In recent years, market demand for AWD passenger vehicles has increased, due to the rising popularity of SUVs and crossovers. Midsize sedan customers outside the luxury category, have had relatively few AWD choices. Now, Toyota gives them two more with Camry and Toyota’s flagship sedan, Avalon.
For most Camry AWD models, a high-efficiency 202-horsepower 2.5-litre DOHC four-cylinder engine (205 hp with dual exhaust on Camry XSE AWD and Avalon AWD grades) teams with an 8-speed Direct-Shift automatic transmission. The new AWD system balances added traction with exemplary fuel efficiency.
To many car buyers, “all-wheel drive” may mean one thing, but there are many different AWD technologies on the market. Toyota found an ideal type of AWD for Camry and Avalon in its new-generation RAV4 compact SUV introduced for 2019. The Dynamic Torque Control AWD system provides effective traction for inclement and slippery weather while minimizing AWD’s typical drag on fuel economy. Admittedly, the system name is a mouthful; Camry and Avalon models equipped with it will carry a simple “AWD” badge on their trunk lids.
The Camry and Avalon AWD system can direct up to 50 per cent of engine torque to the rear wheels, in response to acceleration from a start or slippage at the front wheels.
Notably, when AWD isn’t needed, such as on long highway stretches, the electromagnetic controlled coupling on the front of the rear drive axle can disengage the propeller shaft from the differential to prioritize fuel efficiency. The AWD is designed to re-engage in an instant when needed. AWD operation is transparent to the driver and passengers. On that note, the Camry and Avalon AWD models match their FWD counterparts in critical passenger space, trunk room, ride comfort, cabin quietness and vehicle agility.
Adapting the AWD drive train to the Camry and Avalon required floor structure modifications, plus the use of an electronic parking brake and a saddle-style fuel tank with an optimized capacity for AWD models rather than the flat-style tank in the FWD models. Inside the car has the same rear seat hip point height as the Camry hybrid. Despite the addition of a rear differential, the trunk floor height remains the same as in the FWD versions.
The transformation to AWD adds just 165lbs. over the Camry FWD while the Avalon AWD weight is similar to that of its FWD V6 siblings.
Customers can expect the Camry and Avalon AWD to provide similar ride and handling characteristics as the FWD models, plus of course the added traction capability. The suspension tuning, wheels, and tires differentiating the Camry and Avalon model grades carry over to the new AWD models. That means, for example, the Camry XSE grade features the same sport-tuned suspension and 19-inch wheels in FWD and AWD versions.
All 2020 Camry and Avalon models come standard with Toyota Safety Sense-P (TSS-P) a suite of cutting-edge active safety systems that includes:
Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection (PCS w/PD)
Dynamic Radar Cruise Control (DRCC)
Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist (LDA w/SA)
Automatic High Beams (AHB).
Blind Spot Monitor (BSM) with Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA) are available on Camry and standard on Avalon. Intelligent Clearance Sonar (ICS) with Rear Cross Traffic Braking (RCTB) also are available on both models.
All 2020 Camry and Avalon models have 10 standard airbags and Toyota’s Star Safety System, which includes Enhanced Vehicle Stability Control, Traction Control, Electronic Brake-force Distribution, Brake Assist, Anti-lock Braking System, and Smart Stop Technology. All come equipped with a standard backup camera.
Curious? Click the TEST DRIVE Button below and schedule a thorough tour and road test of a 2020 Toyota Camry or Avalon when inventory arrives.
U.S. spec model featured in video
Please Note: The details of this article were accurate at the time it was written. Manufacturers may change the details of any vehicle’s specifications, at any time, without notice.
