Combining comfort, quality and impressive fuel economy, the 2018 Toyota Avalon ranks among the best large sedans on the market. A cushioned ride and hushed cabin make the Avalon well-suited for commutes and road trips, and its roomy interior offers plenty of room to spread out. It even offers a dash of speed and performance that befits its mission as a deluxe daily shuttle.

Starting with a well-equipped base model, the Avalon offers a long list of desirable standard features, including a V6 engine, leather upholstery, heated seats and several driver assistance features. From there you can opt into progressively more full-featured models with navigation, enhanced audio and luxury creature comforts such as heated rear seats, upgraded leather and rear-seat climate controls.

For such a large and roomy car, the Avalon returns surprisingly good fuel economy. On our evaluation test loop, the Avalon returned 28.6 mpg, well above its EPA rating. In the remaining miles of mixed driving, we observed 24 mpg - right on the money with its EPA combined mpg rating. More impressive is that this comes from a car with a large V6 engine that generates 268 horsepower and helps the car accelerate from zero to 60 mph in 6.5 seconds. The Avalon is no sport sedan, but an available Touring trim with larger wheels and tighter suspension tuning delivers more enhanced performance.

Overall, we recommend the 2018 Avalon. While there are some other solid choices available for a big sedan, including the Chevrolet Impala, Kia Cadenza and Nissan Maxima, the Toyota Avalon continues to be a standout.

2018 Toyota Avalon configurations

The 2018 Toyota Avalon is available in five trim levels: XLE, XLE Plus, XLE Premium, Touring and Limited. All come with a 3.5-liter V6 engine (268 horsepower, 248 pound-feet of torque) and a six-speed automatic transmission.

The XLE is well-equipped for a base trim and feels expertly assembled. A 3.5-liter V6 engine (268 horsepower, 248 pound-feet of torque) and six-speed automatic transmission come standard, as do 17-inch alloy wheels, dual-zone automatic climate control, a leather-wrapped tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, leather upholstery, and heated and power-adjustable front seats. Additional conveniences include keyless ignition and entry, a rearview camera, Bluetooth, a 7-inch touchscreen with Toyota's Entune interface and voice controls, and an eight-speaker audio system. Toyota's Safety Sense package also comes standard and includes automatic high beams, adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning (with pedestrian detection), automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning and lane keeping assist.

The XLE Plus adds a sunroof and an auto-dimming rearview mirror.

The XLE Premium offers more significant upgrades such as driver-seat memory settings, a wireless smartphone charging pad, navigation, a nine-speaker audio system, smartphone app integration, blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert.

The Touring trim is best for those seeking a measure of sport since it comes with 18-inch wheels, LED headlights and taillights, a sport-tuned suspension and unique interior trim.

The Limited bundles the same features from the Touring trim (minus the interior accents) along with xenon headlights, auto-dimming side mirrors, automatic wipers, ambient cabin lighting, tri-zone automatic climate control, upgraded leather upholstery, ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, a rear power sunshade, Safety Connect emergency notification and roadside assistance services, and an 11-speaker JBL premium sound system.

Trim tested

Each vehicle typically comes in multiple versions, although trim levels share many aspects. The ratings in this review are based on our full test of the 2017 Toyota Avalon Limited (3.5-liter V6 | 6-speed automatic | FWD).

Driving

7.0

No one expects the Avalon to be a performance machine, so it's no surprise that it doesn't perform like one. But it's a good interstate cruiser with a big V6, smooth transmission and consistent brakes, and the chassis and steering feel sure and steady so long as you don't hustle it through corners.

Acceleration

7.5

The Avalon's big V6 has plenty of power for passing and merging; it will even spin the wheels if the traction control is off. The gas pedal is responsive, but the sluggish transmission can be a wet blanket. We measured a 0-60-mph time of 6.5 seconds, which is respectable for a large family sedan.

Braking

7.5

While the pedal feels soft underfoot, brake response is sure and linear, so it's easy to make buttery smooth stops without upsetting your passengers. Our panic-stop test from 60 mph was average, but it earned bonus points for consistent performance over repeated stops.

Steering

6.5

The Avalon's steering is light, and there isn't much on-center feel. Even so, there's more feedback than we expected once we initiated turns, and this gave us a fairly good idea of how hard the front tires were working and how much more they could take.

Handling

6.5

In the realm of routine street driving, the Avalon feels reassuringly neutral and tidy. But a tight on-ramp or winding mountain road can expose understeer and a nose-heavy feel that gives the impression that the suspension calibration is too soft for anyone who likes a sporty-handling sedan.

Drivability

7.0

Highway cruising is the Avalon's forte. The transmission shifts agreeably and is generally quite smooth, but it can come across as sluggish if called upon to react quickly or drop more than one gear, as when passing slow trucks while going up a grade. Selecting Sport mode helps in these instances.

Comfort

8.5

If spending long stints in the driver's seat is your style, you'll enjoy the Avalon. Its soft suspension delivers a comfortable highway ride as long as the road surface is in reasonable shape. The plush front seats, a quiet cabin and strong air-conditioning make traveling long distances a breeze.

Seat comfort

8.5

The front seats are somewhat flat, but they're supportive and comfy thanks to their softness; you sink into them. Adjustable lumbar support is effective. But the rear seats are flatter and have less give. They're not as comfortable as the fronts on long drives.

Ride comfort

7.5

This is the plush, cloudlike ride that interstate drivers long for. It's softly sprung. Bumpy roads can overwhelm the suspension, though, and the Avalon can get a bit too floaty.

Noise & vibration

8.5

The Avalon is commendably quiet and especially well-insulated against wind and engine noise. A little tire and road noise remains, but it's minor. Against this quiet backdrop we actually noticed that cornering made the owner's manual clunk around inside the glovebox, which has an unlined interior.

Climate control

8.5

The tri-zone system is effective and easy to use. It takes a second to spool up but easily cools the cabin on hot days. But you can't control the rear zone from the front. Front and outer rear passengers get heated seats. The ventilation in the front seats is all noise with little effect.

Interior

8.5

The Avalon's interior is clean, uncluttered and attractive in its design and use of materials. Its roomy interior gives passengers ample space to stretch and move around, and it's generally easy to get in and out of. But we wish the mirrors were bigger and the steering wheel telescoped more.

Ease of use

7.5

Most primary controls and secondary switches are well-marked. But the steering wheel blocks the view of the volume knob and some crucial buttons to the left of the touchscreen. These buttons are touch-sensitive, but they offer no tactile feedback so you must look to see where your fingers are going.

Getting in/getting out

9.0

The Avalon features large door apertures all around and slim rocker overhangs. The doors themselves are slim, and they stay open with mild friction. Rear passengers have it even easier, thanks to a wide seat bottom and a seatback that's aligned with the rear door jamb instead of being set back.

Driving position

7.5

The seats have a good deal of adjustment and can accommodate both sit-up and more reclined drivers. But some taller drivers may have a hard time finding the ideal driving position, not because of the seats but because the telescopic steering mechanism has a limited range of extension.

Roominess

9.0

This car provides ample space, front and rear, for a long road trip. Everyone enjoys great leg- and headroom and elbow room. The only potential drawback we can see is slightly limited toe room in the rear seat if the corresponding front seat is set to its lowest height.

Visibility

7.5

Visibility toward the front half of the car is good, and rear visibility is satisfactory. The side mirrors are small for such a full-size sedan, making blind-spot monitoring a necessity rather than a convenience.

Quality

9.0

Toyota went to great effort to optimize materials and their placement to ensure drivers and passengers are always next to, or interfacing with, the good stuff. But cheaper materials do appear in the dim recesses if you go looking for it. Still, the construction and build quality are excellent.

Utility

7.5

As befits a big sedan, the Avalon features a sufficiently large trunk. The rear seats don't fold down, but there is a central pass-through. Surprisingly, interior storage space is limited, with the Avalon's primary stowage spot being the moderately sized center console box.

Small-item storage

6.5

Front door pockets are small and can't hold bottles. The center console has a moderately large cargo box with a removable second-level tray. A retractable Qi charging platform sits in front of the shifter. Rear seats have even smaller door pockets, with cupholders in the fold-down armrest.

Cargo space

7.5

Although the rear seats don't fold down, the generous 16-cubic-foot trunk volume does not disappoint. A wide trunk opening allows easy access, and the liftover height is average, with a mild drop down to the floor. A central pass-through between the rear seats is provided for long, skinny items.

Child safety seat accommodation

7.5

LATCH anchors are easy to grasp but difficult to engage due to the seat material that surrounds it. Upper LATCH points are easy to access. Generous rear kneeroom means you don't have to scoot the front seats up much when installing a bulky rear-facing seat.

Technology

7.5

It comes standard with advanced driver aids, has built-in navigation, and the Bluetooth interface works quite well. But the Avalon may not be on your list if you're smartphone-savvy. The Entune interface is clumsy, it lacks CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone mirroring, and there's no LTE tethering.

Audio & navigation

7.5

The JBL audio system is effective at pop vocals, but with a mildly muted midbass area you may find yourself raising the volume on rock, jazz and classical. Navigation maps are built in and don't require a paired phone. The lack of direct access to maps is a minus; you have to hit "Home" first.

Smartphone integration

8.5

Phone connectivity is excellent and quick. The Bluetooth system works great, and if you have a modern phone, you can even search individual albums and playlists. There's also a USB and auxiliary-in jack up front underneath the Qi induction charger.

Driver aids

8.0

It comes standard with automatic emergency braking, lane keeping assistance and adaptive cruise control, but the latter does not function below about 30 mph. Passive equipment includes lane departure warning, front and rear parking sensors, and a relatively low-resolution, rear-facing camera.

Voice control

7.0

Toyota's voice control is adequate so long as you understand its syntax and follow it accordingly. Voice control works for using navigation and the radio and passing voice commands to your smartphone. You can also call up certain apps and weather information.

Consumer reviews

Read what other owners think about the 2018 Toyota Avalon.

Overall Consumer Rating

4.125 reviews

Write a review See all 25 reviews

5(56%)

4(24%)

3(8%)

2(0%)

1(12%)

Most helpful consumer reviews

2018 Avalon Limited - 6 Month Review

Tim,03/18/2018

I've had my 2018 Avalon Limited for 6 months and 6,300 miles. I have made two longer trips on the car for vacations and the rest of the miles are local running around town. I love the car! It is very comfortable and fits me well as I am 6'2" and a bigger guy. The JBL sound system is awesome! The adaptive cruise works great! I have two complaints. First, the voice recognition

Despite shortcomings a great value

James rydwr,12/13/2017

No navigation system to speak of, voice commands don't work most of the time, audio system lacks intuitive controls. Acceleration, handling, comfort and climate control all work well despite poor Dash layout. Salesman was reluctant to discuss the cars audio and navigation operation probably because of past complaints and frustrations. In fact it's probably no coincidence that they didn't

Get the hybrid!

P Spiewak,05/31/2018

We have a 2018 Avalon Hybrid and have already driven it in 10 states. Its a great car, averages about 40 mpg. Cream interior over the Parisian Blue is beautiful. Get the Limited package which includes heated and cooled front seats. Nav system is the best out there. I would own a Lexus (had 4 of them) but chose the Toyota because the Lexus Nav system has a dangerous and hard to use

Cruise Control --- Warnings --- Dashboard --- etc.

bhs67,01/05/2018

Toyota 2018 Avalon Limited ... 5,931 miles ... purchased four months ago, Aug 2017 -------------------------------------------------- Cruise Control 1. "Set" the cruise control to 35 mph (freeway construction zone). Accelerate (with the foot accelerator) to 70 mph after the construction zone (do not change the cruise control while accelerating). Set the cruise control. The car hits

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Features & Specs

MSRP

$37,900

MPG

21 city / 30 hwy

Seats 5

6-speed shiftable automatic

Gas

268 hp @ 6200 rpm

MSRP

$33,500

MPG

21 city / 30 hwy

Seats 5

6-speed shiftable automatic

Gas

268 hp @ 6200 rpm

MSRP

$35,250

MPG

21 city / 30 hwy

Seats 5

6-speed shiftable automatic

Gas

268 hp @ 6200 rpm

MSRP

$36,700

MPG

21 city / 30 hwy

Seats 5

6-speed shiftable automatic

Gas

268 hp @ 6200 rpm

See all 2018 Toyota Avalon Sedan features & specs

Safety

Our experts’ favorite Avalon safety features:

Toyota Safety Sense: Standard on the Avalon, Safety Sense includes a forward collision warning system, automatic emergency braking and lane keeping assist.
Toyota Safety Connect: Available only on Limited trims, Safety Connect adds roadside assistance, stolen vehicle location and automatic collision notification.
Blind-Spot Monitoring: Paired with rear cross-traffic alert and standard on XLE Premium and above, this feature warns you of hidden objects in your blind spot.

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 Rollover10.7%

IIHS Rating

The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.

Side Impact Test
Good
Roof Strength Test
Good
Rear Crash Protection / Head Restraint
Good
IIHS Small Overlap Front Test
Good
Moderate Overlap Front Test
Good

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The Lexus ES 350 is very similar to the Avalon in terms of luxury appointments and mechanical underpinnings, but it has once thing the Toyota doesn't have: a luxury brand badge and the ownership experience that comes with it. The ES 350's styling is a little more staid than the Avalon's, as is the driving experience. But the Lexus is all about understated luxury and driver isolation.

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Previous generations of the Honda Accord would have rarely been cross-shopped with the Avalon, but the all-new Accord is a revelation. It's been comprehensively restyled, and it's longer, wider, and much roomier than ever before. Though it lacks the buttery smooth V6 of the Avalon, the Accord is full of modern technology and is more responsive and returns better fuel economy.

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More about the 2018 Toyota Avalon

Slotting between Toyota's midsize Camry and the luxury Lexus ES 350 sedans, the 2018 Toyota Avalon checks all the key boxes for full-size sedan buyers: a spacious interior, silky smooth power and ride, a quiet cabin, and loads of convenience and tech features. Add a roomy trunk and above-average fuel economy, and you have an attractive alternative to the typical SUV or crossover.

Inside, the Avalon offers one of the most comfortable interiors in its class, with quality materials, superb fit and finish, and controls and displays that are easy to use. Luxury touches such as heated leather seats, keyless entry and ignition, and Toyota's Entune infotainment system also come standard. Some of today's more common driver assistance features, including adaptive cruise control and automatic emergency braking, are standard equipment on even the base level Avalon — a refreshing change from other brands that often relegate these items to options packages available only on mid to upper trim levels.

Except the hybrid variant, all Avalon models are powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine that produces 268 horsepower and 248 pound-feet of torque and drives the front wheels through a six-speed automatic transmission. Silky smooth power delivery and gear changes are Avalon hallmarks.

Not surprisingly, the Avalon's highway ride is comfortable and easygoing. More surprising is the agility with which this large sedan handles the curves, a result of the retuned suspension that underpins this latest generation. Some drivers might find the ride a bit on the firm side, especially when judged against older Avalon models, but overall the big sedan strikes an impressive compromise between comfort and performance.

At the pump, the Avalon returns an EPA-estimated 24 mpg combined (21 city/30 highway). In real-world test driving, we found the Avalon matches or outperforms those numbers. Buyers looking for even better fuel economy can check out the Avalon Hybrid, which is rated at 40 mpg combined (40 city/39 highway).

The base XLE trim comes with a wide range of standard features, but XLE Plus or XLE Premium models load up even more niceties such as a sunroof, smartphone charging and blind-spot monitoring. Those seeking sportier handling can select the Touring trim level. At the top of the line is the Limited, which loads up on luxury with items such as ventilated seats, heated rear seats and upgraded leather upholstery. Whatever your preference, let Edmunds help you find the best 2018 Toyota Avalon to suit your needs.

2018 Toyota Avalon Sedan Overview

The 2018 Toyota Avalon Sedan is offered in the following styles: Touring 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 6A), XLE 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 6A), XLE Plus 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 6A), XLE Premium 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 6A), and Limited 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 6A).

What do people think of the 2018 Toyota Avalon Sedan?

Consumer ratings and reviews are also available for the 2018 Toyota Avalon Sedan and all its trim types. Overall, Edmunds users rate the 2018 Avalon Sedan 4 on a scale of 1 to 5 stars. Edmunds consumer reviews allow users to sift through aggregated consumer reviews to understand what other drivers are saying about any vehicle in our database. Detailed rating breakdowns (including performance, comfort, value, interior, exterior design, build quality, and reliability) are available as well to provide shoppers with a comprehensive understanding of why customers like the 2018 Avalon Sedan.

Edmunds Expert Reviews

Edmunds experts have compiled a robust series of ratings and reviews for the 2018 Toyota Avalon Sedan and all model years in our database. Our rich analysis includes expert reviews and recommendations for the 2018 Avalon Sedan featuring deep dives into trim levels including Touring, XLE, XLE Plus, etc. with careful analysis around pricing, features, performance, mpg, safety, interior, and driving and performance. Edmunds also offers expert ratings, road test and performance data, long-term road tests, first-drive reviews, video reviews and more.

Read our full review of the 2018 Toyota Avalon Sedan here.

Edmunds Scorecard

Overall7.6 / 10

Driving

7.0 / 10

Acceleration7.5 / 10

Braking7.5 / 10

Steering6.5 / 10

Handling6.5 / 10

Drivability7.0 / 10

Comfort

8.5 / 10

Seat comfort8.5 / 10

Ride comfort7.5 / 10

Noise & vibration8.5 / 10

Climate control8.5 / 10

Interior

8.5 / 10

Ease of use7.5 / 10

Getting in/getting out9.0 / 10

Driving position7.5 / 10

Roominess9.0 / 10

Visibility7.5 / 10

Quality9.0 / 10

Utility

7.5 / 10

Small-item storage6.5 / 10

Cargo space7.5 / 10

Technology

7.5 / 10

Audio & navigation7.5 / 10

Smartphone integration8.5 / 10

Driver aids8.0 / 10

Voice control7.0 / 10

Our Review Process

This review was written by a member of Edmunds' editorial team of expert car reviewers. Our team drives every car you can buy. We put the vehicles through rigorous testing, evaluating how they drive and comparing them in detail to their competitors.

We're also regular people like you, so we pay attention to all the different ways people use their cars every day. We want to know if there's enough room for our families and our weekend gear and whether or not our favorite drink fits in the cupholder. Our editors want to help you make the best decision on a car that fits your life.

What's a good price for a New 2018 Toyota Avalon Sedan?

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Why trust Edmunds?

Edmunds has deep data on over 6 million new, used, and certified pre-owned vehicles, including all models of the 2018 Toyota Avalon Sedan and all available trim types: Touring, XLE, XLE Plus, etc. Rich, trim-level features & specs and options data tracked for the 2018 Toyota Avalon Sedan include (but are not limited to): MSRP, available incentives and deals, average price paid, warranty information (basic, drivetrain, and maintenance), features (interior and exterior color, upholstery, bluetooth, navigation, cruise control, parking assistance, lane sensing, keyless ignition, satellite radio, folding rears seats,run flat tires, wheel type, tire size, sunroof, etc.), vehicle specifications (engine cylinder count, drivetrain, engine power, torque, engine displacement, transmission), fuel economy and MPG (city, highway, and combined, fuel capacity, range), vehicle dimensions (interior cabin space, vehicle length and width, seating capacity, cargo space). Edmunds also provides tools to allow shopper to compare vehicles to similar models of their choosing by warranty, interior features, exterior features, specifications, vehicle dimensions, consumer rating, edmunds expert review, safety rating, and color.

Should I lease or buy a 2018 Toyota Avalon?

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.

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Which Avalon does Edmunds recommend?

Edmunds' Expert Review

Overall rating

2018 Toyota Avalon configurations

Trim tested

Driving

Acceleration

Braking

Steering

Handling

Drivability

Comfort

Seat comfort

Ride comfort

Noise & vibration

Climate control

Interior

Ease of use

Getting in/getting out

Driving position

Roominess

Visibility

Quality

Utility

Small-item storage

Cargo space

Child safety seat accommodation

Technology

Audio & navigation

Smartphone integration

Driver aids

Voice control

Most helpful consumer reviews

Features & Specs

Safety

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Edmunds Expert Reviews

Edmunds Scorecard

Our Review Process

What's a good price for a New 2018 Toyota Avalon Sedan?

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