• Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar

Auto Trends Magazine

Car reviews, industry news, & advice.

You are here: Home / New Car Reviews / Toyota Avalon: Premium Value Sedan

Toyota Avalon: Premium Value Sedan

August 28, 2019 by admin 4 Comments

Twenty-five years of Avalon history brings with it an all-new fifth-generation model. The sedan market may be shrinking, but Toyota remains committed to its largest sedan.


Toyota offers the 2019 Avalon in standard and hybrid versions. Pricing begins around $36,000 and adds about $10,000 more for fully equipped top-trim models.

The Toyota Avalon is a large sedan, one that was overhauled for 2019. It’s based on the same platform as the popular Toyota Camry and competes in a shrinking segment with the Chevrolet Impala, Buick LaCrosse, and the Chrysler 300.

Front to back, the Avalon imparts elegance, which makes it seem closer to what we’d expect from a Lexus, than with a Toyota product. That’s probably intentional as the Avalon may keep Toyota sedan shoppers in the fold, although we believe most have since fled to Toyota’s Highlander, which is a three-row crossover with room for up to eight.

That Toyota continues to invest in the Avalon should tell you something about the company. Indeed, even as competing manufacturers flee the segment (Ford no longer produces the Taurus, while GM will soon stop making the Impala and LaCrosse), Toyota sees a bigger slice of a shrinking pie. And who knows? Perhaps consumers will eventually tire of utility vehicles and make a return to the sedan market. If they do, then Toyota is well entrenched with the most modern model available.


Most modern Toyota models share a common platform, including the Avalon.

Controversial Design Elements

We realize the Toyota Avalon isn’t for everyone, especially for anyone put off by its polarizing design, particularly up front.

The front fascia is dominated by an oversized grille, with the lower grille opening larger than the top opening. Distinct cutouts for the LED lights and available body skirting contribute to the drama. The profile is not as busy, although the beltline sweeps upward to meet the sloping roofline for an elegant statement.

From the rear, the taillights are connected by a narrow reflector bar. Our test Touring model featured a quad-exhaust design with paired tips at the corners.

Exterior Highlights

Toyota equips the standard Avalon with 17-inch painted aluminum wheels wrapped within all-season radial tires. LED reflector headlamps, automatic LED daytime running lights, heated side mirrors, LED taillights, and dual exhaust tips are also standard. Some models come with 18- or 19-inch alloy wheels, power side mirrors, and a power moonroof.

Inside, the cabin is spacious, offering ample room for five as promised. The front seats are plush and supportive. Likewise, the rear 60/40 split-fold bench seat is also comfortable. The back seat offers generous shoulder, hip, and leg room. Headroom is average, although most 6-foot passengers should find it adequate.


The split fold-down rear seat is supportive and comfortable. Fold part or all of the seat to gain access to the trunk, measuring 16.09 cubic feet of storage space.

Interior Highlights

As much as passenger space is an important selling point, the 2019 Avalon boasts a pretty interior. A layered dashboard, a traditional instrument cluster with analog displays, and an oversized center stack are among the most important features. Indeed, the stack itself may be the best feature here with its big display controlled by buttons and knobs. A huge open area at the bottom of the display can easily hold a small tablet or your smartphone. The transmission shifter and drive mode switches are located just ahead of that space.

Standard features include keyless entry with push-button start, full power accessories, a tilt-and-telescopic steering column, climate control, and imitation leather seats. Among the upgrades, you’ll find premium leather seats, a heated steering wheel, heated and ventilated front seats, heated outboard rear seats, wood and aluminum trim, and aluminum pedals. You’ll also find eight cup holders – one in each door and two pairs up front and in the back.


See Also — Toyota: Camry, Avalon Sedans Gain An All-Wheel-Drive Option


Technology & Safety

The standard audio and tech package includes eight speakers, a 9-inch color display, satellite radio, Siri Eyes Free, Bluetooth, four USB ports, and HD Radio. Apple CarPlay smartphone compatibility is now included, however, Android Auto is not. Toyota and Google are working on Android compatibility, which isn’t ready at this time. No word whether it will be made backward compatible for 2019.

Among the upgrades are a 1200-watt, 14-speaker JBL sound system, which was included with our test model. Like other premium audio packages, this one pipes music throughout the cabin, offering excellent range and clarity. Other upgrades include wireless charging, a navigation system, and a bird’s eye view camera system.

Toyota shines in all things safety, by offering standard blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert. But that’s not all — you will also find a pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, lane departure alert with steering assist, automatic high beam control, and full-range adaptive cruise control. Typically, you’ll pay extra for these features elsewhere, including on not a few luxury models. A head-up display is also available.


Toyota keeps things simple, yet useful with the center stack.

Let’s Go Places!

Toyota’s #LetsGoPlaces hashtag helps readily identify fellow enthusiasts on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. There isn’t as large a contingent of Avalon fans sharing as you’d find with the Tacoma and perhaps the all-new Supra,, but they’re active nevertheless.

After all, the virtues of the 301-horsepower V6 are worth sharing as this engine offers capable step-off acceleration and robust passing power. It works with an 8-speed automatic transmission, which quickly responds to commands, serving up the right cog on demand.

For a large sedan, the Avalon stays planted on the straightaways and does a decent job on the twisty roads, although the extra weight over the front wheels becomes noticeable as you enter and leave curves. The Avalon does a reasonable job in mitigating understeer — you never have to fight the steering wheel to maintain control. This sedan’s ride is plush and comfortable; the brakes are firm. For an adjustable driving feel, you can switch between eco, normal, and sport modes. The Touring edition adds a Sport+ mode, for tighter shifts and enhanced exhaust output.

Auto Trends Recommends

Although we like the Avalon sedan, customers might also consider the Avalon Hybrid. The hybrid at $36,650 costs just $1,000 more than the base Avalon (add $945 for the delivery fee for both vehicles), but has upwards of a 19 mpg fuel economy edge over the gas model. That’s a narrow cost difference for this highly efficient sedan with a laudable 215 hybrid system net horsepower. No competing model offers a full-hybrid option.

Regardless of your choice of vehicle, a well-equipped Avalon can be had for about $40,000. That’s easily within the range we like for today’s large sedans and an attractive option to some luxury models.


Avalon models come with standard dual exhausts with two or four tips.

See Also — Once Again, We Bid Farewell to the Chevrolet Impala


2019 Toyota Avalon Specifications


Toyota 2019 Avalon
Segment Large sedan
Base Sticker Price $36,595 (including a $945 destination charge)
Price as tested $45,235 (est.)
Standard Engine 3.5-liter, V6
Horsepower 301 @ 6,600 RPMs
Torque (lb.-ft.) 267 @ 4,700 RPMs
Transmission Eight-speed automatic
Seating 5
Curb Weight (pounds) 3,704
Wheelbase (inches) 113.0
Length (inches) 195.9
Width (inches) 72.8
Height (inches) 56.5
Head room (f,r…inches) 38.5, 37.9
Leg room (f,r…inches) 42.1, 40.3
Shoulder room (f,r…inches) 58.3, 57.1
Hip room (f,r…inches) 55.8, 54.8
Storage (cubic feet) 16.09
Gross vehicle weight (pounds) NR
Towing (pounds) NR
Payload (pounds) NR
Fuel Regular
Fuel Tank (gallons) 14.5
EPA Fuel MPG (city/highway) 22/3/25 city/highway/combined
Manufacturing Plant Georgetown, Kentucky

See Also — All-Wheel-Drive Exclusive: Toyota Sienna

2019 Toyota Avalon photos copyright Auto Trends Magazine. All rights reserved.

Filed Under: New Car Reviews Tagged With: 2019 cars, Avalon Hybrid, front-wheel drive, safety, sedan, TOYOTA AVALON

About admin

Matt Keegan has maintained his love for cars ever since his father taught him kicking tires can be one way to uncover a problem with a vehicle’s suspension system. He since moved on to learn a few things about coefficient of drag, G-forces, toe-heel shifting, and how to work the crazy infotainment system in some random weekly driver. Matt is a member of the Washington Automotive Press Association and is a contributor to various print and online media sources.

Reader Interactions

Trackbacks

  1. First Look: 2019 Toyota Avalon — Auto Trends Magazine says:
    September 13, 2019 at 8:04 am

    […] down to the Scout GPS Link, a navigation connectivity app with spotty service at best. Happily, the new Avalon now includes Apple CarPlay, which means our iPhones can supply the directions prominently on the […]

    Log in to Reply
  2. New Toyota Avalon Demonstrates Commitment to a Languishing Segment — Auto Trends Magazine says:
    September 13, 2019 at 8:07 am

    […] tech features grace the 2019 Avalon. Toyota’s Entune 3.0 telematics system represents next-generation connectivity by means of […]

    Log in to Reply
  3. At a Glance: 2020 Toyota Corolla Sedan — Auto Trends Magazine says:
    September 19, 2019 at 9:41 am

    […] is something that the Toyota Camry, C-HR, Avalon, RAV4, and Corolla have in common: a shared, modular platform. This all-new global platform may not […]

    Log in to Reply
  4. Once Again, We Bid Farewell to the Chevrolet Impala — Auto Trends Magazine says:
    February 19, 2020 at 8:48 am

    […] and Buick LaCrosse among the recently canceled products. The Dodge Challenger, Chrysler 300, and Toyota Avalon remain, but the market isn’t what it once was when nearly every domestic brand was a […]

    Log in to Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

You must be logged in to post a comment.

Primary Sidebar

Recent Posts

  • The Golden Years: 6 Memorable Models From the Original Era of Muscle Cars
  • From Datsun to Nissan: 40th Anniversary of the Maxima Sedan
  • The Mazda CX-5 Brings a Premium Touch to the Compact Crossover Utility Vehicle Segment
  • 4 Car Upholstery Cleaning Tips
  • The 14 Brands of Stellantis

Recent Comments

  • The Golden Years: 6 Memorable Models From the Original Era of Muscle Cars — Auto Trends Magazine on 5 Forgettable Cars From the 1970s
  • The Golden Years: 6 Memorable Models From the Original Era of Muscle Cars — Auto Trends Magazine on 7 Winter Storage Tips For Classic Cars
  • Drive Dissection: 2017 Nissan Maxima SR — Auto Trends Magazine on From Datsun to Nissan: 40th Anniversary of the Maxima Sedan
  • The Premium Nissan Maxima Sedan — Auto Trends Magazine on From Datsun to Nissan: 40th Anniversary of the Maxima Sedan
  • From Datsun to Nissan: 40th Anniversary of the Maxima Sedan — Auto Trends Magazine on Second Look: 2020 Nissan Sentra

Archives

  • January 2021
  • December 2020
  • November 2020
  • October 2020
  • September 2020
  • August 2020
  • July 2020
  • June 2020
  • May 2020
  • April 2020
  • March 2020
  • February 2020
  • January 2020
  • December 2019
  • November 2019
  • October 2019
  • September 2019
  • August 2019
  • July 2019
  • June 2019
  • May 2019
  • April 2019
  • March 2019
  • February 2019
  • January 2019
  • December 2018
  • November 2018
  • October 2018
  • September 2018
  • August 2018
  • July 2018
  • June 2018
  • May 2018
  • April 2018
  • March 2018
  • February 2018
  • January 2018
  • December 2017
  • November 2017
  • October 2017
  • September 2017
  • August 2017
  • July 2017
  • June 2017
  • May 2017
  • April 2017
  • March 2017
  • February 2017
  • January 2017
  • December 2016
  • November 2016
  • October 2016
  • September 2016
  • August 2016
  • July 2016
  • June 2016
  • May 2016
  • April 2016
  • March 2016
  • February 2016
  • January 2016
  • December 2015
  • November 2015
  • October 2015
  • September 2015
  • August 2015
  • July 2015
  • June 2015
  • May 2015
  • April 2015
  • March 2015
  • February 2015
  • January 2015
  • December 2014
  • November 2014
  • October 2014
  • September 2014
  • August 2014
  • July 2014
  • June 2014
  • May 2014
  • April 2014
  • March 2014
  • February 2014
  • January 2014
  • December 2013
  • November 2013
  • October 2013
  • September 2013
  • August 2013
  • July 2013
  • June 2013
  • May 2013
  • April 2013
  • March 2013
  • February 2013
  • January 2013
  • December 2012
  • November 2012
  • October 2012
  • September 2012
  • August 2012
  • July 2012
  • June 2012
  • May 2012
  • April 2012
  • March 2012
  • February 2012
  • January 2012
  • December 2011
  • November 2011
  • October 2011
  • September 2011
  • August 2011
  • July 2011
  • June 2011
  • May 2011
  • April 2011
  • March 2011
  • February 2011
  • January 2011
  • December 2010
  • November 2010
  • October 2010
  • September 2010
  • August 2010
  • July 2010
  • June 2010
  • May 2010
  • April 2010
  • March 2010
  • February 2010
  • January 2010
  • December 2009
  • November 2009
  • October 2009
  • September 2009
  • August 2009
  • July 2009
  • June 2009
  • May 2009
  • April 2009
  • March 2009
  • February 2009
  • January 2009
  • December 2008
  • November 2008
  • October 2008
  • September 2008
  • August 2008
  • July 2008
  • June 2008
  • May 2008
  • April 2008

Categories

  • Auto Parts
  • Auto Shows
  • Automotive Career
  • Automotive News
  • Book Reviews
  • Car Tips
  • Classics & Discontinued Models
  • Commentary
  • Commercial Vehicles
  • Concept Vehicles
  • Dealers
  • Engineering & Technology
  • Fleet
  • Fun News
  • Maintenance & Repairs
  • Motorsport
  • New Car Reviews
  • New Models
  • Ownership Experience
  • Product Reviews
  • Special
  • Specifications
  • Uncategorized

Meta

  • Log in
  • Entries feed
  • Comments feed
  • WordPress.org

New!
Check out our Jobs Board!

via GIPHY

Subscribe to Auto Trends

Subscribe in a reader

Social Media

Visit our social media pages:
Facebook
Twitter
Google+
Pinterest

Where is Matt Currently Published?

The Carolinian (new car reviews)
NAPA Know How Blog
On the Road Again

Pages

  • About
  • Authors List
  • Automotive Brochures
  • Contact
  • Industry Jobs
  • Write
    • Style Guide

Categories

Recent Posts

  • The Golden Years: 6 Memorable Models From the Original Era of Muscle Cars
  • From Datsun to Nissan: 40th Anniversary of the Maxima Sedan
  • The Mazda CX-5 Brings a Premium Touch to the Compact Crossover Utility Vehicle Segment
  • 4 Car Upholstery Cleaning Tips
  • The 14 Brands of Stellantis
  • Peugeot May Not Return to the U.S. Market After All
  • Next-Generation Sedona Minivan Will Be Renamed the Kia Carnival
  • GM Launches BrightDrop, Its Commercial EV Brand
  • The Refreshed and Handsome
    Lexus IS 350 F Sport
  • What We Know About the All-New 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L
  • The All-New and Formidable 2021 Nissan Rogue Crossover
  • Fuel-Efficiency and AWD Champion: 2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid
  • Midsize Performance Master: 2021 Hyundai Sonata N-Line
  • Performance Hatchback: The All-New 2021 Mazda Mazda3 Turbo!
  • NACTOY Finalists For 2021 Offer Familiar and Futuristic Choices
  • Super Trooper: Nissan Titan Pickup
  • Behind the Wheel of the Popular 2021 Toyota Corolla Sedan
  • Lucid Motors Completes Arizona Factory
  • A Robust Turbodiesel Comes to the Chevrolet Silverado 1500
  • Mid-Engine Masterpiece: The Eighth-Generation Chevrolet Corvette Stingray
  • Compact Performance:
    2021 Cadillac CT4-V
  • All-Wheel Drive Supplies the Nissan Altima With a Competitive Edge
  • Return of the Toyota Venza!
  • Lexus Brings a Convertible to the Gorgeous LC 500 Line
  • Stellantis Logo Revealed by Peugeot, Fiat Chrysler Ahead of Spring Merger
  • Preview: 2021 Nissan Rogue Crossover
  • How to Fix a Broken Rivian Vehicle
  • Cadillac Gets Most Things Right
    With the XT6 Crossover
  • The High Potency Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat Redeye Widebody Coupe
  • The All-New Chevrolet Trailblazer Forges Urban Paths
  • The Small Infiniti QX50 is Big on Tech and Engineering Features
  • Toyota Brings the TRD Treatment to the Midsize Camry Sedan
  • The Kia K5 Outclasses Most Competitors, Including the Departing Optima
  • Can the Toyota RAV4 TRD Off-Road Handle Tough Terrain?
  • Subaru WRX Showcases Its Performance Chops
  • Infiniti Overhauls QX80 Trims and Makes This Important Safety Feature Standard
  • Ford F-250 Super Duty and a Trail-Stomping Tremor Package
  • A Cut Above: Mazda’s Mazda3
  • The Highly Efficient Hyundai Ioniq
  • Volkswagen Atlas Revels in its Strengths
  • General Motors Deepens Partnership With Honda, Takes Stake in Nikola
  • Smart Concept: Jeep Grand Wagoneer
  • More Than an Encore: Buick Encore GX
  • Got a Recall? There’s an App for That.
  • Refreshed Nissan Titan Makes Its Case
  • BMW M235i: Not Your Typical Coupe
  • Hot Stuff: Lexus RC F Sport Coupe
  • Will the Electric Vehicle Boom Create New-Found Dependencies for Foreign Minerals?
  • Rumors? We Got Them!
  • About Bollinger Motors, EV Startup
August 2019
S M T W T F S
 123
45678910
11121314151617
18192021222324
25262728293031
« Jul   Sep »

Copyright © 2021 · News Pro on Genesis Framework · WordPress · Log in