2020 Toyota Avalon Review

　　

2020 Toyota Avalon Review

byCameron RogersManager, News

　　Cameron Rogers has worked in the automotive industry since 2013. He has tested and reviewed hundreds of vehicles over the course of his career. Today, he leads the news team in developing cutting-edge news articles, opinion pieces and sneak peeks at upcoming vehicles. Favorite cars that he's driven during his tenure at zzdcar include the 991-era Porsche 911 Turbo S, Rolls-Royce Ghost and several generations of Honda Odyssey (really).

　　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.

　　

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2020 Toyota Avalon XLE 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 8A) 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

　　$143/mo  for Avalon XLE

　　Avalon XLE

　　XLE 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 8A) - $35,875 MSRPXSE 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 8A) - $38,375 MSRPLimited 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 8A) (Most Popular) - $42,175 MSRPTRD 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 8A) - $42,375 MSRPTouring 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 8A) - $42,575 MSRP

　　vs

　　$197/mo

　　Avg. Large Car

　　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.

　　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

　　7.8

　　out of 10

　　zzdcar TESTED

　　Rated for you by America's best test team.

　　

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

8.0/10

　　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

8.0/10

　　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

8.0/10

　　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

8.0/10

　　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

8.0/10

　　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.

　　

Which Avalon does zzdcar 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.

　　

2020 Toyota Avalon models

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.

　　The XLE trim starts off with features such as LED headlights, keyless entry and ignition, dual-zone automatic climate control, heated front seats, and simulated leather upholstery. You also get Toyota's Safety Connect emergency communications, a 9-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay and Amazon Alexa integration, and an eight-speaker audio system. Toyota's Safety Sense suite of advanced safety features is also included.

　　Stepping up to the Limited trim adds a sunroof, a head-up display, leather upholstery, ventilated front seats, driver-seat memory functions, heated rear seats, a heated steering wheel, 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, black exterior treatments, a sunroof, a rear spoiler, a sport-tuned suspension, paddle shifters and microsuede seat inserts.

　　The new TRD trim takes the sport concept a bit further. It starts with the features from the XSE and adds black-painted aerodynamic elements, upgraded brakes, matte black wheels, a sport exhaust, sportier suspension tuning, and red seat belts and stitching,

　　The range-topping Touring trim comes complete with all of the Limited and XSE upgrades as well as an adaptive suspension and active noise cancellation. Upholstery is simulated leather with microsuede inserts.

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

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2020 Avalon Highlights

Trim: XLEXSELimitedTRDTouringXLE

　　

Base MSRP	$35,875
Engine Type	Gas
Combined MPG	26 MPG
Cost to Drive	$143/month
Seating	5 seats
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place	16.1 cu.ft.
Drivetrain	front wheel drive
Warranty	3 years / 36,000 miles