Toyota’s Camry has long stood as a symbol of reliability, efficiency, and comfort in the midsize sedan segment. Since its inception in the 1980s, the Camry has evolved to meet the changing demands of drivers, from fuel-conscious commuters to those seeking a bit of performance. However, one of the most frequent questions from automotive enthusiasts and potential buyers today is: Will the 2025 Camry have a V6 engine?
As of the release of the 2024 model year, Toyota has significantly shifted its engine offerings in favor of more fuel-efficient and eco-friendly options — especially hybrid powertrains. So, what does this mean for the future potential of the V6 engine in the next-gen Camry? In this article, we’ll dive into Toyota’s current engine lineup, analyze trends in consumer preferences, environmental regulations, and what insiders and industry reports suggest about the future of the V6 in the 2025 Toyota Camry.
Current Engine Options in the 2024 Toyota Camry
Before anticipating the future, it’s essential to understand what Toyota offers today. The 2024 Toyota Camry comes with two primary engine choices:
- 2.5L Inline-Four (I4): Produces 203 horsepower and offers an EPA-estimated 39 mpg combined. Standard on LE and XLE trims.
- 2.4L Turbocharged Inline-Four: Delivers 268 horsepower and 288 lb-ft of torque with a more muscular driving experience. Available on the XSE and SE trims.
Importantly, the beloved 3.5L V6 engine that once powered top-tier Camry models was discontinued after the 2021 model year. This was a strategic move that signaled a broader shift in Toyota’s powertrain offerings.
Why Toyota Phased Out the V6
Several factors influenced Toyota’s decision to remove the 3.5L V6 from the Camry lineup:
- Fuel Efficiency Standards: Stricter regulations from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and other global bodies pushed automakers toward more efficient engines.
- Reduced Demand: Many consumers opted for SUVs and trucks for V6-powered performance, while sedan buyers increasingly prioritized economy over power.
- Hybridization Trend: Toyota, a leader in hybrid technology, sought to position the Camry hybrid as the flagship model, combining power with low emissions.
What the 2025 Camry Could Bring
The automotive industry moves fast, especially with electrification influencing product decisions. While Toyota typically announces new model details in the summer or fall before the model year, early speculation suggests that the 2025 Camry might focus even more on hybridization and mild performance enhancements rather than returning to the V6.
Expected Powertrain Trends for 2025
Toyota’s upcoming vehicles — including the Camry — are following a broader plan that’s guided by global emissions goals, the company’s electrification roadmap, and a growing appetite for EVs and hybrids.
Some likely 2025 Camry engine offerings could include:
| Engine Option | Engine Type | Power Output | Torque | Expected MPG (approx.) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.5L I4 Gasoline | Inline-Four | 203 hp | 184 lb-ft | 39 combined |
| 2.4L Turbo I4 | Turbo Inline-Four | 268 hp | 288 lb-ft | 34 combined |
| 2.5L Hybrid (2AR-FXE) | Hybrid Electric | 208 hp | N/A | 52 combined |
What’s Not in the Table
The V6 engine is nowhere to be found. Despite ongoing interest from fans of the Camry V6, the engineering focus has clearly shifted toward fuel-efficient engines with electrified options.
Industry Shifts Influencing Powertrain Decisions
To fully appreciate why Toyota isn’t bringing back the V6, it’s important to understand the broader automotive landscape:
Electrification of Mainstream Vehicles
- Even traditional players like Ford and GM are abandoning V6 and V8 engines in many passenger vehicles.
- Toyota introduced the bZ4X electric SUV and plans to expand to 30 EV models globally by 2030.
- Tax incentives for EVs and hybrids have made electrified powertrains more economically viable, not just environmentally preferable.
Regulatory and Environmental Pressures
Governments around the world are enacting stricter carbon emissions standards, with some aiming to ban sales of internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles as early as the 2030s. Even without full bans, emission taxes, fuel economy standards, and urban restrictions on older ICE vehicles are nudging automakers toward efficiency.
Possible Return Scenarios for the Camry V6
While the chances are slim, let’s imagine some plausible — though unlikely — situations under which the V6 could return:
Consumer Demand Surpasses Hybrid Uptake
If sedan buyers, specifically Camry buyers, significantly shift their preference away from hybrid models and demand the driving experience only a V6 can provide, Toyota might reconsider. However, current trends indicate a growing preference for SUVs among those seeking V6 power — not midsize sedans.
Technological Hybrid V6 Innovation
Toyota could theoretically introduce a novel hybrid V6 engine with better emissions and fuel economy than past models. This might appeal to enthusiasts and offer a powertrain segment upgrade for the Camry. But at present, no such hybrid V6 variants exist in the broader Toyota lineup.
Why Toyota Could Avoid a V6 Comeback
Toyota’s strategic pivot toward hybridization and eventually full electrification may also explain the lack of a potential V6 engine:
- Cost of Dual Investment: Maintaining two engine lines — V6 and hybrid — would require costly investments in R&D, tooling, and service parts without guaranteed ROI.
- Brand Positioning: Toyota markets itself as the leader in hybrid technology, especially with the success of the Prius and the hybrid Camry itself.
- Performance via Hybrid: Modern hybrid systems can now replicate or surpass traditional V6 power while delivering greater fuel economy — a better value proposition for today’s buyer.
Looking Beyond the 2025 Model Year: Long-Term Outlook
Toyota’s roadmap for powertrains calls for a gradual but determined transition from conventional ICE engines to more electrified options. The company’s mid- and long-term strategy includes:
Expanding Battery EV Offerings
Toyota recognizes that battery electric vehicles (BEVs) are essential for meeting global climate goals, particularly in urban driving environments. The Camry may follow the current path of the RAV4: offering a hybrid, a plug-in hybrid, and eventually a full BEV variant.
Hybrid Dominance
Hybrids will likely remain a core of Toyota’s passenger car strategy for the next decade. This means even if a V6 returns, it won’t be standard or even necessary for most customers.
Owners’ Perspectives: Do Camry Buyers Miss the V6?
We gathered insights from various online forums and customer review sites to understand if Camry owners or potential buyers are truly missing a V6 engine.
Comments from Reddit (u/lexusdriver44)
“I loved the 2021 Camry’s V6. When I switched to the 2.4 turbo, I noticed the power wasn’t nearly as smooth. I’d gladly go back to V6 if it returned.”
Hybrid Enthusiast Review
“The hybrid Camry surprised me — the response is strong for a hybrid and the fuel economy is a game-changer. I used to want a V6 but now I wouldn’t trade it for anything.”
These reactions reflect a split between those who value smooth, powerful V6 engines and those who’ve embraced hybrid alternatives.
The Verdict: Is a 2025 Camry V6 Still Possible?
No. Based on current trends, Toyota’s official statements, engine development priorities, and consumer behavior, it’s unlikely Toyota will bring back the V6 engine for the 2025 Camry or any near-future model year.
The automaker has been consistent in focusing on fuel efficiency, reduced emissions, and hybrid technologies — rather than reintroducing a powertrain that conflicts with that strategy.
Conclusion: Embracing the New Era of the Toyota Camry
While purists and longtime fans may mourn the loss of the V6, the Camry’s future aligns closely with the broader transformation in the automotive sector. The 2025 Toyota Camry will likely continue to offer a dynamic blend of responsive turbocharged and hybrid engines that meet modern consumer needs: performance with efficiency, innovation with reliability.
So, if you’re asking, Will the 2025 Camry have a V6? — the most up-to-date answer is a strong no. Yet, for the vast majority of buyers, the new engine options provide compelling alternatives that satisfy both driving dynamics and fuel-conscious priorities.
Whether you’re a V6 loyalist or a hybrid convert, the 2025 Camry seems poised to stay true to its legacy: delivering the best possible blend of technology, comfort, and value to a wide range of drivers.
Will the 2025 Camry come with a V6 engine option?
As of the latest information available, Toyota has not announced plans to reintroduce a V6 engine option for the 2025 Camry. Over recent years, Toyota has shifted its focus toward more fuel-efficient and electrified powertrains in response to evolving consumer preferences and environmental regulations. This strategic move aligns with the company’s global goal of reducing emissions and enhancing sustainability across its vehicle lineup.
Instead of a V6, the 2025 Camry is expected to continue offering a 2.5L four-cylinder engine and a hybrid powertrain option. These configurations aim to deliver a balance of performance, efficiency, and lower running costs. Toyota has also hinted at introducing new hybrid technologies that could enhance power output without compromising fuel economy, making the Camry a competitive option in the midsize sedan market without the need for a larger V6 engine.
Why did Toyota discontinue the V6 engine in the Camry?
Toyota decided to phase out the V6 engine in the Camry primarily due to changing market demands and the need to meet stricter emissions standards. Consumers have increasingly favored fuel-efficient vehicles, especially with rising fuel costs and greater awareness of environmental impact. The V6 engines, while powerful, were less efficient compared to the newer-generation four-cylinder and hybrid powertrains that Toyota developed.
Additionally, Toyota’s corporate strategy has focused heavily on hybrid and electric vehicle development. The space and engineering resources previously dedicated to refining larger engines like the V6 are now being reallocated to advance electrification technologies. By eliminating the V6, Toyota can streamline production, reduce complexity, and better position the Camry as a more eco-conscious and cost-effective vehicle for daily use.
What engine options are expected for the 2025 Camry?
The 2025 Camry is anticipated to continue offering a 2.5L four-cylinder engine as the base powertrain, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. This engine has been praised for its reliability, refinement, and improved fuel economy compared to previous generations. It also strikes a good balance between performance and efficiency for most drivers.
In addition to the 2.5L engine, Toyota is expected to offer a hybrid version of the Camry, likely combining the 2.5L four-cylinder with an electric motor. This hybrid system has proven effective in other Toyota models, delivering smooth operation, excellent fuel efficiency, and low emissions. Toyota has not indicated plans to introduce a turbocharged or plug-in hybrid variant for the 2025 model year, but that could change in future updates.
How does Toyota’s powertrain strategy affect the Camry’s performance?
Toyota’s current powertrain strategy emphasizes efficiency, sustainability, and smooth performance rather than raw horsepower. The shift away from the V6 engine means that the Camry is designed more for everyday driving, where quick acceleration and high fuel economy are prioritized over high-speed capability. The hybrid system, in particular, offers seamless transitions between electric and gasoline power, resulting in a refined and quiet driving experience.
Despite not having a V6, the Camry remains a competent performer in its class. The hybrid version, especially, leverages electric torque to provide responsive acceleration from a stop, which is crucial for city driving. Toyota’s focus on hybridization ensures that the Camry stays competitive in a market increasingly dominated by electrified powertrains, while still meeting performance expectations for most consumers.
Is there a possibility Toyota will bring back the V6 engine in future Camry models?
Currently, there are no official plans from Toyota indicating a return of the V6 engine to the Camry lineup in the foreseeable future. With global automakers accelerating toward electrification, Toyota is likely to prioritize the development and refinement of hybrid and electric vehicle technologies instead of reinvesting in larger internal combustion engines. The company’s powertrain strategy appears to be firmly aligned with long-term sustainability goals and regulatory requirements.
However, should consumer demand significantly shift or if a new regulatory framework allows for larger engines, Toyota could reassess its position. In the meantime, enthusiasts seeking V6-powered Camrys will need to consider previous model years. Toyota’s strategy reflects a broader industry trend, where performance and efficiency are increasingly being achieved through hybrid and electric systems rather than traditional engine upgrades.
How does the Camry Hybrid compare to the previous V6 models?
The Camry Hybrid offers a different kind of performance compared to previous V6 models, with more emphasis on efficiency and smoothness rather than outright power. While V6 models offered more horsepower and faster acceleration, the hybrid system compensates with instant electric torque and a quieter driving experience, particularly in city driving conditions. The hybrid model also returns significantly better fuel economy, making it a more economical choice for most drivers.
Additionally, the hybrid drivetrain provides a more balanced driving dynamic with lower emissions and reduced running costs. Toyota’s hybrid technology has matured to the point where it can offer the kind of reliability and longevity the Camry is known for. While the V6 engine appealed to those seeking sportier performance, the hybrid powertrain aligns better with modern consumer priorities around fuel economy, environmental impact, and long-term ownership value.
What is Toyota’s overall powertrain direction for the next few years?
Toyota’s powertrain strategy for the next several years centers around expanding its hybrid and electric vehicle offerings while gradually reducing reliance on traditional internal combustion engines. Hybrid technology remains a cornerstone of this plan, as seen across the lineup with models like the Camry, RAV4, and Corolla. Toyota believes that hybrids provide a practical and affordable bridge toward full electrification while still offering many environmental benefits.
Beyond hybrids, Toyota is also investing heavily in battery-electric vehicles (BEVs) and hydrogen fuel cell technology as part of its multi-path approach to emissions reduction. While this transition is gradual, it reflects a commitment to flexibility and innovation across powertrain types. As a result, models like the Camry are being optimized for hybrid efficiency rather than performance-focused engine options like the V6, aligning with Toyota’s long-term vision of a cleaner and more sustainable automotive future.