The Toyota Camry has long carried the reputation of being “the Uncle Car”, as it excels at being reliable, comfortable, a great value for money, and most famously, not very exciting to look it. That very sensibility is what makes it such an appealing choice for many buyers. For those who simply want a dependable, fuss-free car to cruise in with the family, the Camry has remained a popular option, especially among middle-aged buyers.
With the all-new ninth-generation Toyota Camry, however, Toyota has done a complete 180 — almost as if it has grown tired of the model being associated with a single age group. From its styling and interior to its on-road performance, the new Camry is anything but “just for uncles.”
The all-new Toyota Camry now carries a sportier look that is spearheaded by the marque’s hammerhead shark design philosophy, which is seen on many of the company’s latest offerings. Gone are the round and bulbous body panels, for it now sports an edgier look with its sharper and bold body lines. Key features include dual-tone 18-inch alloy wheels, functional side air vents, and a ducktail-like bootlid.
Step inside, and the youthful theme continues. The swooping lines and wood trims of older generations are gone, replaced by a cleaner, more minimalist layout defined by straight lines and satin chrome accents. Standard equipment is generous, featuring dual 12.3-inch displays for the infotainment system and instrument cluster, a nine-speaker JBL sound system, and a panoramic sunroof that enhances the sense of space.
READ MORE: Review: 2025 Toyota Camry Hybrid Electric – Now great power comes with great reliability
The all-new Toyota Camry is offered in two powertrain options: the 2.5V with a naturally aspirated 2.5-litre engine, as well as the 2.5 HEV, which we had on test here. This variant pairs the 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine with an electric motor and an e-CVT, delivering a combined system output of 230 hp. Driving the front wheels, it completes the 0-100 km/h sprint in 7.2 seconds. It’s not neck-breaking, but the instant torque response courtesy of the electrified powertrain does make it feel a lot punchier than those figures might suggest.
Of course, the all-new Toyota Camry also continues to excel at the qualities the nameplate is known for. It is spacious, comfortable, quiet, and effortlessly easy to live with — making it just as sensible as its predecessors. The Toyota Camry Hybrid is available in Malaysia from RM248,800 on-the-road and without insurance, while the 2.5V retails at a lower RM221,800.
