It has been revealed that Toyota Motor Corporation is in the process of informing the US side of its plan to “re-import” vehicles produced in the US to Japan. This move raises the possibility that the new Camry (9th generation), which was released in North America in 2024, will return to the Japanese market in 2026. Kyodo News
The Camry could be back on Japanese roads in 2026
Camry production in Japan will end in October 2023, bringing an end to domestic sales after 22 years. However, in the North American market, it continues to boast overwhelming popularity as the best-selling sedan for 22 consecutive years, and the new, fully redesigned model is attracting a lot of attention.
Features and evolution of the new Camry (9th generation)
Completely redesigned: sporty yet sophisticated
2025 Toyota Camry
The new ninth-generation Camry has undergone a major image change from the previous model.
Evolution of exterior design
- Lower, wider stance
- Sharp, three-dimensional front grille
- Daytime running lights (DRL) changed to a two-stage configuration
- Coupe-like flowing roofline
- BMW-inspired sophisticated design concept
The front face in particular adopts Toyota’s latest design language, with cutting-edge styling that is similar to that of the Crown Sport and Prius.
Interior: Digitalization and improved quality
2025 Toyota Camry
Latest cockpit design
- 12.3-inch full digital meter
- 12.3-inch display audio
- High-quality interior finish similar to that of the Lexus ES
- MyTOYOTA app linkage function
- 360-degree panoramic view monitor
The interior adopts the same luxurious design as the MIRAI and Lexus ES, achieving a quality feel that stands out even within the sedan category.
Powertrain: All vehicles are hybridized to enhance environmental performance
Detailed specifications of the 2.5L hybrid system
The new Camry marks a groundbreaking shift in the North American market, with all grades available exclusively as hybrids.
2025 Toyota Camry
Engine specs
- Inline 4-cylinder 2.5L Dynamic Force Engine (D-4S)
- Maximum output: 131kW (178ps) / 5,700rpm
- Maximum torque: 221Nm (22.5kgm) / 3,600-5,200rpm
Front motor
- Maximum output: 88kW (120ps)
- Maximum torque: 202Nm (20.6kgm)
Rear motor (AWD model)
- Maximum output: 40kW (54ps)
- Maximum torque: 121Nm (12.3kgm)
System total output
- 2WD model: 225hp (228PS)
- AWD model (E-Four): 232hp (235PS)
Background to the discontinuation of the V6 engine
The V6 engine that was available on the previous model has been completely discontinued, and all vehicles are now hybrid. This is in response to environmental regulations and is part of Toyota’s carbon neutral strategy. The fifth-generation hybrid system (THS) combines excellent fuel efficiency with powerful driving performance.
Toyota Safety Sense 3.0: The latest safety features
Camry
Complete list of advanced safety features
The new Camry comes standard with Toyota’s latest safety system, Toyota Safety Sense 3.0.
Main safety features
- Pre-crash Safety (PCS) : with pedestrian and bicycle detection function
- Lane Tracing Assist (LTA) : Lane centering assistance
- Road Sign Assist (RSA) : Road sign recognition function
- Lane Departure Alert (LDA) : Lane departure warning
- Automatic High Beam (AHB) : Automatic high beam switching
New Features
- Proactive Driving Assist (PDA) : Preventive safety assistance that operates at speeds of 15km/h or more
- Blind Spot Monitor (BSM) : Blind spot warning with LED display
- Safety Exit Assist (SEA) : Rear approach warning when exiting the vehicle
- Advanced Park : Parking assistance system
Grade structure and pricing
Expansion in the North American market
| grade | Drive system | Price (USD) | Price (in yen) |
|---|---|---|---|
| LE | FWD | $28,400 | Approximately 4.39 million yen |
| SE | FWD | $30,700 | Approximately 4.75 million yen |
| XLE | FWD | $33,400 | Approximately 5.17 million yen |
| XSE | FWD | $34,600 | Approximately 5.35 million yen |
| LE | AWD | $29,925 | Approximately 4.63 million yen |
| SE | AWD | $32,225 | Approximately 4.98 million yen |
| XLE | AWD | $34,925 | Approximately 5.4 million yen |
| XSE | AWD | $36,125 | Approximately 5.6 million yen |
Price forecast for the Japanese market
If re-importation becomes a reality, the price in Japan is expected to be in the late 4 million to 6 million yen range , taking into account transportation costs and other expenses.
Possibility of re-import and release date in Japan
Reasons for release in 2026
Reports that Toyota is adjusting its policy to reimport vehicles made in the US to Japan are good news for Camry fans. The specific release date is expected to be 2026, and the reasons for this are as follows:
Toyota re-importation consideration news
Basis for release date
- Production in the US to be established in 2024
- Adjustment period for reintroduction to the Japanese market (approximately 1-2 years)
- Right-hand drive development and certification procedures
- Reconstruction of sales network
Potential for success in the Japanese market
Advantages of re-entering Japan
- Historically high brand recognition (released in 1980, cumulative sales exceed 1 million units)
- Strong demand for sedans (especially corporate and taxi demand)
- Appealing environmental performance through hybrid-only design
- Differentiation from the Crown series
Concerns
- Sedan market shrinking
- The continuing popularity of SUVs
- Price increases due to import costs
- Competition with rival models (Accord, Camry, etc.)
Advantages of the TNGA-K platform
The new Camry is built on Toyota’s latest platform, TNGA-K, which is also used for the Prius, RAV4, Harrier, etc., and has the following features:
Features of TNGA-K
- Low center of gravity for excellent handling stability
- Highly rigid body for improved safety
- Comfortable ride and quietness
- Efficient powertrain layout
Comparison with competing models
Rivals in the Japanese market
Honda Accord
- Hybrid only
- Price range: from 4.65 million yen
- Domestically produced
Mazda MAZDA6 (discontinued)
- Diesel/Gasoline
- Waiting for the successor model
Nissan Skyline
- Hybrid/Gasoline
- Price range: from 4.35 million yen
If the Camry were to be imported back into Japan, its biggest rival would be the Honda Accord. As both are hybrid-only sedans, the competition in the Japanese market will be closely watched.
Summary: Hopes for the Camry’s revival
The re-import of the new Camry to Japan is eagerly awaited news for sedan fans. With its 22 consecutive years as a best-selling car in North America, its significant evolution through a full model change, and its high environmental friendliness thanks to the all-hybrid design, it is sure to be competitive in the Japanese market.
Summary of the appeal of the new Camry
- Refined design and high-quality interior
- Excellent fuel economy thanks to the fifth-generation hybrid system
- Latest safety features with Toyota Safety Sense 3.0
- TNGA-K platform’s excellent driving performance
- AWD model available for all weather conditions
If the car goes on sale in Japan in 2026, the Camry will once again be on Japanese roads, bringing new vitality to the sedan market. We await an official announcement from Toyota.
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