It was reported earlier that the new Toyota Camry would make its premiere in Southeast Asia around October. At the time, it was believed that it was Thailand that would get this midsize sedan in the region.
But it seems Toyota Singapore had a different idea. That’s because the 2025 model has just made its ASEAN premiere this week. With that, it’s possible that the executive sedan will soon be launched in neighboring countries. Great news then for those who’d rather have a sedan over a crossover or SUV.
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Despite the midsize sedan market being on thin ice in ASEAN, one has to give props to Toyota for continuing its sales in the region. That’s also despite the fact that the Camry has been axed in its home market of Japan.
While dubbed as the ninth-generation model, the 2025 Camry is more a heavy facelift of the current model. Proof of that can be seen on the doors, carried over from before, as well as the quarter panel. That said, its wheelbase has grown by a barely noticeable 5mm.
The Southeast Asian version of the Toyota Camry follows that of the Taiwanese-spec model. Its differences with the North American and Chinese versions are subtle, but eagle-eyed viewers will see the distinction. For starters, the pattern on the front bumper is unique to the other markets. It also sports different wheel designs and a headlight pattern that’s more in tune with the North American-spec.
Inside, we’re thankful the ASEAN model doesn’t get the Chinese version’s screenfest for a dashboard. Again, it’s patterned after the one sold in Taiwan, which, in return, is based heavily on the North American dash. It’s significantly different from the ones sitting in local showrooms at the moment.
There’s the redesigned fascia and digital instrument cluster that (finally) features high-definition graphics. The infotainment system is no longer integrated into the center stack. Instead, it sits near the top of the dash with a wider screen. Also new for the 2025 model year is the center console area and the steering wheel. And thank heavens there are still buttons to be seen in there.
Like the soon to be outgoing model, the 2025 Camry only comes with a hybrid powertrain. But whereas the previous Camry Hybrid only had one electric motor, the new one gains a second motor. That means its 2.5-liter Atkinson-cycle four-cylinder engine is mated to a pair of more powerful electric motors. The result is 228hp, 20hp more than before (vs. 208hp).
