*TESTED* This "basic" 2025 Toyota Camry LE just BLEW me away...A Budget Lexus ES?!
#Toyota #Camry #Toyotacamry #lexusES #es300h
Toyota's new Camry hits ALL the marks. Affordable, efficient, fun to drive, techy and pretty. This base LE grade SHOULDN'T be this good...
#accord #sonata #altima
2025 Toyota Camry LE AWD
VIN: 4T1DBADK8SU000056
EXTERIOR: OCEAN GEM -- INTERIOR: BOULDER
Model Overview
• Exclusively Equipped with 5th Generation Toyota Hybrid System available in FWD and AWD
• 2025 Toyota Camry has a standard 225 net-combined horsepower on Front-Wheel Drive and 232 HP
on Electronic On-Demand All-Wheel Drive equipped models
• The Toyota Camry, for the first time on a hybrid, offers available Electronic On-Demand All-Wheel
Drive across all four grades: LE, SE, XLE and XSE
• Re-Engineered Suspension and Braking System for Balanced Handling and Comfort
• Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert and Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 Standard
• Starting MSRP of $28,400 on LE FWD (excluding Dealer Processing and Handling fee of $1,095) - over
$400 less than the outgoing Camry Hybrid base grade
Mechanical & Performance
• Engine: 2.5 Liter 4-Cylinder Engine paired with Toyota Hybrid System (THS 5)
• Transmission: Electronically controlled Continuously Variable Transmission (ECVT)
• Drivetrain: Electronic On-Demand All-Wheel Drive (AWD)
• Front Suspension: Independent MacPherson strut front suspension with stabilizer bar
• Rear Suspension: Multi-link rear suspension with stabilizer bar
• Horsepower: 232 HP
• Drive Mode: SPORT, Normal, ECO, EV Mode
• 51/49/50 Manufacturer-Estimated Fuel Economy (city/highway/combined MPG)
Dimensions
• Overall Height: 56.9 inches
• Overall Width: 72.4 inches
• Overall Length: 193.5 inches
• Wheelbase: 111.2 inches
• Weight: 3,450 lbs.
Options and Packages
• (CP) Convenience Package, includes the following:
o Auto-dimming rearview mirror with HomeLink® universal garage door opener
o Smart Key System on front doors and trunk with Push Button Start, remote keyless entry
system and remote illuminated entry
o 8-way power-adjustable front driver’s seat with power lumbar support
• (CY) Cold Weather Package, includes the following:
o Heated Front Seats
o Leather-trimmed heated tilt/telescopic steering wheel
• (SR) Moonroof Package, includes the following:
o Power tilt/slide moonroof
Pricing*
• $32,455
o LE AWD $29,925
o CP $1,050
o CY $610
o SR $870
o Total $32,455
* Excludes Dealer Processing and Handling fee of $1,095. All prices are subject to change.
00:00 - Camry LE Exterior
03:55 - Cargo
04:41 - Backseat
06:15 - Frontseat
11:29 - Driving Impressions
The thing nobody ever mentions about 16" rims is you'll get better mpg, lower NVH, less tire wear, and better ride comfort. Large rims creates more problems than it solves. This is coming from someone who used to hop up Civics back in the day. Oh yeah, you also get worse acceleration. Take a guess why.
Absolutely
Bigger rims and tires are more expensive so people wait a little longer to replace them which is probably not safe.
acceleration is better with smaller wheels, I know you meant to say that but the way you worded it might confuse some
Low pro wheels SUCK............Good for race cars only.................Paul
The tires will cost less as well.. in a world where everything keeps getting more expensive 😭
Far better looking than the accord. I’m glad you test drove the LE model. The base model is actually worth purchasing.
I guess that’s why they say styling is subjective. I actually prefer my car not to look like a fish 🐠. The Accord has a much more mature look.
@@DexLewis-rb9sb I respectfully understand your subjective view on the design. However, with more power and AWD, this Camry can potentially outsell the Accord.
No the Accord looks way better than this. Except for the wheels. The base Camry wheels are better looking than the base Accord wheels.
Camrys are just better all-around cars but I do agree the back of the Accord looks better
Having had my Accord Sport Hybrid for about a year I can see where the Camry is trying to one up it. Heated steering wheel, standard rear vents with chargers, standard turn signals in the mirrors, standard wireless charger, optional AWD. Most of these are where the Accord cost cut and some of them are frustrating. I didn’t hear any of these reviews confirm whether Toyota finally got away from that crappy plastic they use on the on arm rest of the door. I’m really happy with my Accord because it performs where it counts. HP wise, that number means nothing until we see the 0-60 numbers. Honda sided with acceleration with their hybrid and in my experience that’s not something Toyota does. I commute 130 miles a day and unless Toyota fixed their seats for tall people I could never own one. I think the LE is going to be a unicorn in its most base form. I 100% believe that base no option model was only created to show a low starting MSRP. I do hope that Honda kills their 1.5 turbo blown head gasket disaster and also switches to Hybrid only.
Nice to see Toyota is doing what they do best. Hybrids that are accessible to everyone at a reasonable price .
That’s exactly how the 2nd and 3rd gen Prius was
If the dealers don't tack on $5000 ADMs purely because it's the refreshed model.
Stupid I’d rather it be cheaper and know it. It’s gonna last 300,000 miles without battery change like the old ones.
Wish a non hybrid base trim with less price is offered
@@kelee4730 Not worth it. The difference in fuel economy alone makes up for the price hike. Do the math.
This new Camry could have many SUVs and companies left exposed. If a company can still make a sedan with a great all-around package at a reasonably affordable price, it could take away sales from SUVs.
Let's hope so!
I went to Europe last week. Vehicles were small and trucks rare. Even the vans were tiny. Its so much nicer to cross the street and parking lots when vehicles are so small.
@@67tomcat WHY..?????..............Paul
@@paulholterhaus7084 I feel there are far too many SUV's on the market. Just my 2 cents.
Everyone wants to be higher than everyone else. Now that everyone is in SUV’s, people are now doing lifts so they can be higher.
You don’t see a lot of base model reviews, appreciate this!
Big thanks to Toyota for providing a spare tire!
Thanks for reviewing the base model!
He probably did not get a choice in which model they gave him to drive.
Kirk, Let's hope they can build the batteries fast enough. 16" wheels are perfect for the potholed roads most of us drive on.🤩
Toyota is building the first stateside battery planned in Liberty, North Carolina. They’ll be pumping out batteries for nearly all platforms eventually so I’m sure that’s the plan to start full hybrid on vehicles like Sienna and Camry.
My low profile tires have chunks missing. Tires and installation are so expensive nowadays especially low profiles so people end up keeping them longer which is not safe.
finally everyone was reviewing xse
I love how enthusiastic you are about this base model. I. A tell you really appreciate the value.
I’m so happy they’re bringing the LE with a sunroof Some people don’t need all the bells and whistles. They just need a basic model with a little touch of a sunroof. ❤
Agreed. I used to get the SE, not for the SE features, but for there being so many on the lots with nice looking alloy rims AND a great moon roof. For me, with modern cars, those are the ONLY options I even care about, and now with Toyota the base alloy wheels look just fine by me.
For a base it looks absolutely gorgeous
the moonroof in LE is extra package.
Agree. Even like the front grill better on the LE
The hammerhead light design is one of the best design cues Toyota could’ve ever adopted. It looks so good on the new Camry. And the Crown-like interior makes this feel more premium. Definitely a home run car for its segment.
Never in my entire life would I have predicted that Toyota will have a more aggressive design line compared to BMW or Audi. Obviously the overall package is still Toyota budget but at a glance people won't noice.
@@adam145I mean, Toyota is leaps better than Bimmer and Audi in design by now. Audi is boring and Bimmer is an abomination.
I have a 2012 hybrid model with 150k miles and it and absolutely love this car. besides regular maintenance and 3 sets of tires I have spent zero dollars on it. and still runs like a champ. I still have the original break pads and rotors on it.
Was originally looking at a Lexus but man..this is much more compelling buy. And the fuel economy is super impressive
The only thing not impressive about Toyota has been it’s stock price which has been cratering ever day past 2 weeks. I was so confident when investing 😏
@@kenfrankel3498: But it's been VERY strong the past 18 months. If you want to complain about a short term stock price -- go to an investment site.
Given what Lexus charges, and how much the options cost, the cost case here is compelling unless showing off is a big deal for you.
Glad to see you test the base model! Most of the reviews are of decked out upper trims. Plush 16" wheels with thick side walls! I am tired of unnecessarily large wheels.
This LE is a possible purchase for me. I like the 16 inch rims, spare tire, and the quiet ride. This car looks great too. I may upgrade to this Camry LE from a 2016 Prius. Thanks for reviewing the base model as this is what I'm interested in.
An LE with a sunroof???? That’s the biggest shock EDIT: Heated seats and steering wheel? That’s crazy
It’s not shocking and it’s not standard. It’s part of option packages that are also available on the previous Camry.
My 2001 Camry Le had a moonroof, and it worked for 23 years counting. Had leather interior also.
Toyota knows which model to showcase that will sell the most.
Leather steering
Do people actually like sunroofs? I dont understand why - they reduce interior height and may leak.
Good to see a base model being tested, Thankyou Kirk!
You earned a new subscriber for showing the base model.
I'm happy to see 16" wheels on the base. I'm tired of these low-profile tires on economy vehicles. I want to be able to hit a pothole without wondering if I broke a wheel or ruined a tire.
Where you at? I'm in Florida like Kirk we have potholes occasionally but honestly I could be driving 24" wheels no problems here
@JamaicanMeCrazy I live in Palm Harbor, FL, but I take road trips a few times a year.
@@robme3660 ahhh ok gotcha
As someone with a current LE camry hybrid, this is a huge step up and I honestly was already very pleased with my current camry to begin with. I've had so many cars/trucks/suv and once I got a Camry I pretty much just said this is it. It's all I ever needed and the LE hybrid does everything right. The 16" wheels are smooth and quiet also. It's my daily driver and that is exactly what it does so well. Such a difficult car to complain about.
Obviously things changed, but at time X, I always felt that way about all my new Toyotas at price X, re relative value, performance, and durability. That's 42 years now since my first one.
It’s nice to see a person like yourself really know the Toyota and Lexus product inside and out , thanks .
I'm SO glad you showed us an LE! I feel like the LE has everything I want, including a moonroof, for a heck of a lot less! VERY IMPRESSED TOYOTA! Thanks Kirk!
Plus I REALLY like that the base model has alloy wheels. I HATE the base steel wheels, and used to get the SE mainly to get the whole package with the alloy wheels and moonroof at a very decent price on an otherwise base model.
Just imagine how great would be a Camry Hybrid Wagon!
Great review Kirk! Thank you so much for reviewing the base trim! Also thank you for describing the braking feel. As someone who's never owned or driven a hybrid vehicle before, I'm wary of the so called grabby weird braking feel in hybrids. Glad to know this Camry doesn't have it! I'm so glad that these new gen Camrys come standard with blind spot monitoring and rear cross traffic alert
Agreed this is the best value vehicle in toyota line up by far. More of this is needed in their product line up.
Not much different from the previous gen but I appreciate that Toyota thoroughly improved upon an already good car. This is the Camry perfected.
Having the spare wheel standard is a rare feature in modern vehicles as well as alloy wheels in the base model instead of crappy hub cups and finally, turn signal indicators in the mirrors as well as optional sunroof in the base model. This is a home run. My only problem is no alternative engine choices like a V6, a turbo or naturally aspirated 2.4 engine. They’ve had success with the Prius with hybrid systems but I question longevity in the Camry and bigger vehicles.
If you got an inefficient engine, then the mileage wouldn't be worthy of a Toyota HEV. Trade-offs. If 230ish HP isn't enough for you with a base hybrid sedan, then you want a different kind of car, and you'll burn twice or more gasoline.
I loved the new Camry and I specially loved that you did the base model. Because that's the model that people are normally just gonna buy, I see more LE's than XLE's I have a 2011 Camry XLE V6 with 289,000 miles
I miss V6
Right! I used to sell Toyotas and LE Camrys are what almost ALL the people want. They sold themselves 99% of the time and Kirk tells us why. Toyota, another job well done on this new Camry, sheesh!
My 2015 Sienna has the same V6 and weighs a lot more than your Camry, it must be fast!!
I just can't stand the idea of paying like 10 grand more for an XLE, even with more engine (and lower mileage). I'm not buying a base daily driver for fancy stuff, but for value, reliability, durability, and reasonable comfort.
Thank you Kirk for an amazing first review. You covered what I wanted to hear. The comfort and quietness. The price of entry a bonus 🤯
Thanks for reviewing the base LE!! So many other channels just doing the top of the line one as usual and I like to see the everyday versions that most people will buy.
Kirk, thanks for a great review! You' ve convinced me to put it on my short list for my next vehicle.
Strange times when having physical buttons with feedback for something as basic as air conditioning is a plus. Good for Toyota.
The Camry is going to be a game changer. The next thing everyone needs - Toyota needs to do is crackdown on their greedy dealers putting insane markups on their vehicles.
Toyota has the right idea...IMHO, the future is NOT in EV's unless the technology and infrastructure improves dramatically. This one offers no range anxiety, no crowded (and long wait) refills of energy, and no accelerated depreciation - all qualities on an EV. Sounds like a great combination, Toyota, keep 'em coming!
Thanks for bringing us the LE.
Thank you for this review. You touched on every point I wanted do hear about.
Glad to see you enjoy driving this car. Seems like a home run for anyone wanting a sedan daily
Great review! So many reviewers only present the high level trims of a vehicle, so I am very happy to see such a detailed review of the LE base trim.
Thanks for featuring the LE - Looks like a fantastic value. The 16" wheels are more suitable for Michigan's moon-cratered roads.
Thanks for reviewing the LE trim. Subscribed!
Hybrids have such a bulletproof transmission
I agree, Toyota makes some of the best ecvts out there.
@@junior17medval I don't think even some probably simply is the best one out there. Others have belts although I believe there are some that are electronic and strong as well.
Glad to see that you were enthusiastic to review the "base" with a few packages added. I was even happier to see that it is still well equipped and does not look like you would feel cheated in purchasing the base model. I'm glad to see the sunroof option is not tied to a package. this allows you to order what it important to you and leave behind things you don't need. Now its time to pick between the camry and the RAV 4.
Think I'm gonna get this. When he said he saw 60mpg it's definitely true. Especially if you have experience with Toyota hybrids and know how to drive for extra efficiency. The 50mpg is just driving 'regular'
Thanks for testing the LE trim level. Most reviewers are doing the upper trim levels. It's nice to see what an entry level trim looks like. One of these is probably going to be our next new car, and I think we will probably get an LE trim based a lot on our needs and your terrific review of this car.
I think its great that some OEMs are still continuing to offer quality sedans. For some persons a sedan is all the car they need.
Thanks for reviewing the base model) love it)
I love your review. Really informative 🙌
One the best practical review. 👍
This is the kind of impression that i like. Look, open and touch on everything
Wow that LE is well set up - the cloth details you are right. Simple clear dash where you can see the speed nicely. Auto heated wheel that is outstanding - probably would turn on with remote start - I have to wait - oh 3 minutes for my wheel to warm up. It gives me such good hope the sedans are putting up a good fight. I like lower models with good content (value) often. What a great model.
Very impressed with this Toyota offering to the segment. Well done Toyota. That spec as equipped, is what I would get.
Nice review. I'm sold. Thank you.
Good review Kirk. Well done!
The crown is still on the 4th gen hybrid but this camry gets the new 5th gen, you'd think the more expensive vehicle should have the newer technology but in Toyota/lexus land that is sometimes not the case
Alot of the time it seems to me that they try to give the volume sellers the better tech
@@jermainedouglas7301 you are probably right, I remember the previous gen corolla was the first vehicle in Toyota/lexus line up to get standard adaptive cruise control
Its not about price its about development time.
Thank you for shining some light on the base trim. I lease a 2022 RAV4 now. I'm kind of expecting the new RAV to come out when my lease is up. I really, really hope the new RAV will be as good as the new Camry.
Nice job Kirk and Toyota. I think Ill spring for the SE
Best video I’ve seen about the 2025 Camry
Nice review! Glad you got to test the base LE. I think the LE has a polyurethane steering wheel unless you upgrade to the $610 cold weather package which you posted at the start of the video.
Enjoyed the base model review with great color
So much value for the money with this new refresh on the Camry. So many options come standard that weren't even offered on the previous gen unless you opted for the top trim. This is the trim I would swing for. After having my 2021 Camry hybrid for the last few years and racking up close to 100k miles this is exactly what I would upgrade to. Best vehicle Ive owned in a very long time.
this new Camry is starting to grow on me! really like the looks all around w/o the 2 tone black top, just my preference. but I like the paint-matched top because it helps the c pillar/rear lines flow better IMO
I love kirk’s love for the lower trims. Esp as a fellow FL resident, he makes great points how cloth seats are better in the long run. However, the red interior in the new XSE looks amazing.
I like the LE. I like cloth seats and overall simplicity. I rented the prior generation LE, and it handled very well too. It had very responsive and light steering.
Thx for the 2025 RAV4 spyshots in the opening
Toyota has Out Done themselves again; FANTASTIC job what an AFFORDABLE Sedan should be. HYBRID is The FUTURE.
Certainly, at least until the whole BEV infrastructure and technology is FULLY built out -- and then it will come down to overall economics.
BEST thing about a Hybrid, NO RANGE ANXIETY, and MADE IN JAPAN!
I’m tempted to get this, and switch to FWD. I don’t need All Wheel Drive. I’ve driven to work in a Mazda 3 fwd for years with snow. Save 1500 bucks going FWD and get even better mileage. Some snow tires will make it handle the winter just fine
Super good review. 5 years ago I discovered the trick to making a $24,000 2018 gas 4 cyl Camry LE have a near Lexus ES level of ride smoothness and quietness, plus boost highway MPG up to 44 MPG was to install 16" wheels in place of the original 17" and fit 16" low rolling resistance Michelin Energy Saver A/S tires.
I love the blue color, and the restrained design is nice.
Great review Kirk.
Really like the cloth on the door. Nice addition.
Looking forward to seeing a review of the XLE trim.
Thank you for driving the LE. I drive the rare 2018 Camry L Taxi cab. They made it for only two years. Even the fuel tank is smaller...
Makes me wish I needed a new car. I have the 2018 LE Camry Hybrid and love it. This one is just a little nicer all the way around. But I still have a good 10-15 years left in the 18' so can't justify it. But if I were in the market, This would be it! Thanks for a great review and for pointing out how nicely the LE's are equipped.
Yes people, they LAST that long! Sold my 1991 Camry Le in 2008 with 600K to a friend to use in Long Island when she Would go to see the Grand Children, perfectly maintained totaled in an accident at 989,000 miles ran like a top
It's such a pleasure now to know that your getting fun to drive with reliability, quality and effecincy .....and Toyota is lowering the price too....😊
Kirk, that Camry looks great. You did a really great job in conveying the value the LE offers.
Looks good, I certainly am happy with Toyota. All I need is power windows, door locks and cruise control. 👍🏻
Great review and fantastic car. My hope is that the 2025 Camry reignites and saves the love for sedans.
This isn't the first time a camry has felt like a lexus or had interior quality and NVH isolation on par---- 1992 xv10, the goat
All great until you actually go out to the dealership to buy it 😂
Toyota can’t keep vehicles in stock while Jeeps, Teslas, and RAMs are overflowing.
I might be one of the only guys in my late 30s has had three Toyota Camrys and loved them all, my favorite being the 4th generation. I'm sure I'll end up in this new Camry within the next few years🎉
I bought a 4th generation 2001 Camry new with the 5sp stick shift, best car I ever owned and only 2 repairs in 13.5 years and 280,000 miles when it got totaled. That Camry averaged 33MPG and still had the factory clutch and brakes.
@@jamesdarcy3902 I hear you sometimes it scared me that it was almost too reliable cuz I was waiting for it to just blow up or something.. but it never would. I drove mine all around the country and didn't get the best maintenance and the thing still wouldn't miss a beat.
Kirk, this very well could be my next auto purchase. Thanks for showing the base model. More reviewers should be doing the same. Does the XLE have acoustic glass?
Good job man you’re always the first 👍
He is the FIRST & the BEST, I don’t go elsewhere anymore for car info/updates!
Your graphic starting at 3:07 shows awd models having 332hp and i got excited. Nice ride nonetheless.
Very good video 👍👍👍 Thanks!!!
Dieses Auto hat alles was man sich wünschen kann.Platz,Komfort,Sparsamkeit,Zuverlässigkeit.Klasse Aussehen tut es auch noch.Was will man mehr?
Loving that your focus is in the affordable version LE
I Love Sidewall. 16in wheels are where its at.
Prove that for 28k you can get a perfectly modern equipped vehicle. The overpricing of SUV is nuts.
Agreed. Plus they tend to get lower mileage. So aside from easier loading of bulky items, etc, I don't get why sedans are so rarely bought these days.
I remember reading about the Rev 4 Prime that left Japan with a $47,000 MSRP but after the Distibutorship and Dealership added addendums and larded it up the TSRP was almost $72,000. I think it was a 2022 model.
When is the Crown Signia drive review dropping? Very interested about that platform.
Appreciate reviewing the entry model camry! Most of us Americans can only afford the entry level one. Great review!🎉❤🎉
Not true: there are tons of very expensive cars on American roads.
I have one on reserve - Can't wait to get it into my garage.
A car with tires that have an actual sidewall, well done Toyota.
This gets me excited for upcoming rav4
Awesome review! Definitely the LE looks like the car to buy. Any idea when it might be in the showrooms for purchase?
beautiful area to drive through
I had a 2005 Camry LE and now a 2020 Camry LE...you get a lot of car for your money with Camry.
Wow! I have a 23 Camry SE - I may have to trade in next year. This is so much nicer and refined! Im impressed. I dont care for cloth seats, but for $1k -$1500k you can get an aftermarket leather seat kit installed.
The 2025 SE has softex
cant wait to get mine