2017 Toyota Camry: Transmission and Axle Gear Ratios

As a cornerstone of the midsize sedan market, the 2017 Toyota Camry is renowned for its reliability and balanced performance. A key component of its smooth and efficient operation is the powertrain, specifically the transmission and final drive gearing. Understanding these ratios is crucial for diagnostics, repairs, and appreciating the engineering behind the Camry's driving characteristics.

This guide covers the transmission and final drive (axle) ratios for the 2017 Toyota Camry, helping you identify what's in your vehicle and how it affects performance.

Transmission Gear Ratios

The 2017 Camry was equipped with two primary conventional automatic transmissions, mated to its gasoline engines. The Camry Hybrid uses a distinct electronically controlled continuously variable transmission (eCVT).

Aisin U760E 6-Speed Automatic (2.5L I4 Engine)

This transmission was standard on all 4-cylinder models (LE, SE, XLE, XSE) and is geared for a balance of city acceleration and highway fuel efficiency.

Aisin U660E 6-Speed Automatic (3.5L V6 Engine)

Found exclusively in the XLE V6 and XSE V6 trims, this transmission is built to handle the higher torque of the V6 engine, with ratios optimized for stronger acceleration.

Note on the Camry Hybrid: The Hybrid model features an eCVT that does not have fixed "gears." It uses a planetary gearset and two electric motor-generators to create a continuous, seamless range of ratios, constantly optimizing for either electric-only driving, engine-assisted power, or maximum fuel economy.

Available Axle Ratios

In a front-wheel-drive vehicle like the Camry, the "axle ratio" is referred to as the final drive ratio, which is integrated into the transaxle assembly. Unlike rear-wheel-drive trucks with multiple optional axle ratios, the 2017 Camry's final drive ratio is tied directly to the transmission model.

How to Identify Your Axle Ratio

Identifying your Camry's specific driveline components is straightforward. Toyota places a manufacturer's sticker on the driver-side door jamb that contains all the essential information.

1. Locate the Sticker: Open the driver's door and look for a black-and-white sticker on the B-pillar (the pillar between the front and rear doors).
2. Find the "A/TM" Code: On the sticker, you will see a code labeled "A/TM," which stands for Axle / Transmission.
3. Decode the Code: The code is split into two parts. For example: P314 / U760E.
   • The first part (P314 in this example) is the axle or differential code.
   • The second part (U760E) is the transmission code.

For the 2017 Camry, simply identifying the transmission model is the easiest way to know your final drive ratio. If your sticker shows U760E, you have the 3.815:1 final drive. If it shows U660E, you have the 3.634:1 final drive.

Performance vs. MPG Impact

While the Camry isn't designed for towing, its gearing has a significant impact on acceleration and fuel economy.

• Numerically Higher Ratio (Fuel Economy Focus): The 2.5L engine is paired with a numerically higher 3.815:1 final drive ratio. While this may seem counterintuitive (higher number = lower MPG in trucks), the overall gearing of the U760E transmission is optimized for efficiency. The higher numerical final drive allows the engine to get into its powerband quickly around town without feeling sluggish, while the tall overdrive gears (5th and 6th) ensure low RPMs during highway cruising, maximizing MPG.

• Numerically Lower Ratio (Performance Focus): The 3.5L V6 is paired with a numerically lower 3.634:1 final drive. Combined with the V6's significant power advantage, this gearing provides strong, smooth acceleration. The engine doesn't need as much gear multiplication to feel powerful, and this ratio provides a great balance between brisk performance and reasonable highway fuel economy.

Common Issues

The driveline in the 2017 Camry is widely considered durable and reliable. However, a few issues have been noted by owners, particularly with the U760E transmission in 4-cylinder models.

• Torque Converter Shudder: The most commonly reported issue on the U760E is a noticeable shudder or vibration under light acceleration, typically between 30-50 mph. This can feel like driving over rumble strips. The cause is often related to the torque converter lock-up clutch. In many cases, a complete transmission fluid flush with the correct Toyota genuine fluid can resolve the issue. If the problem persists, a software update for the transmission control module (TCM) or, in more advanced cases, a torque converter replacement may be necessary.
• General Reliability: The U660E transmission paired with the V6 is considered very robust with no major widespread issues. As with any automatic transmission, ensuring the fluid is serviced at recommended intervals is the key to a long service life.

If you are experiencing driveline vibrations, unusual noises, or shifting problems, it is best to have your vehicle diagnosed by a qualified technician.

Find a driveline shop on Repairius.