Toyota’s full size sedan has made much progress since it was introduced in the mid-1990s, going from a bland sedan of humble origins to a larger sedan of more generous proportions. It is the closest model to any Lexus and by itself it can keep more premium car buyers in the Toyota fold. Avalon is a bridge model to Lexus, but when you consider all that you get with this sedan, that may be a bridge you would prefer not to cross.
Fuel Efficiency
If that wasn’t enough to keep you looking at Avalon, there is more. A hybrid model is now part of the mix, delivering fuel economy north of 40 mpg. You not only enjoy large sedan driving and ride, but you get the same fuel economy enjoyed by the most efficient gas-powered small cars. That’s what the Toyota Avalon Hybrid can do for you. With it 17-gallon fuel tank, you get a driving range of 680 miles — making it possible for you to drive from Washington, DC to Atlanta on one tank of regular grade gasoline.
The Toyota Avalon Hybrid does not come cheap with its base sticker price in the mid-30s. Available in three trim levels — XLE Premium, XLE Touring and Limited — a fully equipped model will cost you more than $41,000. That’s a lot of money, what can easily drive some buyers from a Toyota to a Lexus.
Size and Comfort
Still, the large front-wheel-drive five-passenger sedan delivers where it counts: in luxury, performance and fuel economy. It is powered by the same 2.5-liter four cylinder engine used by the Camry Hybrid and that engine is mated to a continuously variable transmission. And like the smaller Camry, this model achieves a combined 200 horsepower — 156 hp with the gas engine and 44 hp with the electric motor.
The Toyota Avalon Hybrid sits on a 111-inch wheelbase and is 195.3 inches long. It measures 72.2 inches wide and is 57.5 inches tall. Its front track measures 62.6 inches to 62.2 inches in the rear. Total interior volume is 116.3 cubic feet including a 14 cubic foot trunk.
Interior measurements come in at 37.6 inches of front head room to 37.9 inches in the rear. Front leg room is 42.1 inches to 39.2 inches in the rear. Front hip room is 55.1 inches to 54.6 inches in the rear. Shoulder room is 58.2 inches up front to 56.5 inches in the rear.
Avalon Equipment
The Avalon Hybrid comes well equipped, featuring adjustable front bucket seats. Leather seating surfaces, lumbar support and heating elements for the driver are standard. Rear seating passengers have a split-folding bench seat with a pass through to the trunk. This model features rear ventilation ducts for maximum climate control.
Power accessories included head, adjustable mirrors, power windows and power door locks. Also standard is cruise control, a universal remote home transmitter, a rear view camera, a tilt and telescopic steering wheel column, front and rear storage compartments and 12-volt power outlets. An 8-speaker audio system is standard.
Choose the top of the line Avalon Hybrid Limited and your vehicle is outfitted with premium leather seats, hands free calling, electric power steering, a JBL audio system, a navigation system and a power glass sunroof. Further customization can be enjoyed by choosing select color options; cargo accessories are available to enhance trunk storage management.