The fifth-generation Toyota Avalon rolled out in 2019, advancing a coupe-like look on a sedan canvas. Based on the company’s widely used and new global architecture, the current Avalon offers the best ride and comfort yet. It advances a lovely blend of elegance and sportiness, at a price that's thousands of dollars less than luxury models.
Inside, the Avalon is spacious with ample room for five adults. Toyota dresses its largest sedan with a rich selection of soft-touch materials, convincing imitation leather or real hides, and wood or aluminum trim on some models. In all but the base trim, the front passengers are cosseted with heated and cooled seats with power lumbar control.
The Toyota Avalon is also generously equipped with the latest driver-assist safety features. These items include automatic high-beams, blind-spot monitoring, active lane control, automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, and adaptive cruise control. The only spend-up feature is an optional surround-view camera system.
For 2021, the Toyota Avalon underwent one of its most significant engineering changes with optional all-wheel-drive added for the first time. An XSE Nightshade Edition also rolled out. As for 2022, we expect the Avalon will continue with light changes of note.
Under the hood, the Avalon features two engine choices. The base models have a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with 205 horsepower and 185 pound-feet of torque. This one move sends power to the wheels utilizing an 8-speed automatic transmission. Front-wheel drive is standard; all-wheel drive is available and at no extra charge. An available 3.5-liter V6 engine develops 301 horsepower and 267 pound-feet of torque. This one sends power to the front wheels via an 8-speed automatic transmission.
Marketed separately is an Avalon Hybrid model. This one comes with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with 176 horsepower or 215 horsepower with the electric motor at work. Its EPA-rated 43 mpg easily leads all large sedans, outdoing the 32 mpg for the Avalon’s standard gas engine.
Pricing & Release Date
We haven’t received an official arrival date from Toyota yet for the 2022 Avalon, but based on previous releases, a later summer arrival in 2021 seems likely.
Pricing is also not available. As a carryover vehicle, we expect pricing to remain close to the current model’s $36,830 to $43,830 (destination fees included) MSRP for the sedan.
This full-size sedan has few competitors remaining. Among mainstream models, there are the Chrysler 300, Dodge Charger, Nissan Maxima, and the Kia Cadenza. The Lexus ES is a similar model worth cross-shopping.
Pictured: 2021 Avalon
