Toyota Australia has confirmed the next-generation Camry will go on sale locally in the second half of 2024, and it will land as a hybrid-only range for the first time.
The Camry remains as the best-selling mid-size sedan in Australia and is still pulling decent numbers according to VFACTS sales charts. That’s despite a general market shift which is trending more towards SUVs these days and away from sedans and hatchbacks.
So, to keep the existing fans happy and to potentially lure in new ones, the 2025 Camry promises a “more controllable and engaging” driving experience through a fifth-generation hybrid system. It pairs the latest 2.5-litre petrol engine with an electric motor assist system.
Toyota hasn’t mentioned specific output changes for Australia but says its engineers have created a lighter weight and smaller set of electric motors that produce more power and increased performance, over the outgoing setup. The current Camry hybrid produces 160kW, and overseas the new model develops 168kW.
The Japanese-built model will also showcase a freshened up design, built on the same TNGA platform, with slimmer LED headlights, a new ‘hammerhead’ grille layout, and a revised rear end with extra sculpting to the rear bumper. There’s also some new-look alloy wheels in 17- and 18-inch size.
Taking a look inside, Toyota is fitting its latest 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and 12.3-inch touch-screen media interface to upper models, while lower grades get a 7.0-inch and 8.0-inch system, respectively. All feature wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, and come with Toyota’s SOS button with 24/7 automatic collision notification and stolen vehicle tracking.
At the top end of the field, the flagship model will come with a JBL sound system, leather trim, paddle shifters, wireless phone charging, a surround-view camera system, and head-up display. Speaking about the new model, Sean Hanley, Toyota Australia’s vice president of sales and marketing, said:
“Moving exclusively to a hybrid Camry clearly signals the ongoing success of Toyota’s multi-pathway approach to helping customers lower their carbon footprint through electrification while leaving no-one behind.”
Unlike some carmakers, Toyota hasn’t really set a firm date where it will transition to fully electric vehicles. Instead, Toyota says it will strive to offer only zero-emissions vehicles by 2050. This includes hydrogen and other energy sources, not just battery-electric.
The 2025 Toyota Camry is scheduled to land locally in the second half of next year, as mentioned. Prices and final lineup details will be announced closer to its arrival.
