2020 Toyota Avalon Review

Name: 2020 Toyota Avalon
Brand: Toyota

Price Range: $18,564 - $35,998

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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2020 Toyota Avalon Review

by the Edmunds Experts

11/13/2019

What's new

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

What is it?

Fully redesigned for 2019, the Toyota Avalon is hailed as Toyota's flagship sedan. Though it is more focused on comfort, roominess and luxury, no one expected it to have the athleticism that it does in stock form. This bodes well for the new, sportier TRD trim that is now arriving in dealerships. Aside from that, not much changes for the 2020 model year. It is a reasonably priced large sedan with a variety of trims to choose from and will continue to be a comfortable and reliable mode of transportation.

Why does it matter?

It is Toyota's flagship large sedan with the same old reliability, roominess, and comfort that you would expect from a big cruiser. However, this one has some sportiness spliced-in to its genetics and platform from the start. The new TRD trim manages to turn the performance volume up a little too.

What does it compete with?

There aren't that many large sedans to begin with but they all try to swallow you up in relative comfort within their large cabins. If you want something with power and a little more refined, there's the Chrysler 300. If you just want power and have the looks to back up that power, you'll want to look at the Dodge Charger. If you want something more comfortable with plenty of standard features, there's always the Kia Cadenza.

How does it drive?

The Toyota Avalon's platform is surprisingly athletic for a vehicle of its size. The 2020 Toyota Avalon TRD offers noticeable performance improvements over that. Handling and cornering are more capable, and turn-in is sharper. The brakes feel firm and responsive too.

The improvement is due to the numerous Toyota Racing Development (TRD) upgrades which work in concert to make this into an even better handling machine. The TRD's parts include: new shock absorbers, stiffer springs, larger front and rear stabilizer bars, a new exhaust, larger and more powerful front brakes, wider and lighter wheels, and an aggressive-looking aero kit that has functional front vents to assist with brake cooling. The TRD also comes with Active Cornering Assist, which helps with handling on tighter corners.

The ride is slightly stiffer than a regular Avalon but the suspension tuning remains pretty compliant. During regular street driving, there's a little more road feel communicated to the driver through the steering wheel yet the Avalon TRD maintains a comfortable ride over most surfaces. The balance between comfort and performance isn't overly compromised.

The TRD comes with the same 301-horsepower V6 engine and eight-speed automatic on all Avalons. The transmission has three pre-configured settings: Eco, Normal and Sport. Mat the gas and the Avalon gets down the road quickly. The new TRD exhaust sounds throaty on start-up and delivers a nice growl on throttle applications. Pleasingly, there's no annoying drone while driving normally on highways.

What's the interior like?

The 2020 Toyota Avalon's interior is roomy, comfortable and plush, and it features softly cushioned front seats that offer good support when driving aggressively. The new TRD version has special red accent stitching throughout the cabin, red seat belts, red accent lines on the seats, and embroidered TRD logos on the front seat headrests.

How practical is it?

The Avalon TRD is more fun yet practicality, roominess and comfort are still in its genes. EPA numbers for the 2020 Avalon TRD are the same as the XSE and Touring trims, at 25 mpg combined (22 mpg city/31 mpg highway).

What else should I know?

The TRD trim is added onto the 2020 Toyota Avalon's existing trim levels: XLE, XSE, Touring, Limited, and the three Hybrid trims (XLE, XSE, Limited). It's priced just below the Touring trim, at $200 less.

Edmunds says

There are very minimal changes to the 2020 Toyota Avalon seeing as the redesign was just launched for 2019. It will continue to be one of the most comfortable, roomy, reliable and competent vehicles in its segment — now there's a more entertaining version with the new TRD.

Cost to Drive

Monthly estimates based on costs in Arizona

$166/mo

$208/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 Owner Reviews

4.2

33 reviews

5(55%)

4(24%)

3(9%)

2(9%)

1(3%)

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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!!

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2020 Avalon Highlights

Trim:

XLE

Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee	$35,875
Engine Type	Gas
Combined MPG	26 MPG
Cost to Drive	$166/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

What's new

What is it?

Why does it matter?

What does it compete with?

How does it drive?

What's the interior like?

How practical is it?

What else should I know?

Edmunds says

Cost to Drive

Reliability

Reliability Rating by RepairPal

Cost

Frequency

Severity

Recalls

Warranty

Toyota Avalon Owner Reviews

Most Helpful Owner Reviews

Trending topics

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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