The 2025 Toyota Camry has solidified its reputation as a leader in the midsize sedan segment, particularly for Australian drivers seeking a vehicle that prioritizes safety, reliability, and cutting-edge technology.
With a remarkable 95% Adult Occupant Protection (AOP) score from the Australasian New Car Assessment Program (ANCAP), the highest ever recorded under the stringent 2023-2025 testing protocols, the Camry sets a new standard for safety in its class.
This article explores the advanced safety features, crash test performance, and overall appeal of the 2025 Toyota Camry for Australian buyers, delving into why this hybrid-only sedan is a top choice for families, fleet operators, and individual drivers alike.
Unpacking the 95% AOP Score
The 2025 Toyota Camry’s 95% AOP score is a testament to its exceptional performance in ANCAP’s rigorous crash tests, which are among the toughest in the world. ANCAP’s 2023-2025 protocols emphasize real-world safety scenarios, assessing vehicles across four key areas: Adult Occupant Protection (40% weighting), Child Occupant Protection (20%), Vulnerable Road User Protection (20%), and Safety Assist (20%).
The Camry’s overall weighted score of 88.4% secured its position as the top-performing vehicle assessed by ANCAP in 2024, outpacing competitors like the Mazda CX-80 and Zeekr X.
In the Adult Occupant Protection category, the Camry achieved maximum points in side impact, oblique pole, whiplash, and far-side impact tests. These results highlight the vehicle’s ability to protect adult passengers in a variety of collision scenarios, from side-on crashes to angled impacts. Notably, the Camry also demonstrated a low risk to oncoming vehicles in head-on collisions, incurring a minimal 0.96-point penalty out of 8.00.
This performance underscores Toyota’s engineering focus on structural integrity and occupant safety, making the Camry a standout choice for Australian drivers navigating busy urban roads or long regional highways.
For Child Occupant Protection, the Camry scored an impressive 87%, with “good” ratings across most tests for six-year-old and ten-year-old dummies, though neck and chest protection for the ten-year-old dummy in the frontal offset test was rated “adequate.”
The Vulnerable Road User Protection score of 84% reflects the Camry’s ability to minimize harm to pedestrians and cyclists, while the Safety Assist score of 81% highlights its advanced driver-assistance systems, though some features, like reverse autonomous emergency braking (AEB) and driver monitoring, were not assessed as they do not activate by default at startup.
Advanced Safety Features: Toyota Safety Sense 3.0
At the heart of the 2025 Camry’s safety suite is Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 (TSS 3.0), a comprehensive package of driver-assistance technologies designed to enhance safety and reduce driver fatigue. TSS 3.0 builds on its predecessor, TSS 2.5+, with an upgraded forward-facing camera offering a wider field of view and higher-resolution imaging, plus over-the-air software updates to keep the system current. Key features include:
-
Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian and Cyclist Detection: This system uses radar and camera technology to detect vehicles, pedestrians, cyclists, and even motorcyclists, automatically applying brakes if a collision is imminent. The enhanced radar in TSS 3.0 provides a broader detection range, improving responsiveness in complex traffic scenarios.
-
Full-Speed Range Dynamic Radar Cruise Control: This adaptive cruise control system adjusts the Camry’s speed to maintain a safe following distance, even in stop-and-go traffic, making it ideal for congested Australian cities like Sydney or Melbourne.
-
Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist: This feature helps keep the Camry centered in its lane by providing gentle steering inputs, reducing the risk of unintentional lane drifts on highways or rural roads.
-
Road Sign Assist: By recognizing speed limits, stop signs, and other road markers, this system keeps drivers informed and compliant with Australian traffic regulations.
-
Automatic High Beams: These toggle between high and low beams to optimize nighttime visibility without dazzling oncoming drivers, a valuable feature for Australia’s vast rural road network.
-
Proactive Driving Assist: This provides subtle braking and steering assistance to maintain safe distances and avoid potential collisions, enhancing comfort during long drives.
For drivers seeking additional safety enhancements, the Camry’s XLE and XSE trims (available as the SL in Australia) offer a Premium Plus Package, which includes Traffic Jam Assist, Front Cross-Traffic Alert, Lane Change Assist, a Panoramic View Monitor, and Front and Rear Parking Assist with Automatic Braking. These features make navigating tight parking lots or heavy traffic in cities like Brisbane or Perth safer and less stressful.
Additional Safety Features
Beyond TSS 3.0, the 2025 Camry is equipped with a robust suite of standard safety features. All trims include eight airbags (dual front, driver’s knee, front center, front side, and full-length curtains), ensuring comprehensive protection in a collision. The Star Safety System, another standard feature, includes six components to enhance traction, cornering, and braking:
-
Vehicle Stability Control: Reduces engine power and applies brakes to maintain control if the vehicle veers off course.
-
Traction Control: Helps regain grip in slippery conditions, crucial for Australia’s variable weather.
-
Anti-lock Brake System (ABS): Prevents wheel lockup during sudden braking, maintaining steering control.
-
Electronic Brake-force Distribution: Optimizes braking performance across all wheels.
-
Brake Assist: Applies additional braking force in emergency stops.
-
Smart Stop Technology: Prevents unintended acceleration during braking.
The Camry also features a Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert, which uses radar sensors to detect vehicles in blind spots or approaching while reversing, a boon for busy Australian parking lots. The Safe Exit Alert warns against opening doors into oncoming traffic, and a rear seat reminder alerts drivers to check for passengers or items in the back seat. For families, the LATCH system and rear door locks with power window lockout controls provide added safety for young passengers.
Structural Design and Hybrid Efficiency
The 2025 Camry’s safety extends beyond active systems to its structural design. Built on a revised version of the TNGA-K platform, the Camry maximizes rigidity to enhance crash protection. Its low hood design not only improves aerodynamics and fuel efficiency but also reduces pedestrian impact severity.
The hybrid-only powertrain, combining a 2.5-liter naturally aspirated engine with electric motors, delivers impressive fuel economy—potentially up to 1080 km per tank with a 50-liter capacity—while maintaining performance. This efficiency is particularly appealing for Australian drivers facing rising fuel costs, especially since the Camry now requires 95RON premium unleaded fuel.
Appeal for Australian Drivers
The 2025 Toyota Camry’s combination of top-tier safety, hybrid efficiency, and premium features makes it a compelling choice for a wide range of Australian buyers. For families, the high ANCAP ratings and child-friendly safety features provide peace of mind.
Fleet operators, including taxi and rideshare drivers, benefit from the Camry’s reliability, low running costs, and five-star safety pedigree, which dates back over 13 years. Individual buyers will appreciate the sedan’s sleek design, luxurious interior with leather upholstery, and advanced tech, such as the 9-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Priced from $39,990 before on-road costs, the Camry remains competitive in the medium car segment, alongside rivals like the BYD Seal, Skoda Octavia, and Mazda 6. However, its hybrid-only lineup and advanced safety features justify the slight price increase over its predecessor. Toyota’s Connected Services, including a smartphone app for vehicle tracking and remote functions, add convenience, though some features require a subscription after the first 12 months.
The 2025 Toyota Camry is a triumph of safety and innovation, earning its place as ANCAP’s top performer in 2024 with a record-breaking 95% AOP score. Its Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 suite, robust structural design, and comprehensive standard safety features make it an ideal choice for Australian drivers seeking a reliable, efficient, and safe midsize sedan. Whether navigating urban traffic or cruising regional highways, the Camry delivers peace of mind, comfort, and value, reinforcing its status as a trusted name in Australia’s automotive landscape.