Toyota’s Camry nameplate has survived decades in Australia but the once popular family-oriented option has succumbed to the rise of the SUV in recent times. However, could it be possible that today’s latest hybrid Camry generation is a better, smarter choice than the likes of RAV4?
While the Camry range kicks off at under $40K list, the version on test here is the flagship SL, fully loaded and priced from $53,990 list.
Today’s Camry is front-wheel drive, powered by a 2.5-litre four-cylinder petrol-electric hybrid with 170kW offering a claimed 0-100km/h performance of 7.2 seconds, while promising exceptional frugality of around 4.0L per hundred kilometres.
Chasing Cars contributor Nathan Ponchard deep dives on Toyota’s four-door workhorse and discovers a compelling offering that’s classy, refined, super impressive and possibly one of motoring’s best bargains of 2026 for private buyers.
Time codes:
0:00 – Intro
1:17 – Camry in 2026
1:57 – Flagship SL
2:28 – Powertrain
2:50 – Boot space
3:06 – Interior
4:13 – Seating
5:58 – Utility
7:14 – Row two
9:09 – On road
10:12 – Handling
10:55 – Efficiency
12:51 – Value for money
13:55 – Insurance
14:36 – Verdict
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Love my Camry hybrid
What if if toyota make a estate wagon
It lacks basic towing capacity.
Most boring to drive, worst choice.
I drove this car but found it only 2 notches better than a 2014 Camry Hybrid. Its wasn't significantly mind blowing. To me the Toyota Crown 2015 Royal Saloon Hybrid drives better than the 2025 Camry Hybrid. I also like 2024 Toyota Prius Hybrid which I rented in Japan but unfortunately we don't get them here. PS. The 2024 Civic Hybrid hatch drives much better than this Camry imo.
Surprised no mention of ANCAP rating as safest vehicle in Australia as tested 2024. “The 2026 Toyota Camry maintains its maximum 5-star ANCAP safety rating, which was first awarded to the current 9th-generation model in 2024 and remains valid through December 2030”
There’s a lot to be said about buying a car that is out of fashion, the only thing is watching people change lanes to avoid you in case you are on your phone trying to pickup a new ride, yes we all know a Camry means potential lane weaving and driving 15ks under the limit
Luv this guy, great review – thank you. Camry now a great car and better for the majority than silly stupid 'SUVs' (horrid Americanism). Camry would be even greater if 1) offered with option of petrol only (V6 anyone?) and 2) if you could actually GET ONE – there's the 6 month wait to consider. How Toyota hang onto ANY orders over that period is beyond me.
If you like the Camry SL, suggest also trying the Accord alternative. A bit more expensive (~$5,000), although you might find Camry SLs are priced above RRP, which Accords won't be. Accord is generally higher spec with Google Built-in (which means the ability to have full-screen Google maps in main-driver display and Google maps directions in head-up display. Also means can directly stream music and podcasts from internet without mobile phone. Also means lower drop-out of internet signal than using mobile phone connection and Carplay/Android Auto in country driving). Accord also has ambient lighting, including in rear. The Accord's more refined drive-train is great for more relaxed long-distance driving, especially when utilising adaptive cruise control. I am very happy with my Accord.
They just need to make a all wheel drive version by trd 😊
I occasionally drive one for work. Very comfortable and easy to use. I'd be happy to have one as a personal car.
They are just way to big, like too long. Ok if they were a wagon then I could live with it as you would buy it for needing a wagon. But no thank you.
A 2021 Toyota crown for under 50 k or this???
Should be around 45k.
No wagon is a fail and we don't even officially get the Corolla wagon. At least Skoda still takes wagons seriously.
Sad this car didnt have the sx sport version like they did on usa market
They do seem to be lot of car for the money….
Sedans, hatchbacks and wagons for me, I don't need SUV stuff, so great to see the truly pretty Camry showcased 😊
They drive nice but everyone thinks you're an uber driver.
I know I am colour blind, but that car looks purple… not a fan. I have watched so many of these Camry Youtube videos and not one of them tells me if the sun roof can open? Biggest thing I am looking for in a new car is a car seat I sit IN, and not ON. All SUV's I have tried so far are hard.. no sale!!! Your right, Toyota does need to add some colour in the interior like the oversea's versions. I would like to see in Australia at least the Nightshade version. I would probably get the Sport version, but I hate the wheels. Similar on my current car and they are a bastard to clean 🙁
The only issue is the wheel arches get in the way for carrying wide things when the seats are down. That is why an SUV is better, but the RAV4 is still far too small.
95 who cares, we do. CVT who cares, we do. $60k for a sedan, who cares. WE DO. There is a reason it's not selling…….. primarily PRICE…….. You can buy all these chinese cars for half that…….. it's a car, they get in accidents, they depreciate…….
Unfortunately because its mainly built for taxi fleets and uber drivers almost no private buyers will touch it with a ten foot stick.
Definitely not cool, but I think it looks great and definitely good value compared to the alternatives, not to mention the fuel economy. Doesn’t really work as the family road tripping car, but no doubt an excellent second family car.
The Camry will always have great resale value. Pity those that opted for Chinese branded vehicles that depreciate by more than 90% within a year
The only issue is reliability. My current Camry is barely 20 years old and already starting to give me trouble. 😡
Wagon please🎉
i was keen to know if they have imprwoved 360 degree cameras? China cars seems to do this the best these days.
Why can't we get crown here in Australia
Nice car, however I would guess one reason why Toyota sell so little of them is because the Ascent Sport model is not readily available for purchase. The Uber spec Ascent is available, but my guess is most family buyers would be interested in the Ascent Sport (SL is probably a bit too expensive). I went looking for an Ascent Sport in a metallic colour (not white) and was told it would be at least a 3mth wait in Brisbane, by several dealers. If you are unable to wait that long, then you would end buying something else. If you make them available, then they will sell.
As others have said, a wagon is needed. Add a GR version into the mix as well…
I would just add a sticker to the back "I am not an Uber"
Nice car but $60k for a Camry is insane.
So why does this 2.5 hybrid get the Lexus power bump to 170 kW and the RAV4 gets a power cut to 145 kW? No one can seem to answer this glaring question 🙋
Great package, well sized & integrated touchscreen, fuel economy for performance hard to beat. Well refined.
This is simply the best value for money car in the market
The quintessential workhorse I am onto my 4th Camry and I will not own anything else they do everything you need while rewarding you with comfort and reliability is getting hard to find these days, people use to say the Camry is boring, no! A world of SUVs and Duelcabs is boring.
Ponch – This or the Civic Hybrid??
The best car in the world is the Toyota Corolla 😊
Then this 😅
I wish they would bring this back to the UK 😭