By: Joshua Lee
May 15, 2025
The Toyota Camry has long been a household name, and Toyota has infused its best-selling sedan with electrified sophistication and a fresh redesign for its ninth generation. This latest iteration of the Camry isn’t just about hybrid efficiency—it’s about redefining what a midsize sedan can be in the modern era. Thanks to Toyota Canada, we had the chance to find out whether the 2025 Toyota Camry HEV XSE is the ultimate hybrid sedan.
The 2025 Camry HEV XSE is powered by Toyota’s 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine paired with an electric motor, delivering a combined output of 232 horsepower. This fifth-generation hybrid powertrain excels at providing smooth and seamless acceleration, with instant torque from the electric motor making city driving effortless. The eCVT is well-calibrated and delivers linear power without the rubber-band effect that some CVTs are known for. While the Camry HEV isn’t chasing sport sedan credentials, the XSE trim adds a layer of dynamism with its sport-tuned suspension and responsive throttle, making it one of the more engaging hybrids in its class. The suspension strikes a good balance between comfort and agility, delivering stability through corners without compromising ride quality. Its low center of gravity, aided by the battery’s placement, helps improve road grip and control.
The 2025 Toyota Camry HEV XSE’s exterior design is both striking and aerodynamic. The aggressive front fascia features a sport mesh grille and sleek LED headlights. Our XSE tester wore the optional Ocean Gem paint with a contrasting black roof, 19-inch alloy wheels, a subtle rear spoiler, and a panoramic moonroof. With sharp character lines and a low roofline, the Camry HEV XSE has a modern, upscale vibe that appeals to younger buyers and those seeking a stylish daily driver. We also appreciated the functional front air ducts, canards, and rear diffuser, which reinforce the athletic look.
Inside, the Camry presents a driver-focused layout with high-quality materials and intuitive controls. The dashboard is finished with soft-touch surfaces and metallic accents, contributing to a premium feel. Toyota has focused on providing a comfortable driving experience, and the Camry HEV XSE delivers. The seats are upholstered in black leather with blue-lined perforations and offer excellent lumbar support and bolstering. Both front seats are heated and ventilated, with the driver’s seat offering eight-way power adjustment and lumbar support.
The XSE comes standard with a 12.3-inch fully digital gauge cluster and a 10-inch head-up display. A 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system anchors the dash, featuring wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The new Toyota infotainment interface is responsive and easy to navigate, and the neatly organized climate control panel below the screen makes adjusting settings a breeze. Rear passengers enjoy generous legroom and comfortable seating, though the sloped roofline slightly compromises headroom for taller occupants. Dual-zone climate control, a heated leather-wrapped steering wheel, aluminum sport pedals, a nine-speaker JBL audio system, five USB charging ports, and wireless charging are all included as standard equipment.
Fuel economy is one of the Camry HEV’s standout strengths, with a combined rating of 5.3L/100km.
Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 is standard across the Camry lineup. This suite includes road sign assist, adaptive cruise control, lane departure alert with steering assist, pre-collision warning with pedestrian and cyclist detection, and automatic high beams. We found the system to be quite sensitive—it would occasionally warn us of oncoming traffic even when stopped at an intersection. Additional features like blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and a 360-degree camera system help enhance peace of mind. The Camry also supports digital key functionality and remote control via the Toyota App.
Five trims are available: SE FWD at $37,295.08, SE Upgrade AWD at $40,945.08, XSE AWD at $47,245.08, and XLE AWD at $47,945.08. Our tester came in at $54,014.09 including taxes and delivery fees.
The 2025 Toyota Camry HEV XSE blends efficiency, performance, and bold styling in a way that few midsize sedans can. While the Honda Accord Hybrid is a strong alternative, the Camry’s sharper handling and more expressive design may tip the scales for drivers who prioritize engagement and aesthetics. The Camry includes more standard tech and features, though it does come at a slightly higher cost of ownership. Whether it’s the best hybrid sedan will depend on personal priorities, but the 2025 Toyota Camry HEV XSE is absolutely worth serious consideration.
