2019 Toyota Avalon

2019 Toyota Avalon Review

The new Avalon has more of what large sedan buyers are looking for.
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by Mark Takahashi
Edmunds Editor

The redesigned 2019 Toyota Avalon bridges the gap between the Camry and its pricier Lexus sibling, the ES 350. This latest fifth-generation model makes all of the expected improvements over its predecessor with more features, stronger performance, added refinement and more efficient engines.

An effort has also been made to give the Avalon a more sporty and up-to-date character than before. The exterior styling is sharper and the car's handling is more precise. Toyota has also equipped it with its latest infotainment system that includes Apple CarPlay smartphone integration. Of course, interior room and comfort are still key qualities for the Avalon, and this newest model certainly delivers.

Sales of big sedans have been dropping for a while now as more car shoppers gravitate toward SUVs. But if you're one of the sedan holdouts, you'll no doubt find the new 2019 Avalon to be one of the best in its class.

For more details about the 2019 Toyota Avalon, read our Avalon First Drive article.

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what's new

The Toyota Avalon has been completely redesigned for 2019.
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we recommend

In all likelihood, the 2019 Toyota Avalon in Limited trim will hit the sweet spot for the typical large sedan buyer. It straddles the line between Toyota and Lexus without the sporty features and touches of the higher-trim models. It's also eligible for rear parking sensors with cross-traffic braking and the surround-view camera that is only offered on the top Touring trim.
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trim levels & features

The 2019 Toyota Avalon is classified as a midsize sedan by the EPA, but you'll likely be cross-shopping it against full-size sedans. It is available in XLE, Limited, XSE and Touring trims. All of them come with a 3.5-liter six-cylinder engine (301 horsepower, 267 pound-feet of torque) that sends power to the front wheels through an eight-speed automatic transmission. A hybrid model is also available and is covered in a separate review.

The XLE trim starts off generously with 17-inch alloy wheels, automatic LED headlights, heated mirrors, keyless entry and ignition, dual-zone automatic climate control, power-adjustable front seats with heating, simulated leather upholstery, 60/40-split folding rear seats and an auto-dimming rearview mirror.

Technology features include Bluetooth, a Wi-Fi hotspot, Toyota's Safety Connect emergency communications, a 9-inch touchscreen, a rearview camera, Toyota's Entune infotainment system with smartphone-based navigation, Apple CarPlay, four USB ports, and an eight-speaker audio system with satellite and HD radio.

Also included is Toyota's Safety Sense suite of advanced safety features — including forward collision warning with automatic braking, lane keeping assist, automatic high beams and adaptive cruise control — as well as blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert.

Stepping up to the Limited trim adds 18-inch wheels, upgraded exterior lighting, a sunroof, a head-up display, leather upholstery, ventilated front seats, driver-seat memory settings, heated rear seats, a heated steering wheel, wood interior trim, aluminum pedal covers, ambient interior lighting, a wireless charging pad, a built-in navigation system and a 14-speaker premium JBL audio system.

The sporty XSE trim builds on the XLE's features with 19-inch wheels, piano black exterior treatments, a sunroof, a rear spoiler, augmented engine intake noises, paddle shifters, aluminum interior trim and microsuede seat inserts.

The range-topping Touring trim comes complete with all of the Limited and XSE upgrades, as well as an adaptive suspension, an additional Sport-plus drive mode, a sport exhaust, augmented engine noises and active noise cancellation.

Some of the features on the upper trims are available on the other trims as options. An Advanced Safety package with a surround-view parking camera system and rear parking sensors with automatic braking is optional on the Limited and the Touring.

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The XLE trim starts off generously with 17-inch alloy wheels, automatic LED headlights, heated mirrors, keyless entry and ignition, dual-zone automatic climate control, power-adjustable front seats with heating, simulated leather upholstery, 60/40-split folding rear seats and an auto-dimming rearview mirror.

Technology features include Bluetooth, a Wi-Fi hotspot, Toyota's Safety Connect emergency communications, a 9-inch touchscreen, a rearview camera, Toyota's Entune infotainment system with smartphone-based navigation, Apple CarPlay, four USB ports, and an eight-speaker audio system with satellite and HD radio.

Also included is Toyota's Safety Sense suite of advanced safety features — including forward collision warning with automatic braking, lane keeping assist, automatic high beams and adaptive cruise control — as well as blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert.

Stepping up to the Limited trim adds 18-inch wheels, upgraded exterior lighting, a sunroof, a head-up display, leather upholstery, ventilated front seats, driver-seat memory settings, heated rear seats, a heated steering wheel, wood interior trim, aluminum pedal covers, ambient interior lighting, a wireless charging pad, a built-in navigation system and a 14-speaker premium JBL audio system.

The sporty XSE trim builds on the XLE's features with 19-inch wheels, piano black exterior treatments, a sunroof, a rear spoiler, augmented engine intake noises, paddle shifters, aluminum interior trim and microsuede seat inserts.

The range-topping Touring trim comes complete with all of the Limited and XSE upgrades, as well as an adaptive suspension, an additional Sport-plus drive mode, a sport exhaust, augmented engine noises and active noise cancellation.

Some of the features on the upper trims are available on the other trims as options. An Advanced Safety package with a surround-view parking camera system and rear parking sensors with automatic braking is optional on the Limited and the Touring.

trim tested

Each vehicle typically comes in multiple versions that are fundamentally similar. The ratings in this review are based on our first drive of the 2019 Toyota Avalon (3.5L V6 | 8-speed automatic | FWD).

driving

We expect the Avalon to have more power than the target buyer will need and get up to speed with ease. Handling should also exceed expectations, particularly with the Touring trim's adaptive suspension. Unlike in its rivals, all-wheel drive is not available.

comfort

Both the suspension and the seats are designed with comfort in mind. Ruts and bumps are smoothed over well, and the cabin remains pleasantly quiet on the highway. The front seats are comfortable, with little side bolstering for easy entry and exit.

interior

The cockpit is attractive and is fitted with high-quality materials, though the blocky center stack looks a little out of place. The sunroof that is standard on all but the base Avalon does, however, cut into headroom.

technology

Apple CarPlay finally makes it into a Toyota with this Avalon. Unfortunately, Android Auto is still absent and the built-in Entune infotainment system remains one of the least intuitive in the industry. On the upside, the Avalon Hybrid comes standard with many standard driver safety aids.

edmunds expert 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.

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