2015 Toyota Avalon Hybrid Review
2015 Toyota Avalon Hybrid Review





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Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- Exceptional fuel economy for a large sedan
- upscale and quiet interior with roomy seating front and rear
- large trunk.
Cons
- Ride quality might be too firm for traditional Avalon buyers.
What’s new
For 2015, the Toyota Avalon Hybrid gets minor upgrades. All models have the next generation of the brand's Entune infotainment system, while the XLE Touring model adds blind spot monitoring with rear cross traffic alert.
Edmunds says
With its upscale styling, welcoming cabin and impressive fuel economy, the 2015 Toyota Avalon Hybrid earns our respect as a top choice for buyers looking for a fuel-sipping full-size sedan.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2015 Toyota Avalon Hybrid XLE Touring 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.32 per gallon for regular unleaded in Virginia.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Virginia
$105/mo
Avalon Hybrid XLE Touring
vs
$175/mo
Avg. Midsize Car
Vehicle overview
The leader in the hybrid car segment, Toyota has a total of seven hybrids, ranging from the subcompact Prius C to the full-size Avalon. The Avalon Hybrid debuted in 2013 as part of the Avalon's redesign. It happens to be a leader in the large-sedan segment, too, as nothing else comes close to combining comfort, space and high fuel economy as well as the 2015 Toyota Avalon Hybrid.
The mechanical soul of the Avalon Hybrid is its hybrid powertrain. The same system used in the Camry, it features a 2.5-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine teamed with an electric motor to create a total of 200 horsepower. That power is plenty for everyday needs, but the fuel economy is more impressive. Its EPA-estimated combined fuel economy rating is 40 mpg, which is thriftier than the compact Corolla's, and the 17-gallon fuel tank gives it a theoretical range of nearly 700 miles.
Like the standard Avalon, the Avalon Hybrid boasts an attractive look that you might mistake for a European luxury sedan. The interior continues the upscale theme with high-quality materials, plenty of space for passengers and plenty of features. Even a base Avalon comes with keyless ignition and entry, leather upholstery and a power driver seat as standard. Moving up to the more expensive versions will get you tech-oriented features like adaptive cruise control and smartphone app integration through Toyota's latest version of its Entune system.
The Avalon Hybrid is pretty much a class of one, too. The only other large sedan to offer a hybrid system is the 2015 Buick LaCrosse. We like the LaCrosse in general, but its hybrid system is nowhere near as efficient as the Avalon's. Beyond that, you might check out midsize hybrids like the 2015 Ford Fusion Hybrid, 2015 Honda Accord Hybrid and Toyota's own Camry Hybrid if you want to save a bit of money (or look at the Avalon-based Lexus ES 300h if you want to spend more). But overall we find the Edmunds "B"rated 2015 Toyota Avalon Hybrid to be one impressive package.
Performance & mpg
The 2015 Toyota Avalon Hybrid is powered by a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine paired with an electric motor that's fed by a trunk-mounted battery pack. Combined, the two power units are good for 200 hp. A continuously variable transmission (CVT) delivers power to the front wheels.
According to EPA estimates, the Avalon Hybrid returns 40 mpg combined (40 city/39 highway). In Edmunds performance testing, an Avalon Hybrid Limited accelerated from zero to 60 mph in 7.7 seconds. This is about a second slower than the regular, V6-powered Avalon or most other conventional large sedans, but quite peppy for a hybrid sedan.
Safety
Standard safety features include traction and stability control, antilock disc brakes, front and rear seat side airbags, side curtain airbags and front knee airbags. The XLE Touring and Limited come with blind spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. Also standard on the Limited is Toyota's Safety Connect service, which includes roadside assistance, stolen vehicle location and automatic collision notification. The Limited's optional Technology package includes a frontal pre-collision warning system.
In Edmunds brake testing, the Avalon Hybrid stopped from 60 mph in 132 feet -- about 5 feet longer than average for the segment.
In government crash tests, the Avalon Hybrid received five out of five stars for overall crash protection, with four stars for frontal-impact protection and five stars for side-impact protection. In testing by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, the otherwise similar non-hybrid Avalon scored a "Good" rating -- the highest possible -- in the moderate-overlap frontal-offset, small-overlap frontal-offset, side-impact and roof-strength crash tests. The Avalon's seat and head restraint design was also rated "Good" for whiplash protection in rear impacts.
Driving
The 2015 Toyota Avalon Hybrid's 200 hp isn't a whole lot for a big car like this, but for the most part, acceleration is perfectly adequate. The Avalon Hybrid is also exceptionally quiet, though the CVT can cause the engine to drone during acceleration. Otherwise, the Avalon Hybrid is the equal of other hushed large luxury sedans.
This big sedan also feels respectably secure and sure-footed around turns. The brakes can feel grabby under light braking, but that's pretty common for hybrids, and most owners should acclimate to them fairly quickly. In general, the Avalon Hybrid is just plain easy to drive. The ride quality is firmer than Avalons of old, though, so if you're coming out of an older model, make sure you give this new car a thorough test-drive.
Interior
The Avalon Hybrid's interior is spacious and elegant, with high-quality materials throughout. The front seats are very comfortable and highly adjustable, with plenty of side bolstering and lumbar support for both the driver and the front passenger. As you'd expect for this class of car, the Avalon's rear seats are quite roomy.
All Avalons come standard with Toyota's Entune infotainment system, and the XLE Touring and Limited come standard with additional smartphone app integration and a larger screen. Toyota has also updated Entune for 2015, adding swipe capability, a customizable home screen, voice recognition training and cache radio that can rewind up to 20 minutes.
Storage cubbies provide ample room for drinks and personal effects, and the center console is large. The front section of the center console acts as a convenient "eBin" with power cords passing through a sliding panel for two cell phones and auxiliary and USB connections. This area is also home to the available Qi wireless charging system. Toyota is among the first automakers to offer wireless charging for cell phones. We like its convenience, but it doesn't charge very quickly.
The Hybrid's trunk offers 14 cubic feet of space, which is less than the regular Avalon but still more than what's available from the typical midsize hybrid sedan.
2015 Toyota Avalon Hybrid models
The 2015 Toyota Avalon Hybrid is offered in XLE Premium, XLE Touring and Limited trim levels.
The XLE Premium comes standard with 17-inch alloy wheels, automatic headlights, heated mirrors, a power sunroof, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, dual-zone automatic climate control, full power accessories, cruise control, a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, leather upholstery, heated front seats, an eight-way power driver seat (with power lumbar support) and a four-way power front passenger seat. Electronic features include keyless ignition and entry, Bluetooth phone and audio connectivity, a rearview camera and Toyota's Entune Audio Plus setup that includes a 6.1-inch touchscreen display, voice controls and an eight-speaker audio system with a CD player, satellite radio, an auxiliary audio jack and a USB/iPod interface.
The XLE Touring adds foglights, driver memory settings, blind spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert and Entune Premium Audio with Navigation and App Suite, which includes a 7-inch touchscreen display, nine speakers, a navigation system and smartphone app integration.
The Limited includes all the above plus xenon headlights, auto-dimming side mirrors, automatic wipers, upgraded leather upholstery, a 10-way power driver seat, an eight-way power passenger seat, ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, tri-zone automatic climate control, a rear power sunshade, ambient lighting, Toyota's Safety Connect system and an 11-speaker JBL premium sound system. The Limited also offers an optional Technology package with adaptive cruise control, automatic high-beam headlight control, Qi wireless charging and a forward collision warning system.
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 2015 Toyota Avalon Hybrid.
5 star(50%)
4 star(32%)
3 star(14%)
2 star(2%)
1 star(2%)
44 reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
4 out of 5 stars
Great Car for the Money despite some shortcomings.
Tom H, 02/12/2016
2015 Toyota Avalon Hybrid Limited 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT)
Recently test drove a used 2013 Avalon Hybrid XLE Touring, New 2015 Avalon Hybrid Limited & New 2016 Avalon Hybrid Limited. We purchased the 2015 Avalon Hybrid Limited with 0% financing for 60mos. & traded a 2011 Hyundai Sonata Limited. I really noticed very little difference in the 2016 model in comfort & ride and the pricing on the 2015 we purchased was phenomenal - $34k before … tax.
Being a bit OCD & a heavy researcher/review reader before taking the plunge on a new vehicle it should be know that there are definitely some trade-offs with the Avalon.
First off, the driver seat is much reviewed for being uncomfortable...especially on longer rides. On the Limited model, there is 10 way adjustability...I initially experienced this weird "I love the seat but can't fully get comfortable" feeling when first driving. But, after taking some time to really tweak the settings on the driver seat - I found my happy spot. The 2015 Avalon Hybrid drivers seat reminds me of some of my old BMW Sport Package seats. The seats aren't Cadillac plush, they're definitely more BMW "luxury/sport" seats. The ride isn't as soft as the old Cadillacs were but it's close. I can say it's a more sporty ride (you feel more road) but with a quiet cabin & Hybrid gas conservation. When you're on nice interstate or highway pavement - they can floats like a dream. On harsh roads, you will definitely get some feedback in the driving experience.
Gas Mileage: Window sticker states 40/39. I am still trying to play with my driving & using the ECO setting to get these numbers. I love the fact a vehicle this big has better than average pickup, has 600+ mile range on a tank of gas and averages in the mid to high 30's in mpg's. Being that I am driving in the current winter cold of Chicago, I wonder how the Spring/Summer warmer weather will affect the gas mileage. Overall, I am still pleased with what I am seeing in gas mileage.
Pricing: These cars definitely can be found for bargain basement pricing. Essentially a Lexus, minus a wood grained, heated steering wheel, etc. But for about $10k less coupled with Toyota reliability - this is the part for me that sold me. I can live with some minor annoyances for the fact most Toyota's will see 200k if maintained. The initial depreciation is steep on these cars if you pay sticker (but most can be picked up for under invoice if you shop a bit). Used 13-15 Avalon Hybrids tend to be priced in the $23-30k range used depending on mileage.
Electronics/Entune/Navigation:
THE BAD: Being that I own a 2008 Toyota Sequoia Limited & 2013 Toyota Prius - I already knew the Toyota navigation system was garbage. Directions are just bad/wrong. The fact you can't do anything on the touch screen while moving is a huge annoyance. Directions themselves are garbage & what takes me 3 minutes to input a location (again, while completely stopped) on the Avalon Nav system I can simply open my Google Maps on my iPhone, speak my destination & have guidance up in 20 seconds. I don't understand how these car manufacturers are so far behind the curve on this. The Entune app is also awful! The functionality works 10% of the time. Lastly, I am experiencing issues with Bluetooth music skipping when streamed from my iPhone...I haven't fully investigated this yet but never had this issue in my Prius?
THE GOOD: Lots of bells & whistles to play with and customize. The Audio is very crisp & clear on the 11 speaker JBL speakers on the Limited model. The Auto heat is perfect. Front & Rear Heated seats are great. Rear Sunshade is very nice for kids in the backseat. I love the blind spot detection, rain sensing wipers & HID headlights. Great night visibility.
Small annoyances:
Engine can be a bit sluggish/hesitant when driving between ECO/Power...like the engine can't quite make up it's mind. It's subtle but admittedly annoying.
Radio setup/presets are confusing. Why give a driver the option to choose FM/AM/XM if presets for each don't change/come up?
MPG: Hoping there's a little driving learning curve as Toyota numbers have always, in my experience, been as advertised. I'd like to see at least 37/38 going forward. But, again, this is a big sedan that moves well that I'm complaining about getting 36.5 currently...kind of an oxymoron as cars this size normally didn't ever approach these MPG numbers prior to the advent of the hybrid engine.
Last, but not least, what I LOVE about the Avalon:
The drive. Some hate it, but I think its sporty & refined.
The gas mileage.
The roominess, trunk space, all the little bells & whistles.
Number 1 Love: The bang for the buck! I think this is a car that flies under the radar with most buyers. You don't see a ton on the road as the senior market who owned the Avalon's prior to the 2013 redesign apparently were put off by the new firmer ride. This amounts to a great buying opportunity for most who don't care about Audi, Mercedes, Lexus or Cadillac badging.
5 out of 5 stars
Nice step-up
skipjack47, 04/24/2014
2014 Toyota Avalon Hybrid Limited 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT)
After driving a Camry Hybrid for almost 4 years, I find the move to the Avalon Hybrid a nice step-up.
The Camry was a very good, very reliable car for me and I got good value on the trade-in.
The Avalon is more luxurious, and has a smoother ride, and slightly better fuel economy.
I am finding that with the car not quite broken in yet, my Avalon is getting very close to the EPA mileage … estimates.
I do not understand the comment about "grabby" brakes.
Contrary to the test review, I have found Toyota has done a good job of integrating regenerative braking with normal braking.
The new Avalon has improved on this aspect of performance.
5 out of 5 stars
Incredible value
Scott Campbell, 08/03/2015
2014 Toyota Avalon Hybrid Limited 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT)
I'm too obsessed with value to buy new when there are so many great-quality used cars out there traded in by the perfectionists who have to have new, or perfect, or both. I gave a test drive to a barely-used 2014 loaded ES 300h and a similarly almost-new 2014 Avalon Limited Hybrid, loaded with the technology package, the Qi wireless charger, and a few other goodies. While I love the … look and the ride of both sedans, I almost went for the Lexus but in the end chose the Avalon. Why? Two basic reasons: 1) The cars I drove were virtually identical, but $5,000 more for the Japanese-built version (with identical basic engineering) just didn't make add up to $5,000 more in value, 2) I preferred the ease of use in the Avalon's touchscreen interface to the point and click operation of the Lexus. While I might acclimate to the joystick, my shotgun passengers might not.
I don't love the stock tires on the Avalon (Bridgestone Turanza; they grip fine but seem to transmit excessive road noise) but a new set of tires can easily remedy that. After 2,000 miles of use, including an 800 mile road trip, I am completely in love with the car's ability to provide a quiet, very comfortable, composed ride with sure handling and minimal sound intrusion into the cabin, and it has delivered an astounding 41.4 mpg according to the car's computer (yes, yes, I know from previous experience that Toyota tunes them about 2 mpg high . . . nevertheless, even 39 mpg is unreal for a car with this curb weight). The Toyota Entune interaction with my iPhone, Bluetooth and such apps as Pandora are all relatively easy to learn . . . and I am my fifties, not my twenties. I also find the capacitive controls for the climate control and other systems easy to use and not a nuisance as others have noted. It isn't perfect: 1) despite the paint protection film, the car only has 14,000 miles and the paint has a few small but deep road wounds down to the bare metal that I need to have addressed; 2) you can't input a new address to the nav system while the car is in gear --maybe with voice command i could do so?), and 3) road noise is minimal, but not coffin-quiet. But hey, come one . . . I didn't pay 60 grand for an LS 460, I bought a used Toyota. For my money, I think I got one hell of a value--very satisfied customer here.
5 out of 5 stars
Deficiencies - annoying
tedtnj, 04/05/2014
2014 Toyota Avalon Hybrid Limited 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT)
Update: NAV system is a misnomer in my opinion. There have been no software updates since the software was launched in 2013. Roads change, but Toyota has no updates, thus accuracy is absent. Basically, I have a map that shows others generally where we are. My new TOMTOM GO600 is my "real" NAV system.
Gas mileage is good -- north of 34 mpg overall. Adaptive speed control is super. … My Parkway Toyota service center (really the staff) is a delight.
= = = = = =
NAV system is primitive compared to my five year old TomTom.
Theres no 3D, there are no traffic light cameras and there is no display of current speed limits.
Programming the NAV is tedious.
In seven years the NAV system has moved ahead one year in its development [see below].
Further, the NAV system voice even at the lowest level #1 is much too loud; and there is no way to lower the volume, save disabling all sound.
It is far louder than my 2007 Toyota Avalon Limited at sound level #1.
There is a plastic chrome bezel around the instrument cluster.
When sun hits the bezel, it is most distracting.
Dealer team says thats the way it is
Ugly situation.
We have a limited number of reviews for the 2015 Toyota Avalon Hybrid, so we've included reviews for other years of the Avalon Hybrid since its last redesign.
Features & Specs
- Base MSRP
- $36,470
- MPG & Fuel
- 40 City / 39 Hwy / 40 Combined
- Fuel Tank Capacity: 17.0 gal. capacity
- Seating
- 5 seats
- Drivetrain
- Type: front wheel drive
- Transmission: Continuously variable-speed automatic
- Engine
- Inline 4 cylinder
- Horsepower: 200 hp @ 5,700 rpm
- Basic Warranty
- 3 yr./ 36,000 mi.
- Dimensions
- Length: 195.3 in. / Height: 57.5 in.
- Overall Width without Mirrors: 72.2 in.
- Curb Weight: 3,638 lbs.
- Cargo Capacity, All Seats In Place: 14.0 cu.ft.
Safety
NHTSA Overall Rating
5 out of 5 starsThe National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.
- Frontal Barrier Crash RatingOverall4 / 5Driver4 / 5Passenger4 / 5
- Side Crash RatingOverall5 / 5
- Side Barrier RatingOverall5 / 5Driver5 / 5Passenger5 / 5
- Combined Side Barrier & Pole RatingsFront Seat5 / 5Back Seat5 / 5
- RolloverRollover4 / 5Dynamic Test ResultNo TipRisk Of Rollover10.7%
IIHS Rating
The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.
- Side Impact TestGood
- Roof Strength TestGood
- Rear Crash Protection / Head RestraintGood
- IIHS Small Overlap Front TestNot Tested
- Moderate Overlap Front TestGood
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More about the 2015 Toyota Avalon Hybrid
Used 2015 Toyota Avalon Hybrid Overview
The Used 2015 Toyota Avalon Hybrid is offered in the following submodels: Avalon Hybrid Sedan. Available styles include XLE Touring 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT), Limited 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT), and XLE Premium 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT). Pre-owned Toyota Avalon Hybrid models are available with a 2.5 L-liter hybrid engine, with output up to 200 hp, depending on engine type. The Used 2015 Toyota Avalon Hybrid comes with front wheel drive. Available transmissions include: continuously variable-speed automatic.
What's a good price on a Used 2015 Toyota Avalon Hybrid?
Price comparisons for Used 2015 Toyota Avalon Hybrid trim styles:
- The Used 2015 Toyota Avalon Hybrid Limited is priced between $22,590 and$25,998 with odometer readings between 43292 and72914 miles.
- The Used 2015 Toyota Avalon Hybrid XLE Touring is priced between $19,990 and$19,990 with odometer readings between 78380 and78380 miles.
Shop with Edmunds for perks and special offers on used cars, trucks, and SUVs near Ashburn, VA. Doing so could save you hundreds or thousands of dollars. Edmunds also provides consumer-driven dealership sales and service reviews to help you make informed decisions about what cars to buy and where to buy them.
Which used 2015 Toyota Avalon Hybrids are available in my area?
Shop Edmunds' car, SUV, and truck listings of over 6 million vehicles to find a cheap new, used, or certified pre-owned (CPO) 2015 Toyota Avalon Hybrid for sale near. There are currently 4 used and CPO 2015 Avalon Hybrids listed for sale in your area, with list prices as low as $19,990 and mileage as low as 43292 miles. Simply research the type of car you're interested in and then select a used car from our massive database to find cheap prew-owned vehicles for sale near you. Once you have identified a used vehicle you're interested in, check the AutoCheck vehicle history reports, read dealer reviews, and find out what other owners paid for the Used 2015 Toyota Avalon Hybrid.
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Should I lease or buy a 2015 Toyota Avalon Hybrid?
Is it better to lease or buy a car? Ask most people and they'll probably tell you that car buying is the way to go. And from a financial perspective, it's true, provided you're willing to make higher monthly payments, pay off the loan in full and keep the car for a few years. Leasing, on the other hand, can be a less expensive option on a month-to-month basis. It's also good if you're someone who likes to drive a new car every three years or so.
Check out Toyota lease specials
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