The 2025 Toyota Camry launches only with hybrid power. Buyers can pick between front- or all-wheel drive configurations for the LE, SE, XLE, and XSE trims.
I don’t think Lexus is the reason why there was never an FWD-based AWD 2GR. It simply doesn’t fit. If it was because of Lexus, then the ES350 2GR would have AWD, but it doesn’t. The AWD only exists on the old RWD-based platform and even in that guise, only fit their old 6-speed transmission (god, the fuel economy of the IS is atrocious).
The shame is that Toyota regurgitates the same 15-20 year old tech. But glad to see this next generational jump they’re finally committing to! The new Crown, Prius, NX, etc. are super impressive. The decade+ old platformed IS, RC, UX…eh not so much, but we’ll get there eventually.
I can confirm thats the case on my Lexus GS, sub 20 MPG in the city, but regardless this is a huge step in the wrong direction. Toyota already offers the Prius and Corolla if fuel economy is your priority, there’s no reason to stop offering the V6 completely on the Camry, a full size sedan. The V6 IS and RC may be inefficient and not crazy fast by modern standards but at least they’re good looking and fun to drive. The new Camry even LOOKS like a Prius now.
I don’t really think the V6 was a huge selling point for a lot of people with regards to the Camry seeing as the take rate for the V6 Camry has been well under 10% for a good while now. Most people buying the Camry wanted something that was good on gas without being in a car as confining as the Corolla or the Prius, so the new model is fine for 95% of Camry buyers. I’m a bit surprised they didn’t also offer the 2.4T Hybrid Max that would have gotten over 30 MPG in the city, but at the same time Camry sales have been declining globally so Toyota probably didn’t feel it was worth it to put the more powerful motor in the Camry, and it gives them more of a reason to sell the Crown.
I don’t think Lexus is the reason why there was never an FWD-based AWD 2GR. It simply doesn’t fit. If it was because of Lexus, then the ES350 2GR would have AWD, but it doesn’t. The AWD only exists on the old RWD-based platform and even in that guise, only fit their old 6-speed transmission (god, the fuel economy of the IS is atrocious).
The shame is that Toyota regurgitates the same 15-20 year old tech. But glad to see this next generational jump they’re finally committing to! The new Crown, Prius, NX, etc. are super impressive. The decade+ old platformed IS, RC, UX…eh not so much, but we’ll get there eventually.
I can confirm thats the case on my Lexus GS, sub 20 MPG in the city, but regardless this is a huge step in the wrong direction. Toyota already offers the Prius and Corolla if fuel economy is your priority, there’s no reason to stop offering the V6 completely on the Camry, a full size sedan. The V6 IS and RC may be inefficient and not crazy fast by modern standards but at least they’re good looking and fun to drive. The new Camry even LOOKS like a Prius now.
I don’t really think the V6 was a huge selling point for a lot of people with regards to the Camry seeing as the take rate for the V6 Camry has been well under 10% for a good while now. Most people buying the Camry wanted something that was good on gas without being in a car as confining as the Corolla or the Prius, so the new model is fine for 95% of Camry buyers. I’m a bit surprised they didn’t also offer the 2.4T Hybrid Max that would have gotten over 30 MPG in the city, but at the same time Camry sales have been declining globally so Toyota probably didn’t feel it was worth it to put the more powerful motor in the Camry, and it gives them more of a reason to sell the Crown.