Toyota Camry AWD: Explore Performance, Safety, And Trim Options

Why Should You Choose an AWD Toyota Camry?

For those wintery winds in Connecticut or to power through rainy days across New England, you should consider buying a Toyota Camry AWD (or all-wheel drive). This midsize sedan is a competent family partner no matter your configuration. But if you need to handle slippery road conditions, AWD functionality can keep you stable and safe on the road.

At McGee Toyota of Putnam, you'll have the opportunity to explore any FWD and AWD Camry models we have on our lot. But first, let's take a digital tour.

Perks of the Toyota Camry AWD

When we talk about an AWD Toyota Camry, we're referring to an available feature called "Electronic On-Demand All-Wheel Drive." This means your new Toyota Camry will only activate all-wheel drive when it's needed. Otherwise, it'll function as a Front-Wheel Drive (FWD) vehicle, using only the front two wheels to propel you forward and find traction (a historically fuel-efficient pick). When AWD activates, all four wheels receive power, letting each one find a different point of contact with the ground. That improves handling, especially during the blustery winters we've had in New England these past few years.

For example, if you're driving on a well-shoveled highway in Connecticut, you'll notice you have incredible fuel economy and proper control. At this point, only your front two wheels are fully powered, so the fuel economy is similar to that of models with only FWD. However, if your Camry has AWD and you turn off the highway onto a snowy street, AWD will activate automatically to help you maintain control and reduce your risk of slipping. Since all four wheels now have power, if the rear wheels find a point of traction, they're much better at driving straight.

Control vs. Efficiency: Camry AWD vs. FWD

Outside of handling, is there anything else that changes with a Toyota Camry AWD? Quite a bit, actually! Camry AWD fuel economy is lower than its FWD sibling – usually with slightly reduced city MPG to compensate for situations when your AWD activates. However, the additional motor powering your rear wheels slightly increases your sedan's horsepower. Here are the minute changes side-by-side:

	Camry LE FWD	Camry LE AWD
Horsepower	255	232
Torque	163 lb-ft	163 lb-ft
Number of Motors	1	2
EPA-Est. MPG (City / Hwy / Cmb)	52 / 49 / 511	50 / 49 / 501

What Are the Toyota Camry AWD Trims?

Now that we know the benefits, how accessible is AWD for the Toyota Camry? AWD isn't standard on any Toyota Camry trim level, but it can be added to any of them! That means you get to pick your technology level, preferred wheel size, and even style upgrades without needing to pick and choose based on which trims have AWD. However, trim levels do differ slightly, even with AWD: here's how they look in a chart.

	LE	SE	Nightshade	XLE	XSE
Is AWD Standard?	Available	Available	Available	Available	Available
Horsepower	232	232	232	232	232
Torque	163 lb-ft	163 lb-ft	163 lb-ft	163 lb-ft	163 lb-ft
EPA-Est. MPG (City / Hwy / Cmb)	50 / 49 / 501	46 / 46 / 461	46 / 46 / 461	46 / 46 / 461	43 / 43 / 431
Feature Highlights	Wireless Apple CarPlay® and Wireless Android Auto™ Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 16-in wheels	Sport SofTex-trimmed front seats Sport-tuned suspension 18-in wheels	Black rear spoiler Gloss-black sport mesh front grille 19-in wheels	12.3-in central touchscreen Leather and microfiber-trimmed seats 18-in wheels	Dual LED projector headlights Single exhaust w/ dual chrome-finished tips 19-in wheels

What is Toyota Camry Winter Driving Like?

While AWD is extremely helpful for keeping you in control of your ride, that's not to say that a Toyota Camry AWD will be able to conquer deep snow or crawl over snow banks. What it will do is simplify smaller tasks that a FWD model has trouble with.

For example, say your driveway has been iced over with a bunch of slippery patches. Backing out of a slippery road can be taxing for a FWD vehicle: depending on your angle or if it's on a hill, it's not difficult to get stuck. With AWD, your Camry can latch onto non-slippery patches and pull itself out of the driveway, making it easier to salt or shovel your home.

Now, for a dangerous example: a slush-filled road right after a blizzard. The roads are icy and unstable, making it easy for a FWD model to slip and start spinning out. Once again, with AWD, your rear wheels can serve as an anchor point. You might spin slightly, but then your AWD activates and helps you get back on the straightaway. It'll stay active until you're out of the slush, and then it'll return to FWD so you can benefit from improved fuel efficiency.

What Else Is the Toyota Camry AWD For?

Slippery roads are likely the best use of AWD for the Toyota Camry in New England, but it's far from the only time you'll want it. Here are a few other situations you should look out for:

• Sand, Gravel, and Dirt: If you want to tackle some very light off-roading, you'll want AWD.
• Steep Inclines: Adding more balance points and push-offs can let you climb up hills with ease.
• Braking: Since all wheels are powered, AWD lets every wheel stop simultaneously, improving your stopping ability.

FWD or AWD: Which Toyota Camry Should I Use?

• Choose the Toyota Camry FWD if you only care about consistently high MPG ratings, even in slippery weather conditions.
• Choose the Toyota Camry AWD if you love the efficiency of the Camry, but also are willing to lose a small amount of MPG rating so that you get improved handling during winter weather.

Explore the Toyota Camry AWD at McGee Toyota of Putnam

Ready to see how the redesigned Toyota Camry feels to drive? We're here to help! At McGee Toyota of Putnam in Connecticut, you'll be able to try a FWD and AWD Toyota Camry to experience the minor differences in control and power. We'll also go into more details about the trim upgrades so you can explore the larger touchscreens, better sound system, and more.

Then, once you've fallen in love with a model, we can talk with you about financing or leasing the new Toyota Camry. Our team is experienced, so you can be confident that you'll find an incredible deal on a Toyota Camry AWD or any other model we have in our showroom.

Every mile spent in a Toyota Camry will feel comfortable, cozy, and safe. AWD models just make those feelings simpler during the wintertime.

Frequently Asked Questions About the AWD Toyota Camry

Which Toyota Camry trims offer all-wheel drive (AWD)?

All Toyota Camry trims have available all-wheel drive, though all of them have standard FWD by default. From the baseline LE to the unbelievable XSE, you can add AWD capability to your build and revel in improved handling and performance – especially during blustery, snowy, and slick New England winters, like the ones we've been having recently. The cars in our showroom can also come with AWD.

What are the main benefits of choosing AWD on a Camry?

AWD allows a Toyota Camry to have effective traction on all four wheels simultaneously, which is a major boon for holding onto slippery surfaces and righting yourself in poor weather. If you've ever tried to back out of an icy driveway with FWD and gotten stuck, for example, AWD would give you twice the number of points to get a grip and pull yourself out of a snowbank.

How does Camry AWD affect fuel economy?

An AWD Toyota Camry is noticeably less fuel-efficient than its FWD brethren, but it remains a leader in fuel economy among all sedan models. For example, a FWD LE achieves an EPA-estimated 52/49/51 MPG (City/Highway/Combined).¹ The AWD version of the LE only loses city MPG, reaching a 50/49/50 MPG (City/Highway/Combined)¹ – impressive for sure, but lower.

Is AWD recommended for driving in snow or rain?

Yes! If you live in an area where it snows or rains, a Toyota Camry with AWD can be highly beneficial. AWD is designed to improve traction and control. All four wheels can influence your drive, so if your two front wheels are currently slipping, your rear pair can keep your model under control. AWD models also tend to be better at climbing small snow banks.

¹Use for comparison purposes only. Your mileage will vary for many reasons, including your vehicle's condition and how/where you drive. See www.fueleconomy.gov.