2021 Toyota Avalon Hybrid Review

Name: 2021 Toyota Avalon Hybrid Review
Brand: Toyota

Price Range: $24,590 - $31,998

Toyota Avalon Hybrid Limited Sedan Exterior

Toyota Avalon Hybrid XLE Sedan Exterior Shown

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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.

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Toyota Avalon Hybrid model years

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2021 Toyota Avalon Hybrid Review

byRyan ZumMallen^{Contributor
Ryan ZumMallen has worked in the automotive industry since 2012. He has written thousands of car-related articles and tested and reviewed hundreds of vehicles over the course of his career. Ryan has also contributed to Road & Track, Autoweek, Trucks.com and more. In 2019, Ryan published his first book, Slow Car Fast, on the millennial generation and its unique take on modern car culture.}

Pros

Lots of standard advanced safety features
Efficient hybrid powertrain with little sacrifice
Upscale cabin is quiet and roomy
Comfortable ride

Cons

Limited front and rear headroom

What's new

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

Overview

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.

Cost to Drive^{Cost to drive estimates for the 2021 Toyota Avalon Hybrid XLE 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 $2.95 per gallon for regular unleaded in Virginia.}

Monthly estimates based on costs in Virginia

$85/mo

$188/mo

Avg. Large Car

Calculate my fuel costs

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.

Edmunds Expert Rating

Our Verdict^{The Edmunds Vehicle Testing Team evaluates a fresh batch of vehicles every week, pairing objective assessments at our test track with real-world driving on city streets, freeways and winding roads. The data we gather results in our Expert Ratings. They’re based on 30-plus scores that cover every aspect of the automotive experience.}

Good

7.9

out of 10

edmunds TESTED

Rated for you by America's best test team.

Performance

7.5/10

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.

Comfort

8.5/10

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.

Interior

7.5/10

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.

Technology

8/10

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.

Storage

8/10

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.

Fuel Economy

8.5/10

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).

Value

8/10

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

7.5/10

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?

The Avalon is a little more upscale than the typical midsize sedan (Toyota's own Camry, for example). As such, the best way to maximize this distinctiveness is to go with the top-line Limited. Its extra touches such as authentic leather and wood make it our pick of the bunch. The price increase from a regular Avalon Limited to an Avalon Hybrid Limited is less than $1,000 too.

Compare 2021 Toyota Avalon Hybrid trim levels

Helpful trims summary and side-by-side comparison chart

2021 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:

XLE
The base Avalon Hybrid starts off with these standard features:

LED headlights and LED taillights
Heated power exterior mirrors
17-inch alloy wheels
Simulated leather upholstery
Heated front seats
Power-adjustable front seats
Four drive modes (Normal, Eco, EV, Sport)
Dual-zone automatic climate control
Rear air vents
9-inch touchscreen
Eight-speaker audio system
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration
Four USB ports

All Avalon Hybrid models come with the following safety equipment:

Collision mitigation with pedestrian detection (applies the brakes automatically to stop the vehicle to avoid or minimize a collision)
Lane keeping assist (steers the Avalon Hybrid back into its lane if it begins to drift over the lane marker)
Adaptive cruise control (maintains a driver-set distance between the Avalon Hybrid and the car in front)
Blind-spot monitor with rear cross-traffic alert (warns you if a vehicle is in your blind spot during a lane change or while reversing)

XSE
This trim adds a sportier appearance and these features to the mix:

Dark-painted 18-inch wheels
Paddle shifters
Wireless charging station
Sunroof
Black rear spoiler

Limited
The top-line Avalon Hybrid Limited takes comfort and luxury one step further with:

Adaptive cornering headlights
18-inch chrome wheels
Heated steering wheel
Head-up display
14-speaker audio system
Leather upholstery
Ventilated front seats and heated rear seats
Wood interior trim
Ambient lighting

Advanced Safety package
Available only on the Limited trim, this package offers the following equipment:

Surround-view camera (gives you a top-down view of the Avalon Hybrid and its surroundings for tight parking situations)
Parking sensors (alert you to obstacles that may not be visible behind or in front of the vehicle when parking)
Rear cross-traffic braking (warns you if a vehicle behind you is about to cross your vehicle's path while you're in reverse and brakes if sensors detect an imminent collision)

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Toyota Avalon Hybrid Reviews

Owner Reviews

4.6

36 reviews

5(78%)

4(11%)

3(8%)

2(3%)

1(0%)

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Most Helpful Owner Reviews

First Impression

wyddon, 11/25/2020

2021 Toyota Avalon Hybrid Limited 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT)

Just moved up from a 2015 Camry LE to "The Beast". The dealership "made an offer I couldn't refuse". I've only driven the car for a week. There are so many bells and whistles (digital) that I recommend going to YouTube and watch the 2020 2Guys and a Ride vehicle features and Infotainment System videos. For more Toyota specifics on the Battery, Hybrid , and Engine watch The Car Nut. …

Love it!

ToyotaLover, 08/14/2021

2021 Toyota Avalon Hybrid Limited 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT)

Absolutely love this car! Comfort and luxury with 47 MPG. I am 6’4” tall and upgrade to the Avalon form a RAV4, now have room to fully extend my legs and enjoy the smooth quiet ride.

Great Car

Senior21, 06/12/2021

2021 Toyota Avalon Hybrid XLE 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT)

I have the XLE. It has a quiet smooth ride. The seats are softex which I like. I like the safety features such as precollision, rear cross traffic alert, dynamic cruise control and blind spot monitoring in outside mirrors plus other features that I am not yet familiar with.

Great car

S Brooks, 04/09/2021

2021 Toyota Avalon Hybrid Limited 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT)

The Avalon has a great ride is quiet and very comfortable. We got the Appearance Option and love its sleek lines and upgraded 19 in tires/rim. Great Premium Audio system with audiophile acoustics. A great car.

We have a limited number of reviews for the 2021 Toyota Avalon Hybrid, so we've included reviews for other years of the Avalon Hybrid since its last redesign.

See all 36 reviews of the Toyota Avalon Hybrid

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2021 Avalon Hybrid Highlights

Trim:

XLE

Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee	$37,100
Engine Type	Hybrid
Combined MPG	44 MPG
Cost to Drive	$85/month
Seating	5 seats
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place	16.1 cu.ft.
Drivetrain	front wheel drive
Warranty	3 years / 36,000 miles

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Safety

Our experts like the Avalon Hybrid models:

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.

NHTSA Overall Rating

The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.

Frontal Barrier Crash Rating
Overall4 / 5
Driver4 / 5
Passenger4 / 5
Side Crash Rating
Overall5 / 5
Side Barrier Rating
Overall5 / 5
Driver5 / 5
Passenger5 / 5
Combined Side Barrier & Pole Ratings
Front Seat5 / 5
Back Seat5 / 5
Rollover
Rollover4 / 5
Dynamic Test ResultNo Tip
Risk Of Rollover10.5%

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2021 Toyota Avalon Hybrid Review

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2021 Toyota Avalon HybridLimited Sedan

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2021 Toyota Avalon HybridXSE Sedan

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2021 Toyota Avalon HybridLimited Sedan

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2021 Toyota Avalon Hybrid Review

Pros

Cons

What's new

Overview

Edmunds Expert Rating

Performance

Comfort

Interior

Technology

Storage

Fuel Economy

Value

Wildcard

Which Avalon Hybrid does Edmunds recommend?

2021 Toyota Avalon Hybrid models

Toyota Avalon Hybrid Reviews

Owner Reviews

Most Helpful Owner Reviews

First Impression

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2021 Avalon Hybrid Highlights

Safety

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