Toyota introduces AWD Camry and Avalon Exclusively for the US market

KUALA LUMPUR: Leading Japanese carmaker Toyota has introduced all-wheel-drive (AWD) versions of the Camry and Avalon sedans, bucking the industry trend which is increasingly shifting towards sports utility vehicles (SUVs) and family cars. The 2020 Camry will be the first AWD car in the series since 1991. The company has developed the Dynamic Torque Control (DTC) AWD system which will be available as a standalone option in the XSE, SE, XLE, and LE trims of the Camry, and on the XLE and Limited models of the Avalon. Both the Avalon and Camry AWD versions will be available exclusively in the US market. The vehicles will be assembled at the company’s workshop in Kentucky.

The new versions of the two sedans will be hauled by a 2.5-litre dual-overhead camshaft (DOHC) engine mated to an 8-speed direct-shift automatic transmission (AT). Majority of the models in the Camry AWD series produces around 204PS maximum power. The Avalon AWD and the Camry XSE models, on the other hand, produce around 207PS maximum power.

AWD cars have witnessed a significant rise in demand in recent years, courtesy the increasing popularity of crossover cars and SUVs. Sedan enthusiasts, outside the luxury segment, have had a limited choice of AWD vehicles. This perhaps prompted Toytota to introduce the AWD version of the Camry, which has been one of the bestselling American sedans for the last 17 years.

Toyota claims that it has found the ideal type of AWD system for the Avalon and Camry in the new-generation RAV4 compact SUV which it introduced last year. The DTC AWD lends effective traction during inclement and slippery weather. It also minimises the AWD’s usual drag on the fuel economy. The electromagnetic controlled coupling in the rear and front axles disengages the propeller shaft from the differential, when the AWD is not required, particularly on long highway stretches. It increases the car’s mileage. The AWD in the two sedans, like the RAV4, instantly reengages when needed. The operation of the AWD is transparent both to the driver and the occupants.

Both the new Avalon and Camry sedans will sport the AWD badge on the trunk lid.

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