2025 Toyota Camry (XV80) set to make Malaysian debut in December with 227PS hybrid powertrain

The much-anticipated 2025 Toyota Camry (XV80) is confirmed to debut in Malaysia this December with local Toyota dealerships already gearing up for its arrival, according to our friends at WapCar. The standout feature of the new model is the inclusion of a 2.5-litre hybrid powertrain similar to the Camry launched recently in Singapore and Thailand, possibly marking the first hybrid Camry to reach Malaysian showrooms since the XV50 generation nearly a decade ago.

As a coveted member of UMW Toyota’s current lineup, the sun is setting on the XV70-generation Camry with many dealerships having already cleared their stock (hope you got one while you could!) and sales advisors recommending interested buyers to instead register for the upcoming XV80.

Dealership representatives are also reported to have completed product training for the new Camry, ensuring they are ready to guide customers through its new features, powertrain, and other enhancements, as soon as it becomes available.

Also seemingly confirmed is the fact that the XV80 Camry sold here will be fully imported units from Thailand, a move that simplifies logistics and shortens the wait time between its Thai launch and subsequent Malaysian release. This CBU treatment also means the upcoming Camry bypasses the lengthy local retooling process required for domestically assembled cars, allowing for a smoother and quicker introduction into the Malaysian market.

Its bonnet opens to reveal the real centrepiece of the XV80’s appeal, at least as it pertains to the Malaysian market, which hasn’t enjoyed an electrified Camry since 2015. It boasts Toyota's 2.5-litre Dynamic Force Hybrid powertrain, combining a gutsy four-cylinder petrol engine (itself producing 188 PS and 221 Nm of torque) with an electric motor to deliver a combined total of 227 PS.

Paired with an E-CVT transmission and drive headed to the front wheels, it delivers smooth and efficient performance with a standout upgrade being a shift from a nickel-metal hydride (Ni-MH) battery to a more efficient 1.006 kWh lithium-ion unit. This lighter, more energy dense battery contributes to better weight distribution and enhances the car’s overall driving dynamics.

While the new model remains built on Toyota’s New Global Architecture (TNGA) platform, it features a refined suspension setup that promises sharper and more responsive roadholding which, if you’re familiar with how well the XV70 drove, is a bold claim.

Exterior styling updates also add a fresh, modern aesthetic, giving the XV80 a more assertive road presence while being a visual evolution over the model generation it succeeds.

The outgoing Camry was initially launched in Malaysia in November 2018 and received a model update in 2022, introducing the 2.5-litre Dynamic Force engine (A25A-FKS) to replace the prior 2AR-FE unit. Priced at RM 219,800 for the sole 2.5V variant, it had set a high standard for D-segment sedans in Malaysia, even getting the nod from PM Anwar Ibrahim as his preferred ride.

However, with the advancements and added technology in the hybrid XV80, prices are expected to rise, with estimates suggesting a starting price around RM250,000.

For a little context, the previous hybrid Camry (from 2015) was priced at RM174,900 and featured a similar combination of a 2.5-litre naturally aspirated VVT-i engine paired with an electric motor, delivering a combined 205 PS and an eCVT transmission. It was also notable for being the first Toyota hybrid to be assembled locally in Malaysia.

With a launch slated for December, which is just around the corner if you think about it, the wait is seemingly almost over. This new XV80 model blends enhanced performance, eco-friendly technology, and a sophisticated design that is set to elevate Toyota’s presence in the hybrid sedan segment in Malaysia.

That said, it will enter a market with reduced demand from where the previous hybrid Camry found itself. Right now, the only remaining rivals in the D-segment sedan space are the Mazda 6 and Volkswagen Arteon (in lieu of the Passat), while no news has been forthcoming about the return the Toyota’s main competitor, the Honda Accord, to our shores.