Overview

What's New for 2022

Toyota offers the Avalon in six trims: XLE, Hybrid XLE, Hybrid XSE Nightshade, Limited, Touring, and Hybrid Limited. The most popular model is the Limited, but our recommendation is the Hybrid XLE. We'll explain why.

XLE

The base XLE model starts at $37,400 (including a $995 destination fee). Standard features include a 3.5-liter V6 engine, 17-inch wheels, heated power outside mirrors, dual chrome-tipped exhaust, dual-zone automatic climate control, synthetic leather seats, eight-way power-adjustable front seats, a leather-covered steering wheel, and three drive modes. Other features include a 9-inch infotainment touchscreen, an eight-speaker audio system, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Wi-Fi connectivity. The XLE is equipped with standard safety features such as a pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, lane-departure alert with steering assist, blind-spot monitor, and rear cross-traffic alert. Options include a power tilt-and-slide moonroof with power sunshade, wireless phone charging, navigation, and a 14-speaker JBL audio system.

Hybrid XLE

Priced from $38,375, its standard and optional features are similar to the gas-powered XLE with a few changes. These include the addition of a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with two electric motors, single exhaust, and four drive modes. Although still the base trim of the Avalon, this is our pick for its wide range of standard features combined with a hybrid powertrain.

Hybrid XSE Nightshade

The Hybrid XSE Nightshade ($41,725) adds 19-inch wheels and a black appearance package that includes the grille, rear spoiler, door handles, shark fin antenna, window trim, and Avalon emblem. There are also synthetic leather and ultrasuede seating surfaces, heated front seats, a power moonroof, paddle shifters, aluminum interior trims, and an auto-dimming rearview mirror. Options include a sport sound-tuned exhaust, active noise control, engine sound enhancement, navigation, and a 14-speaker JBL audio system.

Limited

Starting at $43,700, the Limited gets auto-dimming side mirrors, wireless phone charging, leather-trimmed seats, heated front and rear seats, ventilated front seats, and a heated steering wheel. Other additions include a 10-inch color head-up display, wood interior trims, ambient lighting, auto-dimming rearview mirror, navigation, and a 14-speaker JBL audio system. Options include a bird's-eye camera and intelligent clearance sonar with rear cross-traffic braking.

Touring

Priced at $44,100, standard features include black exterior accents, dual chrome-tipped exhaust, sport sound-tuned exhaust, active noise control, synthetic leather and ultrasuede seats, aluminum interior trims, and four drive modes. Options include a bird's-eye camera and intelligent clearance sonar with rear cross-traffic braking.

Hybrid Limited

Priced from $44,675, standard and optional features are similar to the gas-powered Limited with a few changes. These include a standard 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with two electric motors, single exhaust, and four drive modes.

It's hard to match the Avalon's comprehensive lineup. The Nissan Maxima is gas-powered only, with just three trim levels. The Dodge Charger doesn't offer an efficient hybrid option, but it does have performance engines not found in other full-size sedans.

The base engine in the Avalon is a 3.5-liter V6 with 301 horsepower. It is a responsive and powerful engine that gives the Avalon aggressive acceleration. It gets up to highway speeds without complaint and easily delivers extra power for passing slower cars. The eight-speed automatic transmission shifts smoothly and quietly for even power delivery. Long-distance commuters will appreciate the smooth, composed ride. Avalon hybrid models get a 2.5-liter four-cylinder with two electric motors for a combined 215 hp. It is paired to a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) that is remarkably quiet, with none of the typical CVT's annoying whine.

Among other full-size sedan competitors, the Dodge Charger offers the strongest performance with its available Hellcat engine. The Nissan Maxima offers just one gas engine, but it matches the power of the Avalon's V6.

Fuel economy varies widely among Toyota Avalon models, depending on how they're equipped. The Hybrid XLE is rated by the Environmental Protection Agency to return 43 mpg in the city and 44 mpg on the highway. The rest of the hybrid lineup drops 1 mpg across the board. The bulk of the lineup earns 22/31 mpg city/highway. If fuel economy is your priority, then a hybrid is the way to go.

The Dodge Charger posts lower fuel economy in every configuration and doesn't offer a hybrid. The Nissan Maxima comes in with slightly lower figures than the gas-powered Avalons.

The Avalon has a large and comfortable interior that easily accommodates five adults. Generous head- and legroom mean even tall adults won't feel squished. The ride is smooth and quiet, even at highway speeds. Materials are of good quality, but the upgrades on higher trims make a big difference. Leather and suede seating surfaces along with wood and metal accents translate into a more upscale experience. As in most full-size sedans, trunk space is bountiful, measuring 16 cubic feet.

The Nissan Maxima is a bit more snug, with sporty styling on every trim. The Dodge Charger isn't as nice on the inside, but it provides a spacious cabin with a cavernous trunk.

The Toyota Avalon comes with a 9-inch touchscreen, eight-speaker audio system, a USB media port, four USB charging ports, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. Available upgrades include navigation, wireless phone charging, a 14-speaker JBL audio system, and five USB charging ports. The large touchscreen and clear menu system make the system easy to use. The upgraded audio system provides a much-improved listening experience that justifies the extra cost. The large number of USB charging ports ensures all passengers stay connected, no matter their seating position.

The competitive Dodge Charger has either a 7-inch or 8.4-inch touchscreen (depending on model) with a more intuitive system. The Nissan Maxima provides a standard 8-inch touchscreen and navigation system.

The Toyota Avalon received an overall five-star safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). It also received a top rating of Good from the Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).

Standard features include a pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, lane-departure alert with steering assist, automatic high beams, full-speed range-dynamic radar cruise control, blind-spot monitor, lane-tracing assist, road sign recognition, and rear cross-traffic alert. Options include intelligent clearance sonar with rear cross-traffic braking.

The Toyota Avalon holds plenty of appeal for those who want a full-size sedan. Its wide range of trims includes hybrid or gas engines and plenty of safety features are included as standard equipment. There are more affordable options, including the Nissan Maxima, and more performance-focused choices, including the Dodge Charger. But the Avalon is a good, well-rounded choice for a full-size sedan.

Toyota Avalon vs. Dodge Charger

Toyota Avalon vs. Nissan Maxima