The Toyota Avalon comes with one of two basic powertrain configurations. Most cars find motivation by way of a smooth and powerful V6. The base engine has been redesigned from last year, but still boasts a hearty 301 horsepower which is sent to the front wheels via an 8-speed automatic transmission. The optional hybrid drivetrain sacrifices a bit of power by utilizing a 4-cylinder engine connected to an electric motor. Power drops to a still decent 215 horsepower, which is 5 horsepower more than the previous generation made. The tradeoff is, of course, fuel economy. While the V6 is extremely efficient for a car making 300+ horsepower, it's still rated at 22 mpg in the city and 32 mpg on the freeway. The hybrid version blows this out of the water with ratings of 43 mpg city and 44 mpg on the freeway for the base hybrid trim. It's quite a feat of engineering and few people just 10 years ago could've imagined a vehicle with this combination of luxury and fuel efficiency. For 2021, Toyota has made all-wheel drive available for the flagship sedan's XLE and Limited trims.
The Avalon comes in five different trim levels: XLE, XSE, Touring, TRD and Limited. All but the Touring and TRD are available with the hybrid drivetrain. Being a fairly luxurious vehicle, the base XLE still comes very nicely equipped. Standard items include a 9-inch touchscreen, a blind spot monitoring system, a rear cross-traffic alert system, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto connectivity, Toyota's Entune App Suite, LED headlights and taillights, heated power exterior mirrors, 17-inch alloy wheels, dual-zone automatic climate control, heated front seats, a 7-inch multi-information display for the driver, radar controlled dynamic cruise control and a smart key.
The XSE Nightshade adds black exterior trim finishes, a piano black grille, a moonroof, 19-inch black painted machined-finish wheels, HomeLink garage door transmitter, paddle shifters, wireless device charging, a multifunction steering wheel and aluminum interior trim and pedal covers.
The Touring trim concentrates on driver comfort and entertainment for those long road trips. It has nicer headlights and taillights, a memory function for the mirrors, a 14-speaker sound system with a 1,200W amplifier, ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, heated steering wheel, power tilting and power telescoping steering wheel and a 10-inch color head-up display.
The top-of-the-line Limited is equipped somewhat similarly to the Touring, though it rides a little better on slightly smaller 18-inch chrome wheels. It also gets genuine leather seating surfaces and a genuine wood interior trim.
The TRD Avalon has a sportier look with black painted side skirts, black 19-inch wheels, red painted brake calipers, sport exhaust and a sport-tuned suspension.
The Toyota Avalon comes fully loaded with standard safety equipment like Lane Departure Alert, Blind Spot Monitoring, Pre-Collision System, Rear Cross-Traffic Alert, Pre-Collision System with pedestrian detection and Vehicle Sway Warning.
Smooth Powertrains
43-mpg Hybrid Model
Excellent Ride And Handling
Quiet, Spacious Interior
Stunning Touchscreen-style Dash Controls
Active Safety Features
Attractive Styling
For 2021, Toyota makes a few changes to the Avalon lineup, including adding all-wheel drive for two trims, a new Nightshade Edition for the XSE trim and Android Auto is also now standard on all models. The hybrid model's lithium-ion battery pack has been updated and now takes up less space.
The Toyota Avalon can be considered a "near luxury" car. Although it carries the traditional Toyota marque instead of a higher end badge, the Avalon still features equivalent if not greater levels of luxury than cars from other upscale makes. In addition, a hybrid version of the Avalon is available offering up to 43 mpg in combined city and highway driving.
