2021 Toyota Avalon
| MSRP | $38,519 |
|---|---|
| Edmunds suggests you pay | $33,391 |
What Should I Pay
4 for sale near you
Other years
2021 Toyota Avalon Review
- Lots of standard advanced safety features
- Comfortable ride quality
- Quiet and roomy cabin
- Not a whole lot of headroom for a big sedan
- All-wheel drive debuts on select models
- Android Auto smartphone integration is now standard
- TRD and new Nightshade Edition gain high-performance tires
- Part of the fifth Avalon generation introduced for 2019
Toyota is doubling down on its popular large sedan and offering more versions of the Avalon than ever before. For the first time in the nameplate's history, the 2021 Toyota Avalon will be available with all-wheel drive.
There's a catch, however — the new drivetrain will not be paired to the existing V6 engine. Instead, the all-wheel-drive Avalon will borrow the 2.5-liter four-cylinder (205 horsepower, 185 lb-ft of torque) from the Camry for motivation, or roughly 100 hp and 80 lb-ft less than the V6. However, its competitors with AWD are almost exclusively powered by V6 engines, so buyers in cold climates might feel let down by its lack of oomph.
The arrival of all-wheel drive isn't the only change to the 2021 Avalon. In-car tech is improved with the addition of Android Auto and USB-C ports for charging and connectivity. There's also a stylish and subdued XSE Nightshade Edition featuring black-painted exterior accents. Finally, the sporty Avalon TRD gains optional summer performance tires that should provide more cornering grip. How well does it all stack up? Check out our Expert Rating for our in-depth evaluation on this year's Avalon.
Our verdict | |
The Toyota Avalon delivers what you would expect from a large, comfortable, cruising sedan, but it is also surprisingly enjoyable to drive. There's good power, and it has an available adaptive suspension system that is responsive on twisty roads. It's also a good value because of its high fuel economy and luxurious surroundings, which rival those of its Lexus ES cousin for a lot less money. | |
How does the Avalon drive? | |
With a potent 301-horsepower V6 mated to a smooth-shifting transmission, the Avalon has good power to get up and go. It is also pleasant to use in most scenarios, from long road trips and afternoon cruises to day-to-day commutes and short errands around town. Braking is consistent and never grabby, which lends to its comfort in daily use. The Avalon is surprising in its athleticism — with shockingly enjoyable handling and drivability. While not a sport sedan, this cruiser can handle twisty roads with relative ease for a vehicle of its size. Think about a mobile defensive end or tackle in football as opposed to an athletic linebacker. | |
How comfortable is the Avalon? | |
Comfort is a strength for the Avalon and is probably the primary reason you'd consider such a large sedan. All seating positions give you ample cushioning and support for long drives or short cruises. The leather upholstery is very soft and gives the sensation that the Avalon is more upscale than its price suggests. The ride is cushioned and makes you feel shielded from harsh roads. The cabin is also really cozy due to the climate control's quick heating and cooling. While there is no rattling or shaking inside the cabin, road noise is somewhat present at all times. | |
How’s the interior? | |
The Avalon's cabin is a decent place to be. It is roomy and user-friendly. There are even redundant key functions located on the steering wheel. Legroom is abundant, the driving position is superb due to its multitude and depth of adjustments, and visibility is great up front and modest to the sides and over the shoulder. As far as controls go, there are two minor issues: The radio tuning knob can be a reach for some, and a couple of functions, such as turning on the camera view, are tucked away. While legroom is a strength, headroom can feel a little compromised for taller people — especially in the rear due to the sloping roofline. Lastly, the low-resolution rearview camera and display could use an upgrade. | |
How’s the tech? | |
Toyota's Entune system and its 9-inch touchscreen are surprisingly good. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration systems are supported. The display is bright and responds well to inputs, but Toyota tends to lock out more functions while you're driving than other carmakers. There are two USB ports up front and two in back. The front console also houses a wireless charging pad. The car's built-in voice controls are hit-or-miss — it's better at understanding radio commands than navigation commands. We had much more success using Siri via Apple CarPlay. | |
How’s the storage? | |
While cargo capacity is average on paper, the Avalon works out to be more convenient compared to some others due to the wide trunk opening, broad floor and convenient loading height. You might be disappointed if you're the type who folds the rear seats to expand the space because there's a sizable step up to the folded seats. Inside, there are numerous small cubbies, plenty of cupholders, and a center console that's sizable and surprisingly deep. The door pockets are average, but there are enough other options that it's not a concern. The Avalon really shines when it comes to fitting child safety seats. The car seat anchors are easy to access, and the huge rear bench has space enough for just about any type of seat. | |
How economical is the Avalon? | |
The Avalon is rated at 25 combined mpg (22 city/31 highway), which is excellent for this class of car. It's not outstanding like the hybrid variant, but it's still really good. During our mixed-driving 115-mile evaluation route, we were able to observe 26 mpg, which slightly beat the combined EPA score. | |
Is the Avalon a good value? | |
The Avalon offers a good deal of quality and refinement. It feels close enough to the Lexus ES in this regard that someone looking for a large sedan might want to consider the Avalon instead because it costs thousands less. Beyond the great deal, you also get high gas mileage, a good roadside assistance program, and free scheduled maintenance for the first two years. | |
Wildcard | |
The Avalon is a low-key performer. The exterior, aside from the huge brace-face grille, is nondescript, while the interior delivers a composed, civil and sophisticated style. None of this is bad, but it sets you up to be surprised by its hidden athleticism. In the context of a big family sedan, it's fun to drive due to its surprising handling capabilities and strong V6 engine. | |
Which Avalon does Edmunds recommend?
The appeal of the Avalon is its smooth and sophisticated ride, and the Limited trim best exemplifies that experience. It's a step up in price from the base model, but it's surprisingly less costly than the Touring or TRD. Yet the extra touches including authentic leather and wood make it our pick of the bunch.
Toyota Avalon models
The 2021 Toyota Avalon is available in five trim levels: XLE, Touring, XSE Nightshade, Limited and TRD. All trims come standard with front-wheel drive and a 3.5-liter V6 engine (301 horsepower, 267 lb-ft of torque) mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission. All-wheel drive is available on the XLE and Touring trims with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine (205 hp, 185 lb-ft). An available Toyota Avalon Hybrid is reviewed separately.
Save as much as $5,767 with Edmunds
2021 Toyota Avalon pricing
in Ashburn, VA
XLE
3.5L 6cyl 8A
Edmunds Suggested Price$33,391
2 for sale in 20147
XSE Nightshade
3.5L 6cyl 8A
Edmunds Suggested Price$36,522
3 for sale in 20147
Touring
3.5L 6cyl 8A
Edmunds Suggested Price$39,535
1 for sale in 20147
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Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the 2021 Toyota Avalon.
Trending topics in reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
5/5 stars, Smooth ride
Bill Stone,
XLE 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 8A)
Excellent ride
5/5 stars, Avalon review
Dee,
XLE 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 8A)
Love this car
5/5 stars, Best kept secret
Sam ,
XLE 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 8A)
I have no idea why Toyota doesn't promote this car?
5/5 stars, 2021 Toyota Avalon
SCD,
XSE Nightshade 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 8A)
Great car
2021 Toyota Avalon video
2019 Toyota Avalon First Look | Detroit Auto Show
NOTE: This video is about the 2019 Toyota Avalon, but since the 2021 Toyota Avalon is part of the same generation, our earlier analysis still applies.
Toyota's all-new 2019 Avalon shows that the automaker continues to take the sedan segment seriously. Historically, the Avalon has been the Camry's larger, cushier brother. That fundamental brief doesn't change, but the relationship promises big strides in ride composure for Toyota's slightly-bigger-than-Camry midsize Avalon sedan.
Safety
Our experts’ favorite Avalon 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 vs. the competition
2021 Toyota Avalon
2021 Toyota Camry
Toyota Avalon vs. Toyota Camry
The Toyota Camry remains one of the most popular sedans on the road today. It's affordable and provides an easy driving experience. The Avalon offers more refinement and added comfort for only an incremental price increase. We consider it the clear choice over a V6 Camry. Read Edmunds' long-term road test of the Toyota Camry.
Toyota Avalon vs. Chrysler 300
Why mess with a good thing? That's been the approach to the Chrysler 300, a sedan that made a splash more than a decade ago and hasn't changed much since. The 300 is spacious and offers a powerful V8 engine. It's the bold American alternative to the slightly more refined Avalon.
Toyota Avalon vs. Kia K5
The Kia K5 is our top-rated midsize sedan, a rarity for a new vehicle in its debut year. It's one size smaller than the Avalon, but impressive interior design and driving comfort make the K5 downright luxurious in nature. The value proposition is also sky-high. We heartily recommend the K5 unless you require the extra space in the Avalon.
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FAQ
Is the Toyota Avalon a good car?
The Edmunds experts tested the 2021 Avalon both on the road and at the track, giving it a 7.8 out of 10. You probably care about Toyota Avalon fuel economy, so it's important to know that the Avalon gets an EPA-estimated 25 mpg to 28 mpg, depending on the configuration. What about cargo capacity? When you're thinking about carrying stuff in your new car, keep in mind that the Avalon has 16.1 cubic feet of trunk space. And then there's safety and reliability. Edmunds has all the latest NHTSA and IIHS crash-test scores, plus industry-leading expert and consumer reviews to help you understand what it's like to own and maintain a Toyota Avalon. Learn more
What's new in the 2021 Toyota Avalon?
According to Edmunds’ car experts, here’s what’s new for the 2021 Toyota Avalon:
- All-wheel drive debuts on select models
- Android Auto smartphone integration is now standard
- TRD and new Nightshade Edition gain high-performance tires
- Part of the fifth Avalon generation introduced for 2019
Is the Toyota Avalon reliable?
To determine whether the Toyota Avalon is reliable, read Edmunds' authentic consumer reviews, which come from real owners and reveal what it's like to live with the Avalon. Look for specific complaints that keep popping up in the reviews, and be sure to compare the Avalon's average consumer rating to that of competing vehicles. Learn more
Is the 2021 Toyota Avalon a good car?
There's a lot to consider if you're wondering whether the 2021 Toyota Avalon is a good car. Edmunds' expert testing team reviewed the 2021 Avalon and gave it a 7.8 out of 10. Safety scores, fuel economy, cargo capacity and feature availability should all be factors in determining whether the 2021 Avalon is a good car for you. Learn more
How much should I pay for a 2021 Toyota Avalon?
The least-expensive 2021 Toyota Avalon is the 2021 Toyota Avalon XLE 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 8A). Including destination charge, it arrives with a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of about $36,125.
Other versions include:
- XLE 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 8A) which starts at $36,125
- Limited 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 8A) which starts at $42,425
- XSE Nightshade 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 8A) which starts at $39,360
- TRD 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 8A) which starts at $43,125
- Touring 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 8A) which starts at $42,825
- Limited 4dr Sedan AWD (2.5L 4cyl 8A) which starts at $42,425
- XLE 4dr Sedan AWD (2.5L 4cyl 8A) which starts at $36,125
What are the different models of Toyota Avalon?
If you're interested in the Toyota Avalon, the next question is, which Avalon model is right for you? Avalon variants include XLE 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 8A), Limited 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 8A), XSE Nightshade 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 8A), and TRD 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 8A). For a full list of Avalon models, check out Edmunds’ Features & Specs page. Learn more