Toyota’s seventh-generation Camry arrives…

BY MATT BROGAN | 16th Sep 2024

TOYOTA has launched its seventh-generation Camry into Australian dealerships this week, the three-variant and all-hybrid mid-sized sedan arriving as a major facelift of the outgoing model, with Toyota’s fifth-generation hybrid driveline technology joining freshened looks, a refined chassis, revised technology, and the latest safety equipment.

Pricing increases to reflect what can best be described as a “very significant upgrade”, the 2025 Toyota Camry carrying over the same platform as its predecessor, familiar front-door architecture, and very little else.

The range now begins from $39,990 plus on-road costs in base Ascent form, rising through $42,990 + ORC for the Ascent Sport and $53,990 + ORC for the flagship SL.

The pricing represents a $4939 increase over the entry price of the outgoing (petrol-powered) Ascent and a $2073 increase over the sixth-generation Ascent Hybrid. The Ascent Sport Hybrid grade increases by $2273 and the SL $2573. The Camry SX Hybrid is deleted from the range.

Toyota’s strong selling Camry continues to vie with the exxy Honda Accord (from $57,900 drive-away), single-variant Hyundai Sonata N-Line (from $55,500 + ORC), dated Mazda 6 (from $36,290 + ORC), and Skoda Octavia (from $42,490 drive-away) – and remains Australia’s best-selling Medium passenger car.

Powering the range, Toyota’s 2.5-litre petrol-electric driveline delivers what Toyota claims are improvements in driveability and fuel efficiency, shaving up to 11 per cent from the fuel bill of the outgoing model. The official Combined cycle number is listed at 4.0 litres per 100km with CO2 emissions of 91 grams per kilometre.

Total system power increases by 10kW to 170kW when compared with the outgoing Camry, generated through the combination of a 138kW/221Nm four-cylinder petrol engine and 100kW/208Nm permanent magnet synchronous motor – both driving the front wheels via a continuously variable transmission.

Ride and handling improvements arrive courtesy of retuned Macpherson strut front and multi-link rear suspension to provide what Toyota says are “more engaging handling characteristics, without affecting ride comfort”.

The electric steering rack has likewise been retuned with speed-sensitive assistance providing a “lighter and more direct steering feel and responsiveness”, says Toyota. The setup is accompanied by a newly developed electric brake control system that employs an active hydraulic booster to enhance brake feel and optimise kinetic energy recovery.

While the new Camry sits on the same TNGA-K platform as its predecessor, with an identical 2825mm wheelbase, the car’s exterior makeover has resulted in a longer front overhang, extending the car’s overall length by 35mm when compared with its predecessor.

The front and rear styling is defined by Toyota’s bold Hammer Head design concept with its functional and stylish aerodynamic elements, while in profile the character lines that converge at the rear, along with a more tapered rear roofline, give the new Camry a “distinctively dynamic appearance”.

The new-look design continues inside, with what the importer says is a “sophisticated cabin featuring a sculpted dash and door trims that create a seamless flow”.

Interior highlights include digital instrumentation displayed on either 7.0-inch or 12.3-inch screens, depending on the grade, Toyota’s latest-generation multimedia system, featuring cloud-based satellite navigation, Bluetooth connectivity, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with either 8.0-inch or 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment displays, again depending on grade.

Feature and equipment highlights for the entry-grade Ascent include 17-inch alloy wheels, cloth upholstery, dual-zone climate control and LED daytime running, head- and tail-lights.

The mid-range Ascent Sport adds high-grade LED lighting and LED fog lights, an eight-way power adjustable driver’s seat with lumbar support, wireless smartphone charger and a larger 12.3-inch multimedia touchscreen display.

Finally, the flagship SL is differentiated by 18-inch alloy wheels, rain-sensing wipers, rear side and back privacy glass and heated side mirrors with reverse and memory function.

Inside, Camry SL features leather-accented upholstery, a panoramic sunroof, eight-way power adjustable front passenger seat, front seat heating and ventilation, a heated steering wheel with power adjustment and a nine-speaker JBL audio system.

Across the range we also find the latest safety kit applied with the new Camry boasting the full suite of Toyota’s Safety Sense active safety technologies.

Upgrades for the new Camry include improved road user detection and active cruise control parameters and the addition of new functionality across the range including blind spot monitor, rear cross traffic alert, emergency driver support system and safe exit assist.

The new Camry is offered with a 12-month complimentary subscription to Toyota Connected Services providing what Toyota says is a “range of welcome benefits to customers through the Camry’s inbuilt data communication module”.

Toyota backs the Camry range with a five-year/unlimited-kilometre guarantee including five years of capped-price servicing, spread over 12-month or 15,000km intervals at a price of $255 per service.

The new-generation Camry range is available with the choice of eight exterior colours consisting of Eclipse Black, Frosted White, Glacier White, Jasper Red, Liquid Mercury, Precious Bronze, Saturn Blue, and Silver Pearl.

“Customer demand for Toyota’s fuel-saving hybrid electric technology has grown ever-stronger in recent years, and the new Camry’s hybrid-only lineup reflects that demand,” said Toyota Australia vice president of sales, marketing and franchise operations Sean Hanley.

“With incredibly low fuel consumption, improved output and driveability, the new hybrid electric Camry range offers the performance and driving dynamics our customers demand.

“At the same time, its stylish good looks make it a standout on the road with all the safety, comfort and advanced technology that will ensure it remains Australia’s favourite mid-sized sedan.”

Visit GoAuto again for our local launch review of the all-new Toyota Camry.

2025 Toyota Camry pricing*: