What year did Toyota Camry have AWD?
The Camry’s AWD story is not marked by a single, universal introduction year. AWD has appeared only on select years and markets, and its availability has varied by generation and trim. In recent years, AWD has become a more common option on specific Camry trims and hybrid variants, but there isn’t one definitive year that applies to every market or model.
Historical context: a sporadic feature in a front-wheel-drive lineup
To understand the question, it helps to know that the Camry has traditionally been a front-wheel-drive sedan. All-wheel drive has shown up in pockets across different generations, often tied to particular markets (such as certain wagon or regional trims) or to hybrid variants rather than the entire lineup.
Key periods reflect how AWD appeared and reappeared over time, rather than a single introduction date:
- Early variations: AWD appeared in limited-market Camry wagons and certain regional trims during some generations, rather than as a standard option on the sedan.
- Mi d-2010s revisions: AWD began reappearing on selected trims in various markets, with some emphasis on hybrids in the United States.
- Recent years: AWD has become available on a broader set of Camry trims in some regions, including certain hybrid configurations, though it remains optional rather than universal.
These patterns illustrate that AWD on the Camry is best understood on a year-by-year, market-by-market basis rather than by a single calendar year.
How to verify AWD for a specific Camry model
- Check the vehicle’s window sticker (Monroney label) for “AWD” or “All-Wheel Drive” notation, which confirms the drivetrain option for that model year and trim.
- Review the official Toyota spec sheet for the exact trim and model year you’re considering; dealers can provide the precise drivetrain configuration.
- Look for badge cues on the car’s exterior or rear (some AWD Camrys carry an AWD badge on the trunk), and confirm with the VIN/stock number if in doubt.
Conclusion: If you’re researching a specific model year, trim level, or market, your best bet is to verify with the dealer or consult Toyota’s official specs for that exact configuration. Ways to verify include window stickers, official brochures, and the VIN decoding resources provided by Toyota or trusted automotive databases.
Current landscape: AWD on modern Camrys
In the latest model years, AWD has become more accessible on select Camry trims in several markets, particularly with hybrid variants that benefit from torque distribution across wheels. Exact availability still depends on the region and the precise trim level, so checking current dealership listings or Toyota’s official site for your market will yield the most accurate information.
For buyers, the practical takeaway is clear: AWD on a Camry is not universal. If AWD is a priority, confirm it for the exact model year and trim you’re considering, rather than assuming it’s included across the entire Camry lineup.
Summary
The Toyota Camry’s AWD history is episodic rather than continuous. It has appeared in select generations and markets, with recent years offering AWD on more trims and hybrids. If you need a definitive answer for a particular year, market, and trim, verify via the window sticker, dealer specifications, or official Toyota documentation for that specific configuration.
What are the best Toyota Camry years to avoid?
The 2007–2009 Toyota Camry has earned a reputation as a car to avoid because of the sheer number of recurring problems reported by thousands of drivers.
Is a 2014 Toyota Camry all-wheel drive?
Both the four-cylinder and V6 engines are married to a six-speed automatic transmission with manual mode and come standard with front-wheel drive (FWD). The 2014 Toyota Camry provides a smooth and comfortable drive, which makes the Camry the perfect driving companion, whether your destination is near or far.
What year Camrys are AWD?
AWD Camrys are available for model years 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, and 2025. Toyota first reintroduced all-wheel drive in the 2020 model year after it had been discontinued following the 1991 model year. The redesigned 2025 Camry continues to offer an AWD option.
- First AWD period: The Camry had an available AWD system from the late 1980s until 1991.
- Second AWD period: A new AWD option was introduced for the 2020 model year and is still available in the latest models, including the newly redesigned 2025 Camry.
- Availability: AWD is available on certain trims for the 2020-2024 model years (specifically the four-cylinder models, with some exceptions) and continues to be an option on the 2025 model.
How do I tell if my Camry is AWD?
You can tell if a Camry is AWD by checking for rear drive axles and a rear differential underneath the car, looking for an AWD badge on the trunk, or checking the VIN or window sticker.
Under the car
- Look for a rear differential: This is a pumpkin-sized component in the center between the two rear wheels.
- Look for drive axles: There should be two metal rods extending from the differential to each rear wheel.
- If you see both a rear differential and drive axles, it's likely AWD .
This video shows how to check for rear drive axles and a differential to determine if a car is AWD: 1mLouison Automotive Inc.YouTube · Feb 21, 2022
Other clues
- Check for a badge: Some AWD models have a specific badge on the trunk or tailgate.
- Check the VIN: You can use a VIN decoder online, such as the one offered by the NHTSA, to find out your car's drivetrain specifications.
- Check the window sticker: The original window sticker that came with the car should clearly state if it is AWD.
This video explains how to use a VIN decoder to find out if your car has AWD: 59sMake It Easy MechanicYouTube · Mar 11, 2020
What to look for
- Drive Axles: In AWD vehicles, there are drive axles going to both the front and rear wheels, whereas a front-wheel-drive vehicle will only have them in the front.
- Rear Differential: The rear differential is a key component for AWD vehicles that is absent in front-wheel-drive cars.
- Dashboard Light: Some cars may have an AWD indicator light on the dashboard that illuminates during the car's startup sequence.
