2020 Toyota Camry Gets New AWD Option

Toyota is releasing its very first all-wheel-drive Camry in the United States after 29 years and plans to make it available as a standalone for the sedan’s LE, XLE, SE, and XSE trim levels.

The decision shows the automaker’s level of commitment to the model whose AWD configuration is being designed exclusively for the North American market (the development of the new Camry was done at Toyota’s North American Research and Development facility in Michigan, while the assembly took place at the plant in Kentucky).

Aside from Camry, another Toyota model is also getting an AWD option in the form of the Avalon. This marks the first time the larger vehicle is gaining power on all its wheels, particularly in its XLE and Limited trim levels.

Originally launched in the RAV4, Toyota’s Dynamic Torque Control AWD uses an electromagnetic-controlled coupling to engage and disengage the rear axle in a near-instant. This enables the vehicle to direct as much as 50 percent of its total torque output to the rear axle when needed. In the same way, it can also disconnect the rear axle whenever appropriate.

With the new configuration, the 2020 Toyota Camry AWD now delivers an estimated 29 mpg combined, 25 city, and 34 highway in its LE and SE trims. The XLE and XSE, meanwhile, registers 28 mpg combined, 25 city, and 34 highway. Power is generated by the reliable 2.5-liter DOHC four-cylinder engine paired to an eight-speed automatic transmission.

That Toyota was able to add an all-wheel-drive setup to both the Camry and Avalon is seen as a huge feat, considering the two models were not designed to offer it. The flexibility of the Toyota New Global Architecture platform also played a role, as well as the decision to adopt the RAV4’s engine, transmission, transfer case, and rear differential.

The 2020 Toyota Camry AWD is set to go on sale in early spring and will be followed by the 2021 Toyota Avalon AWD this fall.