In this article, we will answer the following question: How much can a 2002 Toyota Camry tow? We will then proceed to review the 2002 Toyota Camry’s towing capacity and performance on the road.

How much can a 2002 Toyota Camry tow?

A 2002 Toyota Camry can tow up to 3500 lbs, which means it will perform great in pulling a small pop-up camper, travel trailer, boat, or even a snowboard. Please see the table below for more specific information.

2002 Toyota Camry Sedan Towing Capacity

2002 Toyota Camry	Specs	Towing Capacity
Advantage	2.2L, ULP, 4 SP AUTO	2425 lbs
Advantage	3.0L, ULP, 4 SP AUTO	2645 lbs
Advantage	2.2L, ULP, 5 SP MAN	2425 lbs
Advantage	3.0L, ULP, 5 SP MAN	2645 lbs
Altise	2.4L, ULP, 4 SP AUTO	2645 lbs
Altise	3.0L, ULP, 4 SP AUTO	3527 lbs
Altise	3.0L, ULP, 5 SP MAN	3527 lbs
Altise	2.4L, ULP, 5 SP MAN	2645 lbs
Ateva	3.0L, ULP, 4 SP AUTO	2645 lbs
Ateva	2.4L, ULP, 4 SP AUTO	2645 lbs
Azura	3.0L, ULP, 4 SP AUTO	2645 lbs
Conquest	2.2L, ULP, 4 SP AUTO	2425 lbs
Conquest	3.0L, ULP, 4 SP AUTO	2645 lbs
CS-X	2.2L, ULP, 4 SP AUTO	2425 lbs
CSi	2.2L, ULP, 4 SP AUTO	2425 lbs
CSi	3.0L, ULP, 4 SP AUTO	2645 lbs
CSi	2.2L, ULP, 5 SP MAN	2425 lbs
Sportivo	2.4L, ULP, 4 SP AUTO	2645 lbs
Sportivo	3.0L, ULP, 4 SP AUTO	3527 lbs
Sportivo	2.4L, ULP, 5 SP MAN	2645 lbs
Sportivo	3.0L, ULP, 5 SP MAN	3527 lbs
Touring	3.0L, ULP, 4 SP AUTO	2645 lbs
Touring	3.0L, ULP, 5 SP MAN	2645 lbs

2002 Toyota Camry Wagon Towing Capacity

Toyota Camry	Specs	Towing capacity
Conquest	2.2L, ULP, 4 SP AUTO	2425 lbs
Conquest	3.0L, ULP, 4 SP AUTO	2645 lbs
CS-X	2.2L, ULP, 4 SP AUTO	2425 lbs
CSi	3.0L, ULP, 4 SP AUTO	2425 lbs
CSi	2.2L, ULP, 4 SP AUTO	2425 lbs
Touring	3.0L, ULP, 4 SP AUTO	2645 lbs

What is towing like with a 2002 Toyota Camry?

Towing and handling with the 2002 Toyota Camry is surprising: the Camry retains its familiar smoothness, but the car holds the road better, the limited suspension travel not too disturbing the comfort of rear passengers on highways.

The handling of the SE deserves a mention because it makes driving safer without sacrificing an ounce of comfort. Stuck in a steep curve, the new Camry SE shows understeer, but does nothing abruptly. Michelin Energy tires prove that, with the proper shod, a car behaves more safely.

With the V6, acceleration is modest, but the times remain honest, less than eight seconds to go from 50 to 75 mph. By removing the overdrive before passing on a side road, you gain a good half a second on those times. Pleasant surprise: the performance of the 2.4-liter is almost identical to that of the V6.

Even when towing, Camry is safer in the overtaking situations and when entering the main roads, which we blamed on the old model. In terms of braking, the four-cylinder LE version retains the disc / drum combination unfortunately without ABS, while the V6-equipped versions get four-wheel disc brakes with antilock and a brake distribution system.

How the suspensions help with towing a camper

The front suspension of the 2002 Toyota Camry is MacPherson struts, which reduce noise and vibration with springs, shock absorbers and a stabilizer bar with separate upper attachment points in the wheel arches, reducing the transmission of noise to the body.

The connecting rods at the ends of the stabilizer bar are attached to the strut housing, rather than the lower suspension arms, providing better roll control without excessive ride hardness. At the rear, the suspension is the same type as the front, with the addition of double lower arms which contribute to stability and reduce variations in camber.

On the SE model, which favours firmness and precision, the suspension has a firmer damping rate and at the front, a push bar reinforces the upper attachment points of the shock absorbers, to stabilize the geometry.

2002 Camry: Powerful and well-controlled braking when towing

An Antilock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) is standard on the Camry XLE and all V6 models, and the LE model is optional. These systems work together to prevent wheel lockup and maintain steering stability when braking on slippery roads.

To further increase stopping power and steering control, the XLE V6 and SE V6 models can be optionally fitted with a Skid Control System (VSC) with Brake Assist. The VSC system uses the sensors of the ABS system and acts on the throttle valve to preserve stability in adverse road conditions.

Traction control helps reduce wheel spin, while Brake Assist senses emergency braking situations to apply additional brake pressure and optimize the efficiency of the ABS system. The Camry LE gets front rotors and rear drums, while 4-wheel rotors are found on all other models.

The 2002 Toyota Camry in a few words

The 2002 Camry redefines the standard of excellence for quality, comfort and reliability in the mid-size sedan segment. Very roomy, very soft and better equipped, it offers comfort and superior handling. The typical buyer will have an average age of 48, 65% male and 35% female. 95% will be married. 55% will have a college education and above.

Toyota Camry Technical sheet

Engine: 4 cyl. 2.4 L
Other engines: 3.0 L V6
Horsepower: 157 hp @ 5,600 rpm and 162 lb-ft @ 4,000 rpm
Other engine: 192 hp at 5,300 rpm and 206 lb-ft at 5,400 rpm
Standard transmission: 5-speed manual
Optional transmission: 4-speed automatic
Front brakes: discs
Rear brakes: drums; discs (V6)
Active safety as standard: ABS (V6)
Front suspension: independent
Rear suspension: independent
Wheelbase: 272 cm
Length: 480.5 cm
Width: 179.5 cm
Height: 149 cm
Weight: 1435 kg
0-100 km / h: 9.7 s; 8.7 s (V6)
Maximum speed: 178km / h
Turning circle: 10.6 m
Towing capacity: 907 kg
Boot capacity: 141 L
Fuel tank capacity: 70 L
Average fuel consumption: 9 L / 100 km; 10.3 L / 100 km (V6)
Original tires: 205 / 65R15
Optional tires: 215 / 60R16

Toyota Camry Strengths

Soundproofing and interior space
Performance and economy

Toyota Camry Weaknesses

No ABS as standard
Sunroof as standard only in the 2002 SE and XLE

FAQ on How much can a 2002 Toyota Camry tow?

Can a Camry tow a pop up camper?

Yes, a Toyota Camry could easily tow a pop-up camper, as they weigh only about 300 kilograms (650 lbs). Still, keep in mind that towing can be dangerous if you don’t take it seriously.

What happens when you exceed your vehicle’s towing capacity?

When you exceed your vehicle’s towing capacity you bring a series of consequences for your card, such as engine overheating; tire failure, overloading the drivetrain, CO2 emissions increase among others.

What percentage of max towing capacity is safe?

A percentage of 80% or 75% of max towing capacity would be safe and recommendable.

How do you know if you tow too much weight?

You know you are towing too much weight when the rear of the truck will appear hunkered down and the front end will feel light.

References

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How much can a 2002 Toyota Camry tow?