Follow us today…
While many owners are celebrating strong fuel economy from their new hybrid Toyota Camrys, not everyone is walking away impressed. That includes D.j. Russo, who recently shared his thoughts in the “2025/2026 Camry Hybrid” Facebook group after putting just over 1,500 miles on his brand-new 2025 Toyota Camry XSE AWD Hybrid.
In his own words: “I’m Definitely disappointed in the gas mileage the XSE AWD gets. My 2014 got way better gas mileage. They say it’s because it’s still in a ‘learning phase’ but I think it’s a bunch of bull. I have 1,532 miles on it.”
D.j.’s post might surprise some, especially those seeing impressive fuel economy figures reported elsewhere. But as the comment section revealed, this is far from a one-size-fits-all experience. Hybrid efficiency depends on dozens of variables ranging from driving habits, climate, terrain, and even the vehicle trim itself.
The MPG Numbers Are All Over the Place
For instance, Nathan Henson weighed in the comments to say: “60 would be low for me. I’m barely ever lower than 69–70. I drive about 55 mins one way, 38 miles and generally get 71–72 mpg.”
That kind of consistent high fuel economy suggests that longer highway commutes and perhaps flatter geography can significantly boost MPG performance.
Evan Peters, on the other hand, took a comparative stance: “Bro why are you complaining? Can you find a vehicle that beats that? I had a 2014 Camry SE and got 38 mpg. Costed me $60 driving on a 17 hour road trip. My 2014 would never beat that.”
It’s a fair point. While D.j. is comparing to his older Camry, others argue that real-world numbers need to be seen in context. Getting 60 mpg in a modern AWD hybrid sedan is objectively still strong. That’s especially given how gas prices and performance expectations have evolved.
Then there’s Hoa Le, who brought some driving style humility into the mix: “11k miles on my XSE AWD and I’m at 40.3 MPG. I’m a bit of an aggressive driver so I accept my numbers.”
This perspective is an important one. Driving style is arguably one of the biggest factors in hybrid efficiency, and even slight variations in throttle control or braking behavior can create wide MPG swings. At least Hoa understands that.
Finally, Yancarlos Rodriquez offered a subtle flex with a single-line comment: “My LE.”
80 is honestly insanely impressive, and it may be due to different trims like the LE which is typically lighter, front-wheel drive, and often comes with smaller wheels. The LE doesn’t carry the added weight and drivetrain load of an AWD system, which powers all four wheels and can naturally reduce overall efficiency. Alongside other factors, that could be why it potentially dramatically outperforms heavier and sportier versions like the XSE AWD. But it’s also possible that Yancarlos just barely steps on the pedal on most drives, or that he racks up a lot of easy highway miles.
Advertising
Not the First Time a 2025 Camry Owner Has Been Frustrated
D.j.’s post joins a growing list of real-world owner stories that challenge the polished dealership talking points. While the 2025 Camry has gained praise in several areas, there have also been recurring frustrations from unexpected check engine lights tied to rodent damage to owners reporting strange transmission squeaks.
And while some of those are technical issues, others are rooted in perception and expectations. One owner summed it up perfectly in a story titled “There Are 5 Things About It That Absolutely Drive Me Crazy”, proving that even a car that you love overall can still leave you frustrated with certain aspects.
Another Camry owner even mentioned their car has already been in the shop four times and the dealer still doesn’t know what’s wrong. While that’s unrelated to MPG, it shows that early ownership of any new generation vehicle comes with caveats. Even if it’s meant to be as bulletproof as the Camry.
So Is 60 MPG Disappointing?
Honestly, 60 miles per gallon in an all-wheel drive sedan like the 2025 Toyota Camry XSE AWD Hybrid is nothing to scoff at in my opinion. The official EPA estimate for this specific trim is at 44 mpg combined, so D.j. is already far exceeding what’s advertised. That alone speaks to the strength of Toyota’s hybrid system, especially given the added weight and drivetrain complexity of an AWD platform.
But it’s also easy to understand why D.j. might still feel let down. When you see comments from other owners consistently reporting 70+ mpg or spotting LE trims pushing nearly 80 mpg, it’s natural to wonder if your vehicle could be doing better too. Not to mention the fact that when Toyota themselves mention a “learning phase,” it creates expectations that fuel economy will steadily climb, something D.j. doesn’t believe is actually happening.
I still don’t think any of this means 60 mpg is bad though. On the contrary, it’s far above the average for any midsize sedan in 2025, especially one with the sporty characteristics and AWD setup of the XSE. But expectations are powerful, and when you hear so many success stories, even a solid number could feel underwhelming if you expected greatness.
Key Takeaways
- Real-world fuel economy can vary widely based on trim, driving habits, climate, and road conditions.
- Owners of the 2025 Toyota Camry XSE AWD are reporting everything from 40 MPG to over 70 MPG, depending on the context.
- Aggressive driving habits can easily drop numbers by 10–20 MPG.
- AWD trims and larger wheels (as seen on the XSE AWD) can impact efficiency compared to base models like the LE.
- It’s important for owners to remember that “learning phase” claims from dealerships often refer to hybrid systems adapting to your driving style, but results may still plateau after the first 1,500–2,000 miles.
What About You?
Do you think getting 60 mpg is actually a strong result? Or does hearing about other owners consistently getting even more still leave room for disappointment?
And for those who came from older Camrys like D.j., how do you feel the newer generation compares when it comes to gas mileage, responsiveness, and everyday satisfaction?
We’d love to hear your thoughts in our comments, as we’re curious to see what the real-world numbers are showing.
Aram Krajekian is a young automotive journalist bringing a fresh perspective to his coverage of the evolving automotive landscape. Follow Aram on X and LinkedIn for daily news coverage about cars.
Image Sources: The “2025/2026 Camry Hybrid” public Facebook group and Toyota’s gallery, respectively.
Follow us today…
Source: torquenews.com
