2021 Toyota Avalon Hybrid
| MSRP | $39,593 |
|---|---|
| Edmunds suggests you pay | $39,609 |
2021 Toyota Avalon Hybrid Review
- Lots of standard advanced safety features
- Efficient hybrid powertrain with little sacrifice
- Upscale cabin is quiet and roomy
- Comfortable ride
- Limited front and rear headroom
- Hybrid battery pack switches to lithium-ion from previous nickel-metal hydride
- Android Auto smartphone compatibility
- Emits new external sounds at low speeds to alert pedestrians
- Part of the fifth Avalon generation introduced for 2019
We wouldn't be surprised if a lot of people still think hybrid cars are dorky looking and cheap-feeling. But this same group of people would likely be shocked by the 2021 Toyota Avalon Hybrid. It's roomy, comfortable and upscale, just like you'd expect an Avalon to be, and on top of that it gets up to an EPA-estimated 44 mpg. That's almost double the fuel economy from an Avalon a decade ago.
This latest-generation Avalon came out for 2019 and the 2021 car is largely unchanged. In-car tech is improved with the addition of Android Auto and USB-C ports for charging and connectivity. Toyota says it also replaced the hybrid's previous nickel-hydride battery pack with a new lithium-ion one, though the powertrain's power and fuel economy are unchanged. Overall, we think the hybrid is the best version of the Toyota Avalon. Find out why by reading our Expert Review.
Our verdict | |
The Toyota Avalon Hybrid is a cruiser that does exactly what you'd expect — provide a comfortable ride and sip fuel in the process. But it has a few tricks up its sleeve too. It turns out to be surprisingly capable on twisty roads, and cabin materials are near-luxury. New for the redesigned model are folding rear seats and a cargo area that offers the same amount of room as the non-hybrid. | |
How does the Avalon Hybrid drive? | |
The Avalon Hybrid makes the most of its available power. The continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) is responsive when you step on the gas pedal, even when you select the Eco drive mode. We recorded a 0-60 mph time of 8.2 seconds in Edmunds testing. That's slower than a typical V6-powered large sedan, but we think most buyers will find this acceptable for the considerable gains in fuel economy. The braking feels natural in most situations thanks to an imperceptible transition from regenerative to regular brakes. We measured a panic-stop performance from 60 mph of 126 feet, which is around the class average, though the sounds our test car made in the process were a bit more alarming than usual. Despite its luxury cruiser attitude, the Avalon Hybrid is surprisingly fun to drive around tight corners and maintains its composure surprisingly well. | |
How comfortable is the Avalon Hybrid? | |
All-around comfort is the primary reason you'd consider a sedan like this, and the Avalon Hybrid delivers. The ride is cushy without feeling buoyant like some rivals. The seats are welcoming too, with soft leather and compliant cushions. Our Limited trim test vehicle had heated and ventilated seats and a heated steering wheel, all of which worked well. The rear outboard seats are also heated in the Limited. Like most hybrids, the Avalon isn't immune to the shudder that passes through the cabin as the gasoline engine fires up. The hybrid system can also produce some low-volume but high-pitched whirring noises while the car is stopped. | |
How’s the interior? | |
The Avalon's interior is a pleasant place to spend time in, though there are some faults. Some controls and buttons are out of reach or hard to find, especially the ones near your left knee. The Avalon also sits rather low, which may present a problem for passengers who are less limber. We're also not enamored with its size. Despite being more expensive, the Avalon isn't much larger than a Toyota Camry, and there's less rear headroom due to the Avalon's raked roof. Otherwise, the Avalon's cabin is quite nice. Most drivers will find an agreeable position since the steering wheel and driver's seat both offer a useful range of travel. Rear visibility is good overall, though the rear shelf is high. | |
How’s the tech? | |
The Avalon infotainment system now features Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. There are plenty of USB ports plus an optional wireless charging pad. Passengers jockeying for a free port is effectively a thing of the past. The touchscreen has a bright, attractive display and an easy-to-use integrated navigation system. As with most systems, you cannot enter a new address while moving. For that, you have to use the voice command system, which is frequently confused and has limited point-of-interest search. Most of the Avalon's driving aids are standard and work well, though adaptive cruise control has a tendency to leave a large gap between you and the car in front. | |
How’s the storage? | |
Most big sedans have a cavernous trunk, and the Avalon Hybrid is no exception. In fact, the trunk is the same size as the regular Avalon's — 16 cubic feet. The rear seats can fold down to increase cargo space. Interior storage is similarly generous, at least for those in front. The center armrest is as roomy as one you'd find in an SUV, and there's a nicely sized bin in front of the shifter, which also houses the wireless charging pad. The door pockets aren't large, which limits storage in the back, but overall it's quite good. The car seat anchors and generous interior space make loading a child seat a breeze. | |
How’s the fuel economy? | |
The Avalon Hybrid Limited is rated at 43 mpg combined (43 city/44 highway). It's a little thirstier than midsize sedans such as the Honda Accord Hybrid (48 mpg combined) and the Camry Hybrid (up to 52 mpg combined), but it's far more efficient than the standard Avalon V6 (25 mpg). | |
Is the Avalon Hybrid a good value? | |
Though the Avalon Hybrid has some hard touch points, its interior materials are a clear step above those in the Camry. There are even a few surprises in the form of premium-looking quilted stitching on the seats and doors. The Avalon Hybrid is only marginally more expensive than an identically equipped Avalon, though a similarly equipped Lexus ES 300h doesn't cost too much more. The basic and powertrain coverage is average for the class. Toyota also offers free scheduled maintenance for your first two visits. | |
Wildcard | |
You'll be impressed by how enjoyable the Avalon Hybrid is to drive. Handling is composed, even though grip is ultimately low, and body roll is well controlled. The only real downside is the powertrain's slowish acceleration. Is there personality here? No, not really. Other than the oversized front grille, the Avalon is conservatively styled and accomplishes exactly what you'd expect. | |
Which Avalon Hybrid does Edmunds recommend?
Toyota Avalon Hybrid models
The 2021 Toyota Avalon Hybrid sedan is available in one of three trim levels: XLE, XSE and Limited. Structurally, it's the same vehicle as the gasoline-powered Avalon. However, under the hood is a four-cylinder engine paired to a hybrid electric system and a continuously variable automatic transmission. Total system output is 215 horsepower. All Avalon Hybrids are front-wheel-drive. Feature highlights include:
2021 Toyota Avalon Hybrid pricing
in Ashburn, VA
Features & Specs
- Base MSRP
- $37,100
- MPG & Fuel
- 43 City / 44 Hwy / 44 Combined
- Fuel Tank Capacity: 13.2 gal. capacity
- Seating
- 5 seats
- Drivetrain
- Type: front wheel drive
- Transmission: Continuously variable-speed automatic
- Engine
- Inline 4 cylinder
- Horsepower: 215 hp @ 5700 rpm
- Torque: N/A
- Basic Warranty
- 3 yr./ 36000 mi.
- Dimensions
- Length: 195.9 in. / Height: 56.5 in.
- Overall Width with Mirrors: N/A
- Overall Width without Mirrors: 72.8 in.
- Curb Weight: 3610 lbs.
- Cargo Capacity, All Seats In Place: 16.1 cu.ft.
Safety
Our experts’ favorite Avalon Hybrid safety features:
- Pre-Collision System
- Warns if a front collision is imminent and will apply the brakes automatically if the driver doesn't respond in time.
- Lane Departure with Steering Assist
- Alerts the driver if the vehicle begins to drift out of its lane and steers the car back if no action is taken.
- Intelligent Clearance Sonar
- Indicates how close the rear bumper may be to objects and applies the brakes automatically if a collision is imminent.
Toyota Avalon Hybrid vs. the competition
2021 Toyota Avalon Hybrid
2021 Honda Accord Hybrid
Toyota Avalon Hybrid vs. Honda Accord Hybrid
The Accord Hybrid is one of our highest-ranked hybrid vehicles and an ideal alternative to the Avalon Hybrid. It's slightly better than the Avalon in a few ways. It gets up to 48 mpg combined, for example, and it has a bigger trunk. It's also a little less expensive than the Avalon and has some welcome improvements for 2021. But the Avalon Hybrid does have the nicer interior.
Toyota Avalon Hybrid vs. Lexus ES 300h
The Toyota Avalon Hybrid and the Lexus ES 300h are like fraternal twins: nearly the same but with different looks and personalities. They even share the same hybrid system. As should be expected of the Lexus name, the ES 300h is more comfortable and refined, with better materials inside. It's also more pricey.
Toyota Avalon Hybrid vs. Toyota Mirai
Have you considered hydrogen? If you live near the requisite infrastructure network, it may be worth a look. The Mirai is redesigned for 2021, with sharp new styling and up to 402 miles of estimated range. It's more expensive than an Avalon Hybrid, but the Mirai comes with standard features and potential rebates that ease the sting.
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FAQ
Is the Toyota Avalon Hybrid a good car?
What's new in the 2021 Toyota Avalon Hybrid?
According to Edmunds’ car experts, here’s what’s new for the 2021 Toyota Avalon Hybrid:
- Hybrid battery pack switches to lithium-ion from previous nickel-metal hydride
- Android Auto smartphone compatibility
- Emits new external sounds at low speeds to alert pedestrians
- Part of the fifth Avalon generation introduced for 2019
Is the Toyota Avalon Hybrid reliable?
Is the 2021 Toyota Avalon Hybrid a good car?
How much should I pay for a 2021 Toyota Avalon Hybrid?
The least-expensive 2021 Toyota Avalon Hybrid is the 2021 Toyota Avalon Hybrid XLE 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT). Including destination charge, it arrives with a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of about $37,100.
Other versions include:
- XLE 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT) which starts at $37,100
- Limited 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT) which starts at $43,400
- XSE 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT) which starts at $39,600