Is The Chevrolet Camaro AWD, FWD, or 4WD?

Sandy B
Feb 14, 2021

Blue 2021 Chevrolet Camaro From Front-Driver Side

Knowing where there power’s coming from is KEY to shopping for a sports car, otherwise may end up with a nice-looking commuter.

The Chevrolet Camaro truly is an iconic vehicle dating back to 1964 when it was still an idea. It was developed to compete against the Ford Mustang and Chevrolet Chevy II Nova. It would morph many times over five generations to become what you may recognize today.

Does the Chevrolet Camaro have all-wheel drive, front-wheel drive or 4wd? 

Most vehicles offer options, but not the Camaro. Since the start, it’s always been only a rear wheel drive vehicle. While there is some speculation as to what comes next for the iconic brand, as of October 2020, manual transmissions are the only option.   

It’s a bit confusing to know what to expect here. It’s all about learning what’s under the hood of the vehicle you own. You can check out your model and trim of the Chevrolet Camaro on Vehicle History for more specific insights. We’ll break done some key details here.

Was There Ever Gonna Be an AWD or 4WD Camaro?

There were reports in 2016 that Chevrolet was going to launch an all-wheel drive Camaro. That’s sure to be something today’s consumer wants because it would mean a bit easier function in rough road conditions. However, that’s simply not happening as of October of 2020.

During an auto show in 2016, the vehicle’s chief engineer, AL Oppenhiser, stated that no all-wheel drive vehicles would be developed. He also noted the company was not pursuing any type of diesel version or a hybrid.

The company had no plans for these changes, at least at that time, but there are potential opportunities to do this. It’s clear to see that the company is working on new changes and upgrades.

As with the transmissions and engines themselves, these vehicles could see upgrades to the drivetrain. That’s especially true when other cars, including the Dodge Challenger, have mastered the process.

What Does This Mean for Your Vehicle?

The Chevrolet Camaro simply does not offer that option. Now, take a look at what you will find on the 2020 Chevrolet Camaro:

  • 2.0L (122 ci) turbo 4-cylinder engine as the standard option
  • 3.6L (220 ci) V6 engine as the upgraded option
  • 6.2L (376 ci) supercharged V8 D1 engine
  • 6.2L V8 DI engine
  • 4-wheel antilock disc brakes
  • 6-speed transmission
  • 6.2L performance air intake

The list goes on. This model offers a lot of fantastic features that make it hard for you to be upset about the lack of all-wheel drive.

What are the Benefits of Rear Wheel Drive?

There are good and bad points about any feature in any vehicle. When it comes to drivetrain options (including rear wheel drive, front-wheel drive, and four-wheel or all-wheel drivetrains), the key is to look at the whole picture.

Two-wheel drivetrains, which come in either front wheel or rear wheel drive, are a lower cost option.

They also tend to be better on fuel economy. As a sports car, the fact that the 2020 Chevrolet Camaro has an EPA-estimated 20 city and 30 highway, or a combined 23 miles per gallon, in fuel economy, can be a very good thing. It most certainly does not limit the speed that these engines can take off at either.

A rear wheel drive vehicle like this offers other benefits:

  • It handles load transfer in acceleration better in dry conditions than other vehicles.
  • It also has better weight distribution in dry conditions.
  • The maintenance requirements on a rear wheel drive vehicle tend to be lower since there are fewer parts – that’s money saved!

There’s also no problem with torque steer, a common issue with front-wheel drive vehicles.

Keep in mind that the Chevrolet Camaro may see changes in the coming years. After all, if other sport vehicles make the move, the company may decide to do so as well. That may provide some drivers with the results they want.

Be Sure to Check the Specs on Your Vehicle

If you are thinking about buying this vehicle, you have to do some research. Take the time to compare several model years and trim options – along with various engine choices – to find the one that best fits your needs. The good news is we can help make that easy for you to do. Check out the Chevrolet Camaro’s Vehicle History.

Owner Reviews

accountCircle Tj on July 7, 2024
Judy doesn’t know squat
This is actually a great car. It actually performs well in the rain. If you’re constantly sliding and hydroplaning in rain, perhaps alter your driving technique. There’s also a little button that changes your drive mode to help with rain and snow. Judy’s complaints honestly sound like a skill issue. Also, if you knew anything about camaro history, you’d know this car has always been rwd. Your ignorance and inability to do simple research does not equate to a car being bad. In short, Judy Hamilton has no idea what she’s talking about.
accountCircle Tj on July 7, 2024
Judy doesn’t know squat
This is actually a great car. It actually performs well in the rain. If you’re constantly sliding and hydroplaning in rain, perhaps alter your driving technique. There’s also a little button that changes your drive mode to help with rain and snow. Judy’s complaints honestly sound like a skill issue. Also, if you knew anything about camaro history, you’d know this car has always been rwd. Your ignorance and inability to do simple research does not equate to a car being bad. In short, Judy Hamilton has no idea what she’s talking about.
accountCircle Tj on July 7, 2024
Judy doesn’t know squat
This is actually a great car. It actually performs well in the rain. If you’re constantly sliding and hydroplaning in rain, perhaps alter your driving technique. There’s also a little button that changes your drive mode to help with rain and snow. Judy’s complaints honestly sound like a skill issue. Also, if you knew anything about camaro history, you’d know this car has always been rwd. Your ignorance and inability to do simple research does not equate to a car being bad. In short, Judy Hamilton has no idea what she’s talking about.
accountCircle Anonymous on July 7, 2024
Judy Hamilton doesn’t know squat
This is a great car, and has been my favourite car i’ve ever owned. The car actually performs great in the rain. Sure, in snow it’s not that good. I mean, this isn’t designed for snow anyways. Also if you knew anything about Camaro history, you’d know this car has always been rear wheel drive. Your ignorance and lack of research does not equal that a car is bad. If you’re constantly hydroplaning, that just sounds like a skill issue. All in all, Camaros are great cars and Judy Hamilton has no idea what she’s talking about.
accountCircle Judy Hamilton on June 21, 2023
Rear wheel drive on the Chevrolet Camaro
The Chevrolet Camaro RWD has no traction in the rain. Yes, it’s bad in the snow but it will slide and hydroplane in just rain. I wish they would make it at least FWD. My brother was so excited to buy one until he realized he could only get it in RWD. He just left disappointed and I’m on my way to trade mine in.
accountCircle Anonymous on July 7, 2024
Judy Hamilton doesn’t know squat
This is a great car, and is my favourite car of all time. I’ve had no trouble with it in the rain. Of course it’s not really a car for the snow, there are limits. But Judy complaints are invalid, and it sounds like a skill issue on her part.
avatar Sandy B
Sandy B. has written for The New York Times, Cleveland Magazine, and many online publications. She long-ago ditched the minivan life for the off-roading Ford Explorer (and hoping to restore a Shelby Mustang!)
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