Whether you call it Camry or Cam-ray, you have to call this Toyota the best-selling sedan in the U.S. for 2023. Not bad for a car in the last year of its lifecycle. That’s right, the Camry is all-new for model year 2025. So, let’s find out if this ninth-generation Camry can stay truly competitive in this world of SUVs and crossovers.

There have been many variations of the Toyota Camry over the last 40 years; some more exciting than others, but all have been incredibly comfortable, efficient, and practical. That theme carries over for the all-new 2025 Toyota Camry.

Though it feels like they purposely avoided any type of “wow” factor inside. Sure, there are the expected big screens for multimedia and gauge display, but they kept them separated, keeping the overall vibe traditional and classy rather than flashy. They’ve also retained lots of physical controls, added some unique materials, and attempted to open up the space a bit, knowing that they’re going up against EVs these days too, not just usual family sedan nameplates.

The new Camry follows Toyota protocol of basic LE series and more sport-oriented SE series; adding an X in front of either adds a bit more content. For our XSE tester that mostly means a flashier exterior that includes black trim and rear spoiler, dual exhaust tips, and 19-inch wheels, but it also gets a sport-tuned suspension.

Following the pattern of many recent Toyotas, Camry now has an all-hybrid lineup. Toyota’s newest, fifth-generation hybrid system mates to a 2.5-liter I4 engine for the first time. It works with two electric motors for a 225-horsepower output, 17 more than the outgoing Camry hybrid. And it delivers up to 51 mpg Combined. All-wheel-drive versions add an additional electric motor in back for powering the rear wheels for an increased total output of 232 horsepower; and AWD is available for all trims.

Our all-wheel-drive tester did feel quite peppy on the street, with a competent suspension that soaked up bumps easily without feeling soft or floaty. At the test track, there was great grip off the line, and a substantial punch of power to get us to 60 in 6.9 seconds. There was a nice little engine growl at takeoff too, but it quickly turned into a consistent droning noise due to the electronically controlled CVT trans. There are some simulated gears you can play with, but they don’t really add much to the performance; our best quarter-mile time was 15.2 seconds at 94 mph.

This is one case where “sport-tuned suspension” seems to really mean something, as this is easily the best handling Camry we’ve driven. Minimal body roll, great road feel, and steering that was both tight and responsive. All-wheel-drive grip was great through the cones, but most people will find it much more beneficial when driving on slippery roads.

The hybrid’s regen braking is not the most natural feeling, but in panic stops the brakes clamp down quickly, causing some aggressive nosedive, but ultimately resulting in very short, 110-foot stops from 60.

As mentioned earlier, Government Fuel Economy Ratings are as high as 51 Combined, but all-wheel-drive XSEs come in at 44 City, 43 Highway, and 44 Combined, though our lead foot test loop saw just, but still noteworthy, 42.6 mpg of Regular.

Pricing starts with the base LE at $29,535; all-wheel drive is another $1,525 if you want it. XSE tops out the range at $35,735.

While the midsize four-door sedan is not the suburban staple that it once was, the Camry absolutely remains a staple of the Toyota lineup, and even kept its status as America’s best-selling car last year. So, it looks like there’s no stopping the Camry, as the more efficient 2025 Toyota Camry is better-looking, has better performance, and is a better all-around family car than ever.

It’s clear that Porsche engineers spend a lot of time sitting around thinking how they can make the 911 even better, as well as more unique. After all, they’ve been doing just that for over 60 years now. Well, their latest brainstorming session has resulted in this jacked-up all-terrain brute, the 911 Dakar, a 911 whose performance begins when the pavement ends.

If you think the idea of a Porsche 911 suited for desert racing sounds silly, you should know that 911s competed in the Paris-Dakar rally for years, and Porsche actually won it back in 1984 when they were developing the all-wheel-drive system we all now enjoy in the Carrera 4. And it is that car on which this very limited-edition Porsche 911 Dakar is based.

Not only has it been raised by more than 2 inches, but its hydraulic lift system has also been enhanced to get to its max 7.5 inches of ground clearance in just 9 seconds. It has a modified dual radiator setup to improve approach angles, unique front and rear fascias, stainless steel rocker panels, fender flares, and special Pirelli Scorpion dual carcass all-terrain tires on 19- and 20-inch wheels.

There wasn’t much to challenge this thing in our neck of the woods, so Porsche actually flew us to Africa to get a taste of its capabilities.

DAVE SCRIVENER: “In 35 years of doing this business, I never thought I’d see myself off-roading a 911, yet here I am, traversing the sandy paths and dunes of Morocco in a 911 Dakar. This is not just a trim package, this car actually has some off-road chops for, you know, soft roads, sand dunes, things like that. This thing is very well equipped to handle this kind of terrain.”

Now, you don’t have to go to the African desert to enjoy it, but it sure helps, as carving fresh lines through sand dunes is pure thrill. The Carrera 4’s all-wheel-drive system has gotten significantly reworked with added Rallye and Off-Road modes, and the 911’s heavyweight rear seems to be a real benefit here rather than a hinderance as it can be on pavement.

Amazingly, it still feels like a 911, though it is a bit of a unique driving experience as there’s no cringing whenever you see rough pavement or speed bumps coming your way. It’s also one of those cars that has you thinking about all the cool places you could be driving it when you’re stuck in traffic, and it’s one 911 that looks better dirty than clean.

The rear-mounted 3.0-liter flat-six turbo engine gets a unique air filter housing, and outputs 473 horsepower and 420 lb-ft of torque. It works exclusively through an eight-speed PDK which gets a new Rallye Launch Control feature for making fast getaways on loose surfaces. Our Mason Dixon test track offers plenty of traction, so we stuck with traditional PDK launch control and it continues to impress.

We hit 60 in 3.0 seconds and finished out the quarter in 11.3 seconds at 125 mph. There was maybe a little less pavement grip from the tires, but otherwise, the handling experience was amazingly 911-like. The same could be said for braking. Stops of just 93 feet from 60 mph.

There’s much familiarity inside the Dakar’s cabin, perhaps too much if you’re looking for a totally different 911 experience. Priced at $225,100, the 911 Dakar is a massive investment, but it’s also limited to just 2,500 units, so you’ll have the coolest 911 in your neighborhood for years to come

Turns out conquering pavement was not enough for Porsche engineers, so they created something unique and amazing that somehow still feels just like every other Porsche. 911s have always made you feel like you can go just about anywhere and do just about anything; now with the 911 Dakar, they’ve delivered one that actually can.