2025 Toyota Camry XSE Review: Is $45,000 Too Much?

2025 Toyota Camry XSE Overview

• 🚗 The 2025 Toyota Camry XSE is reviewed, with a focus on its $45,000 price point, which is comparable to luxury sedans like the Lexus ES 350.
• 💡 The vehicle is now exclusively a hybrid, featuring the fifth-generation Toyota hybrid system.

Powertrain and Performance

• ⚡ The fifth-generation hybrid system offers a smoother operation, longer EV range, and improved responsiveness compared to previous generations.
• ⚙️ It utilizes the proven A25A non-turbo engine, which has been around since 2018 and features direct and port injection (D4S).
• 🔋 The inverter has been refined, and while some components have been integrated from the battery, the overall system remains familiar to mechanics.
• 💨 The hybrid system feels more powerful and peppy, addressing past criticisms of sluggish pickup in hybrid models.

Under the Car and Chassis

• 🛠️ The underside of the XSE model is similar to the base model, featuring improved underbody covers compared to earlier production runs.
• 🔗 Toyota's use of steel lower control arms, steel knuckles, and bolt-on wheel bearings is highlighted as a durable and serviceable design.
• ⚠️ Concerns are raised about the aluminum front sway bar links, which have a history of failure, and the 19-inch wheels with low-profile tires being susceptible to damage.
• ⛽ Stainless steel fuel tanks and straps are noted as an improvement, preventing rust issues that plagued older models.
• 🚗 The all-wheel-drive system is integrated efficiently with a small rear unit, eliminating the need for a traditional driveshaft.

Interior and Features

• ✨ The XSE interior is described as "properly nice," with high-quality leather and a well-designed center stack.
• 📱 The infotainment screen is large and functional, though a newer generation is expected in the 2026 RAV4.
• 🚫 The loss of physical HVAC buttons in favor of screen controls on newer models is noted as a negative point.
• 🔊 The JBL speaker placement in the trunk is questioned, with a concern that the small subwoofer behind a large grille could be easily damaged.
• 💡 The trunk lid uses simple shocks instead of heavy beams, which is praised for ease of service and reduced load on hinges.

Exterior and Value Proposition

• 🌟 The XSE's exterior styling is striking, especially in the reviewed color, though some elements like the single exhaust tip with a decorative second tip are seen as questionable.
• 💰 The $45,000 price tag is considered a significant stretch, placing it in direct competition with more luxurious vehicles like the Lexus ES 350 and Avalon.
• 🤔 The reviewer concludes that while the car is attractive and well-equipped, the high price makes it difficult to justify over more premium options, potentially contributing to the decline of sedans in favor of SUVs.
• 📉 The lack of hood shocks on this generation, replaced by a prop rod, is seen as a cost-cutting measure that detracts from the premium feel at this price point.