What's New
The 2020 Toyota Avalon line gains a sporty TRD model with sharper handling and aggressive trim. That's a notable addition for a car known for its ride and comfort. The Avalon received a total redesign just last year, so there are no other major changes for 2020.
Choosing Your Toyota Avalon
The Avalon is available in five trim levels: XLE, XSE, Limited, TRD, and Touring. Pricing starts at $36,755 including destination for the base XLE and tops out at $43,455 for the Touring. The range is somewhat narrow because the top three trims are priced within $400 of each other.
Engine Choices
Every Toyota Avalon gets the same 3.5-liter V6 engine that makes 301 horsepower and 267 pound-feet of torque. It's paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The Avalon achieves an EPA-estimated 22 miles per gallon city, 31 mpg highway, and 25 combined.
The Avalon is one of the quicker large sedans on the market. All models are driven by the front wheels – there's no all-wheel-drive option. Toyota offers a hybrid version (covered separately) that offers excellent efficiency, if not the same level of performance.
Passenger and Cargo Capacity
The Avalon offers full-size comfort for up to five adults. Rear leg room is impressive at 40.3 inches, which is less than 2 inches shy of the front. The trunk measures 16.09 cubic feet, which is average for a sedan of this size.
Safety Features
The Toyota Avalon lacks nothing when it comes to driver assistance safety technology. Standard features include lane keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. A surround-view camera system and rear automatic emergency braking are optional on the Limited and Touring.
The Avalon is an IIHS Top Safety Pick Plus and earns a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA.
Connectivity
The Avalon starts out with a 9-inch touchscreen, a wif-fi hotspot, a household-style power outlet, and two front and two rear USB ports. The eight-speaker sound system features HD and SiriusXM radio. Apple CarPlay is included, but Android Auto isn't available.
A 14-speaker JBL sound system with navigation is standard on the Limited and Touring, and optional on the other trims.
XLE - From $36,755
The XLE comes nicely equipped with features like power heated front seats, dual-zone automatic climate control, LED headlights, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, and leather-like SofTex upholstery. The XLE rolls on 17-inch alloy wheels.
The JBL audio system and navigation can be added for $1,720, and a sunroof costs $1,000.
XSE - From $39,255
The XSE takes the Avalon in a sporty direction with firmer suspension tuning, 19-inch black alloy wheels, a rear spoiler, and gloss black exterior trim. The interior receives paddle shifters, aluminum trim, and aluminum pedal covers. The sunroof is standard here, and the JBL system and navigation remain optional at $1,760.
Limited - From $43,055
The plush cruiser of the group, the Limited carries a comfort-tuned suspension, ventilated front seats, wood interior trim, perforated leather upholstery, wireless device charging, and 18-inch chrome wheels. The sunroof and upgraded audio system are also standard.
The Advanced Safety Package ($1,150) adds a surround-view camera and rear automatic emergency braking.
TRD - From $43,255
The new TRD gets some choice mechanical upgrades: tuned dual exhaust, stiffer suspension tuning, larger front brakes, and extra structural bracing. The outside wears aerodynamic body trim and 19-inch matte black wheels. The black SofTex seats feature sueded inserts and red stitching. The JBL unit and navigation revert to optional status ($1,760), and the Advanced Safety Package option drops away.
Touring - From $43,455
The Touring combines the Limited's equipment upgrades with the sportier trim found on the XSE. Exclusive to the Touring is an adaptive suspension system and active noise cancellation with engine-sound enhancement. The Advanced Safety Package returns as an option ($1,150).
Compare Avalon Trims Side-By-Side
The 2020 Toyota Avalon XLE carries the same engine and standard driver assistance feature as the higher trims, which makes it the best value in our view. While the TRD handles better than the rest, it's still not a proper sport sedan. We consider the TRD treatment to be largely cosmetic. Oddly enough, the Limited is the only choice for buyers who insist on genuine leather seats.