2021 Toyota Avalon Hybrid

The 2021 Toyota Avalon enters the new model year with Android Auto compatibility as standard. For Android users that have been waiting years for smartphone compatibility, it finally arrives. Additionally, the hybrid ditches its nickel-metal hydride battery for a lithium-ion pack.

With the death of a few large sedans, the Avalon Hybrid practically sits in a class of its own. Efficient, spacious, and luxurious, it provides consumers with the complete package without having to reach too far into their savings account. While not an athlete, like its design would indicate, the Avalon Hybrid is a comfortable cruiser, which also matches the hybrid powertrain’s personality.

Toyota offers the Avalon Hybrid in three trim levels: XLE, XSE, and Limited. Pricing starts at $37,995 including destination for the XLE and goes up to $44,295 for the Limited.

The Avalon Hybrid is available with one powertrain. A 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine is paired with two electric motors for a combined output of 215 horsepower. An electronic continuously variable transmission is included with the powertrain. Power is routed through the front wheels.

While it isn’t as powerful as the regular Toyota Avalon, it makes up for it with impressive fuel economy figures. The XLE trim is the most efficient of the lineup with EPA ratings of 43 miles per gallon city, 44 mpg highway, and 44 combined. The other two trims achieve 43/43/43 mpg (city/highway/combined).

All Avalon Hybrids have seating for up to five passengers and everybody can be comfortable. In 2019, Toyota redesigned the large sedan, adding 2 extra inches to the wheelbase. The change resulted in over 40 inches of rear leg room, which is some of the most in the class.

Despite the hybrid powertrain, it also offers owners a spacious cargo area. It matches the regular Avalon with 16.09 cubic feet of trunk space.

The NHTSA gave the 2021 Avalon Hybrid a five-star overall safety rating. The IIHS hasn’t finished testing the new model year, but the 2020 model was named a Top Safety Pick Plus, which should carry over.

In addition to having great crash test scores, the Avalon Hybrid comes with Toyota’s extensive suite of safety features. Rear cross-traffic alert, blind-spot monitoring, lane departure warning, adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, pedestrian detection, and automatic high beams are all standard.

The range-topping Limited trim is available with the Advanced Safety Package ($1,150) that adds a surround-view camera, parking sensors, and rear automatic emergency braking.

Every Avalon Hybrid comes with a 9-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa compatibility. Five USB ports, wi-fi hot spot, Bluetooth, an eight-speaker audio system, satellite radio, and a 7-inch digital gauge cluster are also included.

The XSE further comes with wireless charging. The Limited brings a 10-inch head-up display, navigation, and a 14-speaker JBL audio system. The latter two features are offered on the XLE and XSE for $1,720.

The XLE comes well equipped with synthetic leather upholstery, heated front seats with eight-way power adjustability, dual-zone automatic climate control, keyless entry, push button start, 17-inch alloy wheels, and LED headlights, taillights, and daytime running lights.

The XSE trim comes with a moonroof, perforated upholstery, aluminum interior trim, aluminum pedal covers, a black rear spoiler, a black grille, black side mirrors, black badging, 18-inch dark gray wheels, and wireless smartphone charging as standard.

The range-topping Limited adds ventilated front seats, a heated steering wheel, heated rear seats, a head-up display, navigation, wood trim, the JBL audio system, adaptive headlights, 18-inch chrome wheels, and memory settings for the side mirrors.

Compare Avalon Hybrid Trims Side-By-Side