Used 2014 Toyota Avalon XLE Premium Sedan Review
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the 2014 Toyota Avalon XLE Premium Sedan.
Most helpful consumer reviews
Ava-lux!
Chris, Northbrook, IL, 08/21/2017
2014 Toyota Avalon XLE Premium 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 6A)
If you like a touch of class, style, performance and panache from an automobile, this is the one for you. Several weeks ago I purchased a used 2014 Toyota Avalon. Having recently moved south from the Midwest, I wanted to shed my 4-wheel drive for something smaller. Initially I went looking for a gently used Lexus ES350. My reasons were simple: I’m getting closer to 40 and my automobile … needs are starting to bend more toward function and less form. This meant arguing my ego down from the thought that I needed to ‘sit high’ or that I need 3 rows for the few times a year we use the 3rd row.
So on to the car; I initially drove 3 or 4 ES’s and on one return test drive I ended up parking next to an Avalon. “What’s this?” I asked the salesman. He responded ‘the Avalon’ and proceeded to tell me of how the car rides a variation of the same platform as the ES. Really? Also that the engine and powertrain were virtually Identical. Really?? So I gave this car –which I had never even glanced at, much less considered before- a good once over. Lowered front end profile w/quadra-beam headlights, Aston-Marton inspired lower intakes flanked by chrome enveloped fog lamps. A clean and handsome profile with a slightly ‘windswept’ greenhouse profile and a beautiful tail end w/LED lights and dual, trapezoidal exhaust…. “Hmm, will you get the keys for this”??? I asked. Got inside. ‘Whoa, seriously, nice! A 6 inch touch screen w/digital readouts for the HVAC just below. Mine has the lighter interior w/contrasting taupe, chocolate brown and black color scheme. It’s a very rich look accented by liberal swaths or chrome. On to the drive; the ride was the final deal cincher. The engine is buttery-smooth with plenty of power for passing. In fact, I had to learn how to properly finesse the engine when I am passing because stepping down too hard gives way more power than you probably were looking for. I want to address the ride quality itself though. Many have written that the car clunks or crashes over bumps. Honestly, I hadn’t noticed it at all. I think the ride is quite appropriate and I have to believe those that don’t care for it are exactly the buyers Toyota is getting away from. The geriatric set. The only place I have to give the car less than stellar marks is the sound system. The base unit’s graphics seem a generation behind the two vehicles I have most recently owned. Also, the basic sound system is very thin and has very little bass. They are merely adequate and I have been accustomed to far better utility. (the unit doesn’t even show album artwork for ipod songs)
All told, this car is a serious sleeper that most likely are unaware of how good it is. After spending days if not weeks looking for the perfect gently used Lexus ES, I finally found it. Just so happened that it wears a Toyota badge and prefers to be called Avalon.
GREAT CAR
pat, Hackettstown, NJ, 12/04/2018
2014 Toyota Avalon XLE Premium 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 6A)
no repairs necessary. only tires breaks have 50% remaining with 85000 miles great dependable car
A smelly car
freepak, Baltimore, MD, 11/09/2014
2014 Toyota Avalon XLE Premium 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 6A)
This is my third Avalon and there is a definite design flaw. The car smells.
AC smells from mildew
JEF, Bonita Springs, FL, 03/14/2017
2014 Toyota Avalon XLE Premium 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 6A)
This being my 3rd Avalon (probably my last one as well) has a terrible smell coming from the AC vents. Dealer says this is normal, well it is not nor is it acceptable. They recommend changing the cabin air filter. It was changed to no avail, smell still there. Dealer checked the drain and all appears OK. There appears to be a design flaw in the drain for the AC evaporator for which … they will do nothing.
Edmunds Summary Review of the 2014 Toyota Avalon XLE Premium Sedan
Pros & Cons
- Pro:Quiet and upscale interior with roomy seating front and rear
- Pro:large trunk
- Pro:above-average fuel economy.
- Con:Ride quality might be too firm for traditional Avalon buyers
- Con:cumbersome setup process for Entune.
Full Edmunds Review: 2014 Toyota Avalon Sedan
Edmunds Insurance Estimator
The Edmunds TCO® estimated monthly insurance payment for a 2014 Toyota Avalon in Ohio is:
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