantly better than my 2019 RX 350 in every way other than it’s just too low for a 6’5” guy. If I needed a daily commuter and put a ton of mile on my vehicle this would be a top choice.

 

[dishdude]

I rented one of these a few months ago and I couldn't find a comfortable driving position. If I raised the seat up at all, I couldn't get the steering wheel out of my lap because it only moved up like 2", so I drove it in an uncomfortable position with the seat all the way down and my legs extended out to reach the pedals.

Also wasn't impressed with the powertrain, the gas engine started and stopped at random times, made all kinds of funny noises and just did strange things. Power was decent but nothing great. I preferred the Altima I had after it.

 

[PWMDMD]

I’m surprised about the power and comfort - I’ve been perfectly happy. The torque is instant and it feels faster than my RX 350 even though it’s rated at just 225hp. My only issue is at 6’5” and driving a Tundra it feels like I fall into it because it’s so low.

 

[daves87rs]

Drove on last week- Thought it did quite well….

 

[dishdude]

@PWMDMD I posted a review of the same vehicle. I'd love a review of my review to see if I was off the mark.

Thread '2025 Camry SE Rental Review'

Sep 1, 2024

Currently have this 2025 Camry as a rental, I normally wouldn't bother with a post about a Camry but this is a heavily updated version of the previous generation new for 2025 and now has an all hybrid powertrain offering. I like the looks of it, and it probably has one of the best looking front ends to come out of Toyota in a long time. I liked the color and the look of the black wheels.

The good - Being a hybrid, fuel economy is exceptional. I didn't do any official calculations, but it hasn't seemed to use much gas. Power is adequate for a mundane sedan, it rides well and I liked the...

• dishdude
• Replies: 28
• Forum: Vehicles

• 
• 
• 

 

[edyvw]

If seats are anything like ones in Sienna and Grand Highlander, than, will rent some KIA there on the lot.
Driving latest Toyota products I always have a feeling I want to fall off the seats. I measured in Sienna 2" shorter seats than Tiguan we have.

 

[Gyro Gearloose]

My nephew just bought one. Claims he is averaging 45 mpg.

 

[CharBaby]

I’m outside San Francisco at a continuing ed meeting and rented a 2025 Camry SE with 11k miles through National. I have to say I’m really impressed. Seems like a ton of instant power/torque, engine is super quiet and this thing moves, handling it really good, super smooth and solid on the road. Interior is quality. There is occasionally a slight sputter from the start/stop system when the engine fires up but it’s minimal and there’s never a delay with anything happening due to the hybrid motor (this was not my experience with their start/stop in the Highlander 5 years ago). I’m driving it aggressively and averaging 44mpg in mixed driving.

There’s no moonroof so there’s tons of headroom and space - zero issues for me at 6’5”.

I’m thoroughly impressed and this platform and drivetrain is easily significantly better than my 2019 RX 350 in every way other than it’s just too low for a 6’5” guy. If I needed a daily commuter and put a ton of mile on my vehicle this would be a top choice.

Sounds like my kind of sedan, which are my favorite body style of vehicle. I also have a fondness for other small vehicles such as little tiny hatchbacks, even though that's not what we're driving in my household.
I've had Altima's lately and really loved them as they've worked well for me but no one wants them on the used car market, making them a hard sell when it's time to update to my next vehicle.
I am also an Accord fan and have enjoyed the ones that I've owned in the past though, they're not perfect.
But of course, every vehicle I buy requires an extensive test drive as some cars that I have on my list are easily eliminated after a thorough going over. For me, it's all about how many boxes get checked off with vehicle.

 

[andrew_j]

EV portion of hybrid is why they are superior in daily driving.

 

[eljefino]

The rental Camry is the most-reviewed car on BITOG. It's almost like people rediscovering mid-full sized sedans and how they meet many needs while still being somewhat sporty.

 

[LDB]

I've driven RAV4/CR-V/Escape vehicles for a decade but have looked at the 2025 Camry online. I'm just concerned about how much lower it is. This is a helpful report.

 

[PWMDMD]

If seats are anything like ones in Sienna and Grand Highlander, than, will rent some KIA there on the lot.
Driving latest Toyota products I always have a feeling I want to fall off the seats. I measured in Sienna 2" shorter seats than Tiguan we have.

Seat bottoms are short, then again my legs are very long. The seat back is comfy for me now that I adjusted the lumbar support.

 

[sw99]

Looked at buying one a couple weeks ago. As soon as we sat in it, the interior was a hard pass. We just couldn't get over the dated fabric they were using on the dash trim. The exterior looks awesome though.

 

[Hirev]

I looked at the 2025 Camry seemed good for the price point. Decided I wanted a little more room for road trips. Test drove a Subaru Outback, Rav4, and Crown Signia recently ended up with a Crown Signia XLE wagon. So far I like it a lot. Toyota list ground clearance for Camry SE at 5.4" The Crown Signia XLE ground clearance is listed at 6.7" so a little more snow clearance is a plus around here.

 

[sw99]

I looked at the 2025 Camry seemed good for the price point. Decided I wanted a little more room for road trips. Test drove a Subaru Outback, Rav4, and Crown Signia recently ended up with a Crown Signia XLE wagon. So far I like it a lot. Toyota list ground clearance for Camry SE at 5.4" The Crown Signia XLE ground clearance is listed at 6.7" so a little more snow clearance is a plus around here.

Funny you mentioned that... We didn't even know about the Crown Signa at the time we were looking at the Camry. The following week, we saw one at another dealer and drove home in it. We had an Outback a couple years ago and the NA version was gutless, and fuel mileage was just ok. This Signia is night and day difference.