Living with the Camry 2025: A Week Behind the Wheel

Camry 2025: A Comfortable, Practical Daily Drive… and One Thing I Wished It Had

I’ve always seen the Camry as a reliable daily commuter. But after driving the 2025 Camry for a long stretch between Dubai and Abu Dhabi, I realized it’s not just a mode of transport—it’s a daily companion that offers comfort and peace of mind you truly appreciate over time.

The first thing I noticed when I started the car was the quiet engine and its smooth responsiveness. The 2.5L, 4-cylinder engine delivers 201 horsepower, which is more than enough to merge confidently on Sheikh Zayed Road, while the 240 Nm of torque makes overtaking easy without needing to push the accelerator aggressively. The 8-speed automatic transmission shifts seamlessly, whether I’m moving through city traffic or cruising at highway speeds.

But what impressed me most was the fuel efficiency. At 17.1 km/L, I could drive daily without worrying about refueling every couple of days, and with a 60-liter fuel tank, I never felt anxious even on longer commutes or busy days around the city.

The cabin is very comfortable. The back seats provide good legroom, even for taller passengers, and the dual-zone climate control with rear vents kept the cabin cool during the intense June heat. The leather seats in the model I tested were comfortable for long distances, with lumbar support for the driver’s seat that helped ease back strain after a packed day of meetings.

I loved the simplicity of the infotainment system, which ranges from 8 to 12.3 inches depending on the trim, with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto making navigation and handling calls seamless. The wireless charger kept my phone charged without cable mess, and the rear power sunshade was a practical feature during midday drives, protecting rear passengers from the harsh sun.

During daily driving, I felt that the Camry didn’t drain my mental energy behind the wheel, which is crucial with heavy morning traffic. The Dynamic Radar Cruise Control was a lifesaver on long stretches, and with Lane Tracing Assist, I could drive longer distances with full comfort and less stress.

Toyota hasn’t forgotten about safety, with front, side, and curtain airbags, a Pre-Collision System, Blind Spot Monitoring, and Lane Departure Alert. These systems gave me peace of mind, especially when driving with the family.

From a practicality perspective, the 493-liter cargo space was more than sufficient for work items, weekly groceries, or a travel suitcase when needed. The rear seats fold in a 60:40 split, making it easier to expand the trunk for larger items.

Yet, despite all these positives, there are two things I wished it had:

First: A hybrid option. The fuel economy is great, but with fuel prices rising and my personal interest in reducing my carbon footprint, I genuinely wished the hybrid version was available in the UAE, as it is in other markets. It would offer even better fuel economy and align well with my long daily drives and the UAE’s sustainability goals.

Second: A sportier driving character. The Camry is tuned for comfort, which is excellent, but sometimes I crave a sportier feel, with tighter handling in corners and a sport mode that sharpens the throttle and steering response. Especially when driving in the mountains or on open roads, it would add a touch of excitement for drivers like me who appreciate a bit of fun alongside practicality.

At the end of the day, the Camry remains a solid, practical car. After this daily driving experience, I now see the Camry as more than just a car. It gives you peace of mind throughout the day, keeps your family safe, saves you on fuel costs, and offers a calm, quiet ride even during peak traffic. While I wish for a hybrid option and a sportier driving mode, if you’re looking for a reliable, comfortable, fuel-efficient daily driver for UAE roads, the 2025 Camry deserves to be at the top of your shortlist.

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