Toyota Announces Exclusive Hybrid Next-Generation Camry, Set for Australia in 2024

Toyota is gearing up to introduce the 2025 Camry, a sophisticated blend of style, technology, and environmental consciousness, set to debut in Australia in the second half of 2024. This iteration marks a notable evolution for the Camry, aligning with the global shift towards more sustainable vehicle options. The 2025 model is a hybrid-electric vehicle (HEV), reflecting Toyota's commitment to meeting the growing consumer demand for greener automotive solutions.

The latest Camry, although marketed as a new vehicle, is essentially a significant facelift of its predecessor. It retains the same foundational structure but introduces an array of updates, including revised bodywork and an overhauled interior. This approach comes at a time when sedan sales are witnessing a global downturn, prompting car manufacturers like Toyota to focus on enhancing existing models rather than developing entirely new ones.

Under the hood, the 2025 Toyota Camry will be powered by a revised version of the familiar 2.5-litre non-turbo four-cylinder petrol engine. This engine is paired with a new-generation hybrid system that incorporates two electric motors, collectively delivering a power output of 168kW. This setup marks a slight power increase compared to the previous model and represents Toyota's ongoing efforts to improve the efficiency and performance of its HEV systems.

In terms of design, the new Camry features updated front and rear fascias and subtle changes to the side body metal stamping around the roof, windscreen pillars, doors, and tail-lights. The rear door windows have been tweaked, but the doors, windscreen, and rear window remain largely unchanged to contain costs. Even the front wheel arches are retained from the current model, fitting into Toyota's strategy of cost-effective updates.

The interior of the Camry has undergone a more significant transformation. It now boasts a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen on the top-tier models, replacing the older 9.0-inch display. This upgrade marks the first time the Camry has been fitted with a fully-digital instrument cluster, indicating Toyota's commitment to modernizing the vehicle's technological capabilities. The lower-grade models are not left behind, featuring an 8.0-inch touchscreen and a 7.0-inch driver instrument display.

For connectivity and convenience, the Camry comes standard with keyless entry and start, dual-zone automatic climate control, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a voice assistant, and support for Toyota Connected Services. Higher-end models enhance the experience with a head-up display, JBL premium audio system, leather-accented seat upholstery, paddle shifters, wireless phone charging, a 360-degree camera, and front and rear parking sensors.

Safety is a paramount concern for Toyota, and the new Camry reflects this with a comprehensive suite of safety features. These include autonomous emergency braking with pedestrian detection, adaptive cruise control, lane following assist, speed sign recognition, automatic high beam, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert.

While the US market has options for sportier models like the SE or XSE, Australian versions of the Camry will offer 17 or 18-inch wheels, excluding the sporty body kit available in North America.

The Camry's move to a hybrid-only lineup in Australia is a strategic decision by Toyota, aligning with its broader goal of offering more environmentally sustainable vehicle options. This shift is evident in other models like the C-HR small SUV and is a response to the Australian market's strong preference for hybrid vehicles. With hybrids accounting for 90% of Camry sales in the region, the 2025 model's transition to an exclusive HEV format represents a significant step towards meeting the evolving needs and preferences of Australian consumers.

Here's a comprehensive breakdown of all the inclusions:

Model and Availability

• Model: 2025 Toyota Camry
• Availability: Second half of 2024 in Australia

Powertrain

• Type: Hybrid-electric vehicle (HEV)
• Engine: Revised 2.5-litre non-turbo four-cylinder petrol engine
• Hybrid System: New-generation technology with two electric motors
• Total Power Output: 168kW

Design

• Exterior: Updated front and rear fascias; subtle changes to the side body metal stamping around the roof, windscreen pillars, doors, and tail-lights; rear door windows slightly reshaped
• Interior: Comprehensive interior redesign

Interior Features

• Instrument Cluster: 12.3-inch digital display for top-tier models; 7.0-inch driver instrument display for lower-grade models
• Infotainment System: 12.3-inch touchscreen for high-end models; 8.0-inch touchscreen for standard models
• Connectivity: Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• Convenience: Keyless entry and start, dual-zone automatic climate control
• Voice Assistant: Integrated voice command system

Premium Features (High-End Models)

• Head-Up Display: Providing critical driving information on the windshield
• Audio System: JBL premium audio system
• Upholstery: Leather-accented seat upholstery
• Additional Controls: Paddle shifters
• Charging: Wireless phone charging capability
• Camera System: 360-degree camera
• Parking Assistance: Front and rear parking sensors
• Safety Features
• Autonomous Emergency Braking: With pedestrian detection
• Cruise Control: Adaptive cruise control
• Lane Assistance: Lane following assist
• Speed Sign Recognition: Detecting and displaying speed limits
• Lighting: Automatic high beam
• Monitoring Systems: Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert

Exterior Options

• Wheels: Choice of 17 or 18-inch wheels
• Sporty Body Kit: Not included in the Australian models (available in the US)

Production

• Manufacturing Location: Japan
• Note: Not available for sale in Japan despite being manufactured there

Market Strategy

• Focus: Hybrid-only lineup for the Australian market
• Consumer Preference: Aligns with the strong preference for hybrid vehicles in Australia, with hybrids accounting for 90% of Camry sales in the region.