2026 Camry XLE AWD – The Smart Choice for Gatineau Drivers Who Want It All
October 08 2025,
Finding a sedan that ticks every box can feel like chasing a moving target. You want leather seats and premium audio. You want the latest tech and a smooth hybrid powertrain. You want all-wheel drive for Quebec winters. And you want it at a price that makes sense. The 2026 Toyota Camry XLE AWD delivers on all counts.
This is the trim that finds the middle ground between practical and premium. It's built for drivers in Gatineau who refuse to compromise on comfort, capability, or value. Here's what makes the XLE AWD the ideal choice for year-round driving in the Outaouais region.
Premium Comfort Built for Daily Driving
The XLE AWD cabin is where Toyota's attention to detail really shows. Standard leather seats provide the upscale feel you'd expect from a higher trim without the higher price. The driver and passenger seats are both power-adjustable with eight-way controls, making it easy to dial in your ideal driving position for the morning commute or weekend road trips.
Heated front seats come standard, a must-have for cold Gatineau mornings. Dual-zone automatic climate control lets the driver and passenger choose their own temperature settings, ending the eternal debate over cabin comfort. The heated leather-wrapped steering wheel adds another layer of warmth during winter drives.
- Leather seating with 8-way power adjustable front seats
- Heated front seats and heated steering wheel
- Dual-zone automatic climate control
- Driver seat memory system for personalized comfort
Technology That Keeps You Connected
The XLE AWD features Toyota's 12.3-inch touchscreen, the largest multimedia display in the Camry lineup. It's crisp, responsive, and easy to navigate while driving. The system includes wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, keeping your phone connected without the cable clutter. Bluetooth capability, HD Radio, and SiriusXM Audio round out the entertainment options.
Toyota Assistant takes voice control to the next level. Simple commands like "Hey Toyota" let you adjust climate settings, search for navigation points, or control audio playback without taking your hands off the wheel. The system requires an active Drive Connect trial or subscription, which comes standard with the XLE for three years.
The XLE also includes Digital Key capability through the Toyota app. This feature lets you unlock the doors and start the vehicle using your smartphone, useful for those days when you can't find your keys.
Nine-speaker JBL Premium Audio elevates every drive. The system delivers balanced, clear sound across all five seating positions, turning your commute into a concert or making podcasts easier to follow on busy roads.
Hybrid Power Built for All-Weather Confidence
The XLE AWD is powered by Toyota's fifth-generation Hybrid System, pairing a 2.5-litre 4-cylinder engine with electric motors for a total output of 232 horsepower. This setup provides strong acceleration when merging onto highways and smooth, quiet operation around town.
The electronically controlled continuously variable transmission (eCVT) is tuned to deliver responsive power without the lag that older CVTs were known for. Toyota's engineers adjusted the system to match engine speed with throttle input, creating a driving experience that feels natural and engaging.
Fuel efficiency is a major advantage. The XLE AWD achieves 5.1 L/100 km combined (5.1 city / 5.2 highway), putting more kilometres between fill-ups and reducing your annual fuel costs.
Electronic On-Demand AWD for Gatineau Winters
All-wheel drive on the XLE isn't just a badge on the back. Toyota's Electronic On-Demand AWD system uses a dedicated rear electric motor to deliver power to the rear wheels when conditions demand it. The system monitors wheel slip, steering angle, and driving conditions in real time, adjusting torque distribution to maintain traction.
This setup is especially useful during Gatineau's unpredictable winter months. Whether you're navigating snowy side streets, icy parking lots, or wet roads during spring thaw, the AWD system provides the extra confidence you need to get where you're going safely.
The rear-mounted electric motor also contributes to the hybrid system's total output, giving AWD models 232 horsepower compared to 225 horsepower on front-wheel-drive variants.
Safety and Driver Assistance Features
Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 comes standard on the XLE AWD. This suite includes Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection, Lane Tracing Assist, Lane Departure Alert, Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, Road Sign Assist, Automatic High Beam, and Proactive Driving Assist. These systems work together to support safer driving on highways and city streets.
The XLE also includes Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Cross Traffic Alert and Safe Exit Alert. The latter warns rear-seat passengers if a vehicle is approaching when they're about to open the door, adding an extra layer of safety in busy parking areas.
Additional features exclusive to the XLE and XSE trims include:
- Driver Monitor Camera to help detect driver distraction
- Panoramic View Monitor for easier parking
- Parking Support Brake to prevent low-speed collisions
- Traffic Jam Assist for smoother stop-and-go driving
- Lane Change Assist to support safer lane changes
- Front Cross Traffic Alert for added visibility at intersections
Design and Practicality
The 2026 Camry XLE AWD rides on 18-inch alloy wheels, providing a balanced look without sacrificing ride comfort. LED headlamps and a power slide/tilt moonroof are standard, adding both function and style.
Inside, you'll find five adults can sit comfortably thanks to 1,070 mm of front legroom and 965 mm in the rear. Cargo capacity is rated at 428 litres, enough for groceries, sports gear, or luggage for a weekend getaway. The trunk opening is wide and the load floor is low, making it easy to load heavier items.
XLE AWD at a Glance
|
Feature |
Specification |
|---|---|
|
Powertrain |
2.5 L 4-cylinder hybrid + electric motors |
|
Horsepower |
232 hp |
|
Drivetrain |
Electronic On-Demand AWD |
|
Fuel Economy (Combined) |
5.1 L/100 km |
|
Seating |
Leather, heated, 8-way power adjustable |
|
Touchscreen |
12.3-inch with Toyota Assistant |
|
Audio |
9-speaker JBL Premium |
|
Safety |
Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 + advanced features |
|
Wheels |
18-inch alloy |
Why the XLE is the Right Trim
The SE trims offer solid value but lack the leather seating, premium audio, and advanced driver-assistance features that many buyers want. The XSE adds sport-tuned suspension and paddle shifters, which some drivers appreciate, but it comes with a higher price and slightly lower fuel economy due to the 19-inch wheels and sportier setup.
The XLE sits in the middle. It delivers the premium features most buyers actually use every day—leather seats, upgraded audio, advanced safety tech, and the largest touchscreen—without the extra cost or compromises that come with the sportier XSE.
For drivers in Gatineau who prioritize comfort, technology, and all-season capability, the XLE AWD is the trim that makes the most sense.
Your 2026 Camry XLE AWD is Ready
The 2026 Camry XLE AWD brings together premium comfort, advanced hybrid efficiency, and the all-weather confidence you need for driving in the Outaouais region. It's the trim that doesn't ask you to choose between features and value.
See the 2026 Camry XLE AWD in person at Toyota Gatineau. Our team can walk you through every feature, answer your questions, and help you find the right configuration. Stop by our Gatineau dealership to take a closer look.
