This Full-Size Sedan with a Hybrid engine is a Toyota flagship sedan, appealing to its long-established customer base with middle or high-end consumers.
For those who want comfort, we think the best choice is standard XLE or Limited with V-6 power, a smooth ride, with a spacious cabin.
If you’re looking for a little more spice with your commute, the sporty XSE trim or the zestier TRD model could fill that niche. Are you a hypermiling fuel-scrooge?
There’s a hybrid powertrain available, too, which delivered an impressive 43 mpg in our real-world testing. No matter which one you choose, the Avalon is well-equipped and is surprisingly modern, offering plentiful standard driver-assistance technology.
The Avalon has few rivals—the large sedan segment is collapsing as more new-car buyers opt for SUVs—but it’s one of the best of its breed.
Engine, Transmission, and Performance
The Toyota Avalon gives buyers a choice of two powertrains: one that sips gas exclusively and another that uses a fuel-efficient hybrid setup. A 3.5-liter V-6 that delivers 301 horsepower and 267 lb-ft of torque are standard.
An eight-speed automatic transmission sends power to the front wheels; XLE and Limited models offer optional all-wheel drive, but those models come with a 202-hp 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine.
The V-6 hustles the Avalon from 60 mph in 6.0 seconds, according to our testing. Going with the 2.5-liter four and all-wheel drive drops the zero-to-60-mph time to a sluggish 7.7 seconds and the four-cylinder’s coarse nature doesn’t match the car’s otherwise luxurious nature. Trim levels with hybrid in their nomenclature come with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder and two electric motors.
This setup provides a net output of 215 horsepower, and it’s paired with a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) that powers the front wheels. Many shoppers who seek out large cars like the Avalon prioritize comfort, and Toyota’s big sedan doesn’t disappoint in this area. In our tests, it delivered well-mannered handling that did an admirable job of keeping bumps and jolts out of the cabin.
Interior, Comfort, and Cargo
When it comes to the overall look of the cabin, the current Avalon represents a big step up relative to models from previous generations. A broad waterfall-style center stack separates the driver and front passenger, and it shows off handsome switchgear and an easy-to-reach touchscreen.
The plastics used throughout the cabin are nicely grained, and the back seat provides lots of room for tall passengers to stretch their legs. In addition, there’s a cavernous trunk with 16 cubic feet of cargo space. Standard folding rear seats with a 60/40 split allow you to easily expand this capacity when toting large items. In our testing of the non-hybrid version, we fit seven carry-on suitcases in the trunk and 18 with the back seats folded.
Pricing
Wen, we speak about prices, it starts from something around $37k for XLE model, till starting price from $45k for Hybrid Limited in standard features, but it can be upgraded according to your wishes.
The XLE comes with exterior features such as heated power-adjustable side mirrors and LED headlights. Dual-zone automatic climate control is standard, along with heated front seats, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, and a tilt-and-telescoping steering column.
All Avalon sedans come with tech features such as Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and SiriusXM satellite radio, as well as driver-assistance amenities, such as blind-spot monitoring and adaptive cruise control.
