Hey, folks, I didn't get to attend the press drive event last week, but Toyota was kind enough to get one of the prototypes from that event into my hands this week. So here are my first drive impressions on the ninth generation 2025 Camry XSE -- https://www.clublexus.com/articles/2...y-first-drive/

I have it for a few more days, not sure if I'm going to make a video tour or not, but let me know if you have any questions about the updated 5th Gen AWD Hybrid system and/or the XSE grade, and I'll try to answer for you.

Cheers!

 

It’s really just a face lift. The E-Four is nothing new, been available on the Japanese domestic Camry for the whole of last generation.

 

I call it a major facelift, as opposed to an all new platform.
The 3 year mark will deliver a midlife minor facelift.
After 12 years and two generations at 2030, it might get an all new platform.

 

Trying hard to find some excitement over it. But the styling is a stretch. Vacuum cleaner grille, over-sloping hood, saggy and sloppy shoulder/beltline, fake tailpipe tip, ducktail trunk, and dated stapler taillights that most people hated on the last Accord. But they give it racy wheels, neat colors, solid mpg's, and modern tech inside.

And speaking of the mpg's... I don't get the lack of progress. It's the same or worse numbers since 2018. All this time, they could not make improvements? Same thing happened with the current Prius. I can't think of a reasonable reason things aren't going up. Maybe someone else can?

 

 

Not really a fair headline. 51 mpg only for the LE. Most people get the SE, which has considerably lower numbers.

 

After riding in the backseat of a 2023 Camry SE for 2+hrs I would opt for the LE or XLE for a softer ride. Felt like I just gotten out of back surgery after that car ride. It was terrible!! I would’ve rather ride in the trunk!!

 

They are heavier

 

I have a strong urge to grab a block of cheese.

 

I quite like it. The interior is a major improvement. Reading online reviews, most of them are quite positive.

 

200ish HP is only fun in a small car like a GR86

 

One report said same weight. Haven't heard other reports. Could be.

 

For 200 HP, cthe closer to a 2,000 curb weight, the better!

Unless you want to drive like a grandpa, like me. Lol

 

Just watched Savagegeese’s review…. They were quite complimentary about the changes. They generally don’t hold back their true feelings 😀.

 

Those little suckers are quick on the track with the right driver