2020 Toyota Avalon Review

Name: 2020 Toyota Avalon
Brand: Toyota

Price Range: $23,998 - $37,990

2020 Toyota Avalon Touring Sedan Exterior

The 2020 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.

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Average price: $28,129

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2020 Toyota Avalon Review

Pros

Lots of standard advanced safety features
Comfortable ride quality
Quiet and roomy cabin

Cons

No Android Auto integration
Not a whole lot of headroom for a big sedan
All-wheel drive is not available

What's new

A new sporty TRD trim level debuts
Part of the fifth Avalon generation introduced for 2019

Overview

Written by automotive expert Cameron Rogers

11/13/2019

The large sedan class isn't what it used to be. Fewer automakers offer them because consumers are increasingly gravitating to SUVs and highly capable midsize sedans. Toyota, however, is one brand that's still carrying the torch. In fact, it's doubled down. Redesigned just last year, the Toyota Avalon simultaneously exemplifies and upends the conventions of the class.

Continue reading Edmunds Expert Rating below

For sale near Ashburn, VA

15 listings

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2020 Toyota Avalon
XSE Sedan
$25,798
good price
$1,468 below market
- 75,569 miles
- No accidents, 2 owners, personal use only
- 22 City / 31 Hwy MPG
- Genesis of Annapolis (53 mi away)
- Back-up camera
- Bluetooth
- Navigation
- Sunroof/Moonroof
- Keyless Entry/Start
Close
Located in Annapolis, MD
This Avalon XSE was traded for a new Genesis. The CARFAX is 100% clean and we just performed a fresh maintenance, including new tires. The previous ow...
AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary
Accident Free Vehicle: Yes
Personal Use Only: Yes
History Provider: AutoCheck
Title Details: Clean Title
Salvage Vehicle: No
Frame Damage: No
Theft History: No
Lemon Status: No
Free History Report: No
Features and Specs:
25 Combined MPG (22 City/31 Highway)
Listing Information:
VIN: 4T1EZ1FB2LU047694
Stock: Y1108A
Certified Pre-Owned: No
Listed since: 09-29-2025
New Listing
2020 Toyota Avalon
XLE Sedan
$28,998
- 40,356 miles
- No accidents, 2 owners, corporate fleet vehicle
- 22 City / 32 Hwy MPG
- CarMax Roanoke (181 mi away)
- Free delivery available*
- Back-up camera
- Bluetooth
- Keyless Entry/Start
- Upgraded Headlights
- Blind Spot Monitorin...
Close
Located in Roanoke, VA
Wanna drive? CarMax puts you in the driver's seat-and that includes transparency. Certain cars may have unrepaired safety recalls, so check nhtsa.gov/...
AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary
Accident Free Vehicle: Yes
Personal Use Only: No
History Provider: AutoCheck
Title Details: Clean Title
Salvage Vehicle: No
Frame Damage: No
Theft History: No
Lemon Status: No
Free History Report: No
Features and Specs:
26 Combined MPG (22 City/32 Highway)
Listing Information:
VIN: 4T1JZ1FB0LU053377
Stock: 27725254
Certified Pre-Owned: No

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Like past Avalons (and most large sedans), this latest model has a V6 engine that delivers smooth acceleration. It also has a roomy interior. Though only slightly larger than the Toyota Camry, the Avalon has acres of legroom for all occupants and a higher percentage of premium materials. The Avalon lends itself well to long road trips thanks to the supportive outboard seats and minimal wind noise.

Toyota also plays against type by bringing performance into the picture. The Avalon, with nimble handling and quick steering, is surprisingly up to the challenge of zipping along a curvy road. There's even a new TRD model this year with a sport-tuned suspension. If you want an uncompromising blend of performance and comfort, consider the top Touring trim. It's equipped with adaptive dampers that soften the ride or sharpen handling at the press of a button — a rare feature for this type of vehicle.

Downsides? Well, there's not a huge amount of headroom, which is odd for this class of vehicle, and Android Auto smartphone integration is conspicuously missing from the features list. But overall, we think highly of the 2020 Avalon. It's a definite step up in terms of quality and comfort compared to the Camry, and it's the most well-rounded pick compared to rivals such as the Chrysler 300 and the Kia Cadenza.

Edmunds Expert Rating

edmunds TESTED

by the Edmunds Experts

Good

7.8

out of 10

We drove the 2020 Toyota Avalon on our test track and on real roads. Our Edmunds team conducts rigorous independent vehicle testing, driving 500,000 miles a year.

Performance

7.5/10

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 — its 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.

Comfort

8/10

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.

Interior

7.5/10

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.

Technology

8/10

How’s the tech? Toyota's Entune system and its 9-inch touchscreen are surprisingly good. Apple CarPlay support makes things so much better, but Android Auto is still absent. 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's one USB port for data and four 2.1-amp power-only USBs — two 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.

Storage

8/10

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.

Fuel Economy

8/10

How’s the fuel economy? 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.

Value

8/10

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

7.5/10

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.

2020 Toyota Avalon trim level differences

The 2020 Toyota Avalon is available in XLE, Limited, XSE, TRD and Touring trims. All of them come with a 3.5-liter six-cylinder engine (301 horsepower, 267 lb-ft 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.

Which Avalon trim does Edmunds recommend?

The base XLE is equipped generously, and we think many buyers would be happy with its accommodations. But if you can swing the higher monthly payment, we say go for the loaded-up Touring. You're buying an Avalon because it's supposed to be a little nicer than run-of-the-mill sedans such as the Camry and Honda Accord.

Compare 2020 Toyota Avalon trim levels

Helpful trims summary and side-by-side comparison chart

Cost to Drive

Monthly estimates based on costs in Virginia

$137/mo

$191/mo

Avg. Large Car

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Reliability

The 2020 Toyota Avalon has a 3 years / 36,000 miles basic warranty and 3 recalls. RepairPal gives it a reliability rating of 4.5 out of 5, ranks it #1 out of 13 among Fullsize Cars. Below you’ll find our owner reviews.

Reliability Rating by RepairPal

4.5 out of 5 stars4.5/5Excellent

#1 out of 13 among Fullsize Cars

RepairPal Reliability Ratings are based on the actual cost, frequency, and severity of unscheduled repairs and maintenance on make/model data for select 2008-2022 vehicles. The reliability of a specific vehicle may vary depending on its maintenance and driving history, model year, trim, and features.

Cost

$371/yr

vs. $474/yr
for Average Fullsize Car

Frequency

0.67x/yr

vs. 0.97x/yr
for Average Fullsize Car

Severity

9.6%

vs. 13.4%
for Average Fullsize Car

Recalls

3 recalls found

Checking if a car has a recall is simple. Just type the car's VIN number into the NHTSA website (https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls). If there's an unrepaired recall, you'll see it there.

If a recall shows up, just call your local car dealer. They'll know about the recall and will work with the car maker to fix it for free (if the recall happened within 10 years of the car being first sold).

Recall Number:: 23V865000
Manufacturer Recall Number:: 23TA15, 23
Number of vehicles affected:: 999901
Defect Description:: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Avalon, Avalon Hybrid, Corolla, Highlander, Highlander Hybrid, RAV4, RAV4 Hybrid, Lexus ES350, Lexus RX350, Lexus RX450H, 2021 Sienna Hybrid, Lexus ES250, 2020-2022 Camry, Camry Hybrid, and ES300H vehicles. A short circuit may develop in the Occupant Classification System (OCS) sensor, preventing the front passenger air bag from deploying.
Defect Consequence:: An air bag that does not deploy during a crash increases the risk of injury.
Corrective Action:: Dealers will inspect and replace the sensor as necessary, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed October 31, 2024. This is a phased recall. The next phase is anticipated in June 2025. Multiple phases are planned through 2026. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's number for this recall is 23TB15/23TA15 Lexus 23LB03/23LA03.

Recall Number:: 20V734000
Manufacturer Recall Number:: 20TB17/20T
Number of vehicles affected:: 161
Defect Description:: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Toyota Avalon and 2020 Avalon Hybrid, RAV4, and RAV4 Hybrid vehicles. Breakaway pins within the steering column, designed to absorb energy and reduce injury during a crash, could have been damaged during production, possibly affecting the performance of the driver's air bag in the event of a crash. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."
Defect Consequence:: In the event of a crash, an air bag that does not perform as designed can increase the risk of injury.
Corrective Action:: Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will replace the steering column, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin January 18, 2021. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's number for this recall is 20TB17/20TA17.

Recall Number:: 20V682000
Manufacturer Recall Number:: 20TA02, 20
Number of vehicles affected:: 1517721
Defect Description:: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2018-2019 4Runner, 2019-2020 Avalon, 2019 Corolla Hatchback, 2017-2019 Highlander, 2018-2020 Camry, 2020 Corolla, 2018-2019 Land Cruiser, 2017-2020 Tacoma, 2019-2020 RAV4, 2019-2020 Sequoia, 2017-2020 Sienna, 2019-2020 Tundra, 2018-2020 Lexus ES350, 2017 Lexus GS200t, 2017-2019 Lexus GS350, 2019 Lexus GS300, 2018-2020 Lexus LC500h, 2019-2020 Lexus LS500, 2018-2019 Lexus GX460, 2017 Lexus IS200t, 2019 Lexus IS300, 2019 Lexus IS350, 2018-2020 Lexus LC500, 2018 Lexus LS500, 2019 Lexus LS500h, 2018-2019 Lexus LX570, 2017 Lexus RC200t, 2019 Lexus RC300, RC350, 2017 and 2019-2020 Lexus RX350, 2018-2020 RX350L, 2019 Lexus UX200, 2018-2019 Lexus NX300 vehicles. The low-pressure fuel pump inside the fuel tank may fail.
Defect Consequence:: If the fuel pump fails, the engine can stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.
Corrective Action:: Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel pump assembly with an improved one, free of charge. Interim notices informing owners of the safety risk were mailed beginning November 23, 2020. Owners will receive a second notice when the remedy becomes available. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-888-270-9371 or Lexus customer service at 1-800-255-3987. Note: This recall is an expansion of recall 20V-012. Toyota's number for this recall is 20TA02. Lexus' number for this recall is 20LA01.

Warranty

3 years / 36,000 miles Basic Warranty

Basic Warranty: 3 years / 36,000 miles
Drivetrain Warranty: 5 years / 60,000 miles
Rust Warranty: 5 years / unlimited miles
Roadside assistance Warranty: 2 years / unlimited miles
Free maintenance Warranty: 2 years / 25,000 miles

Toyota Avalon Reviews

Owner Reviews

4.2

33 reviews

5(55%)

4(24%)

3(9%)

2(9%)

1(3%)

See all 33 reviews of the Toyota Avalon

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Most Helpful Owner Reviews

Best car on the road

Ron1676, 12/03/2019

2020 Toyota Avalon Limited 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 8A)

Driving A hybrid limited! The car is remarkable! Load with a lot safety features at a great price. Last trip I took was 300 miles and I got 47 MPG! For a large car this is fantastic. The quality of the workmanship is second to none! The ride is very smooth and everything works like you would expect!

Love it - so far

PML, 06/27/2020

2020 Toyota Avalon XLE 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 8A)

First - a note to Ken A., who gave a one star review because he didn't know how to change the windshield wipers. READ THE OWNERS MANUAL! It describes how to change them easily. It is NOT a design flaw. Your parting comment explains a lot about you. I have had my XLE for about a month and am thrilled. I am also 6'6" as another reviewer was, who complained of headroom problems. I …

Good car, many options. It's not a racer.

Rob, 06/03/2020

2020 Toyota Avalon Touring 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 8A)

This is very good vehicle. It has all the latest features and safety controls of the modern cars today. Seats are comfortable and adjust well, jury is still out on the suede in place of leather for the seats. Yes, the front grill is a little over baring but it does make it distinctive and separates itself from the normal cookie cutter designs today. I have the touring model so I can …

Lovin it!

Glen, 01/24/2020

2020 Toyota Avalon Touring 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 8A)

I went with the 2020 Avalon Touring. Have nothing but great things to say about it. It handles very well, looks great, rides great and has the power that I need. I babied it the first 1000 miles, but am now getting on it and it delivers!!

2020 Avalon Highlights

Trim:

XLE

Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee	$35,875
Engine Type	Gas
Combined MPG	26 MPG
Cost to Drive	$137/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 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%

IIHS Rating

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

Small Overlap Front Driver-Side Test
Good
Small Overlap Front Passenger-Side Test
Good
Moderate Overlap Front Test – Original
Good
Moderate Overlap Front Test – Updated
Not Tested
Side Impact Test – Original
Good
Side Impact Test – Updated
Not Tested
Roof Strength Test
Good
Rear Crash Protection / Head Restraint
Good

2020 Toyota Avalon Review

Price & Payment

2020 Toyota Avalon Review

Pros

Cons

What's new

Overview

For sale near Ashburn, VA

2020 Toyota AvalonXSE Sedan

AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary

2020 Toyota AvalonXLE Sedan

AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary

Edmunds Expert Rating

Performance

Comfort

Interior

Technology

Storage

Fuel Economy

Value

Wildcard

2020 Toyota Avalon trim level differences

Which Avalon trim does Edmunds recommend?

Cost to Drive

Reliability

Reliability Rating by RepairPal

Cost

Frequency

Severity

Recalls

Warranty

Toyota Avalon Reviews

Owner Reviews

Most Helpful Owner Reviews

Best car on the road

Love it - so far

Good car, many options. It's not a racer.

Lovin it!

2020 Avalon Highlights

Safety

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2020 Toyota Avalon
XSE Sedan

2020 Toyota Avalon
XLE Sedan