The 2025 Toyota Camry has arrived in Australia, redefining the mid-size sedan segment with its hybrid-only lineup, sleek design, and budget-friendly pricing starting at $39,990 before on-road costs. Launched in September 2024, this ninth-generation Camry—technically a heavy facelift of the 2017 model—brings Toyota’s fifth-generation hybrid system, delivering 170kW of power and a remarkable 4.0L/100km fuel economy. With over 1.3 million Camrys exported from Australia since 1983 and a dominant 70% share of the medium sedan market under $60,000, the Camry remains a favorite among families, fleet buyers, and rideshare drivers. This article explores the Camry’s pricing, efficiency, and sophisticated features, highlighting why it’s a compelling choice for Aussies seeking value and style in a hybrid sedan.
Pricing: A Budget-Friendly Hybrid
The 2025 Toyota Camry range comprises three grades: Ascent ($39,990), Ascent Sport ($42,990), and SL ($53,990), all before on-road costs. These prices reflect increases of $2,073–$2,573 over the 2024 model, driven by enhanced standard features like a 360-degree camera and wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto. The Ascent undercuts rivals like the Hyundai Sonata Hybrid ($55,000) and Honda Accord e:HEV ($61,900), making it a steal for budget-conscious buyers. The SL, with its premium JBL audio and panoramic sunroof, competes with luxury sedans while remaining thousands cheaper than the Tesla Model 3 ($58,900).
Toyota’s capped-price servicing at $255 per visit (every 12 months or 15,000km) for the first five services keeps running costs low, totaling $1,275 over five years. In comparison, the Sonata’s servicing averages $399 annually. The Camry’s five-year unlimited-kilometer warranty, extending to seven years for the drivetrain with Toyota servicing, matches industry standards but trails Kia’s seven-year offering. For rideshare operators, who account for 70% of Camry sales, the warranty caps at 160,000km for commercial use. Posts on X praise the Camry’s “insane value” and “bulletproof resale,” with users noting its appeal for Uber drivers due to low fuel costs and reliability. Driveaway prices vary by state (e.g., $43,500–$58,500 in NSW), but EOFY deals often shave $1,000–$2,000 off, per Toyota Australia’s website.
Fuel Efficiency: A Hybrid Powerhouse
The Camry’s fifth-generation hybrid system, a first for Toyota Australia, combines a 2.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine (138kW/221Nm) with a 100kW/208Nm electric motor, producing 170kW total output. A 4.0Ah lithium-ion battery replaces the older nickel-metal hydride pack, and a lighter, more compact transaxle improves efficiency by 11%, achieving 4.0L/100km in ADR81/02 testing (urban and extra-urban cycles). Real-world tests by Chasing Cars recorded 3.8L/100km, translating to a range of over 1,250km from its 50-litre tank at $1.80/L (95RON). The system’s EV mode allows short-distance electric-only driving at low speeds, ideal for urban commutes in Sydney or Melbourne.
Compared to rivals, the Camry’s efficiency outshines the Sonata Hybrid (4.6L/100km) and Accord e:HEV (4.8L/100km). The Geely Galaxy A7, a new plug-in hybrid contender, claims 2.0L/100km when low on battery but requires charging infrastructure, unlike the Camry’s self-charging system. The Camry’s Eco, Normal, and Sport drive modes, paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT), optimize fuel savings or responsiveness. Regenerative braking and a refined electric motor reduce noise, vibration, and harshness (NVH), making it quieter than its predecessor. X users call the Camry’s economy “a game-changer for long drives,” though some note real-world figures hover around 4.5–5.0L/100km in heavy traffic. With fuel costs at $1.80/L, a 1,250km range costs $72, saving $20–$30 per tank compared to the Sonata.
Power and Performance: Smooth and Capable
The 2025 Camry’s 170kW hybrid system, a 10kW boost over the 2024 model, delivers a 0–100km/h sprint in 7.2 seconds, per Carsales, outpacing the Sonata Hybrid (7.8 seconds) but trailing the Accord e:HEV (6.7 seconds). The front-wheel-drive setup, with no all-wheel-drive option in Australia, uses a CVT for seamless power delivery. Suspension tweaks—MacPherson struts upfront and a multi-link rear—enhance handling, while a new electric power steering rack offers speed-sensitive assistance, improving cornering precision. The SE and XSE trims, unavailable in Australia, have sportier tuning, but the local SL grade balances comfort and agility for urban and highway driving.
The Camry’s 400kg braked towing capacity is modest compared to the Sonata’s 700kg, but its 524L boot (down from 2024’s 527L) and 60:40 split-fold rear seats suit families and fleet buyers. Payload is unlisted but estimated at 400–450kg, adequate for luggage or equipment. The Camry’s Hammer Head design, with a 35mm longer front overhang (total length 4,920mm, wheelbase 2,825mm), reduces aerodynamic drag, aiding efficiency without sacrificing stability. X posts highlight the Camry’s “smooth, quiet ride,” though some miss the discontinued 3.5L V6’s grunt (224kW). For tradies or adventurers needing more towing, the Toyota Hilux ($26,475–$74,310) is a better fit.
Design and Features: Sleek Sophistication
The 2025 Camry’s exterior adopts Toyota’s Hammer Head design, featuring sleek horizontal grille bars, diamond mesh accents, and restyled LED headlights and taillights. Its tapered roofline and sculpted character lines create a dynamic profile, while 17-inch (Ascent) or 18-inch (SL) alloy wheels enhance its stance. The interior, inspired by the Toyota Crown, offers a 12.3-inch touchscreen (Ascent Sport and SL), a 7-inch or 12.3-inch digital cluster, and premium materials like leather-accented seats (SL). The SL adds a head-up display, JBL nine-speaker audio, heated/ventilated front seats, and a panoramic sunroof, elevating its luxury appeal.
Standard features across all grades include wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, cloud-based navigation, and Toyota Connected Services with a one-year complimentary subscription for safety, multimedia, and remote functions. The Ascent’s 8-inch touchscreen and power-adjustable front seats are upgrades from 2024, while the Ascent Sport adds a larger screen. The SL’s digital rear-view mirror and power-adjustable steering column rival premium sedans. Compared to the Sonata’s 10.25-inch screen and the Accord’s 12.3-inch display, the Camry’s tech is competitive, though its lack of Android ADB mode limits app flexibility. Reddit users praise the “plush, modern cabin,” but some note the base Ascent’s smaller screen feels dated.
Safety: A Five-Star Standard
The 2025 Camry carries a five-star ANCAP rating (2024 testing), with Toyota Safety Sense 2 standard across all grades. Features include autonomous emergency braking (AEB) with pedestrian, cyclist, and motorcyclist detection, intersection collision avoidance, adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, safe exit assist, and a driver monitoring system. Eight airbags, including a driver’s knee airbag, and a 360-degree Panoramic View Monitor enhance safety. Front and rear parking sensors and a reversing camera with dynamic guides are standard, making urban parking a breeze.
Compared to the Sonata, which lacks safe exit assist, and the Accord, which omits a digital rear-view mirror, the Camry’s safety suite is comprehensive. X users call it “a tank for family safety,” though some note the lane-keep assist can feel intrusive on winding roads. The Camry’s safety features align with fleet demands, ensuring appeal for rideshare operators and businesses. Toyota’s focus on reliability, backed by a 10-year hybrid battery warranty with annual health checks, adds confidence for long-term ownership.
Market Context and Appeal
Australia’s sedan market is shrinking, with SUVs dominating 41% of May 2025 sales (FCAI), but the Camry holds strong, outselling the BYD Seal 3:1 and Mazda 6 15:1 in the sub-$60,000 segment. Its hybrid-only strategy reflects 95% of 2024 Camry sales being hybrids, driven by demand from rideshare drivers and eco-conscious buyers. The Camry’s 4.0L/100km efficiency and $39,990 starting price make it a cost-effective alternative to EVs like the Tesla Model 3, which requires charging infrastructure. Rivals like the Geely Galaxy A7 ($45,000–$55,000, 2.0L/100km) offer plug-in hybrid range but lack Toyota’s brand trust.
The Camry’s appeal spans urban families needing a spacious 524L boot, fleet operators valuing low running costs, and regional buyers appreciating Toyota’s 200+ dealer network. Its 1,250km range suits long drives, like Sydney to Brisbane, while its refined ride handles Australia’s diverse roads. However, the lack of a plug-in hybrid option, unlike the Prius Prime or RAV4 Prime, may limit appeal for EV-focused buyers. X posts call the Camry “the ultimate Uber car,” but some lament its higher base price ($8,200 more than 2020’s $31,790).
In Summary
The 2025 Toyota Camry, starting at $39,990, is a sleek hybrid steal for Aussies, blending 4.0L/100km efficiency, 170kW power, and a tech-laden cabin. Its Hammer Head design, premium SL features, and five-star ANCAP safety make it a sophisticated yet affordable choice. While rivals like the Sonata and Accord offer strong competition, the Camry’s reliability, low running costs ($72 per 1,250km), and fleet-friendly features keep it ahead. For families, rideshare drivers, or eco-conscious commuters, the Camry delivers unmatched value. Visit www.toyota.com.au to book a test drive or explore deals.
FAQs
1. How much does the 2025 Toyota Camry cost in Australia, and how does it compare to rivals?
The 2025 Camry ranges from $39,990 (Ascent) to $53,990 (SL) before on-road costs. It undercuts the Hyundai Sonata Hybrid ($55,000) and Honda Accord e:HEV ($61,900), offering better value than the Tesla Model 3 ($58,900) but slightly higher than the Geely Galaxy A7 ($45,000–$55,000).
2. What is the fuel efficiency of the 2025 Toyota Camry, and how does it perform in real-world conditions?
The Camry achieves 4.0L/100km in ADR81/02 testing, with real-world tests by Chasing Cars recording 3.8L/100km. Its 50-litre tank delivers a 1,250km range, outperforming the Sonata Hybrid (4.6L/100km) and Accord e:HEV (4.8L/100km), though heavy traffic may yield 4.5–5.0L/100km.
3. What safety features come standard on the 2025 Toyota Camry?
All grades include Toyota Safety Sense 2 with AEB (pedestrian, cyclist, motorcyclist detection), adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, safe exit assist, eight airbags, and a 360-degree camera. The Camry holds a five-star ANCAP rating (2024).