We spent a week with the all‑new, all‑hybrid 2025 Toyota Camry to quantify how its fifth‑gen Toyota Hybrid System performs outside the lab. Here’s how the powertrain delivers in the real world, from acceleration and drivability to fuel economy across city and highway routes.
Our test car was a 2025 Camry Hybrid SE FWD, which pairs a 2.5‑liter Atkinson‑cycle four‑cylinder with two motor‑generators and a planetary e‑CVT. Total system output is rated at 225 hp for FWD models (232 hp with the available e‑Axle AWD). A lithium‑ion pack of roughly 1 kWh sits under the rear seat, preserving trunk space, and the curb weight is around 3,500 lb depending on trim and wheels. Drive modes include Eco, Normal, and Sport, and regen strength increases in B mode.
Over 612 miles, we ran a 72‑mile urban loop with frequent stops, a 205‑mile highway leg at a GPS‑verified 70 mph, and suburban mixed driving with mild grades. Ambient temps ranged from 53°F to 81°F, tires were 18‑inch all‑seasons at factory pressures, and fuel was E10 87‑octane. We logged results via the trip computer and pump‑to‑pump fills to cross‑check. Around town, the hybrid system favors electric creep up to neighborhood speeds and will sustain 30–35 mph on flat roads with a light foot before the engine joins.
The ICE handoff is impressively smooth at light to moderate loads; only during brisk throttle does the engine flare become noticeable. Measured 0–60 mph averaged 7.6 seconds with a 1‑foot rollout, and 30–70 mph passing took 6.0 seconds—adequate for on‑ramps and two‑lane passes. On long grades, the e‑CVT holds revs near the engine’s efficiency band; it’s not sporty, but it’s decisive and avoids the rubber‑band feel of older Toyota hybrids. Efficiency is where the new system shines.
Our urban loop returned 57.2 mpg indicated and 55.8 mpg calculated. The 70‑mph highway run landed at 46.7 mpg indicated (45.9 mpg calculated), with crosswinds trimming 1–2 mpg versus calmer segments. Mixed driving over the week averaged 49.8 mpg at 48 mph average speed. These numbers align with EPA ratings of up to 51 mpg combined for FWD trims; expect a 2–3 mpg penalty with the AWD e‑Axle.
Taller 18‑/19‑inch wheels and stickier tires also nick efficiency by 1–2 mpg compared with base LE spec. Brake blending is natural, with strong regenerative capture in stop‑and‑go before friction brakes join late in the pedal. B mode adds meaningful retardation on descents without feeling grabby. Cabin NVH is well managed; the engine note is muted at cruise and only draws attention under wide‑open throttle.
HVAC loads matter: running max A/C at idle cycles the engine more often, costing 1–2 mpg in city traffic, while moderate use barely dents highway figures. The system maintains a wide state‑of‑charge buffer, so EV‑only operation is frequent but short—typical for non‑plug‑in hybrids. Overall, the 2025 Camry Hybrid’s powertrain delivers seamless everyday performance and standout real‑world economy. For maximum mpg, choose FWD with smaller wheels and keep highway speeds near 65–70 mph.
Drivers in snowy regions may accept the small efficiency hit for AWD’s extra traction. If you want longer EV operation or stronger acceleration, a plug‑in hybrid is the next step; otherwise, this Toyota strikes an excellent balance of efficiency, refinement, and usable performance.
