Is the 2025 Toyota Camry XLE a BETTER luxury midsize sedan than a Lexus ES 300h?
ฝัง
- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 18 พ.ค. 2024
- The Camry is getting some major changes from Toyota for 2025. On the outside you will discover new wheels, exterior color and sheet metal. On the inside you will be greeted by the first leather interior ever to be in a Camry. Under the hood is a hybrid power plant with optional AWD. Is the 2025 Toyota Camry XLE a BETTER luxury midsize sedan than a Lexus ES 300h?
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Not sure why the title of the video is mentioning the Lexus ES 300h whereas you are only comparing the Camry to the Kia K5 in your review?
The price is really good but having in mind you get the same engine/transimssion for all the trims I'd go for the base model. That would be more than enough for me.
Can’t go wrong with the base. End of the day it’s still the same reliable car. But rather than upgrade the wheels and tires and all that shit after the fact an SE/XSE offer you a decent amount for not a lot out of pocket. So if you’re looking to customize it a bit afterwards and don’t want to spend the money on it, the upper trims do a lot to appearance and appeal that you won’t need to do out of pocket later if you don’t want to. I also personally really like the way the 12” screen is integrated over the smaller offering. It looks like the car was designed with the big screen in mind and had to look around the parts bin to make a cheaper offering.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts on this one
@@pt93musicthis is so true
@@pt93music TBH, I would lean towards the LE, if I could get the 12" screen. I agree, it just looks a bit odd with the 8".
@@dakkon74 I get why they offer the 8”. Cost savings, it just looks so out of place. The car was designed around that 12” display and it will definitely age the interior better down the line.
Sorry, I wasn’t expecting the K5. I thought it said ES 300 H. Oops!!!
I've been watching you for awhile and this is my first comment to you. You're my fave reviewer and what sets you apart is not just the great insight...but that you always make me laugh. Thanks for always being awesome!
Way better looker than the current accord...
Reverse
@@rahimi4762you trippin
I don’t think so
yes, looks much better than Accord or K5
@@rahimi4762 you trippin
❤ Thank you, Joe and Steven.❤️
Was literally wondering this a couple hours ago and now this video appears!
Toyota Camry has topped its class once again. Very nice exterior color on this one. Gotta love the MPGs along with adequate performance. Nice balance, wonderful styling. Great freakin car Joe. 👍👍
Hey Joe, between the SE and the XLE which one did you prefer driving?
Greetings from Puerto Rico. 🇵🇷
That color is tight
It really works
@@RaitisRides yes sir
Me too Wardell
Joe and Lori and Steve keep up the good work real true and I love the video 👍
This video was excellent and clarified who makes AWD vehicles. I’m still driving my 2002 LE CAMRY@ 23 y.o. (extremely reliable; low maintenance). Only need a new car bc my undercarriage and after market moon roof totally rusted out from living in Chicago for 13 years. I do want AWD bc my Camry has never handled peeling out well; I say this bc I drove 2 Accords for 6 yrs total, a Nissan truck x 5 yrs and a Rodeo 4WD x 2 yrs where this never happened. I’m debating a used luxury model AWD (Lexus or Acura) vs a new Camry.
Your videos are good n I think you are an awesome human. Best wishes.
13:33 Joe, you are GOAT! You crack me up every video I love it. Keep it up, bro!
Thanks man for saying that! I appreciate you letting me share the laughs and the cars with you!
Excellent review Joe.
The reviews are very sharp, many says it drives more like a sport sedan,
Nobody does reviews like my Bklyn native Raiti's Ride. Loving the SE Camry 25. Keep up the good work.
Nurse Dan here again. Im here to see the car review (obviously 😂) but I’m waiting for Joe’s nail to pop off any video. I’m still staying tune. 👍🏼
Ocean gem in person definitely has green tint to it
How much more peppy is the acceleration compared to the 18-24 hybrid models?
you ended up in Coronado. did you guys do anything there or just drove right back?
That pano glass with black painted roof is gonna look so nice with a chrome trim delete and full limo window tint in the back.
I like the way you think!
Hows the base audio compared to the upgraded JBL system?
Owner of a 2023 Camry XSE V6, the JBL 9-speaker sound system is a tad better than the standard 6-speaker but several miles from being a Premium Sound System. Want some what Premium Sound System need to go to Lexus and get the Mark Levinson Sound System. Very little difference between Lexus Premium Sound vs JBL but the Mark Levinson touches the surface of being a Premium if that is any consolation prize. My wife has a 2022 Honda Civic Touring with BOSE 12-speaker barely tops the Toyota JBL only because you get 12-Speakers with BOSE or 3 more speakers which says little. Honda's BOSE and Toyota's JBL are Not Premium. You are paying for the use of the Brand Name given the low-quality product. It is a scam feature that Honda and Toyota have been using for years ... brand name sound system does not make it Premium but good for their profit.
Great Share,, however could you please show a XSE and let me know what color it comes in,also will there be a TRD? Also if so what colors in and out. Thank You
Accord vs Camry:
Model Year 2018 ( Both redesigned):
Accord: ✅️
Camry: ✅️
Model Year 2023 (Accord redesign)
Accord: ✅️
Camry( Pre- redesign): 50/50
Model Year 2025 (Camry redesign)
Camry: ✅️✅️✅️
Accord: Not even close ❌️🚫
I love the way you listed that out
@RaitisRides Thanks Joe 😊
Accord will beat Camry any time, any place
Did i miss the comparison to the Lexus ES 300h somewhere? I keep rewatching it and i only see comparison’s to Kia. I feel like if you’re shopping for a practical midsize sedan, this is very competitive now, but if you’re looking for a luxury boat, it’s still not an ES. I was hoping to learn something new.
Lexus is exactly as Toyota with the L badge and double pricing. Those years has gone mate
This Camry is extremely far from the ES. They are completely different cars. ES is larger inside, easier to get in and out, much better quality plastic and way better ergonomic seats. People just have no clue since Camry buyers usually do not even consider ES, but they are almost the same price and almost equally equipped.
The 9th Generation 2025 all Hybrid Camry is the demise of the Camry. Thank you Toyota for killing the Camry which was a very good car. What's next on your slaughter list Toyota? Oh! I nearly forgot to let everyone know that the Toyota Crown is a Clown and nobody wants the Corolla Cross-over. If anyone wants a small SUV, the RAV4 isn't a bad choice even though the LE is trash as need to move up a few trim levels for a decent RAV4.
@@edwardvalivonis23that is not accurate. Lexus is different. Personal decision if worth the extra money but defiant not same. The reason ES being brought up is the title of this video.
@@rich1958 Lexus ES is rebadged Camry
Joe in the morning! great review and great upgrade to Camry, way better than the new Accord, more hp! agree with Joe, the no exhaust tips is a zonk
where is the plastic covers for trunk legs ?? even my 2018 Se has that legs covers.
Toyota are doing a good job with their designs lately. I was tempted by the new Prius, but now I'm tempted into a Camry. Never thought I'd see the day. lol
Same here Mike. I sat in the Prius last week and didn’t care for it.
If only they brought their Japanese version of the Crown sedan + Crown badging!
Wanted to upgrade from my roomy 10yr. old Prius to new one. They shrunk the new one. I’m 5’3, had trouble getting in front seat without knocking my head, had no leg room in back and cargo space was disappointing. Will now consider new Camry.
Love your video
That means so much
I love my 2019 Black Toyota Camry Hybrid ❤ nice greetings from Germany 🤝
Have this Camrys the RPM Gages?
I am a bit confused. Were you reviewing the non-hybrid and every once in a while, you do mention Hybrid?
Hey Joe, great review. Is this XLE available to buy somewhere in San Diego? I'm an hour from San Diego and would make the trip to buy it. Thanks
No. It's a Toyota press car.
You will regret purchasing the new 9th Gen. 2025 Camry hybrid. get an 8th Gen. Camry and be happier.
@@richscott2483 And you base this claim on what logic/evidence?
Taxi drivers about to ride in style
And myself, a newly minted doctor. I’ll get the Porsche in 5 years.
This is my new car...love that ocean gem color!!
How is the stereo sound quality? 16 speaker JBL? I'd like to see you give a quick opinion in your reviews of the factory infotainment systems and how they sound in all your reviews, especially with trim levels that have an "upgraded" sound system.
Factory audio never sounds good, unless you go for premium brands, like Lexus/Acura. Stock audio in this Camry is just as plain as the previous one - it is not rich, not clean, it just sounds. JBL is a must have and they do it on purpose to make you spend more. If only they put JBL in their stock model, no one would buy XLE/XSE.
I’m driving a 2019 KIA optima now called the K5. Although one car doesn’t make the rule I have to say it’s been a superb automobile. Plenty of power comfortable powered seating for driver and passenger. The electronics and safety systems are perfectly integrated. Good headroom especially in the back as opposed to the very cramped Camry. 80,000 miles driven and I haven’t had one mechanical problem. There’s a lot of Kia bashing out there but not from the Kia owners I know. If the K5 was available in a hybrid I’d snatch it up in a minute.
Can't we have the AWD option and select FWD within the vehicle? I have seen that in some Jeep vehicles where we can select AWD or FWD while driving. Not sure if it makes any difference in MPGs though.
I believe that it is electronically controlled as part of the traction control system. It will dynamically adjust the power front-to-rear, with an emphasis on FWD.
That video title is a loaded question lol. Of course its not a better luxery sedan than a Lexus ES! But this is a damn good one.
I seen the new Camry at my local that xse two ocean gem was 🔥but I want a black exterior and red interior Camry with awd
**saw
saw, not seen. Go back to school and get your GED.
What a coincidence you made this video. I literally test drove both vehicles and decided on the es300h... It's a MUCH better car in my opinion. The XLE felt cramped especially the back seats, the visors didn't extend, the fit and finish on the Camry wasn't good. Went ahead and bought a es300h today.
Looks like a great car!
Good choice, the ES is a very high quality car
Thanks, the used es300h 2021 was actually cheaper than a new Camry XLE...it was a no brainer for me.
@@shawn1869 Yeah looking at the used prices of ES’s, as nice as the new camrys are, I still prefer my 2022 ES 350 over it any day. The materials used, the quietness and isolation in the cabin, soft seats, soft suspension, just the feel of pressing all the buttons, moving vents, etc. everything is just so high quality. Even though it’s the “entry level” lexus, it sure doesn’t feel like it!
@@ViciousFirearms absolutely! I think it's a much smarter purchase over a new Camry. 🙌🙏
Great config on that car. I like the grille of the XLE better than the XSE, but I like the black window borders on the XSE. Probably should mention that you have to add the $3K+ Premium / Premium Plus packages to get all the niceties like pano-cameras, pano-roof, ventilated seats, JBL sound system, etc. (even on the XSE trim) My biggest problem with Toyota is that you can't custom order one.
Are there any mass-consumer auto manufacturers that will let you custom-order (excluding any high-end luxury / exotic brands)
@@dominionian7193 possibly Tesla? But their choices are very limited.
It is not a bug, it is a feature. They will never let you custom order it, since most people would not order useless tech features instead opting for important stuff, like JBL premium audio. I would personally buy LE with JBL if I was shopping for a Camry. Everything else is irrelevant to me.
XLE used to mean something. Hood prop stick really? Where's the hood struts? Higher trim usually added fog lights. So no more fog lights? The exterior rear looks good though but tail lights remind me of previous lexus models.
You probably don't know on my 2024 Venza Limited is the Same as the new Camry XLE. On 360 camera you can change the color of your car in camera settings.
I currently drive a 2017 Camry LE with 45K miles. 30mpg with 4 cylinder. 6 speed tranny. Its paid for. If i had the cash i would buy one tomorrow. I hate car payments
It would be nice if you showed the digital key feature.
Hi. Joe. Which one is better? The Crown or the Camry?
Crown of course. It is premium and pretty much the same price. But there is also Lexus ES that is better than both of them. Crown has a low roofline, so uncomfortable when driving
If only they get 2.4 turbo to work with this hybrid system vs way tacoma does it might be fun car
Toyota was definitely on cruise control in the last decade in terms of making regular ‘appliance’ cars, but wow they are just making waves across their entire lineup. And we have the Gazoo Racing line up. No more boring cars indeed!
My only gripe is that they should have spun off the Crown into its own thing and brought the beautiful Japanese sedan version to the US market rather than the sedan/cuv hybrid we got.
Did I miss something? Did he ever mention the Lexus ES as the title mentions? He seems to be comparing to the Kia K5 instead.
Clickbait
I'd take the Lexus ES that still has that amazing V6 and leave that hybrid on the lot for somebody else.
Love the engine
Lexus ES is just an overall huge premium experience over this Camry. The seats, the ride smoothness, the suspension, the interior, the audio system. It is totally worth it to spend 4k more for ES.
Same here. I am on my 2nd one with the 3rd on my horizon. No mechanical repair issues yet for both since 2013. Only maintenance.
@@larrymcclain8874 ES is a great large comfortable reliable sedan, just like in the good old days.
You said its mated to a CVT (7:55)... which is incorrect. Its an eCVT and they are in no way the same besides sharing 3 letters in the acronym.
uhm say E and say C ... they sound alike. Either way having a CVT or eCTV is a terrible thing. Nothing beats an Automatic or Manual Transmission.
@@richscott2483 nah, eCVTs are very good transmissions. They need electric motors and some power so really only feasible in a Hybrid set up. Its a lot better and more rock solid than an Automatic.
cabin noise less with this car or Lexus ES 350? I have a 2012 Camry. only complaint is cabin noise on highway
The Lexus will do better with sound insulation.
Lexus ES350 Ultra Luxury will have a quieter cabin.
Lexus ES is better at everything. Test drive them back to back. ES is a car from another world.
I’m glad they’ve improved the seats. The last LEs and XLEs had terrible seats
Seen't this exact color new Camry in someones driveway TODAY. I might go Prius since so much price overlap and I like Prius size and design.
Good call Toby! I would go Prius as well!
Lmao did you say “seen’t” for the first time ever?
@@2004cyrus Saw'd it too.
@@amill1563 omg you better stop making me laugh with all of your folderol
But new Prius has a steering wheel so low, it literally hangs on your knees while driving. Whoever made that design *facepalm*
Camry vs K5, you'll thank yourself in 20 years when you're still driving your Toyota and the Kia has been in the junkyard for 8+ years
Plus Toyota typically has better resale value / less depreciation.
To be fair the ES has not been updated, yet.
Heck a Mazda 6 Signature is better than the ES. Most bland luxury car
@@rahimi4762one man’s bland is another man’s perfect.
@@rahimi4762 I think the appeal of it is that they go forever and are smooth and quiet. They aren't enthusiast cars.
@@JohnnyUtah9173 very true. I’m passionate about cars. Don’t want one anyone can get at a rental and all over the place. You eat McDonald’s I eat Ruth Chris.
@@rahimi4762 Define "better." I test drove a Mazda 6 Signature expecting to like it better than I did. It's a fine car for what it is, but that's a rather cramped Japanese sedan with a quite audible four and a ride/handling balance that doesn't quite nail either one. I then drove an ES 350 and bought it.
You can buy a brand new 2024, XLE Hybrid with everything on it, at a dealership advertised for $34,999. is the new XLE worth a $750.00 mo car payment?
That is a great question!
No
This 9th generation Camry is very impressive for everything they got!
I am so glad that you are liking this one.
That CVT noise is something I cannot get past. When you were on throttle it is loud!
Beautiful car, beautiful color
How much more quiet is it than the 2025 Camry LE? Is it worth the step up?
that's the question we haven't seen answered yet!... does the XLE's quieter side glass really work, or is it just to compensate for the 18" wheels?... it's possible the LE on 16's isn't that much louder, even without the extra glass.
@@brandononbrand the people want to know!!!!
Joe, if I may suggest a correction, the transmission is not CVT but it is eCVT; it is very much different than the CVT from Nissan.
Title says better than ES300 but make K5 comparisons😮. Smh. Lexus ES and 25 Camry leases are so close im torn between the 2. Watched to see different perspectives😅
Great color …….impressive mpg
Toyota nailed it on this one
Gotta have Pitfall, Dig Dug, River Raid, and Frogger in there
My favorite brand ❤
That’s so awesome to hear!
Looks great, but the only feature i dislike about it is the quilted microfiber dash -- it looks tacky, and i would imagine it can easily get stained -- I would prefer leather, or even just plain plastic, over this
Nice car. Great color.
Should I get this XLE Camry when I have 18 Camry?
Depends, do you want a new one and do have enough cash saved for it? If both are true get it.
Wish you’d commented on level of noise from roads & tires. Is it worth upgrading to Lexus for quieter ride?
He said it was quiet and has insulated glass.
I drove one the other day and it was very quiet. I was impressed
Those cloth inserts are a dealbreaker for me. I was hoping to upgrade to this from my 23’ Corolla hybrid XLE
I know how you feel about that!
That’s one of my favorite aspects, reminds me of Japanese cars of the 80’s & 90’s with the fabric on the doors.
@BrianEugeneLee193 I don’t like that either… at all. I always buy Mazda or lease one.
I have an XSE partly for that reason. They are perforated leather on the doors, solid leather on the dash.
@@2004cyrusI have my Mazda for traditional ICE and fun driving, and a hybrid Toyota for efficiency. Best of both worlds 😊
Why do I always miss what the sticker price is? Did anybody catch it?
$39,960 10:04
@@DaniTheNachoPirate thanks
A spare tire, it's a Christmas miracle from Toyota!
Alright Joe we are about to find out here with you!
Heck yeah! Let’s do this!
At 4:00 I believe he meant this, Corolla, and Prius
Nice color
It really pops in the sun
I’ve been tryna get my hands on one of these but it’s taking mad long to come to dealers
Wow in Oklahoma City where I am we have lots of these already at dealers.
Patience. You get one now and pay over MSRP. You wait a few months and pay under MSRP.
The 8 speed auto with the 4 cylinder was very jumpy. Not smooth at all. CVT is probably better, I hate to have to say it. 0-60 in 6.5 is good but I doubt it’s that quick but the issue overall is having a 4 cylinder, at all. The V6 Camry may as well have been a totally different car. They need to bring the hybrid max to truly replace it because this model certainly doesn’t.
I hate when people refer to Camrys as the granny car….it’s absolutely packed with features and will last for years and years! And the new designs are kinda cool, you can’t please everyone! Love the tech and the horsepower for a very capable hybrid AWD. “You had me at hello” had me rolling 😂😂😂
I wish Camry was still a granny car. They made new Camry into a sporty Scion-like cheap sedan. All refinement is gone. I am currently driving a 2024 Camry LE rental and it is sad. Truly reminds me of last gen Scion tC.
Kia is nowhere near Toyota
That is what most would say.
I’m waiting for the TRD what looks like 🤗
similar looking to a mazda 3 2022 sedan...except for the front
That LS400 though!
I’m watching this in my hybrid Camry 😂
What does everyone think? Seeing this car and price has motivated me to get another Mazda CX-5. I always end up buying some Mazda. I’ve had them all for the last 14 years, mostly new. No CVT or Hybrid to deal with, my CX-5 averages 25 mpg and a new one can be had for less than $30k. I have a 2021 CX-5 GT with premium package. It has 21,113 miles, I’ve fulfilled the lease and buying it from Mazda for $20,519 this week.
Toyota hybrids and eCVTs are great. I'd take this over any Mazda.
@@AyaWetts awe don’t say that. Mazda is working with Toyota and has hybrids now. Great cars
@@2004cyrus I didn't mean to imply Mazda was bad.... The Miata is definitely a fun little car. Hopefully Mazda will make some great hybrids and keep to the Toyota tech without drifting too far away. If I am going to spend the money, I'd just go with Toyota, and stick with whats proven though.
@@AyaWetts oh it’s totally fair of course. Toyota has a long track record of reliability that took decades. As you know they are 20 years into successful hybrids starting with Prius. I’m shopping the new hybrid Camry Wednesday. I drove the Honda Accord Hybrid Monday. I have read that Toyotas is better still. I’m happy that Mazda is trying. I’ve owned 5 Mazdas and they have been great but they are new to the hybrid game but since they are relying on Toyota collaborating I have high hopes. Everyone has the freedom to choose what works best for them and I want to try Toyota. It will be my first from that brand. I’m excited
Great color on a great car. The only thing I don't care for is the panoramic sunroof.
I think the LE would suit you and me
This, or the Crown? I’d like to see a comparison video.
I will get that together for you Dan!
Lexus ES instead. Crown is narrow up front, sloping roof too low overhead - can't see the traffic lights. ES is just better at everything
There's no way I'd pick a Kia over this Camry, not ever lol
Toyota fan here, but they definitely stole from the sonatas old styling 😂 looks better on a Toyota
are you going to review the new model 3 performance??
It's hard to choose now, with so many options/choices. Within the Toyota brand n among other brand choices.
Words that should never come out of a car persons mouth "you cannot touch the interior or you will make it get dirty" ! If its true then its bad, poor or a cheap choice of construction materials.
Any material can get dirty. I eat in my Mazda CX-5 with genuine leather all of the time and I spill sauces on seats or plastic. But I carry a variety of towels and soap sprays and cleaners.
I want the xse with the xle grill 🫤
The question of 2025 camry hybrid xle or lexus es 300h is real. Coming up on 100k miles on my 2014 camry hybrid XLE and the es 300h has been on my radar for a long time. Hands down, the 2014 camry hybrid xle has been the most comfortable and reliable sedan ive ever owned. I cant believe the 2025 XLE is as luxurious as it is now with the real leather seats and sound deadening glass. $10k difference between the camry in the video and similarly optioned 2024 es 300h.
You looking to sell that 2014?! My wife needs a car 😂
Yep trying to figure that out for myself right now, too
not genuine leather seats ... Toyota uses SofTex. I know as an owner of a 2018 Toyota RAV4 Limited AWD and 2023 Camry XSE 3.5L V6. It is SofTex no matter who tells you otherwise.
It is SofTex aka faux leather and not real leather. Better off with the Lexus ES 300h for better quality. I did not have the extra $10k for the Lexus ES-350 V6 otherwise would have bought it. I really enjoy my 2023 Camry XSE V6 fully loaded, with MSRP of $41,305, I paid $39,200 after negotiating OTD price, rides and handles very well after replacing the defective made, hazardous, and terrible OEM Bridgestone Turanza EL440 tires with Michelin CrossClimate2 All-Weather tires. 2 disappointments: 1) trunk height and narrow mouth-opening when back seats are down. You cannot fit much. 2) JBL Premium Sound System is a mile from being a Premium system. Paying for Toyota's use of the JBL Brand Name and the low-quality JBL components. It is slightly better than the standard Toyota 6-speaker system. For the 2025 Camry the windshield glass has been modified to reduce harmonics but you will still get wind and road noise. Proper sound deadening or dampening requires using good materials and it costs $600 to $800 as it also adds probably up to 50kg or 110 pounds to the vehicle's weight. Toyota will never do that as they want to keep pricing competitive with other vehicles. 2 good things about the 2025 Camry are the Full Digital Instrument Cluster and Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 otherwise the 9th Gen. Camry is not worth a penny. Look into getting a Mazda, Audi, or the revised classic muscle car the new Chevrolet Camero.
Air vents are the bottom blowing on our arms, thats stupid. I'm sure it has other issues
Which is the higher trim XLE or XSE ?
The XSE is tops price wise but it loses some stuff vis-a-vis the XLE.
@@cbotten106*loses. Loose is something that is not tight. Lose is when you cannot locate something.
@@2004cyrus I was a little loose with me "o" key.
@@cbotten106 lol you sure were. I get a little loose with myself too sometimes
Viva Toyota! Viva Toyota! Viva, viva Toyota! What car brand is inmune to make a car that has no issues?
You are awesome my friend!
@@RaitisRides Yup Joe love it.
Cars have come a long way in the last few decades. Basic mainstream cars have so many more features than luxury cars from ten years ago and generally drive better too.
So the luxury in this is the same as the ES?