2025 Camry Hybrid AWD feels sluggish… anyone else?

Toyota Passenger and Sports Car Forums Camry and Solara
1

Hi all, I’ve got a 2025 Camry Hybrid AWD that I’ve had for about a week now. It has 310 miles on it. Lately, I’ve noticed that in the mornings when I start driving, the gas engine kicks in, but when I try to accelerate, it feels really sluggish—like it’s struggling to get up to speed. It’s been happening several mornings in a row. It seems fine in the afternoons, but just today, I had the same problem on the road. The engine revs, but the car doesn’t pick up speed like it should.

I’ve been trying to keep the RPMs low to give the engine time to break in. Anyone got any advice? Should I schedule a dealership visit for a checkup?

I do have a video of the issue, but I couldn’t upload it here.

2

It’s pretty normal for the gas engine to run when idling, especially if it’s trying to warm up or keep the battery charged.

3

Kelley said:
It’s pretty normal for the gas engine to run when idling, especially if it’s trying to warm up or keep the battery charged.

The thing is, the car was already warmed up and the battery had charge. I’ve set up a dealership appointment for a diagnostic just to be safe.

4

The Camry Hybrid has a CVT, so it might feel different from other transmissions. It can seem like it’s slipping, but it’s not—just keep driving normally. If you’re still concerned, ask your service manager for a test drive to check it out.

5

@Hartley

Here’s the video I was talking about,

6

Cole said:
@Hartley
Here’s the video I was talking about,

This is definitely interesting. I think you should take it to the dealer to get it checked out.

7

Have you tried using a different drive mode? If it’s still sluggish, I’d recommend visiting your dealer.

8

Oak said:
Have you tried using a different drive mode? If it’s still sluggish, I’d recommend visiting your dealer.

I’ve tried different modes, but it didn’t make a difference.

9

This sounds like it might need a software update. Take it to Toyota as soon as possible. I remember when the last-gen Camry V6 came out, it had a similar issue with sluggishness that was fixed with a software update for the transmission.

10

Just a heads up, if your car is new, it’s covered under warranty, but you might still have to pay for the diagnostic fee, which can be around $150 depending on your location.

11

Davi said:
Just a heads up, if your car is new, it’s covered under warranty, but you might still have to pay for the diagnostic fee, which can be around $150 depending on your location.

True, but many dealerships waive the diagnostic fee if the issue is covered under warranty. For example, if it’s an update to the engine or transmission control module, that’s covered. But if it’s something like a rodent-damaged wire or a floor mat pressing on the brake, that might not be covered.