Why the 2026 Camry XSE AWD is the Perfect Sedan for Saint John's Four Seasons

Why the 2026 Camry XSE AWD is the Perfect Sedan for Saint John's Four Seasons

The 2026 Toyota Camry XSE AWD brings together sport-inspired design and all-weather capability in a sedan built for New Brunswick drivers. With 232 horsepower, Electronic On-Demand All-Wheel Drive, and a refined interior featuring leather seats and premium audio, the XSE AWD answers the question many Saint John drivers ask: can a sedan handle winter roads without sacrificing style or comfort?

For those evaluating their next vehicle, the Camry XSE AWD offers a middle ground between compact sedans and larger SUVs. It provides the handling and efficiency of a sedan with the traction and confidence typically reserved for crossovers. This guide breaks down what makes the XSE AWD trim stand out and how it compares to other Camry models.

At a Glance: 2026 Camry XSE AWD Key Specifications

Feature

Specification

Powertrain

2.5 L 4-cylinder hybrid with Electronic On-Demand AWD

Horsepower

232 hp

Fuel Consumption (Combined)

5.5 L/100 km

Touchscreen

12.3-inch Toyota Multimedia system

Audio System

9-speaker JBL Premium Audio

Seating

Leather with ventilated front seats

Wheels

19-inch alloy wheels

Digital Gauge Cluster

12.3-inch display

Performance and Efficiency

The XSE AWD trim features a 2.5 L 4-cylinder engine paired with Toyota's fifth-generation Hybrid System, producing 232 horsepower. This is 7 horsepower more than the front-wheel-drive SE model, thanks to the addition of an electric motor generator on the rear axle.

The Electronic On-Demand All-Wheel Drive system activates automatically when road conditions require extra traction. It monitors wheel slip and adjusts torque distribution between the front and rear axles to maintain stability during acceleration, cornering, and challenging weather conditions common in New Brunswick.

Despite the added capability, the XSE AWD maintains a fuel consumption rating of 5.5 L/100 km combined, making it one of the most efficient all-wheel-drive sedans available. The hybrid system recharges its lithium-ion battery through regenerative braking, requiring no plug-in charging.

Key Performance Features:

  • 232 horsepower from hybrid powertrain with AWD
  • Electronic On-Demand AWD for automatic traction control
  • 5.5 L/100 km combined fuel consumption
  • Sport-tuned suspension for responsive handling

Interior and Technology


Inside, the XSE AWD delivers a cabin designed for both driver engagement and passenger comfort. Leather seats come standard, with the driver and front passenger benefiting from eight-way power adjustment. Ventilated front seats provide cooling during summer months, while heated seats handle cold mornings.

The 12.3-inch touchscreen runs the Toyota Multimedia system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. A 3-year Drive Connect trial includes Intelligent Assistant voice control, allowing drivers to adjust climate settings, find destinations, and control audio with voice commands starting with "Hey Toyota."

The 9-speaker JBL Premium Audio system includes an amplifier and subwoofer, delivering clear sound quality for commutes or road trips. The 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster provides customizable displays for trip information, navigation, and vehicle settings.

Additional interior features include:

  • Dual-zone automatic climate control
  • Heated steering wheel
  • Driver seat memory system
  • Memory mirrors
  • Wireless charging pad
  • Five USB charging ports (three front, two rear)

Safety and Driver Assistance

Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 comes standard on the XSE AWD, providing active safety features designed to support awareness and collision prevention. The system includes Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection, which can detect vehicles, pedestrians, bicyclists, and motorcyclists ahead and provide automatic emergency braking if needed.

Lane Tracing Assist helps keep the Camry centered in its lane on highways, while Dynamic Radar Cruise Control maintains a preset distance from the vehicle ahead. Road Sign Assist recognizes speed limit and road signs, displaying them in the gauge cluster.

The XSE AWD also includes advanced features not found on lower trims. Panoramic View Monitor uses multiple cameras to provide a bird's-eye view when parking or maneuvering in tight spaces. Traffic Jam Assist can control steering, acceleration, and braking in stop-and-go traffic when paired with an active Drive Connect subscription. Lane Change Assist and Front Cross Traffic Alert add extra layers of awareness.

Exterior Styling

The XSE AWD features sport-oriented exterior details that distinguish it from other Camry trims. Exclusive 19-inch alloy wheels fill the wheel wells and contribute to the model's road presence. A panoramic moonroof spans most of the roof, bringing natural light into the cabin.

Black exterior accents are specific to the XSE grade, including blacked-out side rockers, badging, door handles, grille, and rear spoiler. These elements create a cohesive appearance that aligns with the trim's performance focus.

Rain-sensing wipers activate automatically when moisture is detected on the windshield, adjusting speed based on precipitation intensity. LED headlamps provide bright illumination for New Brunswick's darker winter months.

Which Camry Trim is Right for You?

The 2026 Camry lineup offers six configurations, each addressing different priorities. Here's how the XSE AWD compares:

Choose the SE FWD if: You want the most affordable Camry with 225 horsepower and strong fuel economy at 5.0 L/100 km combined.

Choose the SE Upgrade AWD if: You need all-wheel drive but can work with an 8-inch touchscreen and six-speaker audio system.

Choose the XLE AWD if: Comfort is your priority. It shares the XSE's 12.3-inch touchscreen, JBL audio, and leather seats but skips the sport styling for a more refined appearance.

Choose the XSE AWD if: You want the full sport-luxury experience with all-wheel drive, advanced safety features, and performance-oriented styling.

Choose the Nightshade Edition if: Blacked-out styling appeals to you. It includes AWD and sits between the SE Upgrade and XSE in features.

The XSE AWD sits at the top of the Camry range for drivers who want both capability and refinement. It includes every available technology feature while maintaining the sedan's efficiency advantage over larger vehicles.

Experience the 2026 Camry XSE AWD at Saint John Toyota

The 2026 Camry XSE AWD delivers the traction and confidence New Brunswick winters demand without requiring a move to an SUV. Its hybrid powertrain, premium interior, and advanced safety systems make it a strong choice for drivers evaluating sedans with all-weather capability.

Book your test drive today at Saint John Toyota to experience how the XSE AWD handles real-world conditions. Our team can walk you through the trim differences and help you find the right Camry for your needs.

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