Not so big news today is the the 2020 Camry will be available with AWD for the first time since 1991 Camry All-Trac. That’s pretty cool because one of the reasons people migrated toward CUVs is the availability of all-wheel-drive, and availability of AWD on mid-sized sedans has been kind of limited. The interesting part in all of this is that the global Camry was never intended to be an AWD model. Toyota engineers in North America hacked this themselves.
Since the Camry and the RAV4 share the TNGA platform, Toyota’s engineering team in Saline, Michigan probably just started playing around with parts from different bins until it all came together:
The team combined the upper body structure of the Camry and Avalon with the engine, transmission, transfer case and rear differential from the RAV4. The RAV4’s version of the multi-link rear suspension was adapted with some modifications and tuning to suit the sedans. Both the Camry and Avalon AWD use a modified version of the propeller shaft from the all-new Highlander SUV.
Just think what interesting vehicles you could come up with if you had access to all the parts of a major automaker. Given that the new Highlander will have an available V6 engine, it’s too bad that we can’t get a V6 engine and AWD in one package. That could be a cool Camry TRD Pro.
No one of course really realized it then, but look how great looking the ’87-’91 Camry was. It all kind of went downhill after in terms of looks for the Camry. The current Camry is a very good vehicle but I can’t say that I love its looks.
The 2020 AWD Camry will have either 202 or 205-horsepower (dual exhaust model) from its proven four-banger. The AWD system adds about 165-pounds, which isn’t bad, roughly that of what the V6 engine adds over the four-banger. Oh, maybe someone can safari it?
It will be available in the spring of 2020, which is juuussstttt too late for this winter. The Avalon will get AWD for 2121.
Top image: Autoweek.com
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