Toyota Avalon vs. BMW 3 Series

iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the Toyota Avalon and BMW 3 Series contrasts the two cars across a broad spectrum of vehicle specifications to determine which car is better. In addition to comparing pricing and specs, iSeeCars uses all the ratings, rankings, and insights from its comprehensive analyses of each vehicle model, including calculations of reliability, safety, depreciation, value retention, and the vehicle's projected lifetime recalls (based on analyzing over 25 billion data points). This in-depth evaluation is used to identify which vehicle represents a better overall choice for shoppers who are considering both the Toyota Avalon and the BMW 3 Series.

In comparing the Toyota Avalon's and the BMW 3 Series's specifications and ratings, the Toyota Avalon has the advantage in the areas of typical lower range of pricing for one- to five-year-old used cars, reliability, resale value, interior volume, overall quality score and base engine power. The BMW 3 Series has the advantage in the area of fuel efficiency. Based on this comparison of the Toyota Avalon's and the BMW 3 Series's specifications and ratings, the Toyota Avalon is a better car than the BMW 3 Series.

Pricing: A used 2022 Toyota Avalon ranges from $23,973 to $39,286 while a used 2022 BMW 3 Series is priced between $25,999 to $47,717.

Resale/Retained Value: Looking at the 5-year depreciation rate for both models, the Toyota Avalon loses 43.1 percent of its value and the BMW 3 Series loses 51.4 percent of its value. This means the Toyota Avalon retains 8.3 percentage points more of its value and has the advantage of higher resale value versus the BMW 3 Series.

Quality Rating: The iSeeCars Overall Quality rating for the Toyota Avalon is 8.3 out of 10 while the BMW 3 Series' quality rating is 7.7 out of 10. This results in the Toyota Avalon being ranked 1 out of 7 Best Large Cars and the BMW 3 Series being ranked 15 out of 36 Best Luxury Small Cars.

Reliability Rating: iSeeCars’ Reliability Rating for the Toyota Avalon is 8.7 out of 10. For the BMW 3 Series the reliability rating is 7.3 out of 10. This gives the Toyota Avalon an advantage in reliability compared to the BMW 3 Series.

Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison: For engine performance, the Toyota Avalon’s base engine makes 301 horsepower, and the BMW 3 Series base engine makes 255 horsepower. The Avalon is rated to deliver an average of 26 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 464 miles. The 3 Series is rated to deliver an average of 30 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 562 miles. This gives the BMW 3 Series the fuel efficiency and maximum range advantage over the Toyota Avalon. The Avalon uses regular unleaded, and the 3 Series uses premium unleaded.

Passenger Space Comparison: The Toyota Avalon, a large car, has the advantage of offering more interior volume, reflected in more front shoulder room, front leg room, rear head room, rear shoulder room, rear leg room, and cargo space. The BMW 3 Series, a compact car, has the advantage in the area of front head room.

Safety Ratings: When comparing crash test ratings from NHTSA, both the Toyota Avalon and the BMW 3 Series have the same average safety rating of 5 out of 5 Stars.