Thinking about switching from 2025 Camry XSE AWD to LE, bad idea?

General Discussions and Questions
1

I drive a 2025 Camry XSE AWD with the premium plus package, all blacked out with tinted windows. I love this car, and I paid $42K for it.

I recently rented a 2025 Camry LE for a week for work, and honestly, what a downgrade.

I didn’t expect such a big difference:

  1. The LE interior feels cheaper, more plastic and fabric. The XSE feels much nicer.
  2. Driving the LE isn’t as fun. The XSE AWD takes off when you hit the gas and handles corners better.
  3. The LE is louder inside.
  4. Smaller wheels, less sporty look overall.

After a week with the LE, I’m happy I paid extra for the XSE AWD. Would you pick the LE to save money, or is the XSE worth it?

2

For the price, the LE is a great deal. You’ll also save money on gas in the long run. $10,000 extra is a lot.

3

@Avi
The AWD has 10 more hp and a bit more torque from the extra rear electric motor. Plus, AWD helps put power down better.

4

Since Toyota dropped the V6, I don’t see the point in getting the XSE or XLE. The SE seems like the best value for what you get.

5

EmilyToyotaLover said:
Since Toyota dropped the V6, I don’t see the point in getting the XSE or XLE. The SE seems like the best value for what you get.

Agreed. The SE has bigger wheels and still feels quick. There’s no actual engine difference between the XSE and LE, right?

6

@Avi
Nope, same hybrid powertrain.

7

Raenys said:
@Avi
The AWD has 10 more hp and a bit more torque from the extra rear electric motor. Plus, AWD helps put power down better.

Yeah, I noticed the difference comparing my AWD XSE to the FWD LE. The extra rear motor adds noticeable torque.

8

EmilyToyotaLover said:
Since Toyota dropped the V6, I don’t see the point in getting the XSE or XLE. The SE seems like the best value for what you get.

That’s why I went with the SE. It does everything I need.

9

EmilyToyotaLover said:
Since Toyota dropped the V6, I don’t see the point in getting the XSE or XLE. The SE seems like the best value for what you get.

Yeah, the SE would’ve been another good step up from the LE.

10

EmilyToyotaLover said:
Since Toyota dropped the V6, I don’t see the point in getting the XSE or XLE. The SE seems like the best value for what you get.

Does the XSE come with a better sound system?

11

@Donna
I’ve had two Camrys, one with JBL and one without. Honestly, the difference isn’t huge. The SE at least gives you the option for the bigger 12-inch screen. I’d take that over JBL.

My XSE has JBL, and any song with a little bass makes the rear deck rattle. Toyota should’ve put the subwoofer in the trunk.

12

@EmilyToyotaLover
Same issue here with my XLE and JBL. The bass rattles the whole car. They should’ve done better with noise insulation.

13

Hartley said:
@EmilyToyotaLover
Same issue here with my XLE and JBL. The bass rattles the whole car. They should’ve done better with noise insulation.

Yeah, my biggest complaint is the doors feeling hollow when playing music.

14

@EmilyToyotaLover
Maybe an easy EQ or fader adjustment would fix that?

15

Marlowe said:
@EmilyToyotaLover
Maybe an easy EQ or fader adjustment would fix that?

Tried that. Didn’t help. It’s a common issue on 2018-2024 Camrys. Toyota actually sells a kit with foam pieces to fix it.

16

I had a 2023 XSE and rented a 2023 SE. The smaller screen, dashboard, and seat materials made me glad I went with the XSE.

17

TomHenry said:
I had a 2023 XSE and rented a 2023 SE. The smaller screen, dashboard, and seat materials made me glad I went with the XSE.

Exactly. The XSE is basically a budget Lexus. I was debating between the XSE and a Lexus ES 350 Hybrid, but the Lexus was $8K-$10K more for the same tech. I went with the 2025 XSE Premium Plus, and I love it.

18

TomHenry said:
I had a 2023 XSE and rented a 2023 SE. The smaller screen, dashboard, and seat materials made me glad I went with the XSE.

Totally agree.

19

LE rides smoother with its higher-profile tires, but saying the XSE ‘flies’ is just perception. They have the same powertrain. LE’s smaller wheels actually make it more efficient.

20

graceruth said:
LE rides smoother with its higher-profile tires, but saying the XSE ‘flies’ is just perception. They have the same powertrain. LE’s smaller wheels actually make it more efficient.

I love my SE, but I do wish more cars still had thicker sidewalls for better ride comfort.