2021 Toyota Avalon Hybrid Review

　　

2021 Toyota Avalon Hybrid Review

byRyan ZumMallenContributor

　　Ryan ZumMallen has worked in the automotive industry since 2012. He has written thousands of car-related articles and tested and reviewed hundreds of vehicles over the course of his career. Ryan has also contributed to Road & Track, Autoweek, Trucks.com and more. In 2019, Ryan published his first book, Slow Car Fast, on the millennial generation and its unique take on modern car culture.

　　We wouldn't be surprised if a lot of people still think hybrid cars are dorky looking and cheap-feeling. But this same group of people would likely be shocked by the 2021 Toyota Avalon Hybrid. It's roomy, comfortable and upscale, just like you'd expect an Avalon to be, and on top of that it gets up to an EPA-estimated 44 mpg. That's almost double the fuel economy from an Avalon a decade ago.

　　

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2021 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) - $37,100 MSRPXSE 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT) - $39,600 MSRPLimited 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT) (Most Popular) - $43,400 MSRP

　　vs

　　$197/mo

　　Avg. Large Car

　　This latest-generation Avalon came out for 2019 and the 2021 car is largely unchanged. In-car tech is improved with the addition of Android Auto and USB-C ports for charging and connectivity. Toyota says it also replaced the hybrid's previous nickel-hydride battery pack with a new lithium-ion one, though the powertrain's power and fuel economy are unchanged. Overall, we think the hybrid is the best version of the Toyota Avalon. Find out why by reading our Expert Review.

　　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 continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) 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 a typical V6-powered large sedan, but we think most buyers will find this acceptable for the considerable gains in fuel economy.

　　The 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 of 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 for passengers who are less limber. We're also not enamored with 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 since 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 Avalon infotainment system now features Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. 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 cubic feet. The rear seats can fold down to increase cargo space.

　　Interior storage is similarly generous, at least for those in front. The center armrest is as roomy as one 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 (up to 52 mpg combined), but it's far more efficient than the standard Avalon V6 (25 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 Avalon is a little more upscale than the typical midsize sedan (Toyota's own Camry, for example). As such, the best way to maximize this distinctiveness is to go with the top-line Limited. Its extra touches such as authentic leather and wood make it our pick of the bunch. The price increase from a regular Avalon Limited to an Avalon Hybrid Limited is less than $1,000 too.

　　

2021 Toyota Avalon Hybrid models

The 2021 Toyota Avalon Hybrid sedan is available in one of three trim levels: XLE, XSE and Limited. Structurally, it's the same vehicle as the gasoline-powered Avalon. However, under the hood is a four-cylinder engine paired to a hybrid electric system and a continuously variable automatic transmission. Total system output is 215 horsepower. All Avalon Hybrids are front-wheel-drive. Feature highlights include:

　　XLE

　　The base Avalon Hybrid starts off with these standard features:

　　LED headlights and LED taillights Heated power exterior mirrors 17-inch alloy wheels Simulated leather upholstery Heated front seats Power-adjustable front seats Four drive modes (Normal, Eco, EV, Sport) Dual-zone automatic climate control Rear air vents 9-inch touchscreen Eight-speaker audio system Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration Four USB portsAll Avalon Hybrid models come with the following safety equipment:

　　Collision mitigation with pedestrian detection (applies the brakes automatically to stop the vehicle to avoid or minimize a collision) Lane keeping assist (steers the Avalon Hybrid back into its lane if it begins to drift over the lane marker) Adaptive cruise control (maintains a driver-set distance between the Avalon Hybrid and the car in front) Blind-spot monitor with rear cross-traffic alert (warns you if a vehicle is in your blind spot during a lane change or while reversing)XSE

　　This trim adds a sportier appearance and these features to the mix:

　　Dark-painted 18-inch wheels Paddle shifters Wireless charging station Sunroof Black rear spoilerLimited

　　The top-line Avalon Hybrid Limited takes comfort and luxury one step further with:

　　Adaptive cornering headlights 18-inch chrome wheels Heated steering wheel Head-up display 14-speaker audio system Leather upholstery Ventilated front seats and heated rear seats Wood interior trim Ambient lightingAdvanced Safety package

　　Available only on the Limited trim, this package offers the following equipment:

　　Surround-view camera (gives you a top-down view of the Avalon Hybrid and its surroundings for tight parking situations) Parking sensors (alert you to obstacles that may not be visible behind or in front of the vehicle when parking) Rear cross-traffic braking (warns you if a vehicle behind you is about to cross your vehicle's path while you're in reverse and brakes if sensors detect an imminent collision)

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2021 Avalon Hybrid Highlights

Trim: XLEXSELimitedXLE

　　

Base MSRP	$37,100
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