The 2020 Toyota Avalon Hybrid returns unchanged for 2020. The regular Toyota Avalon saw a sporty new TRD trim join the lineup in 2020, but it won’t be available on the Hybrid. In our book, that’s not a bad thing. The Avalon is best as a luxury cruiser, and the Hybrid suits that personality well.

The Toyota Avalon Hybrid comes in three trims: XLE, XSE, and Limited. Prices start at $37,805 including destination for the XLE and climb to $44,105 for the Limited. Avalon Hybrid prices run $1,050 more than their gas-powered Avalon counterparts.

The Avalon Hybrid comes with only a single powertrain. It pairs a 176-horsepower inline four-cylinder engine with an 88-kW electric motor for a total output of 215 hp and 163 pound-feet of torque. The setup is paired with a continuously variable transmission.

That’s a power deficit compared to the 301-hp gas powered Avalon, but the Hybrid makes up for it with a stellar 43 miles per gallon city, 43 mpg highway, and 43 combined, according to the EPA. That’s about as good as it gets for a full-size sedan.

It also makes the Avalon Hybrid good value – the Hybrid’s fuel savings should pay for the price premium within a few years of ownership.

The Avalon Hybrid seats five passengers, and comfortably at that. The Avalon’s 2019 redesign lent an extra two inches to the wheelbase, which means a cavernous 40.3 inches of rear leg room.

The Avalon Hybrid doesn’t suffer on cargo space, either, which isn’t always true of hybrids. It gets the same 16 cubic feet of trunk space as the conventional Avalon, and cabin space is virtually unchanged as well.

The Avalon Hybrid is a strong pick in the safety department. The IIHS gave the car a Top Safety Pick Plus award, and the NHTSA concurred with a five-star overall safety rating.

What’s more, the Avalon Hybrid gets Toyota’s comprehensive suite of active safety tech as standard. This includes automatic emergency braking, lane keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control, plus a three-year subscription to emergency assistance services.

The range-topping Limited is available with a surround-view camera system and rear automatic emergency braking through the $1,150 Advanced Safety Package.

All Avalon Hybrids get a 9-inch infotainment touchscreen with Apple CarPlay compatibility. Five USB ports are standard, and upgrades like JBL audio and wireless charging are available as options.

In addition to the safety and connectivity features, the XLE starts with synthetic upholstery, push-button start, and dual-zone automatic climate control. The front seats are heated, and the driver’s seat is eight-way power adjustable.

A moonroof is bundled with wireless charging for an even $1,000, while another package adds navigation and a 14-speaker JBL audio system for $1,720.

The XSE trim gets the moonroof standard, along with 18-inch alloy wheels, paddle shifters, aluminum trim, and black accents. Toyota says that the suspension is sport tuned, but we’re not sure we entirely believe them. The navigation/sound package remains available for $1,720.

The Hybrid Limited caps the entire Avalon lineup, and it comes with luxury features to match. In addition to 18-inch chrome wheels, the Limited gets wood trim, LED lights, perforated leather upholstery, heated and ventilated front seats, and the 14-speaker JBL audio system.

Compare Avalon Hybrid Trims Side-By-Side