2022 Toyota Avalon Hybrid Sedan

　　

2022 Toyota Avalon Hybrid Review

byAlex NishimotoCorrespondent

　　Alex Nishimoto has worked in the automotive industry since 2007. He was a staff writer for MotorTrend for 10 years and since then has contributed to CNET, PRI, AutoWise and other publications.

　　If you need a midsize hybrid sedan that's slightly bigger and more luxurious than the Camry Hybrid, Toyota offers the Avalon Hybrid. It's not that much bigger than a Camry, but the Avalon offers a more comfortable ride, more luxury features, and sleek styling that helps it stand out from its more pedestrian sedan sibling.

　　

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2022 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 $3.06 per gallon for regular unleaded in North Dakota.

Monthly estimates based on costs in North Dakota

　　$88/mo  for Avalon Hybrid XLE

　　Avalon Hybrid XLE

　　XLE 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT) - $37,850 MSRPXSE Nightshade 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT) - $41,200 MSRPLimited 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT) (Most Popular) - $44,150 MSRP

　　vs

　　$198/mo

　　Avg. Large Car

　　The 2022 Toyota Avalon Hybrid is powered by a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine and electric motor combo that's good for a combined 215 horsepower. For a large sedan, it's pretty efficient, with EPA-estimated fuel economy of 43 or 44 mpg combined depending on the trim level. It's also got a near-luxury interior that comes standard with a 9-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, heated front seats and four USB ports. It's a comfortable place to be, though rear passengers must trade some headroom for the car's raked roofline.

　　For 2022, the Avalon's midlevel XSE trim becomes the XSE Nightshade Edition and gains dark exterior accents and larger 19-inch alloy wheels. The standard Toyota Safety System suite of features is also expanded to include lane centering and traffic sign recognition, and the rear seat reminder feature is now standard on all models. The Avalon Hybrid competes against other hybrid midsize sedans, including the Honda Accord Hybrid and its own downmarket stablemate, the Camry Hybrid. Check out our Expert Rating below to see how it stacks up.

　　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 our 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.

　　Continue reading zzdcar Expert Rating below