2020 Toyota Avalon Hybrid Review

　　

2020 Toyota Avalon Hybrid Review

byDan FrioReviews Editor

　　Dan spent many years covering the go-fast, look-good, get-loud corners of the automotive universe. First, he served as editor of enthusiast magazines AutoSound and Honda Tuning, then as executive editor at SEMA News, the publishing arm of the trade group that produces the annual SEMA Show (yes, that show). As a contributor to zzdcar, he now likes to keep the volume low and the speed limit legal, providing expert car-shopping advice to drivers looking for the perfect match.

　　Traditionally, there have been some significant downsides to picking a hybrid version of a regular sedan. The hybrid is usually slower, less practical because of a smaller trunk (need to stick that big old battery pack somewhere) and styled with dorky-looking wheels and blue, green or teal accents.

　　

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2020 Toyota Avalon Hybrid XLE 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.04 per gallon for regular unleaded in North Dakota.

Monthly estimates based on costs in North Dakota

　　$87/mo  for Avalon Hybrid XLE

　　Avalon Hybrid XLE

　　XLE 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT) - $37,000 MSRPXSE 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT) - $39,500 MSRPLimited 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT) (Most Popular) - $43,300 MSRP

　　vs

　　$197/mo

　　Avg. Large Car

　　But the 2020 Toyota Avalon Hybrid flips that script.. While still slow — nearly 1.5 seconds slower than the non-hybrid Toyota Avalon V6 in 0-60 mph acceleration — the hybrid generates quick and satisfying low-end torque for daily driving and returns up to 44 mpg combined while doing it. The hybrid also only costs $1,000 more than the standard Avalon. Given what you'd likely end up saving on gas, you'll probably recoup that difference in just a couple of years.

　　The Avalon Hybrid is also surprisingly enjoyable to drive. You can guide it into turns with confidence since the suspension feels stable and body roll is well-controlled. Swap out the low-friction tires for some proper all-season rubber and the Avalon might show some real swagger.

　　And that battery pack? Toyota found a way to package it without compromising utility. The hybrid offers the same 16.1 cubic feet of trunk space as its non-hybrid counterpart, and the rear seats can also fold flat.

　　Like the regular Toyota Avalon, the hybrid offers levels of comfort and convenience that blur the line between Toyota and its Lexus luxury brand. In fact, the Avalon Hybrid's fiercest competitor might just be from across the hall. Stretch your budget just a little further and you're in the Lexus ES 300h.

　　zzdcar Expert Rating

　　Our VerdictThe zzdcar Vehicle Testing Team evaluates a fresh batch of vehicles every week, pairing objective assessments at our test track with real-world driving on city streets, freeways and winding roads. The data we gather results in our Expert Ratings. They’re based on 30-plus scores that cover every aspect of the automotive experience.

　　Good

　　7.9

　　out of 10

　　zzdcar TESTED

　　Rated for you by America's best test team.

　　

Performance

7.5/10

　　How does the Avalon Hybrid drive? The Avalon Hybrid makes the most of its available power. The CVT automatic is responsive when you step on the gas pedal, even when you select the Eco drive mode. We recorded a 0-60 mph time of 8.2 seconds in zzdcar testing. That's slower than V6-powered rivals, but we think most buyers will find this acceptable for the considerable gains in fuel economy.

　　Braking feels natural in most situations thanks to an imperceptible transition from regenerative to regular brakes. We measured a panic-stop performance from 60 mph in 126 feet, which is around the class average, though the sounds our test car made in the process were a bit more alarming than usual. Despite its luxury cruiser attitude, the Avalon Hybrid is surprisingly fun to drive around tight corners and maintains its composure surprisingly well.

　　

Comfort

8.5/10

　　How comfortable is the Avalon Hybrid? All-around comfort is the primary reason you'd consider a sedan like this, and the Avalon Hybrid delivers. The ride is cushy without feeling buoyant like some rivals. The seats are welcoming too, with soft leather and compliant cushions. Our Limited trim test vehicle had heated and ventilated seats and a heated steering wheel, all of which worked well. The rear outboard seats are also heated in the Limited.

　　Like most hybrids, the Avalon isn't immune to the shudder that passes through the cabin as the gasoline engine fires up. The hybrid system can also produce some low-volume but high-pitched whirring noises while the car is stopped.

　　

Interior

7.5/10

　　How’s the interior? The Avalon's interior is a pleasant place to spend time in, though there are some faults. Some controls and buttons are out of reach or hard to find, especially the ones near your left knee. The Avalon also sits rather low, which may present a problem to passengers who are less limber. We're also not enamored of its size. Despite being more expensive, the Avalon isn't much larger than a Toyota Camry, and there's less rear headroom due to the Avalon's raked roof.

　　Otherwise, the Avalon's cabin is quite nice. Most drivers will find an agreeable position, as the steering wheel and driver's seat both offer a useful range of travel. Rear visibility is good overall, though the rear shelf is high.

　　

Technology

8.0/10

　　How’s the tech? The redesigned Avalon gets Toyota's latest infotainment system, which now features Apple CarPlay. There are plenty of USB ports plus an optional wireless charging pad. Passengers jockeying for a free port is effectively a thing of the past.

　　The touchscreen has a bright, attractive display and an easy-to-use integrated navigation system. As with most systems, you cannot enter a new address while moving. For that, you have to use the voice command system, which is frequently confused and has limited point-of-interest search.

　　Most of the Avalon's driving aids are standard and work well, though adaptive cruise control has a tendency to leave a large gap between you and the car in front.

　　

Storage

8.0/10

　　How’s the storage? Most big sedans have a cavernous trunk, and the Avalon Hybrid is no exception. In fact, the trunk is the same size as the regular Avalon's — 16.1 cubic feet. While there's no longer a pass-through, the rear seats can fold down to increase cargo space.

　　Interior storage is similarly generous, at least for those in front. The center armrest has room similar to what you'd find in an SUV, and there's a nicely sized bin in front of the shifter, which also houses the wireless charging pad. The door pockets aren't large, which limits storage in the back, but overall it's quite good.

　　The car-seat anchors and generous interior space make loading a child seat a breeze.

　　

Fuel Economy

8.5/10

　　How’s the fuel economy? The Avalon Hybrid Limited is rated at 43 mpg combined (43 city/44 highway). It's a little thirstier than midsize sedans such as the Honda Accord Hybrid (48 mpg combined) and the Camry Hybrid (46 mpg combined), but it's far more efficient than the standard Avalon (26 mpg).

　　

Value

8.0/10

　　Is the Avalon Hybrid a good value? Though the Avalon Hybrid has some hard touch points, its interior materials are a clear step above those in the Camry. There are even a few surprises in the form of premium-looking quilted stitching on the seats and doors.

　　The Avalon Hybrid is only marginally more expensive than an identically equipped Avalon, though a similarly equipped Lexus ES 300h doesn't cost too much more. The basic and powertrain coverage is average for the class. Toyota also offers free scheduled maintenance for your first two visits.

　　

Wildcard

7.5/10

　　You'll be impressed by how enjoyable the Avalon Hybrid is to drive. Handling is composed, even though grip is ultimately low, and body roll is well-controlled. The only real downside is the powertrain's slowish acceleration.

　　Is there personality here? No, not really. Other than the oversized front grille, the Avalon is conservatively styled and accomplishes exactly what you'd expect.

　　

Which Avalon Hybrid does zzdcar recommend?

The 2020 Toyota Avalon Hybrid in Limited trim should satisfy the typical large-sedan buyer. It forgoes the sporty touches of the XSE model in favor of more Lexus-like luxurious refinement. It's also the only trim eligible for rear parking sensors with cross-traffic braking and a surround-view camera.

　　

2020 Toyota Avalon Hybrid models

The 2020 Toyota Avalon Hybrid is classified as a midsize sedan by the EPA, but we consider it more of a full-size sedan. It's available in XLE, Limited and XSE trims, and it's helpful to think about these as base, luxury and sport trims.

　　Power comes from a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine augmented with two electric motors. Combined output is 215 horsepower channeled through a continuously variable automatic transmission to drive the front wheels.

　　The base XLE satisfies most buyers with features, such as LED headlights, keyless entry and ignition, heated and power-adjustable front seats, simulated leather upholstery, and 60/40-split folding rear seats.

　　Tech features include Bluetooth and Apple CarPlay, a 9-inch touchscreen, a rearview camera, a Wi-Fi hotspot, the Toyota Entune system with smartphone-based navigation, four USB ports, and an eight-speaker audio system with satellite radio.

　　A nice complement of driver safety aids also comes standard: forward collision warning with automatic braking, blind-spot monitor, rear cross-traffic alert, lane departure alert, adaptive cruise control and automatic high beams.

　　The Limited trim adds premium touches such as a sunroof, leather upholstery, ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, a heated steering wheel, a wireless charging pad, a head-up display, and a 14-speaker premium JBL audio system.

　　The sporty XSE trim builds on the XLE's features with larger wheels, the sunroof, aluminum interior accents and suede-trimmed seats.

　　An Advanced Safety package with rear parking sensors and surround-view parking camera is also available for the Limited.

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2020 Avalon Hybrid Highlights

Trim: XLEXSELimitedXLE

　　

Base MSRP	$37,000
Engine Type	Hybrid
Combined MPG	44 MPG
Cost to Drive	$87/month
Seating	5 seats
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place	16.1 cu.ft.
Drivetrain	front wheel drive
Warranty	3 years / 36,000 miles