Toyota Avalon Model Review
The Toyota Avalon is a full-size sedan with room for five passengers. It’s the flagship of the Toyota sedan lineup offering a roomy and comfortable interior and a wide range of standard features. The current Avalon was redesigned for the 2019 model year, with recent models costing between $20,328 and $36,996.
Toyota Avalon Pros
- Smooth ride
- Attractive, roomy and comfortable interior
- Impressive fuel economy for most trims
Toyota Avalon
Cons
- High price point
- Trunk is on the small side
- Generic styling on older model years
Does the Toyota Avalon Come in AWD?
The Toyota Avalon was originally a front-wheel drive only sedan. It’s now available with all-wheel drive, but this was only added for the 2021 model year.
Are Toyota Avalons Expensive to Fix?
No, the Toyota Avalon isn’t an expensive car to fix compared to other vehicles in its class. In addition, it has excellent reliability ratings, which reduces the chances you’ll face unexpected repairs beyond routine maintenance.
Does the Toyota Avalon use Regular Gas?
Toyota recommends using 87 octane unleaded gas in the Avalon. There’s no need to use premium gas.
Is the Toyota Avalon a Good Used Car?
Yes. Toyota has an excellent reputation for reliability and the Avalon is no exception. However, since the Avalon has a higher starting price new, and holds its value relatively well, you can expect to pay more than you will for comparable used cars despite the savings over buying new.
Current Toyota Avalon – 2019-Present:
The full redesign of the 2019 Toyota Avalon included updates to its gas and hybrid powertrains that increased horsepower, a new folding rear bench seat for better cargo flexibility, and a larger infotainment touchscreen with added features.
The gas powertrain is a 3.5-liter V6 with 301 horsepower paired to an eight-speed automatic transmission. It achieves 22 mpg city and 31 mpg in all trims except for the XLE, which achieves 22 mpg city and 32 mpg highway. A 2.5-liter four-cylinder with 205 horsepower paired to an eight-speed automatic arrived for the 2021 model year. It is only available on the XLE and Limited with all-wheel drive, also new for 2021, and achieves 25 mpg city and 34 mpg highway. The hybrid powertrain is a 2.5-liter four-cylinder with an electric motor for a combined 215 horsepower paired to a continuously variable automatic transmission. It achieves 43 mpg in city or highway driving.
The base Avalon XLE includes 17-inch silver-painted alloy wheels, dual chrome exhaust, heated side mirrors with blind spot warning indicators, 8-way power driver’s and passenger seat, synthetic leather and suede seat trim, 60/40 split-folding rear seats, tilt and telescopic leather-trimmed steering wheel with paddle shifters and audio controls, four USB charging ports, power windows, front and rear cupholders, eco/normal/sport drive modes, 9-inch infotainment touchscreen, 8-speaker audio, AM/FM/SiriusXM, Apple CarPlay, Wi-Fi connectivity, Toyota Safety Sense P with pre-collision and pedestrian detection, lane departure alert with steering assist, automatic high beams, and full-speed dynamic radar cruise control, and blind-spot with rear cross-traffic alert. The Limited adds 18-inch super chrome alloy wheels, LED taillights with dynamic turn signal, power outside mirrors, wood interior trims, 10-inch color head-up display, ambient lighting, leather-trimmed heated and ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, frameless and auto-dimming rearview mirror, heated steering wheel, Qi wireless charging, and 14-speaker JBL audio system. The XSE adds 19-inch black-painted machined-finish alloy wheels, black exterior accents, dual exhaust with quad chrome tips, intake sound generator, aluminum interior trims, synthetic leather and suede seats, 8-way power driver’s and front passenger seat, premium leather-trimmed steering wheel, aluminum pedal covers, and 8-speaker audio. The Touring sits at the top of the lineup with eco/normal/custom/sport/sport+ drive modes, sport-tuned exhaust, heated and ventilated front seats, and 14-speaker JBL audio. The Avalon Hybrid adds a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with an electric motor for a combined 215 horsepower paired to a continuously variable automatic transmission. It achieves 43 mpg across the board and is offered in XLE, XSE, and Limited trims. Shop for the 2019-current Toyota Avalon
2019-Current Toyota Avalon Trim Levels:
Avalon XLE (Base):
17-inch silver-painted alloy wheels, dual chrome exhaust, heated side mirrors with blind spot warning indicators, 8-way power driver’s and passenger seat, synthetic leather and suede seat trims, 60/40 split-folding rear seats, tilt and telescopic leather-trimmed steering wheel with paddle shifters and audio controls, four USB charging ports, power windows, front and rear cupholders, eco/normal/sport drive modes, 9-inch infotainment touchscreen, 8-speaker audio, AM/FM/SiriusXM, Apple CarPlay, Wi-Fi connectivity, Toyota Safety Sense P with pre-collision with pedestrian detection, lane departure alert with steering assist, automatic high beams, and full-speed dynamic radar cruise control, blind-spot with rear cross-traffic alert, 3.5-liter V6, eight-speed automatic transmission, 301 hp, 22/31 mpg city/highway, optional for 2021 is all-wheel drive with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder, 205 hp, eight-speed automatic, 25/34 mpg city/highway.
Avalon Limited: adds 18-inch super chrome alloy wheels, LED taillights with dynamic turn signal, power outside mirrors, wood interior trim, 10-inch color head-up display, ambient lighting, leather-trimmed heated and ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, frameless and auto-dimming rearview mirror, heated steering wheel, Qi wireless charging, 14-speaker JBL audio system, optional for 2021 is all-wheel drive with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder, 205 hp, eight-speed automatic, 25/34 mpg city/highway.
Avalon XSE: adds 19-inch black-painted machined-finish alloy wheels, black exterior accents, dual exhaust with quad chrome tips, intake sound generator, aluminum interior trims, synthetic leather and suede seats, 8-way power driver’s and front passenger seat, premium leather-trimmed steering wheel, aluminum pedal covers, 8-speaker audio.
Avalon Touring: adds eco/normal/custom/sport/sport+ drive modes, sport-tuned exhaust, heated and ventilated front seats, and 14-speaker JBL audio
Avalon Hybrid: available in XLE, XSE, and Limited trims
Running Changes to the 2019-current Toyota Avalon
2019:
Completely redesigned with a more powerful V6 engine, more advanced hybrid drivetrain, a fold-flat rear seat and upgraded touchscreen display
2020: New TRD trim adds performance suspension, unique wheels, larger brakes, TRD-tuned exhaust
2021: Android Auto and one additional USB port standard, all-wheel drive available with a four-cylinder engine, new XSE Nightshade Edition trim with black exterior accents
Toyota Avalon – 2013-2018:
A complete redesign of the 2013 Toyota Avalon included upgraded interior materials, a more engaging exterior design, and the addition of its first hybrid powertrain.
The gas powertrain was a 3.5-liter V6 with 268 horsepower that carried over from the previous model year. This was paired to a six-speed automatic transmission and achieved 21 mpg city and 30 mpg highway. The new hybrid powertrain was a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with an electric motor for a combined 156 horsepower paired to a continuously variable automatic transmission. It achieved 40 mpg city and 39 mpg highway.
The Avalon XLE base trim was available only with the gasoline powertrain. It included 17-inch machined aluminum wheels, variable intermittent wipers, front and rear map lights, driver and passenger illuminated vanity mirrors, seatback storage pockets, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, leather and simulated wood gear shifter, leather seats, 8-way power driver’s seat, 4-way power front passenger seat, heated front seats, heated side mirrors, dual-zone automatic climate control, front and rear cupholders, full floor storage console with mini overhead storage console, cruise control, power windows, AM/FM stereo, in-dash CD player, 8-speaker audio, Bluetooth, and a 6.1-inch infotainment screen with capacitive controls. The XLE Premium added parking assist, sunroof, and a 9-speaker audio system. The XLE Touring added 18-inch machined aluminum wheels, SiriusXM, front fog lights, navigation, blind-spot monitor, and voice recognition. The top Limited trim added rear air conditioning with separate controls, rain-sensing wipers, optional adaptive cruise control, an 11-speaker JBL GreenEdge audio system, 10-way power driver’s seat, and 8-way power front passenger seat. The Avalon Hybrid added a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with an electric motor for a combined 156 horsepower paired to a continuously variable automatic transmission. It achieved 40 mpg city and 39 mpg highway. It was offered in XLE Premium, XLE Touring, and Limited trims. Shop for the 2013-2018 Toyota Avalon
2013-2018 Toyota Avalon Trim Levels:
Avalon XLE (Base):
17-inch machined aluminum wheels, variable intermittent wipers, front and rear map lights, driver and passenger illuminated vanity mirrors, seatback storage pockets, leather-wrapped steering wheel, leather and simulated wood gear shifter, leather seats, 8-way power driver’s seat, 4-way power front passenger seat, heated front seats, heated side mirrors, dual-zone automatic climate control, front and rear cupholders, full floor storage console with a mini overhead storage console, cruise control, power windows, AM/FM stereo, in-dash CD player, 8-speaker audio, Bluetooth, 6.1-inch infotainment screen with capacitive controls, 3.5-liter V6, 268 hp, six-speed automatic transmission, 21/30 mpg city/highway
Avalon XLE Premium: adds parking assist, sunroof, 9-speaker audio
Avalon XLE Touring: adds 18-inch machined aluminum wheels, SiriusXM, front fog lights, navigation, blind-spot monitor, voice recognition
Avalon Limited: adds rear air conditioning with separate controls, rain-sensing wipers, optional adaptive cruise control, 11-speaker JBL GreenEdge audio system, 10-way power driver’s seat, an 8-way power front passenger seat, 7-inch infotainment display screen
Avalon Hybrid: available in XLE Premium, XLE Touring, and Limited trims
Running Changes to the 2013-2018 Toyota Avalon
2013:
Fully redesigned with a sleeker exterior design, improved interior materials, and its first available hybrid powertrain
2014: Standard rearview camera
2015: Standard paddle shifters, standard eco/normal/sport driving modes, new Touring Sport Edition adds unique 18-inch wheels, high-intensity-discharge headlights and LED daytime running lights, aluminum scuff plates, special badges, black and dark blue interior available
2016: Refreshed interior and exterior, 7-inch infotainment screen now standard, XLE Premium adds Entune Premium Audio with navigation, Qi wireless charging
2017: Standard Toyota Safety Sense P with lane departure warning and prevention, automatic high beams, adaptive cruise control, and forward-collision warning with pedestrian detection
2018: No major changes
Toyota Avalon 2005-2012:
The 2005 Toyota Avalon was fully redesigned as a larger, roomier, and more powerful full-size sedan. It offered improved handling and comfortable seating for up to five and was front-wheel drive only. This also marked the end of the front bench seat, which was replaced with two bucket seats.
The Avalon was available with a 3.5-liter V6 engine with 280 horsepower paired to a five-speed automatic transmission. It delivered 19 mpg city and 28 mpg highway.
The base Toyota Avalon XL had 16-inch silver aluminum wheels, front and rear map lights, illuminated vanity mirrors for the driver and passenger, seatback storage pockets, dual-zone automatic climate control, front and rear cupholders, full floor console, power side mirrors, sunroof, intermittent windshield wipers, cruise control, power windows, remote keyless entry, AM/FM, in-dash CD player, and 9-speaker audio. The driver’s seat was 8-way power-adjustable and front seats were heated front seats with cloth seat trims. The Touring added 17-inch silver aluminum wheels, front fog lights, leather seat trims, a leather-covered steering wheel and shifter, and a 4-way power passenger seat. The XLS added 17-inch painted aluminum wheels, ABS and traction control, an in-dash 6-disc CD changer, cargo net, compass, programmable garage door opener, and voice-activated navigation. The Limited sat at the top of the lineup with a leather-and-simulated wood steering wheel and shifter, optional adaptive cruise control, keyless access, and a 10-way power driver’s seat. Shop for the 2005-2012 Toyota Avalon
2005-2012 Toyota Avalon Trim Levels:
Avalon XL (Base):
16-inch silver aluminum wheels, front and rear map lights, illuminated vanity mirrors for the driver and passenger, seatback storage pockets, dual-zone automatic climate control, front and rear cupholders, full floor console, power side mirrors, sunroof, intermittent windshield wipers, cruise control, power windows, remote keyless entry, AM/FM, in-dash CD player, 9-speaker audio, 8-way power driver’s seat, heated front seats, cloth seats, 3.5-liter V6, 280 hp, five-speed automatic transmission, 19/28 mpg city/highway
Avalon Touring: adds 17-inch silver aluminum wheels, front fog lights, leather seating, leather-covered steering wheel and shifter, 4-way power passenger seat
Avalon XLS: adds 17-inch painted aluminum wheels, ABS and traction control, an in-dash 6-disc CD changer, cargo net, compass, programmable garage door opener, and voice-activated navigation
Avalon Limited: leather and simulated wood steering wheel and shifter, optional adaptive cruise control, keyless access, 10-way driver’s seat
Running Changes to the 2005-2012 Toyota Avalon
2005:
Full redesign with four trims, increased size, roomier interior, more powerful engines
2006: Touring added optional heated front seats, Touring and XL added optional vehicle stability control, revised powertrain with 268 hp
2007: Standard tire pressure monitoring
2008: Styling updates, new six-speed automatic transmission
2009: Touring trim discontinued, Standard electronic stability control
2010: No major changes
2011: Revised styling, updated dashboard, standard Bluetooth connectivity, XLS trim discontinued, XL renamed Base
2012: No major changes
Toyota Avalon versus the Competition
Toyota Avalon versus Camry
These two sedans have a lot in common, but the Camry is slightly smaller, so it has less cargo room. It’s also less expensive and its interiors aren’t as plush or roomy as those offered by the Avalon. However, the Camry sells at a higher volume than the Avalon, so there are more used models from which to choose.
Toyota Avalon versus Lexus ES
The Lexus ES is a slightly smaller luxury car, but the Avalon is so well-equipped there’s not a dramatic difference in features and appearance. They both offer hybrids and they’re both part of Toyota with similar strong reputations for reliability and resale value retention. The biggest difference here is price, with the Lexus coming in with a higher price point for the privilege of driving a luxury car.
Toyota Avalon versus Honda Accord
The Toyota Avalon and Honda Accord are both roomy and comfortable sedans with a few differences that might make you choose one over the other. While both offer a range of trims and powertrains, including hybrids, the Accord offers better fuel economy. Until 2021, it also offered the option for a six-speed manual transmission, something never offered on the Avalon.
Toyota Avalon versus Nissan Maxima
These two full-size sedans sit at the top of their respective lineups, with powerful engines, spacious interiors and a wide range of standard features. Both have capable and refined drivetrain options, and a wide range of trims and features, but the Avalon has both hybrid and all-wheel-drive powertrains, two things not found on any Maxima.
