Review: MY25 Toyota Camry Ascent

The new Toyota Camry is here and after nine generations Toyota has seemingly perfected the formula.

They've seen the writing on the wall from customers with 95% of models sold of the previous generation being of the hybrid variety. They've now trimmed the fat and are exclusively offering a hybrid powertrain going forward.

We recently spent the weekend in the well-priced base trim Ascent to see how this staple of our streets handled family duties.

Initial Impressions

The MY25 Camry is no doubt the best-looking generation so far. The futuristic hammerhead design is a leap ahead compared to some of the more reserved design language of Toyota models of the past. The front grille emulates a shark's mouth with a wide gape and diamond mesh for teeth casting an ominous road presence.

While scaled back in terms of features, the interior of the base model is a comfortable space to inhabit with cloth-upholstered features and some basic design updates.

Toyota has mastered the craft of seating and, as expected, the Camry's seats are some of the comfiest we've experienced - perfect for extended periods behind the wheel.

Power & Handling

The MY25 Camry has a surprising amount of kick when you put your foot down thanks to 170kW of combined power from its 2.5-litre four-cylinder petrol-hybrid engine. It's a super smooth delivery of power too courtesy of the electronic CVT gearbox.

Handling is satisfyingly effortless and the steering precision makes the new Camry an absolute breeze to drive.

Suspension is nice and soft - forgiving enough to eat up the bumps without compromising stability thanks to updated Macpherson struts upfront.

Fuel Economy

Fuel economy is at its absolute best with the Camry sipping a measly 4 litres per 100 kilometres.

This isn't exactly a surprise due to Toyota's dominance in the petrol-hybrid tech department, but the Camry's improvement over its predecessor is what impressed us - up to half a litre of fuel saved per 100 kilometres.

The flip side of these savings is that it requires 95RON at the fuel pump (although so did the last model so the savings are still there).

Toyota has also introduced lighter materials into the build process as well as engine improvements and optimised cooling systems, which all contribute to the improved fuel figures.

Comfort & Convenience

Practicality is as strong as ever for the Camry with a solid 524 litres of boot space available which matches the volume of the previous generation's hybrid model.

Speaking of storage space, what impressed us the most was the huge centre console compartment giving you seven litres to work with. The console lid is a bit awkward when you open it due to its length but this also means it's an amazing armrest so we're not complaining.

Second-row space is quite good especially for longer legs, although being a sedan, headroom could be a little better. The seats back here are also just as comfortable as the front set. Second-row occupants also get their own set of dual USB-C charging ports - the same as what's found up front.

We're happy to see wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto available as standard in the base model - many automakers still see this as a premium feature, excluding entry-model owners from what should be a standard convenience these days.

Ultimately they're shooting themselves in the foot so it's good to see Toyota ahead of the mark here supplying this feature on all trims.

Safety & Peace of Mind

Toyota's focus on safety is uncompromising as always with the complete Toyota Safety Sense suite (and every other feature listed under Safety in the brochure, as a matter of fact) available as standard across the full range.

We were pleased to have the Panoramic View Monitor system in the base model - we made great use of it in a busy car park getting us out of a tight spot without a hitch. Not only do you get the overhead view, but the secondary view that gives you the ability to essentially see "through" the car is remarkably valuable to help avoid hazards.

Dynamic Radar Cruise Control is another standout feature here as it keeps an eye on traffic not only in front but also in the adjacent lanes. If you need to overtake, the system will recognise your turn signal and suppress acceleration if it sees another vehicle in the next lane.

After twenty years of production, anxiety around hybrid technology has all but disappeared, however, for extra peace of mind, Toyota offers a standard 8-year warranty on your hybrid-electric battery. You can even extend that to 10 years just by undertaking your annual inspection as part of your routine maintenance according to your vehicle logbook.

Pricing

Toyota is pushing a hard bargain with its competitors setting the base model Ascent at just $39,990 (excl. on-road costs).

This means drive-away pricing from Motorama Toyota is just $43,428, or add an extra $3,000 to that and you can drive away in the mid-spec Ascent Sport.

There's a significant leap up to the range-topping SL trim which is available from $57,708 drive away.

This is certainly a big jump but you get a suite of SL-exclusive features like larger alloy wheels (18-inch), a panoramic full glass roof, heated & ventilated front seats (that are also 8-way power adjustable), 12.3-inch multi-information instrument cluster, rain-sensing wipers, Nanoe™ X air conditioning technology, and a stack of other extras.

Summary

The MY25 Toyota Camry really nails the balance between style, efficiency, and everyday practicality, making it a fantastic option for Aussie drivers. With its bold new design, impressive fuel economy, and all the comfort and safety features you'd expect, it's a sedan that fits perfectly into both family life and long drives.

Whether you're running errands around town or hitting the road for a weekend adventure, the Camry delivers on every front.

Ready to see for yourself? Book a test drive at Motorama Toyota today and experience why the Toyota Camry is still a top choice for Australian drivers.