COMPARED to its predecessors, the ninth-generation Toyota Camry looks like it came from beyond the stars.
If not for its name, you wouldn’t be able to tell if this space-age cruiser was in any way associated to Toyota’s popular D-segment flagship sedan in Malaysia.
As throughout the years, many would come to only know the namesake as one tied to the quintessential “businessman” car just a step below your usual premium continental offerings.
Its conservative styling was matched by reliability, comfort and space that only a few in the segment could rival at its price.
Eventually comfort and space remain as mainstays while everything else about the modern day Camry is far from tame.
Determined to break away from its “uncle-like” reputation, Toyota worked the Camry line towards becoming one of the sportiest D-segment sedan both by design and in its performance.
Finding that balance without breaking the wrong barriers, the ninth-gen model is one of the most futuristic looking car in the market for its segment.
The aggressive lines from the previous gen has been toned down or effectively replaced with a sleek modern styling that is inspired by the hammerhead shark and Toyota Crown.
It is a look that seamlessly gels with the Toyota New Global Architecture (TNGA) platform and Toyota’s fifth-gen Hybrid System for a much more polished experience.
While the standard internal combustion engine (ICE) option is no slouch, the hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) powertrain offers an even smoother and quieter drive.
Give it a dash of fuel efficient performance in addition to a boost in power and the Camry transcends its staunch image of old.
Adding that the eight-gen missed out on a hybrid variant locally, the HEV powertrain does wonders to heighten the new Camry’s experience.
The HEV variant houses a 2.5-litre four-cylinder Dynamic Force engine that delivers 188PS and 221Nm of torque, a compact electric transaxle with a lithium-ion high-voltage battery and a front-wheel drive (FWD) e-CVT.
Overall, the HEV system produces a total of 230PS and potentially 1,250km of range.
Maximum speed is reportedly 180kph while it has a 0-100kph sprint of 7.2 seconds.
Inside the car is the modern-premium touches we’ve come to expect – ventilated seats for the driver and front passenger, a redesigned steering wheel, a 12.3-inch multimedia display with wireless Apple CarPlay and wired Android Auto, and a 12.3-inch full-colour Multi-Information Display (MID).
Added comfort and safety comes in the form of power reclining rear seats and Toyota Safety Sense 3.0.
If we’re going by the Camry’s chronological advancement the ninth-gen stands out as the “Best-of” or definitive edition of the model to date.
It looks beautiful and drives gracefully.
Packed with the best performance the Camry has ever had for that extra fun, the car isn’t just about gliding smoothly on the roads but having a lot of control for its size.
Best of all it doesn’t sacrifice its trademark interior the brand name is known to offer.
It is complete with an arsenal that no doubt paints Toyota as shooting for the stars with the Camry.
There is however a catch and the car comes with a price – some might say an astronomical one by comparison.
To get you up to speed, the previous generation Camry already broke past the RM200,000 mark.
If you’ve got your sights on the new HEV variant then you’re looking at a RM248,800 price tag.
Fully imported (CBU) from Thailand, the HEV variant is RM27,000 more than the current gen’s ICE variant.
That means the 2025 Camry HEV is already throwing hands against the upper ceiling of cars from continental brands to the likes of its premium sibling Lexus.
There is however a case to be made for it, if value is in the cards.
Consider that you have the option to either go for an entry level premium model with either missing or compromised features, or for the complete best a brand has to offer.
Not exactly a direct one-for-one but a taste of the next frontier in the Camry’s case clearly has its worth.
SPECIFICATIONS
Toyota Camry 2.5 HEV
Engine: 2,487cc, Dynamic Force, inline 4-cylinder, 16 valves, DOHC
Maximum power: 188PS at 6,000rpm
Maximum torque: 221Nm from 3,600rpm to 5,200rpm
Electric motor power: 100kW (136PS)
Electric motor torque: 208Nm
Combined system power: 230PS
Transmission: e-CVT, FWD
Top speed: 180kph
Features: Seven airbags, Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Hill-start Assist Control (HAC), Panoramic View Monitor (PVM), Low Speed Audible Warning, Toyota New Global Architecture (TNGA), Toyota Safety Sense 3.0, power reclining rear seats, ventilated seats for the driver and front passenger, redesigned steering wheel, 12.3-inch multimedia display with wireless Apple CarPlay and wired Android Auto, and a 12.3-inch full-colour Multi-Information Display (MID).
Warranty: Five-year unlimited mileage warranty and an eight-year or unlimited mileage hybrid electric warranty covering the hybrid battery, inverter and power management control unit. Hybrid warranty can be extended to 10 years.
Price: RM248,800 (on the road without insurance)
