40 Years After Quattro Appears In Sedans Toyota Decides That It Is Time To Add AWD To Camry And Avalon

Toyota will test how much of the consumer shift away from sedans is because of the added security of all-wheel-drive systems found on most crossovers as the Japanese automaker adds an optional fuel-efficient awd system to its Camry and Avalon sedans next year.

The awd version of the midsize Camry will be the model's first since 1991, while the large Avalon will get its first optional awd version ever. Both will use the same Dynamic Torque Control system employed on the redesigned RAV4 compact crossover, Toyota said. The awd system sends up to half of engine torque to the rear wheels as needed under load if the car detects slippage from the front wheels. When additional traction isn't required, the rear prop shaft is electromagnetically disengaged to boost fuel efficiency, Toyota says.

CANADIANCOMMENTS - 11/13/2019 11:16:45 AM

0 Boost

Bring back the Camry and Corolla Sport Wagon with AWD while you are at it. #80's

cidflekken - 11/13/2019 11:17:33 AM

+9 Boost

Maybe if they actually saw the sales numbers of Audi and Subaru they'd already know that AWD isn't the selling point.

mre30 - 11/13/2019 12:33:32 PM

+7 Boost

If Toyota is smart, they will expand this to the ES350 also (platform mate of Avalon).

There are people (old, irrationally scared people) who live in the Northeast who will only buy an AWD car (not an SUV) for the "insurance" aspect of AWD even though they will never leave their house if it snows.

PUGPROUD - 11/13/2019 2:41:36 PM

-2 Boost

There is a cure for your youthful arrogance...in time you will have a change of heart if you are fortunate to live so long.

mre30 - 11/13/2019 3:09:18 PM

+2 Boost

I am currently in my 50's so I look forward to many more years at the helm of my AWD BMW and Porsche and successor premium AWD vehicles.

Sorry to have offended you, but in the NY area, many people who are my age or older, who have resources, are 'nervous' about their safety in weather, but don't want a huge car (i.e. LS500 or S560) acquire the thrash-y, 4-cylinder E300 4Matic because the won't buy a Cadillac (CTS-4 or CT6-4), and Lexus does not offer an AWD mid-sized car.

Lexus is nuts if they don't roll out an ES350 AWD.

Apologies again.

Once Lexus markets their ES350 as an AWD, about 1/2 of those C300 4M buyer will go Lexus.

PUGPROUD - 11/13/2019 3:46:05 PM

-1 Boost

Apology accepted. My wife has become handicapped and cannot get into an SUV. SUV manufacturers are missing a real opportunity not providing an option to lower an SUV to the appropriate and desired height for seniors to enter and exit. The current BMW 6GT (higher than a sedan, lower than an SUV) is the perfect height for her. It will no longer be imported into America. I have taken a tap measurer to all luxury dealers and none come even close to working. Thank you again for your response.

PUGPROUD - 11/13/2019 4:24:26 PM

-2 Boost

To the anonymous coward who zinged me on this post get a life and move out of your parent's basement. Whatever caused you in your life to be so inhuman uncaring needs to be addressed, Try therapy.

cidflekken - 11/13/2019 6:37:08 PM

+1 Boost

Sorry to hear of yours dilemma and your wife's situation. There are SUVs that have running boards that lower on ingress. Would those help?

GeorgeD - 11/13/2019 10:16:42 PM

+1 Boost

PUGPROUD, have you tried the Audi Allroad ?

Section_31_JTK - 11/13/2019 4:10:06 PM

+1 Boost

This is a very smart move by the Japanese. Subaru basically sells all they can make. I'd love to see a Camry or Avalon wagon.

monster - 11/13/2019 8:49:42 PM

-1 Boost

I think this pressure is coming from the Altima AWD.

MDarringer - 11/13/2019 7:09:56 PM

+5 Boost

Quattro has NOTHING to do with it.