5 Reasons the 2025 Camry is a better buy than the Prius!

[@jeffreyerickson6766]

That tire situation is a deal breaker in terms of getting a Prius. Great 5 factors you described Josh.

[@joshjamescars]

Seriously! And thanks, Jeffrey! And thanks as always for watching!

[@jeffreyerickson6766]

​@@joshjamescars Sure thing Josh. Well the local dealer took $1000 off an LE with Cold Weather Pkg and Convenience Pkg $30,000, not bad.

[@joshjamescars]

That’s awesome! I believe that brings in the moonroof too, which I love that you can get on a base LE Camry now.

[@ult1006]

You are excellent. Clear and easy to understand how you explain everything. Thank you, Josh.

[@joshjamescars]

Thank you! That’s very kind of you to say.

[@kevinthant2952]

If I am in the market for a sedan, I will definitely buy the new Camry LE trim. The best bang for your buck!

[@petermacdonald6332]

You will also get better mileage than stated. I’m currently getting 47mpg in my 23Venza. Also the SE is faster than the awd Camrys. 😉

[@J-122-qi6md]

@petermacdonald6332 can you expand on that? All trims have comparable speeds and performance, the SE won't have a much stellar speed and the trims have the same capacity engines. The LE or XLE have a sport button too if one wants to drive more aggressively.

[@kevinthant2952]

@ if I am buying a new Camry, I will lean more towards LE trim for affordability.

[@frankramirez4694]

I'm averaging 55 mpg on my Le Camry 2025. , one day I averaged 59.4. I drive in normal mode. Over 600 miles on a full tank. It's amazing.

[@VidOfFriend]

I care about car. I used to own accord and lexus es before, and was afraid of getting the camry xse. But decided to gamble and got it... and let me tell you, I don't miss my accord or my lexus es a single second. Fully-loaded with tech and efficiency and unbelievable driving dynamics, Camry 2025 Xse finally got me.

[@joshjamescars]

Great choice! The XSE’s sport tuned suspension definitely has sharper handling than accord and ES which I’ve always found to be much softer since they’re meant for comfortable everyday driving.

[@2004cyrus]

That’s really cool to read! I just bought a new Camry XLE and I wonder if I miss out by spending $20k less and not getting that Lexus. I was eyeing an Audi as well but decided that wasn’t good bang for the auto buck. Congrats on your new Camry! I didn’t get the color I wanted which was Heavy Metal, my dealer only had my car in stock and it is reservoir blue. There was a black LE also but that’s it and I wanted lots of tech and the JBL sound system and the panoramic roof and real leather and ventilated seats and heated steering wheel.

[@tariqbani2217]

I sold my 2024 prius prime XSE after only six month owning . 3 reason i sold it.1- Way smaller than expected i had civics for years and Prius is very tight inside. 2- road noise and loud engine and transmission under acceleration. 3- insurance coast was 3 time more than any other cars I’ve ever owned.

[@kiLLinEmSoFTly]

How much for insurance?

[@joshjamescars]

I agree with 1 and 2. It’s still an economy car based on the Corolla at the end of the day, and that’s where I think the Camry gives you a much better quality car. Regarding #3 I’m surprised by that because our Rav4 Prime is really cheap to insure.

[@Offensively-normal]

Our insurance went up $27 every 6 months on a 25 Camry. That was from a 22 civic sport touring. Nothing wrong with the Honda. Just too small for us.

[@2004cyrus]

My insurance on the 2025 Camry Hybrid was much higher than my 2021 Mazda CX-5. Another channel is a couple of brothers who bought the 2025 Camry for their channel long term review and they made a video telling us that the insurance premium is unusually high also, as high as their 2024 BMW 3-Series hybrid. Apparently it’s a known thing and we have to pay up.

[@thinker2328]

Thanks for your input.

[@markw5545]

Thanks for the video Josh! Two reasons i prefer the Prius is 1) make in Japan 2) interior door frame mouldings!

[@joshjamescars]

Not all Priuses have the interior door frame moldings, so do keep that in mind. Also, the Prius is made in Japan but the Camry has significantly higher quality interior materials so I think in this case I’d take the Kentucky made car over the Japanese made car.

[@markw5545]

@@joshjamescars I did not know that all Prius models did not have the interior door frame mouldings. Do you know which models don’t have them?

[@joshjamescars]

@markw5545 I know I didn’t have them in the LE I owned (though I didn’t expect them since it was a base model economy car). It seems to be by trim since some Corollas, some RAV4 Primes, and some Highlanders have them. And further still, Lexus TX does not despite it being a Lexus.

[@markw5545]

@@joshjamescars yes very surprising the TX has metal exposed window frames. As you can see this is a big pet peeve of mine. This along with deletion of rear seat ventilation on some cars for the US market, notably the Civic and Subaru WRX. oh, also deletion of power folder exterior mirrors. But I digress

[@alginyes]

@@joshjamescars LOL

[@e.y.3336]

Josh, your video is more informative than most toyota salesman. You'd make alot of money as a salesman

[@joshjamescars]

Haha thank you! I wouldn’t make a great salesman because I’d be telling people not to waste their money. 😂

[@mertcakir233]

Prius price should be between camry and corolla. Not same price wity Camry.

[@galaxiejino158]

True

[@joshjamescars]

Completely agreed!

[@ryul_daniel]

True I believe this was intentional as it forces buyers to choose between the two Rather than the Prius winning in a landslide Agreed though

[@HumbleBearcat]

Are you being realistic?! Dealers are charging a good premium over the sticker price on the Prius if you can find one in stock. It's rated car of the year by several car magazines or websites. Size is not everything...

[@joshjamescars]

@HumbleBearcat That may be true in your region but here you can pick up a Prius or Prius prime today at sticker or below. There was also a stop sale for a while on it too for the rear doors that could pop open randomly.

[@cottagegymfun]

I rented the Camry LE recently and drove it for a week up and down California. Loved it! If I'm in the market for a new car, this is the one. I will add the convenience package and be happy.

[@joshjamescars]

Yes!! The LE is fantastic, especially since it’s a hybrid by default!

[@jetking3079]

Prius has the hatchback! I need that. I own the 2024 Prius limited and it’s perfect for me.

[@yvonnewong364]

Bought the Prius Limited for the looks and convenience of a hatchback.

[@alginyes]

Me as well. Camry is bland. The new Prius is bad ass.

[@thatkat31]

I was pretty much set on a Prius until I compared prices at a local dealership. The Camrys were a few thousand cheaper than the Prius. Now I see this video??? Clear and concise!!! I have made up my mind! Thank you for a wonderful video that explains everything I needed to know! I had to wade through quite a few videos of people mumbling about stuff that doesn't matter before I found this one!

[@joshjamescars]

Haha! You’re very welcome, I’m glad this was helpful to you! And yeah, it’s really odd to me that what is objectively a better car is cheaper… and like you say, by a large amount. I’ve also seen a ton of discounts on Camrys out there but very few on the Prius.

[@jamesedwards5846]

That was a very great video.And I like how you mentioned that the priest does not have a spare tire.Thanks for telling me that I got to find out what I'm going to do next about that car not having a spare tire

[@joshjamescars]

The best thing to do is get a fifth wheel and full size tire and bring that with you when you’re going out of town.

[@marcprobin1659]

Just to let you know, I get 49 mpg average on my '23 Prius XLE AWD. Also I consistently get 68 mpg when I do a road trip every week that is about 33 miles mixed driving. Now that is driving in perfect weather where temperatures are around 80 deg. I have almost 10k on the odometer.

[@joshjamescars]

So that’s the thing with the Camry is if I had driven nicely, I would have easily been able to do 49 too. But I didn’t drive it nicely and still got 45. But to your point, that’s what’s weird to me is Prius mileage seems to be all over the place. Some folks get my kind of mileage, others get amazing mpg. I also live in Texas where the average freeway speed is 80-90 and 5 months of the year were above 90 degrees and 5 months of the year we’re 50 degrees and under so there’s a very small window of “mild” temps

[@marcprobin1659]

@@joshjamescars High speeds will kill your mpg for sure. In Canada, the highest I have seen is 65 mph and the trip I was getting the highest was 60 mph. I guess I should of mentioned that. Either way the new Camry is a very nice car, but I still love my Prius!

[@J-122-qi6md]

​@joshjamescars I got 61.1 mpg on a recent shopping city trip in the 2025 Camry fwd xle. Look at your car dashboard, you get a summary trip when you turn the engine off. 60+ mpg in a 2025 Camry is amazing. I get 50 mpg on interstate. The hybrid would shine during the rush hours and stop and go driving. Overall, the mpg of the Camry is enough for me and very happy with it.

[@hankwnen8805]

It’s true Prius will get way more mpg’s in real world driving and feels more nimble to drive. But it pretty much stops there. Camry is better at everything else especially the value.

[@alginyes]

@@marcprobin1659 Love mine too. The Camry exterior isn't on the same level as the new Prius.

[@EricRobertson-vx3lr]

Very in-depth I enjoyed your video very much thanks for sharing. I think I would go with the Camry too after your video. God bless you and yours.

[@joshjamescars]

Thanks!!

[@Russellrenz]

I owned a 2010,2016, and now a 2020 Prius.. Iam delighted with the Prius drive train in the 2025 Camry. Loved my Prius's, but driving them for almost 15years Iam ready for the new look of the 2025 Camry XLE. Thanks for the videos you did on all the models.. I also like that Ocean Gem color..

[@joshjamescars]

Hello! Just a very slight correction, the Prius and Camry use different drivetrains which is why you might enjoy the Camry better. The Camry uses the A25A 4-cylinder which is a 2.5L base engine where the Prius uses the M20A 4-cylinder which is a smaller 2.0L base engine and that’s why they feel so different. The small half liter of displacement makes all the difference in the world. And believe it or not, that engine is actually also used in the Lexus RX! So truly a great package there. And yes! I completely agree at ocean gem!

[@J-122-qi6md]

I got the new XLE in supersonic red with all the extras, lt grey leather. Beautiful, and the red is a nice one, looks almost burgundy at dusk. The Ocean Gem is also very beautiful. The two ate my favorite new Camry colors.

[@frantucker3058]

Yea for you to mention the tires on the Prius! Things people need to know.

[@sheldonhall1295]

Excellent video. Your tire information is very important in my choice. I also appreciated your explaining that the Camry is a better value but the Prius has a personality. My guess is that the Camry would have more value at trade in time. After owning 2 Prius and now a hybrid Camry, I agree that the mpg is about the same. In strong headwinds, the Camry seems to have better mpg. Thank you.

[@joshjamescars]

Yes! I think that’s also because of the engine. In any situation where the Prius’ smaller engine has to work harder to move the car, the MPG drops significantly.

[@paulhartman5728]

Fabulous post. Have loved my Prius, handing down to my son. This video has me sold. Plus I'm also in TX. Thanks Josh.

[@joshjamescars]

The Camry is a great choice!! I really liked older Priuses but the new one is just a little too expensive to be a great value these days

[@felixlaboy1453]

Great info. Thank you very much.

[@delilahgray0826]

I could not agree more! The Camry is a fantastic, terribly overlooked vehicle. If I had to buy one of my adult kids or future grandkids a car today, it would be a base or SE 2025 Camry. That’s all someone who doesn’t have disposable income needs!

[@delilahgray0826]

Future grandkids meaning my grandkids are 12 and 13 so they’re a few years away from driving (thank goodness!)

[@joshjamescars]

Yes! I completely agree. And same here in regard to the SE. I think that’s the best value for nice features without breaking the bank. I think you can even get a small single-pane moonroof on the SE with a package.

[@jsw2233]

Thank you for the video. It's very useful as I am in the market to replace my 2012 Prius and booked a 2024 Prius LE coming this month. I think I am staying with the Prius mainly for few reasons: 1) the hatch, it's 24cf vs 15cf, way more practical and easier to access. 2) Made in Japan. Our previous cars were all made in Japan and we truly believe in Japanese quality and experienced the differences ourselves vs US built models. 3) The smart key is optional on the Camry LE and it's very useful but making the convenience package a must have and real price difference to be like $2k. I just wish the Prius had the Camry's rear leg room and vents but we decided the above were more important. BTW I checked online, you can actually replace the 195/60/17 tires with the common 205/55/17 size when time comes to replace. It's a solvable issue.

[@joshjamescars]

Great choice! I owned a 2023 Prius LE. It’s great, but I will say that despite being made in Japan, it’s a clean sheet redesign and so the materials inside are the new, much lower grade Toyota materials where the Camry has the older and nicer materials inside. What I’d recommend before you sign on the line is see and drive both just to be sure. One thing that my Prius lacked that drove me nuts was automatic headlights which the Camry LE may have but I’m not 100% sure. Also, the tire issue is solvable on the Prius LE with the smaller wheels but not on the XLE and Limited with the big 19” wheels and that’s what most people buy.

[@FM-ij7iu]

@@joshjamescarsMany Gen 5 owners with XLE are changing their 19” tires for 17/18” with zero issues.

[@kinw5648]

I was in the market for a hybrid last year and loved the look of the new Prius. I test drove one and it just felt too cramped inside. I also hate the front gauge cluster, the steering wheel blocks the view. I’m glad I waited, now I own a 2025 Camry xse.

[@joshjamescars]

The steering wheel is definitely odd-it’s meant to be held low at chest level versus a normal car and if it’s adjusted that way it won’t block your view. Key word being “if” of course. And congrats on the new Camry!

[@lukex1337]

Thank you for the vid. Look forward to getting my XSE later this year 🎉

[@joshjamescars]

Early congrats to you on that!

[@arthurdevera9373]

I see, thanks for replying back with the update. At the time your own the Lexus and 4Runner, I thought you didn’t want to get rid of your trophy 4Runner. Anyways, it”s nice your flipping cars as well and sounds like a good choice of interest. At the the time last year, we just bought the Lexus 250 and my wife still own it. Please continue making new video with your experience. Thanks for sharing as well. Take care and enjoy your weekend.

[@joshjamescars]

It was my trophy car, but the GX kind of took over that role since it has the V8 and is just so wonderfully old school Lexus. That’s the car I want to keep for the rest of my life. The 4Runner is great too but for my needs (and the mostly on road driving I do), the GX was a better fit. And I got more for the 4Runner in 2023 at 4 years old than I paid for it new in 2019.

[@4403323]

Perfect timing. We are just debating whether we should buy a Camry or a Prius. This video really helps.

[@joshjamescars]

I don’t think you can beat the Camry from a value standpoint! The Prius has gotten a little too expensive for what is still an economy car despite the looks.

[@2004cyrus]

Excellent comparison job here Josh. Loving your channel! I need to look and see what you say about the Honda Accord

[@joshjamescars]

Thanks! I haven’t had a chance to drive that but the only things I think are better on the Accord are the infotainment system and dashboard design.

[@Segu88]

Completely in agreement that Camry is the better option! My entire family basically drives a Prius and I considered getting one for my kid last year when the new Prius came out until I saw the prices. Would have loved to have gotten the Camry but with these interest rates 😅 I ended up getting my kid the Corolla hybrid paid in cash. He averages 50ish mpg so can’t complain. It would have been nice to get the Camry though for a little extra room. The Corolla is definitely compact but gets the job done and is a great 1st car. I do feel like even the “economical” cars nowadays are still too pricy.

[@joshjamescars]

The Corolla hybrid is one of the BEST cars you can get a new driver! Talk about the best bang for your buck! :) Congrats to him and how nice of you to have bought that for him!

[@WalterDavisProducer]

Excellent job! I need the sexiness though...still gonna get the Prius! I will follow you from now on!

[@joshjamescars]

Both are great and you really can’t go wrong!

[@GLRYB2GD]

Great vid bro! Love that blue color on the Camry. Definitely a better deal than the Prius.

[@joshjamescars]

Ocean Gem is absolutely stunning!

[@tims9294]

Hey great video! I enjoyed the comparison.

[@adrienchan2097]

Yes, this is my next car, 2025 Camry XLE, w full option, MSRP 40k. I m keeping my 2023 Prius XLE too.

[@joshjamescars]

Great choice! Although since you have a Prius, I think they might be a little redundant and for a little more you could also get a Venza too.

[@GTX790SLI]

Josh, are you going to replace your Prius with the Camry given the reasons you stated in the video?

[@joshjamescars]

Our Prius is actually long gone; we sold it last winter for basically what we paid for it and bought our Camry V6.

[@jpdoc5722]

Camry for the win 🏆 ( from a Gen3 Prius owner here)

[@OSUAIPerson1]

Really appreciate the tip on the tires. I was leaning Toyota Prius no - longer. Thanks

[@billyrock8305]

Excellent review! 😊 ❤️ 🇯🇵 🚙

[@joshjamescars]

Thank you!

[@jeffs.8970]

If they made the Camry a hatchback, I would have bought it. But, as is, I went with the prius

[@bkp-pq1fl]

When you did the comparison with the Prius, is your Camry the LE trim that you're comparing with? Thanks!

[@joshjamescars]

I don’t own the Camry in this video, it’s just a demo unit and is an XSE trim. Both it and the Prius I did own for a few months last year had the upgraded 19-inch wheels.

[@wonderboy1998]

Not him dropping a comparison between Camry and Prius... I see you choose violence in this good Friday 😅

[@joshjamescars]

Hahaha!!! I most certainly did!

[@wonderboy1998]

@@joshjamescars I was reading some of the comments and the girls upset in this comment section

[@ronniemation]

i have the 2023 prius and when its time to do the trade in for my lease im thinking of getting the camry. i just love that plug in though. i barely have to go to the gas station with the prius

[@joshjamescars]

If Toyota is smart, they’ll bring out a Camry or Crown Signia PHEV… they can easily do it if they wanted to and the Crown Signia PHEV already exists in Japan.

[@thinker2328]

My commute is mainly highway - in this scinario, would the camry win out bc of what you said with having a larger engine work less? Also, did you find visibility better in the Camry vs the Prius?

[@joshjamescars]

Yes, I’d take the Camry. The Camry will also feel like a much more substantial vehicle on the highway too. The Prius (by design) feels like a lightweight tin can and for highway driving you’ll have a more comfortable and confident feeling in the Camry.

[@sjh22a]

Something I never thought I'd say, I absolutely love the 2025 Camry Hybrid especially in SE or XSE trims, but i'd probably end up with an LE front drive with the convenience pkg. I was given a 2025 SE as a rental in Wichita and I got 41 mpg in normal without even trying. I never felt like there was a lack of power. Amazed! I was so impressed I returned home and started thinking about which cars I might replace.

[@joshjamescars]

I could not agree more! They did an amazing job with the new Camry and it offers so mych value in the market today.

[@WWeiss-nv5vz]

Why do you prefer the softex seating?

[@joshjamescars]

It’s easier to clean and looks best over the long term of a vehicle. Leather can sag, stretch, and crack if not maintained properly while cloth can sag, wrinkle, and pill. SofTex is bonded to the foam seat cushion and thus it holds its shape and doesn’t patina the way cloth and leather.

[@TheYoungMontana]

Agreed with all the points, but still went with the Prius for the looks. They knocked it out of the park with the design. I've had people come to me and talk about how cool my Prius looks that has never happened before with my Camry prior.

[@joshjamescars]

Yes! The Prius looks great. They’ve become pretty commonplace here where I live but they’re still fun to see!

[@rqlk]

I actually think that in recent years Toyota has managed to appeal more to car enthusiasts with the Camry, I think it looks pretty good for what it is and it definitely drives very well. It seems like almost everyone, whether they are into cars or not, has mostly positive things to say about it.

[@joshjamescars]

I completely agree! Our 2024 V6 XSE drives incredibly well for what it is, and the new hybrid has such wide appeal even without the V6.

[@AH-bm4ts]

Awesome video, thanks for the insight

[@thinker2328]

Agree with. Everything you said This will be a great selling vehicle for toyota, and it's a great vehicle for consumers

[@joshjamescars]

Could not agree more! I think this is the best value vehicle you can get if you don’t absolutely need a crossover.

[@beepak8902]

I got out of a 2020 Mazda CX5 that i had about 6k equity in and i put the equity down on a new 25 Camry SE. So far its been a good car the only downside of the deal was the interest rates currently .

[@joshjamescars]

Fantastic! Interest rates are easy to get around-make double or triple payments if you can and you’ll cut the interest you pay in half over the loan term.

[@marcprobin1659]

i agree about the tire size though. I did get a spare tire for my XLE AWD and got the foam to make it fit. You can get all the materials to put a spare tire on the Prius because in Japan they all have spare tires in theirs. It cost me around $1000 CAD to do this but it's worth it just to be safe if you get a blow out on a road trip. I also have a tire repair kit if you pickup a nail/screw.

[@joshjamescars]

Do be aware that spare tires typically have a 50/50 life (50 miles max at 50mph max). It can damage the suspension in the car if you’re running on a smaller tire for longer or faster than that, and if you can’t get a spare when you get to the next town (which you often can’t with the Prius since no one stocks the 195/50/19 tires) you’re still in a lurch there. I always recommend picking up a full size tire and taking that with you on road trips so you don’t have to worry about finding one when you’re far from home. :)

[@Robin-TammeT]

Prius used to be all about convenience, the 2nd gen has enough space in the backseat and a huge trunkspace and with some minor tweaks it's very comfy on long drives. Now with the new one they made it a real eyecatcher, but it's a shame that they gave up the convenience factor for that. imo the 2nd gen prius is still the ultimate car to buy if you want convenience, effeciency and reliability for the best price (and don't mind the exterior design being a little funny)

[@domrican45]

I was struggling with which hybrid to get and I narrowed it down to the Camry and the Prius. I like your reasons for going with the Camry but I am still struggling over whether the plug-in Prius Prime is the way to go. What do you think?

[@joshjamescars]

Personally if you want a Plug-in I think the Rav4 Prime is a much better option (that’s my daily driver). It’s a little more expensive but in return you get all wheel drive and more usable space in a similar footprint, plus normal sized tires and a spare tire. So IMO it’s Camry for standard hybrid or Rav4 Prime for plug in.

[@OcaOca]

What do you think about the chassis not really being redesigned? The camry’s design is from 2018 and the prius is from 2023, almost a full lifecycle ahead of camry. With rav4 also not getting a full redesign, it makes me think prius has the most innovative chassis, which is the most important part of the car

[@joshjamescars]

Do you know what TNGA (Toyota New Global Architecture) is? That’s the rigid chassis you’re referring to, and it underpins all three vehicles. TNGA is one of the new breed of scalable platforms that can scale and flex to build any size vehicle you want. Volkswagen and Audi call this MQB (modular transverse platform translated from German), Volvo calls it SPA (scalable product architecture), etc. The 2018 Camry was the first vehicle to be built on TNGA-F. RAV4 moved to TNGA in 2019, and Prius adopted it for this redesign. So technically for 2023, the Prius simply moved to the chassis/platform that all the others were already on. And so really we won’t see a “brand new” chassis until whenever it is that Toyota completely develops the successor to TNGA gen-1. With these modular platforms, every new vehicle is simply an exercise in styling the body however Toyota wants, and that’s why there’s a misconception that the Camry is a heavy refresh because the doors, roof, and upper frame are all the same from the last generation where the Prius got 100% new body work as will the RAV4. But the technical chassis which you’re so concerned about is actually the same under all 3 cars. This idea of “all-new” is just marketing. Don’t believe what you hear at face value.

[@ibitaRaptor]

Hey Josh, love your videos. I hope you can review a Toyota Tundra one day. Hopefully the hybrid version too.

[@joshjamescars]

I have to say that’s probably my least favorite Toyota. Despite the name of the channel I’m a big Ford fan and former F150 Ecoboost owner and the Tundra is just lacking in features, ride and handling, and interior material quality compared to the Americans… but no surprise there since the big 3 are the masters at half ton, full size trucks.

[@fleetingdays]

I think the fit and finish would be better on the Japanese made Prius.

[@joshjamescars]

Not necessarily because the Camry has better materials being an older product and a higher tier car. The Prius is well built, but it very much feels like an economy car. So it’s like would you rather have higher quality materials or a car built in Japan?

[@brandononbrand]

Camry LE Vs. Civic Hybrid Sport Touring ??? Both roughly the same price. Camry obviously a bit bigger, but Civics are now as big as midsize sedans used to be, so this is not a crazy comparison (Civic is big enough for my needs) So which do you recommend ?

[@joshjamescars]

You’re right that cars have grown, but the Camry has grown too and as such, does offer a much more substantial ride on the road (compacts will feel lighter and less planted on the road). The Civic hybrid Touring is great, but if you can swing it, I’d spend the money to get a Camry SE (one trim up) as you can get SofTex seating and the 12” screen which will give the Camry more of the amenities you’d get in a Civic hybrid Touring. If you don’t need AWD, the lower trims of the Accord hybrid are solid too. I’d say it all comes down to the size and drive and what you prefer.

[@905RaptorsYTZ]

What about used? 4th Gen Prius or 8th Gen Camry Hybrid?

[@joshjamescars]

Those were very different cars and not really comparable the way they are now. The last-gen Prius was slow and the general consensus is that it’s horrendously ugly. In the last gen Camry you could get a V6 and I love the Camry V6 (we own one). But it’s not efficient like the Prius is.

[@ML-qk1px]

In the UK they stopped selling the Prius, and it’s only coming back in October, 2 versions and costing from £37k, which is just under $49K US dollars, which is insane. We don’t get the Camry. Just as a side point, in Ireland they get more model options, for example they get the Corolla Cross. That is a small country compared to the UK. The UK has 30 million cars on the road but is poorly served and prices are too much. I have a 2022 Rav4 hybrid, top of the range that I managed to get a good discount on. I would like to have a plug in Rav4, but similar spec would cost $65445 US dollars. Needless to say, that won’t be happening. I will be looking at used Lexus cars most probably. Great informative videos.

[@joshjamescars]

Hello! Yeah… car prices in the UK have historically been astronomical, and I don’t entirely understand why. Tax/VAT is high but not that high. I’m also really surprised you don’t get the Corolla Cross in the UK! That would be a perfect car to do the kind of driving that you all do there.

[@ML-qk1px]

@@joshjamescars exactly I don’t know the reason we don’t get the Corolla cross either. Maybe I should ask Toyota UK 🤔. I have a work colleague who has a Corolla hatchback, would like an SUV but the Rav4 it’s too big. They’re missing an opportunity for sure.

[@alexfowler7573]

Did you think the XSE was quieter than the LE or SE? It’s supposed to have extra sound dampening

[@joshjamescars]

I don’t think the XSE has extra sound dampening but it does have acoustic laminated glass (double pane glass) on the front windows and windshield which does help a little bit. But keep in mind it’s a Toyota Camry. Still an economy-minded car and thus is still loud on the highway. For an actually quiet ride you’ll need to go with a Lexus ES or something like that. Would recommend you test drive them back to back,

[@neoshazam]

I'm probably deciding between the Camry Hybrid and Rav 4 Hybrid (basic LE for both vehicles) ; trying to figure out how much of a drop off it is from the Camry to the Rav4. I'm not sure I'll use the cargo space of the Rav4 but it'll be nice to have a few times.

[@joshjamescars]

Two great choices there. The Camry will give you a more comfortable ride and interior than the Rav which is very utilitarian. The Rav hybrid does offer AWD as standard, though, which can be very nice. We own both a Camry (though it’s a V6) and a Rav4 Prime and love both, so I don’t think you can go wrong either way.

[@marklohmann6267]

Very informative review. Thanks.

[@rembo183]

I like this new Camry especially the fantastic lumbar support! It’s much better than all other cars I’ve test driven including luxury brands like BMW. I love the two tone paint job so I’ll probably spring for,the XSE with the more other features. However, I test drove both types and love them for their value and driving fun.

[@joshjamescars]

How interesting! The seats are VERY comfortable for sure. And BMW tends to have very firm, very sporty seats. Also, the black roof definitely makes it look special.

[@averagenate6446]

Cool car. When will we see a Camry hatchback?

[@joshjamescars]

That would be the Crown Signia! Technically a Camry wagon but it’s the closest thing we’ll get.

[@PKwong-xq9ze]

Camry is clearly a better buy than Prius… The current Camry is the best value vehicle in today’s car market.

[@joshjamescars]

I 100% agree with you on the Camry being the best value on the market today!

[@pb25193]

Especially if you deck it out fully, it's an effing amazing car for 41k before taxes

[@alginyes]

@@pb25193 Prius looks way better along with better mileage. 41k? I got my 2024 Prius limited for 37k.

[@brian-dg8gk]

camry 15’ SE was mid 20k about 9 years ago now its mid 30k. what a time we live in 😢

[@joshjamescars]

Yes, it’s expensive but that is on par with inflation, though. $25,000 in 2015 has the same buying power as $33,000 today which is about what the SE is now.

[@mats77]

Not often you can get the LE version which gets better MPG and is also a bit faster (albeit just by a hair) than the other models (smaller tires+ lighter).. LE is an amazing value (especially with convenience package) and a dealer discount!

[@joshjamescars]

Yes! Agreed!

[@skincareaddicted]

Hey Josh, I’ve always thought this. I opted for a 2013 Camry hybrid years ago over a Prius but later on owned a 2014 Prius V and a 2017 Prius. Camry, is a way better machine than the Prius, comfortable and powerful. I’ve since sold both Prius cars but cannot let go of the Camry though I have 24 Venza and BZ4X

[@joshjamescars]

Oh the Prius V was one of my favorite cars. It did so many things so well, I wish they would bring that back. But I also agree with the Camry!

[@Mr_GiLL83]

Please Compare Camry Hybrid SE Vs Civic Hybrid in Same price

[@joshjamescars]

I really want to drive the new Civic hybrid. Working on getting that.

[@TEQLC]

Very interesting Josh. I wish more of the latest Toyota vehicles were this good of a value still. I can't figure out Toyota's thinking. (besides more money) 🤔??

[@joshjamescars]

Same here. I think Toyota has realized it can charge a premium for name (Prius, Land Cruiser) and for the image of their cars. You’re definitely paying for style with the Prius.

[@alexruiz5517]

Excellent Comparison!

[@joshjamescars]

Thank you!

[@arthurdevera9373]

What happen to your Lexus 350? Do you still have it or now just a Camry owner? Just wondering.

[@joshjamescars]

Haha! We’ve flipped a bunch of cars in the last year. I traded the NX350h in for a GX460 last August because I wanted the last V8 Lexus SUV (have lots of videos on that if you’re interested). Then, because I felt like the 4Runner and GX were too similar, I sold the 4Runner. After that, I was left without a daily driver (the GX isn’t my daily driver) so I bought a Prius, then flipped the Prius for the last V6 Camry which my partner drives, and I took his Rav4 Prime. So right now we own the 23 GX460, 24 Camry V6, and 21 Rav4 Prime.

[@robme3660]

I generally agree with you, but the prius is more fun to drive. I also hate the dash design of the Camry. Its weird shape makes the front passenger feel cut off and claustrophobic.

[@joshjamescars]

I disagree with the Prius being fun to drive. I love the Prius and owned one, but that’s not one of its attributes. As for the Camry’s interior, I think it’s a side effect of it being a heavy refresh and them having to fit new pieces round the old dash architecture.

[@HumbleBearcat]

We've waited for a year to get our Prius LE next month at sticker price (fingers crossed). Prius is for my wife. I might get the Camry in a couple of years if my 2018 Q5 starts to be problematic. But my biggest gripe with the Camry is that the length -- 194", too long. I also consider the new Civic Hybrid Sport (or hatchback). BTW, I just checked Tirerack that they stock 3 different brands of tire (195/60/17) for the Prius LE which you can get it in 1 day.

[@joshjamescars]

Are you in Canada? I saw your other comment about Prius not being available and charging over sticker… you can get a Prius at sticker readily available on the lot today in Texas and many other places in the US. Prius Prime also has a good lease cash offer on it too (I think it’s $3,500). So if you are in the states, expand your search and don’t just play the game your local dealer is trying to play with you.

[@HumbleBearcat]

@@joshjamescars I'm in LA, California.

[@kiLLinEmSoFTly]

The Prius looks better but 195 size tires is INSANE lol

[@joshjamescars]

I agree! Those tires are so problematic in real world practical application.

[@oscaryy55]

Im thinking of getting the 2025 camry le as my first car im excited 😊

[@joshjamescars]

GREAT choice!! It will serve you well for a decade or more if you take care of it!

[@gianniclaud]

I think I prefer the styling and form factor of the Prius if I had to choose between the two. Liftbacks are basically shorter SUVs, as far as cargo space.

[@joshjamescars]

That can be true but not in the case of the Prius. The roofline is the same as a sedan, so the cargo area is far shorter than it would be in a Corolla cross which would be the crossover version of the Prius. I also was always worried if something bounced up off the floor of the cargo area it could easily shatter the glass hatch since it was so horizontal (like the hatch was about 2.5 feet off the floor of the cargo area and the surface of it was glass). 😂

[@gianniclaud]

@@joshjamescars LOL that's a valid concern. It doesn't help that the car is still so tinny, despite going considerably upmarket. Also there's a growing persuasion of Prius campers, but I don't think I've seen any of that sort of thing with the new generation.

[@jeffreyfurtado3681]

Camry is the best selling midsize sedan in the USA for 28 out of 29 years.

[@richsarchet9762]

I'm buying a Camry today, but still hoping for a Camry Prime for the next time.

[@joshjamescars]

Wouldn’t that be a dream!

[@avionreview3]

I´m so very happy with my new XSE Camry!

[@joshjamescars]

Congratulations!! It’s a really great car!

[@User.Joshua]

For me, it is a no brainer against the regular Prius if you don’t need a hatch. However, against the Prius Prime it is an entirely different proposition. I’m getting 50+ miles of EV range on a single charge, which covers 95% of my daily driving. But I will say, I am very tempted by the fully loaded Camry because of the refinement and rear leg room.

[@joshjamescars]

I agree entirely but I also personally much prefer my Rav4 Prime (my daily driver) to the Prius Prime too for the AWD, added refinement, power, and practicality you get from a crossover. My Rav isn’t nearly as stylish as the Prius, of course, but it’s a driving appliance so it’s not meant to be a style statement. 😂

[@User.Joshua]

@@joshjamescars sweet!! I wanted the RAV4 Prime, but I couldn’t find one without a market adjustment here in the North East 🎻

[@joshjamescars]

Oh no! If you’re still in the market, they’re sitting on lots here in Texas without markups now and some have discounts on them too (plus the $6,500 in lease cash).

[@rkgsd]

A Camry vs Crown comparison might be more interesting.

[@joshjamescars]

Definitely, though IMO the Crown competes with the ES since they fall in exactly the same price range (Crown starts at $41 and tops out at $57, ES starts at $43 and tops out at $55), which I think makes the Crown a hard sell when one could have a Lexus. The Camry is way, way cheaper than either. But if I can get my hands on both, I’ll definitely give it a shot!

[@rkgsd]

@@joshjamescars I see what you mean. I have a 3 year old Model Y with only 18k miles and I'm thinking I should sell it because it's resale value is already down to 52%. I would then look for a RAV4 Prime which was what I really wanted back then but was too hard to get. However, after seeing your Camry hybrid video, the price is tempting.

[@joshjamescars]

@rkgsd Yeah all EVs depreciate like rocks because the technology is advancing so fast-and because Tesla keeps discounting and slashing prices. That said, if nothing is wrong with it, because it’s lost so much value, it might make sense to just drive it into the ground rather than getting out now and taking such a huge loss.

[@arthurdevera9373]

Sounds good!

[@GABRIEL_CRAFT]

Wishing there was a Camry liftback

[@joshjamescars]

That would be fantastic. The closest you’ll get to that is the Crown Signia which is for all intents and purposes a Camry/Crown station wagon.

[@trungson6604]

Great and useful video, especially the tire size. IMHO, the Prius should have 1.5 liter 3-cylinder engine with 150 hp overall power, and with cost savings from smaller powertrain. It should have MSRP around $25,000. This should make it much lighter and bump up the MPG to above 60-65 MPG. Toyota has always been sabotaging the Prius, first by making it weak, poor handling, and ugly, then when these are corrected, they make it smaller inside while jacking up the price substantially and don't make enough of them.

[@joshjamescars]

I 100% agree with what you suggest there. Regarding the Prius going upmarket, a lot of it had to do with the Corolla getting a hybrid powertrain that does start around $25,000 and the Corolla Cross getting the same hybrid for those who want more utility and so IMO the Prius should have just gone away as it’s really not needed in the lineup anymore now that Corolla, Corolla Cross, Camry, and Rav4 all offer a hybrid engine option.

[@Offensively-normal]

You can almost bet a top trim Civic hybrid is going to be 38 or more with add-ons.

[@joshjamescars]

Exactly this!

[@alextyshkevich8210]

Toyota should offer camry prime that would be nice

[@joshjamescars]

That would be SO nice.

[@steveh545]

I suspect (maybe not right away) but there will be far more Camrys on the lots than Prius, so more likely to get a bit of a discount.

[@joshjamescars]

Yep! Spot on-there are some great discounts on Camrys!

[@alginyes]

I drove a 2024 Camry and a Prius and I chose the Prius. Much better looking and I'm only 5'9. The Camry had a bit more power but the exterior is too bland for me.

[@joshjamescars]

I agree with you, and the new Prius is great (I owned one) but both are appliance-like economy cars, and in that class, I personally am looking for the best bang for my buck, not style.

[@BH-BH]

No plug-in - that’s why I bought the Prius. Otherwise, you’re right.

[@joshjamescars]

Yes! Though I consider the Prius Prime a different vehicle. We’re just comparing standard hybrids here.

[@dcampean]

I wish Toyota will do a waggon Camry

[@joshjamescars]

You wish has been granted! That is quite literally what the Crown Signia is-a Crown/Camry wagon with the exact same engine and general size footprint

[@dcampean]

The price seem to be much higher for the wagon feature /Signia

[@TheOtherKine]

Camry is way bigger. It also has a trunk, which I like, that the Prius does not. The trunk is a good thing to keep the smell out of the cabin, because with a hatchback, whatever you put in the back will permeate into the cabin. Price wise, it's almost the same now, especially since they've made the Prius so much more expensive!!!! And the reason they did that, is because Toyota has the Corolla hybrid. But, I think they made a mistake with this Prius. Sure it has all the tech etc - but why make it almost the same price as the Camry? Ridiculous

[@joshjamescars]

I agree-I think the Prius only made sense when there wasn’t a Corolla hybrid. But with Corolla, Corolla Cross, Camry, and RAV4 all offering hybrids I don’t see a reason to keep the Prius around. The Prius Prime, sure. But not the regular hybrid Prius.

[@TheOtherKine]

@@joshjamescars They really wanted to flood the market and dominate LOL but ended up cannibalising themselves a bit

[@daninspiration4064]

Only reason to buy a Prius over a Camry is if you buy the Prime plug in Prius

[@joshjamescars]

Yep! Agreed. Although IMO when you start loading up a Prius Prime you get too close in price to a Rav4 Prime which I much prefer for the added practicality and standard AWD.

[@skimanfree1073]

@@joshjamescars AWD if you live in the snow belt otherwise save your $$ on price of vehicle and operating costs.

[@joshjamescars]

@skimanfree1073 in Toyota hybrids you actually get more power and slightly better delivery of power when you get AWD because MGR (motor generator rear) doesn’t just come online to help when other wheels lose traction but also to give you better electric boost off the line, so that your gas engine doesn’t have to work as hard.

[@lorenzocorsomusic1308]

Can’t buy the new Camry here in Germany :(

[@matthewhuszarik4173]

Except for the hatchback the Prius has nothing over the new Camry.

[@joshjamescars]

Agreed!

[@jamesedwards5846]

Ok I'm a prius fan tho

[@joshjamescars]

I’m a Prius fan too and it’s a great car. It’s just a hard sell when the Camry is a better car for the same price.

[@saadtheman1]

toyotas are the best

[@FilmScape4K]

back seat floor has hump for no reason. so its not a usable middle seat. and its not even mechanical RWD.

[@joshjamescars]

I’ve sat in the middle seat in a Camry many times on Uber rides and such, it works fine for short trips and the kind of duty most people will buy a Camry for. And for those who need to carry five people for longer trips, a 3-row crossover and not a sedan is definitely the way to go.

[@JamaicanMeCrazy]

Yeah it's overpriced. I actually think the Camry rides better

[@joshjamescars]

The Camry definitely rides better but that’s expected as it’s a bigger, heavier car.

[@joepup8348]

Toyota should've double-downed on MPG for the Prius and given it 70+ MPG instead of wasting battery capacity on so-called performance. No one cares that the Prius is (supposedly) fun to drive now, especially since the Camry is all-hybrid now and has more room and better performance.

[@joshjamescars]

I completely agree! And your “supposedly” is spot on. It drives way better than the last Prius, but it’s not fun or engaging to drive.

[@joepup8348]

​@@joshjamescars Thanks! No one seems to agree with me on Toyota going full-on MPG, so your point that that the Prius isn't fun to drive anyway really boosts the idea that Toyota should've just have just kept pushing efficiency rather than performance. In these hard economic times, having 70+ MPG would really go a long way for a lot of people, pun intended.

[@joshjamescars]

Love the pun, and yes I completely agree. I also just don’t think anyone who buys a Toyota really cares about driving dynamics. Toyota makes great appliance-like cars and great off-roaders but anyone who wants driving dynamics at this price point is probably buying a Mazda3 or a used BMW 3-series.

[@joepup8348]

@@joshjamescars Yes, and that's why Toyota shouldn't have wasted time and MPG trying to make the Prius 'fun' to drive. Its demographic doesn't care and wouldn't appreciated improvements in MPG far more. And not just its demographic--anyone who can save money at the pump, and that's everyone.

[@docholliday2961]

Prius is a sardine can that’s what it’s best for and $8000 dollars more than a Camry at the Toyota dealer not to mention is ugly as hell 😂

[@busterdouglasiii3838]

the new Prius is gorgeous

[@eyesurgeon69]

Frist thought I had when I saw the MPG ratings on the new Camry, Toyota has a knack for competing with itself, the Camry is clearly the better choice than the Prius unless virtue signaling matters.

[@joshjamescars]

Haha could not agree more about Toyota competing with itself. And also could not agree more at virtue signaling with the Prius, though I think those people have largely moved on to an EV at this point. For the same price they’re probably buying a model 3.