Toyota Announce AWD Camry & AWD Avalon

About time there’s an AWD Toyota Camry and an AWD Avalon!

I’ll go ahead and say it, about time Toyota! 

With no offense meant of course. There are a lot of people who live in northern parts of the United States where it snows for at least 6 months of the year. Those people might not want an SUV or truck. 

I’m going to say there’s people that will ‘put up’ with having a FWD car, but really they’d like to have the option of AWD.  Extra traction and safety with AWD is beneficial when road conditions aren’t favorable. 

Until now, Toyota hasn’t offered an AWD sedan since the 1991 Camry. 

So thank you Toyota, for bringing us northerners the option of an AWD Toyota sedan. Better late than never right?

2020 Toyota Camry AWD

Expected at dealerships in early spring of 2020,  AWD is a stand alone option on the Camry LE, XLE, SE and XSE trim levels. 

The AWD option is available with the 2.5-liter engine and 8-speed automatic transmission. 

“The Camry and Avalon AWD models underscore Toyota’s commitment to the sedan category, a space that some brands have been leaving while Toyota has been expanding choices. Both the new-generation Camry and Avalon sedans offer hybrid models, and, this fall, both added their first-ever TRD (Toyota Racing Development) performance versions”
-Toyota

A dynamic torque vectoring system is the heart of Toyota’s all-wheel-drive technology.  This system is able to direct up to 50% of the engine torque to the rear wheels. 

The aim is to provide extra traction in slick conditions, but still maintain a decent fuel economy. For example, whilst driving on the highway when road conditions are not slick and AWD isn’t needed, the system is disengaged to save fuel. When AWD is needed, the system engages in an instant. 

Cold weather package

A cold weather package that includes heated seats and mirrors for the LE trim is an option. For the SE, a cold weather package adds heated seats, heated mirrors and heated steering wheel. XSE and XLE it adds a heated steering wheel. 

Exclusive to the United States

The AWD Camry and AWD Avalon cars were not initially in Toyota’s plan, however it looks like Toyota listened and heard customers;

“The company appreciates the loyalty, patience and perseverance of all those customers and dealers who sent letters, emails, comments and texts asking for a modern AWD version of America’s favorite sedan.”
-Toyota

Both cars will be built exclusively for the U.S. market. 

AWD Avalon’s are planned as a 2021 model year available for sale in the fall of 2020. 

For more information on the AWD Camry and AWD Avalon, contact your preferred Toyota dealership.

Fremont Motors has Toyota dealerships in Sheridan, and Lander Wyoming. 

Read my review on the Toyota Camry XSE V6…