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Is a Toyota Camry a 2 or 4 wheel drive?

The Camry is primarily a front-wheel-drive car, with an all-wheel-drive option available on many trims. There is no traditional four-wheel-drive system with a low-range transfer case in the Camry.

In practice, Toyota positions the Camry as a front-wheel-drive sedan first, then adds all-wheel drive as an optional upgrade for better traction in rain, snow, or slippery conditions. The AWD setup distributes power to the rear wheels when needed and can improve grip without the rugged capabilities or fuel penalties of a true four-wheel-drive system found in some trucks or SUVs.

Drivetrain basics in the Camry

Understanding how the Camry’s drivetrain works helps explain when you’ll see FWD vs. AWD on the road. The standard configuration is front-wheel drive, which powers just the front wheels under normal conditions. All-wheel drive adds a mechanism to drive the rear wheels automatically when traction demands it. This system aims to improve stability on slick surfaces while minimizing impacts on fuel economy when AWD isn’t necessary.

How AWD works in the Camry

Camry AWD uses an electronically controlled coupling to send torque to the rear axle when slip is detected or predicted. In many cases, you’ll operate in efficient FWD mode and only use AWD when additional traction is needed. In hybrid versions, the AWD system can also involve electric motors that assist the rear wheels, integrating with the gas engine for improved grip without a traditional transfer case.

Availability by model year and trim

All-wheel drive is not the standard configuration; it’s an optional upgrade in many modern Camry models. The gasoline (non-hybrid) Camry typically offers AWD on several trims, while Camry Hybrid variants also provide AWD on a subset of trims. Note that the current Camry lineup does not include a traditional high- or low-range four-wheel-drive system like some off-road-focused vehicles.

Examples of how AWD is offered across the Camry lineup include the following:

Gasoline Camry with a 2.5-liter engine: AWD is available on multiple trims, offering improved traction without changing the basic FWD layout.

Camry Hybrid: AWD is available on select trims, using an additional motor to drive the rear wheels and boost grip in slippery conditions.

V6 variants: The current generation no longer uses a V6, and AWD availability is aligned with the 2.5-liter gasoline and hybrid configurations.

In short, if you need extra traction in bad weather, look for an AWD-equipped Camry; if you’re primarily driving in dry conditions, the standard FWD setup is typically sufficient and more fuel-efficient.

Performance and fuel economy implications

Compared with the standard front-wheel-drive setup, AWD Camrys typically experience a slight decrease in fuel economy due to the added drivetrain weight and mechanical losses. However, the trade-off is improved grip on wet or snowy roads and during acceleration on slick surfaces. In everyday commuting, many drivers notice smoother, more confident handling with AWD in less-than-ideal conditions, while highway cruising remains stable and predictable.

Bottom line: Which Camry should you choose?

If you live in an area with regular snow, ice, or rainy weather, an all-wheel-drive Camry offers better traction and peace of mind. If you rarely encounter adverse conditions and prioritize maximum fuel efficiency and cost savings, the standard front-wheel-drive Camry is typically the more economical choice. Always check the specific trim and model year for exact AWD availability and options, as Toyota’s lineup can shift from year to year.

Summary

- The Toyota Camry is standardly front-wheel drive.

- All-wheel drive is available as an option on many gasoline and hybrid Camry trims, enhancing traction in poor weather.

- There is no traditional four-wheel-drive system with a low-range transfer case in the Camry; AWD is designed to improve on-road grip and efficiency where possible.

- Your choice should balance climate conditions, driving needs, and fuel-economy preferences. Check the latest dealer specifications for the exact trims offered with AWD in your area.

Are Toyota Camrys 4 wheel drive?

Some Toyota Camrys are available with all-wheel drive (AWD), but not all of them have it; it is an optional feature available on specific trims, usually with four-cylinder hybrid engines. Models like the LE, XLE, SE, SE Nightshade, and XSE are available in either front-wheel drive (FWD) or all-wheel drive configurations. For newer generations (starting around 2025), the Camry is exclusively a hybrid, and AWD is available on these hybrid models.
This video discusses the features of the 2025 Camry, including its all-wheel drive option: 1mBrian MakseYouTube · Jun 29, 2025
How AWD works in a Camry

Dynamic Torque Control: Newer models use a system that can instantly distribute up to 50% of the engine's torque to the rear wheels when slippage is detected, providing extra traction in rain, snow, or gravel.
Automatic Engagement: The rear wheels are engaged only when necessary, and the system can be disengaged when not needed to optimize efficiency.
Increased Power: In AWD versions of the hybrid models, the total net horsepower is slightly higher than the FWD-only versions because an additional electric motor is added for the rear axle.

Key takeaways

All-wheel drive is an available option, not a standard feature on every Camry.
It is available on specific trim levels.
It adds extra traction for slippery conditions.
For the 2025 model year and newer, the Camry is a hybrid, and the AWD system is integrated with the hybrid powertrain.

How do I know if my Camry is AWD?

You can tell if your Camry is AWD by checking for an "AWD" badge on the rear, looking under the car for a rear differential and driveshaft, or by checking the VIN or owner's manual. Another method is to use the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's (NHTSA) VIN decoder, which can provide the vehicle's drivetrain information.

This video explains how to check if your car is AWD or FWD: 1mMake It Easy MechanicYouTube · Mar 11, 2020
On the vehicle

Exterior badge: Look for an "AWD" badge on the trunk or rear of the car.
Underneath the car: Check for a rear differential and driveshaft in the center of the rear wheels. If these are present, your car is likely AWD, as opposed to front-wheel drive (FWD) which lacks these components.
Dashboard lights: When you start the car, check the dashboard lights. Some AWD systems have a warning light that illuminates briefly during the startup sequence.

Outside the vehicle

VIN decoder: Use the NHTSA's VIN decoder to look up your vehicle's information. This can tell you the drivetrain type.
Owner's manual: Consult the owner's manual. It will list the vehicle's specifications, including whether it has an AWD system.
Sales or registration documents: Check your original sales paperwork or registration for details about the drivetrain. Some automakers also use different names for AWD (e.g., "4Matic" for Mercedes-Benz or "xDrive" for BMW), so it's worth checking the documentation to be sure.

Important note for Camrys

Toyota has offered an available AWD system on the Camry in North America since the 2020 model year.
AWD is usually available on 4-cylinder models and specific trims like the LE, SE, and XSE, but not on V6 or hybrid models.

Which Toyota car is 4WD?

Toyota 4WD models include SUVs like the 4Runner, Land Cruiser, and Sequoia, and trucks like the Tacoma and Tundra. Some other models, such as the Highlander Hybrid, RAV4, and Camry, have available All-Wheel Drive (AWD) systems instead of traditional four-wheel drive.

This video explains Toyota's 4WD systems and drivetrain technologies: 49sToyota USAYouTube · Aug 23, 2024
Toyota 4WD/SUV models

4Runner: A rugged, body-on-frame SUV known for its off-road capability.
Land Cruiser: A large, premium SUV with a strong off-road heritage.
Sequoia: Toyota's largest SUV, which is the SUV version of the Tundra.
Fortuner: A body-on-frame SUV that is available in many markets.

Toyota 4WD/Truck models

Tacoma: A mid-size pickup truck available with 4WD.
Tundra: Toyota's full-size pickup truck that is available with 4WD.

Toyota models with available AWD

Highlander Hybrid: Comes standard with Electronic All-Wheel Drive.
RAV4: Available with various AWD systems, including standard Electronic On-Demand AWD on some hybrid and plug-in hybrid trims.
Camry: Offers available All-Wheel Drive in both regular and hybrid versions.
Corolla Cross: Available with AWD, and the hybrid version comes standard with Electronic On-Demand AWD.
Venza: All trims come standard with AWD.
Sienna: The only minivan on the market to offer available all-wheel drive.
Avalon: Available with AWD in the XLE and Limited variants.
bZ4X: Toyota's all-electric SUV, available with AWD.
Yaris Cross: A small SUV that offers an AWD option in some markets.
C-HR: A compact high-rider with an AWD option.

Is the Toyota Camry 2WD or 4WD?

Available with Electronic On-Demand All-Wheel Drive (AWD), its engineering is as precise as your path on the road. No corners cut, just seamless synergy between design and your drive.

Kevin Bennett

Company Owner

Kevin Bennet is the founder and owner of Kevin's Autos, a leading automotive service provider in Australia. With a deep commitment to customer satisfaction and years of industry expertise, Kevin uses his blog to answer the most common questions posed by his customers. From maintenance tips to troubleshooting advice, Kevin's articles are designed to empower drivers with the knowledge they need to keep their vehicles running smoothly and safely.