2025 Toyota Camry Goes Hybrid-Only, AWD Available on Every Trim

Car & Driver ^ | NOV 14, 2023 | BY ANDREW KROK

[T.B. Yoits]

I’m surprised people still buy sedans. They aren’t useful for much more than hauling a few people and some groceries around.

True, but sedans (and coupes) have better speed, handling, and often fuel economy than SUVs with boxier shapes and a higher center of gravity.

[T.B. Yoits]

So... a bigger Prius. (which has been around since 1997)

[Carriage Hill]

My 2019 only has 15k miles; I’m keeping it. No electric crap for me.

[ProtectOurFreedom]

LOL...yep, just like the Prius. I KNEW somebody would get it.

I forgot to mention the complexity of regenerative braking, too.

[Dr. Sivana]

The resale value of used ICE Toyota cars just went up.

Sorry, my wife is keeping her 2018 Avalon 3.5l FOREVER.

[chrisinoc]

I have an 2019 Acura MDX hybrid, love it. I fill up my tank only once a month.

[Dr. Sivana]

That’s a surprise.

No. It isn't. It is frustrating to see all of these posters wondering why the the car manufacturers are only offering EVs, CVTs, Turbo-Fours instead of V-6s, hybrids instead of ICE, few small trucks, almost no sedans.

The car and truck market is totally warped by a maze of CAFE and emissions regulations. The auto manufacturers don't have the clout to complain out loud, so they pretend it is an improvement (except Toyota made a few mild rumblings about EVs not being the only way to go).

This is NOT car companies wanting to "go green" or anticipating market demand, this is almost completely car companies scrambling to jump through hoops. Ford tried to expand EVs, so they could hold onto teh ICE Mustang and F-150. Chevy for the ICE Corvette, Toyota put hybrids into Camrys and Crowns, so to don't have to push EVs.

This is the EU and US governments calling the shots. The auto manufacturers can pretend to like it, or give up 80% of their markets.

[Dr. Sivana]

I’m surprised people still buy sedans. They aren’t useful for much more than hauling a few people and some groceries around.

That’s because they stopped making full-sized sedans. My ‘65 Chrysler 300 had a bigger footprint than late model Chevy Suburbans, and a massive trunk and plenty of people room.

[gibsonguy]

You are right. People have no idea just how much car design is at the mercy of ever escalating Government regulations. They know the rats fully intend to regulate ICE cars off the roads. My wife worked was a vehicle schedular for one of the big 3. In the building she was in there was an entire floor staffed with people who only job was CAFE compliance, that was years ago and it has only gotten worse. It’s also true that management is loaded with climate kool aid drinkers

[SirLurkedalot]

I’d still be driving a 1999 Avalon XLS if it hadn’t gotten totalled in 2017. Bought it new, put 378k on that fine automobile. Driving a Corrola now. My 4th Toyota.

[DUMBGRUNT]

—”Can’t stand CVT’s.”

Not the infamous belt and pully system. JUNK!

For the curious, here is a fun video of how it works:

https://youtu.be/vHc-_E8xWnM?si=RFqetMm8XLLdbDlH

NB: they have a VERY good reputation for longevity.

[TheDon]

I predict new Toyota sales will decrease dramatically.

[freepertoo]

I loved my Prius, but it cost a lot more to repair than a non-hybrid. Did finally die after 365,000 miles, though, with just standard maintenance.

[castowell]

Toyota is the industry leader in hydrogen motor technology. From what I understand, they are very close to going to production with them. They are betting infrastructure changes at gas stations will occur and won’t be too costly.

https://www.autonews.com/automakers-suppliers/toyota-ceo-koji-sato-says-hydrogen-crucial-carbon-neutrality

[castowell]

Sorry about the article in the OP being behind a pay wall.

Try this: https://www.topspeed.com/toyotas-hydrogen-combustion-engine-has-the-potential-to-make-evs-obsolete/