2021 Toyota Avalon

History/Overview

Toyota's Avalon is the last in what was a significant segment: the front-drive large luxury sedan. While this was once the domain of Buick, that brand has abandoned it in favour of crossovers. The Avalon did a better job in this class anyway and is now in its fifth generation, first introduced in 2018.

What’s New/Key Changes From Last Year

The big change this year from Toyota was the addition of all-wheel drive, that feature coming with a new 2.5L four-cylinder engine instead of a more powerful V6. The V6 remains, front-drive only. The audio system also gains Android Auto connectivity.

Available Trims

Avalon is offered in just two trims. XSE is a sport-oriented model with front-drive, a 301 hp 3.5L V6, and an eight-speed automatic. Limited comes with all-wheel drive, the same gearbox, and a 205 hp 2.5L four.

Standard Features

Exterior features on XSE include a sport grille with LED lights front and rear and 19-inch alloys. The car also has a power moonroof and folding mirrors. Inside is a 9.0-inch touchscreen with both of the big phone connectivity apps, wireless charging, and eight speakers. The driver has a 7.0-inch digital dash display. The seats are SofTex with Ultrasuede inserts, power adjust in front as well as heated. The steering wheel tilts and telescopes and is heated. Toyota Safety Sense is included with adaptive cruise, lane departure alert with steering, pre-collision avoidance with pedestrian detection, and automatic high beams.

Limited has a more conventional chrome grille and Premium LED lights. 18-inch wheels replace the 19s of XSE. The inside is Aniline premium leather with ventilation for the front seats. The rear seats are heated, the steering wheel adjust is power-operated, and there is real wood trim. Premium audio with navigation is included as is a birds-eye camera and head-up display.

Key Options

The only options on Avalon are colour and which trim you want.

Fuel Economy

V6 Toyota Avalon is rated for an estimated 10.9 L/100 km city, 7.7 highway while AWD Limited is estimated at 9.5/7.0.

Competition

Toyota Avalon competes with the Nissan Maxima most directly, but also the Volvo V90 and Chrysler 300.