2026 Camry SE Upgrade AWD vs. XLE AWD – Which Trim is Right for Moncton Commuters?

October 03 2025,

2026 Camry SE Upgrade AWD vs. XLE AWD – Which Trim is Right for Moncton Commuters?

The 2026 Toyota Camry lineup brings two AWD trims that appeal to different priorities: the SE Upgrade AWD offers sport-inspired design and tech, while the XLE AWD focuses on luxury and premium comfort. Both deliver the efficiency and confidence of Toyota's fifth-generation hybrid system, but they take different approaches to what matters inside and on the road.

If you're weighing your options between these two trims, this guide breaks down what each one brings to your daily drive in Moncton and throughout New Brunswick. Let's compare them feature by feature to help you decide which Camry fits your commute.

SE Upgrade AWD

The SE Upgrade AWD is built for drivers who value sport styling and responsive performance without sacrificing efficiency.

This trim starts with 18-inch alloy wheels and a sport-tuned suspension that sharpens handling and gives the Camry a more connected feel on the road. Inside, you'll find SofTex and fabric sport seats, a 7-inch digital gauge cluster, and heated front seats for cold Maritime mornings.

The SE Upgrade AWD includes an 8-inch Toyota Multimedia touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. You also get a 6-speaker audio system, dual-zone automatic climate control, and a wireless charging pad for your devices.

Standard safety features include Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 with Pre-Collision System, Lane Tracing Assist, Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, and Road Sign Assist. The Blind Spot Monitoring System with Rear Cross Traffic Alert adds extra awareness when changing lanes or backing out of parking spaces.

Who It's For: Drivers who want a sportier aesthetic and engaged driving feel, with enough tech and comfort for daily commuting.

Key Features:

  • 18-inch alloy wheels
  • Sport-tuned suspension
  • 7-inch digital gauge cluster
  • SofTex and fabric sport seats
  • 6-speaker audio system
  • Heated front seats
  • 8-inch Toyota Multimedia touchscreen

XLE AWD

The XLE AWD shifts the focus to refinement and premium comfort. This trim is designed for drivers who prioritize a quieter, more luxurious cabin experience.

It starts with leather seats, an 8-way power adjustable driver's seat with lumbar support, and an 8-way power adjustable passenger seat. The front seats are both heated and ventilated, which makes a difference during New Brunswick's humid summers and cold winters. The XLE also adds a driver seat memory system for easy adjustments.

Inside, you'll find a larger 12.3-inch Toyota Multimedia touchscreen with Toyota Assistant and Drive Connect services. The 9-speaker JBL Premium Audio system delivers richer sound quality for music and podcasts. A head-up display projects key information onto the windshield, keeping your eyes on the road.

The XLE AWD includes additional safety and convenience features like a panoramic view monitor, parking support brake, driver monitor camera, traffic jam assist, lane change assist, and front cross-traffic alert. You also get an auto-dimming rearview mirror, a power moonroof, and rain-sensing wipers.

Who It's For: Drivers who want a more upscale cabin, advanced driver assistance features, and premium audio for a refined daily commute.

Key Features:

  • Leather seats with ventilation
  • 8-way power adjustable driver and passenger seats
  • 12.3-inch Toyota Multimedia touchscreen
  • 9-speaker JBL Premium Audio system
  • Head-up display
  • Panoramic view monitor
  • Traffic jam assist and lane change assist
  • Rain-sensing wipers

Comparing the Trims


Feature

SE Upgrade AWD

XLE AWD

Wheels

18-inch alloy

18-inch alloy

Suspension

Sport-tuned

Standard

Seating

SofTex/fabric sport seats

Leather seats

Driver Seat

8-way power adjustable with lumbar support

8-way power adjustable with lumbar support + memory

Passenger Seat

6-way manual

8-way power adjustable

Seat Ventilation

Not available

Heated and ventilated front seats

Digital Gauge Cluster

7-inch

12.3-inch

Touchscreen

8-inch

12.3-inch

Audio System

6-speaker

9-speaker JBL Premium

Head-Up Display

Not available

Standard

Moonroof

Power slide/tilt

Power slide/tilt

Wipers

Standard

Rain-sensing

Safety Tech

TSS 3.0, BSM, RCTA

TSS 3.0, BSM, RCTA, panoramic view monitor, traffic jam assist, lane change assist, front cross-traffic alert

Shared Performance and Efficiency

Both trims use the same hybrid powertrain: a 2.5 L 4-cylinder engine paired with Toyota's fifth-generation Hybrid System and an electronically controlled continuously variable transmission. AWD models deliver 232 net system horsepower.

Fuel economy is nearly identical: the SE Upgrade AWD achieves 5.1 L/100 km combined, while the XLE AWD achieves 5.1 L/100 km combined as well. Both trims feature electronic on-demand AWD, which sends power to the rear wheels when needed for better traction in winter or wet conditions.

Which Trim Fits Your Drive?

The decision comes down to priorities:

Choose the SE Upgrade AWD if you prefer a sportier look and feel, with a sport-tuned suspension and a design that leans into performance aesthetics. It delivers the core features most drivers need without adding luxury extras.

Choose the XLE AWD if you want a more refined cabin with leather seats, ventilated seating, premium audio, and advanced driver assistance features like traffic jam assist and lane change assist. It's the trim for drivers who spend a lot of time in the car and value comfort and convenience.

Both trims offer the reliability, efficiency, and all-weather capability that make the Camry a strong choice for New Brunswick roads. Your decision depends on what matters most during your daily commute.

Your New Camry is Waiting at Acadia Toyota

The 2026 Toyota Camry delivers hybrid efficiency, AWD confidence, and the features Moncton drivers need for year-round commuting. Visit Acadia Toyota in Moncton to test drive the SE Upgrade AWD and XLE AWD and find the trim that fits your driving style. Contact our sales team today to schedule your visit.