Most Toyota Camrys are front-wheel drive, but all-wheel drive became standard on every trim starting in 2025

The Toyota Camry switched to all-wheel drive as standard equipment across all trims and engines in the 2025 model year. Before that, front-wheel drive was the only option on every Camry sold in North America since the model's introduction in 1983. If you are shopping for a used Camry or looking at 2024 and earlier model years, you will find only front-wheel-drive versions.

This change means that if you want an AWD Camry, you must buy 2025 or newer. Toyota did not offer AWD as an optional upgrade on earlier generations — it was not available at any price on Camrys built before 2025.

Key Takeaways

  • Every 2025 Toyota Camry comes with all-wheel drive as standard; no front-wheel-drive option exists for that model year or later.
  • All Camry model years from 1983 through 2024 were front-wheel drive only, with no AWD option available.
  • The 2025 Camry's AWD system is paired with either a 2.5-liter gasoline engine or a hybrid powertrain on all trims.
  • If you need an AWD sedan and do not want to buy new, you will need to look at other Toyota models like the RAV4 or consider a different manufacturer.

What changed in the 2025 model year

Toyota redesigned the Camry for 2025 and made all-wheel drive standard on every version. This includes the base LE trim, the mid-range XLE and XSE trims, and the top-tier Limited trim. Whether you choose the standard 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine or the hybrid version, you get AWD.

The 2025 Camry's AWD system is a dynamic system that can send power to the rear wheels when the front wheels lose traction. Toyota designed it to improve handling and stability in snow, rain, and on winding roads, not for off-road use. The system operates automatically and requires no input from the driver.

Front-wheel drive on 2024 and earlier Camrys

If you are looking at a used Camry from 2024 or any earlier year, it is front-wheel drive. This applies to every trim level, every engine option, and every year going back to 1983. Toyota never offered an AWD Camry before 2025, even as a special edition or premium option.

Front-wheel drive means the engine sends power to the front wheels, which both steer and propel the car. This layout gives the Camry good traction in light snow and wet conditions, but it does not match the capability of an AWD system in heavy snow or on slippery surfaces.

Why Toyota made this switch now

Toyota added AWD to the Camry as part of a broader redesign aimed at making the sedan more competitive with crossovers and SUVs. More buyers have been choosing SUVs over sedans in recent years, and AWD is one feature that draws buyers to larger vehicles. By making AWD standard rather than optional, Toyota simplified the Camry's lineup and gave every buyer the same traction advantage.

The cost of adding AWD to every Camry was built into the pricing for the 2025 model year. Toyota did not offer a lower-priced front-wheel-drive version as an alternative.

How to tell what drive system your Camry has

Check the vehicle's window sticker (Monroney label) or the owner's manual to confirm the drive system. On the window sticker, the drivetrain appears near the top, listed as either "Front-Wheel Drive" or "All-Wheel Drive." If you are buying used and do not have the sticker, the VIN decoder on Toyota's website or your dealer can tell you the model year and original specifications.

You can also look at the undercarriage: an AWD vehicle has a driveshaft running to the rear axle, while a front-wheel-drive car does not. However, the easiest method is to ask the seller or dealer directly, since they have the title and registration.

Other Toyota sedans with AWD options

If you want an AWD sedan from Toyota and do not want to buy a 2025 Camry, the Corolla and Prius both offer AWD on some trims. The Corolla added AWD as an option starting in 2023, and the Prius hybrid has offered AWD since 2023 as well. Both are smaller and less expensive than the Camry, but they give you the choice between front-wheel and all-wheel drive.

Toyota also makes the RAV4, which is a compact SUV available with AWD standard or as an option depending on the trim. The RAV4 is larger than the Camry and sits higher off the ground, but it offers more cargo space and ground clearance if those features matter to you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I buy a 2024 Camry with all-wheel drive?

No. The 2024 Camry and all earlier model years are front-wheel drive only. All-wheel drive became standard starting with the 2025 model year. If you want an AWD Camry, you must purchase a 2025 or newer model.

Does the 2025 Camry's AWD add a lot to the price?

The cost of AWD is included in the base price of every 2025 Camry trim. Toyota did not publish a separate price for front-wheel drive, since that option no longer exists. Compare the 2025 Camry's starting price to the 2024 model to see the overall price change, which reflects the redesign and the addition of standard AWD.

Is the 2025 Camry's AWD system good for snow and ice?

The AWD system improves traction in snow and ice compared to front-wheel drive, but it is not designed for off-road driving or extreme winter conditions. Tire choice matters as much as the drivetrain — winter tires will perform better than all-season tires in snow, regardless of whether the car is AWD or front-wheel drive.

What happens to fuel economy with the 2025 Camry's AWD?

Adding AWD reduces fuel economy slightly because the system adds weight and mechanical complexity. The EPA estimates for the 2025 Camry show lower miles per gallon than the 2024 front-wheel-drive model, though the exact difference depends on whether you choose the gasoline or hybrid engine.