2019 Toyota Avalon Hybrid

2019 marks the fifth generation for the Toyota Avalon and the second for its hybrid counterpart which has, fortunately, undergone a complete redesign for this year's model. Interior and exterior styling have improved considerably, with the addition of a large vented front grille enhancing its sporty and luxurious design. The Avalon Hybrid is best described as a car with expensive tastes and a frugal tongue, sporting high-tech features and hybrid efficiency in a large-sedan body. 215 horsepower is derived from its 2.5-liter Dynamic Force four-cylinder hybrid powertrain, which delivers power to the front wheels via an electronically controlled CVT transmission. Pitting it against Toyota's own Camry, and by extension, the Lexus ES 300h, it competes for hybrid sedan dominance in all the right ways - with class-leading safety features, an excellent reliability rating and very admirable performance for a hybrid, the Avalon has hit the bullseye in this segment.

Most notably, the Avalon has an over-sized, distinctive and dominant black grille with sharp LED headlights that have integrated LED daytime running lights on the XLE and XSE models. On the Limited trim, dynamic turn signals are added; from the base model, LED tail lights, color-keyed power exterior mirrors with blind-spot warning and overall aerodynamic styling are standard, and either 17- or 18-inch alloy wheels can be equipped. The trunk boasts a horizontal light strip for a modernized look, and on the XSE trim features a rear spoiler. Mid-range models feature a power tilt-and-slide moonroof as well.

Despite the EPA giving the Avalon a mid-size sedan classification, it more closely resembles a full-size sedan, on paper as well as in real life. At 72.8 inches wide and 195.9 inches long, it compares similarly to the size of the Lexus ES 300h and is only marginally slimmer than its Camry cousin. With a 113-inch wheelbase and the sport, low profile of 5.3 inches ground clearance, the sleek and sophisticated sedan is designed for a comfortable ride. Although heavier than the Camry, it is very much on par with the Lexus ES 300h in terms of curb weight, ranging between 3,638 and 3,715 lbs.

The Avalon Hybrid's updated powertrain is a 2.5-liter Dynamic Force four-cylinder engine that is paired with two electric motors to produce a combined 215 horsepower; driven to the front wheels through an electronically controlled CVT automatic. This is more than sufficient to get the Avalon off the line in an agile and responsive manner, with the engine delivering consistent power from the word go. While getting up to highway speeds isn't awe-inspiring, it's not disappointing either, and overtaking is a fair - but calculated - maneuver, once you get used to the hybrid's abilities.

One of the most notable aspects of this refreshed Avalon is the improvement of its handling dynamics in general. The stretched-Camry chassis brings a much-needed change to the Avalon's nameplate, offering substantially increased stability and a better balance on the road overall. Gone are the days of floating on the asphalt, with the Avalon sporting handling that is not too dissimilar to that of German sports sedans. The gas/electric hybrid combination works well, with ample power to be relatively nimble and agile while remaining composed and providing a comfortable ride for passengers. The Avalon features four selectable driving modes too, with your pick of Eco, Normal, Sport, and EV modes, the latter of which is more suited to quietly crawling through parking lots or between traffic lights to optimize fuel efficiency. Sport mode will offer just a bit more pizazz for quicker acceleration and a bit more push from the engine.

Much like its powertrain, the Avalon Hybrid is characterized by consistent efficiency across the range. The XLE model achieves impressive EPA estimates of 43/44/44 mpg for city/highway/combined cycles, with the XSE and Limited models losing only a single mile per gallon for both highway and combined figures. The Lexus ES 300h fares much the same as the Avalon, with a point improvement in city and highway driving overall. The 13.2-gallon fuel tank capacity sees the Avalon traveling 580.8 miles between fill-ups, with the XSE and Limited variants managing only 13 miles less.

The Avalon is a family-oriented five-seater sedan, with ample room for the driver and passengers in a generously spaced, and specced, cabin. Thanks to its impressive dimensions, Toyota's interior designers had plenty of volume to work with; some would say there was too much space to fill, and the result was an uncannily broad center console that separates the driver and front passenger. The sloped roofline steals very little headroom in the cabin, leaving 37.4 and 37.1 inches at the front and rear respectively, accommodating even taller adults with ease. Legroom is equally impressive with a generous 40.4 inches in the back seat and 57.1 inches of shoulder room to boot.

The Avalon's trunk has a very reasonable 16.1 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats up; this is more than enough for two large suitcases and a few smaller packages. The rear seats also fold down flat, despite the batteries now being located under the back seats to open up more cargo space, which provides more area to work with than what the Camry has available. The trunk's low lift-over height helps get baggage in and out without any trouble.

An average-sized glove box is available in the front, as well as two cup holders, an overhead console, and a mid-sized storage compartment in the center stack. For the rear, a fold-down armrest houses two additional cupholders, and both the front and rear doors are fitted with bottle holders and slim pockets for smaller items.

All three Avalon Hybrid trims have an extensive list of standard features with very few exclusive to higher trims. From the base model upwards, standard onboard functions include dual-zone climate control with rear vents, an integrated backup camera, heated and power-adjustable front seats, adaptive cruise control, and selectable drive modes. Furthermore, keyless entry for the front doors and trunk, push-button start, power windows and door locks, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, a 12V outlet, four USB charging ports, and an electronic parking brake are also included across all trim levels. Wireless charging capabilities are exclusive to the XSE and Limited trims, while the Limited variant is also fitted with a ten-inch head-up display. All three models also incorporate Toyota's Safety Sense system as standard.

Both the XLE and XSE utilize the Entune 3.0 app on a nine-inch touch-screen display, paired to an eight-speaker audio system. AM/FM/HD radio is available with SiriusXM included as a three-month trial. Connectivity is taken care of with single AUX and USB ports, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Wi-Fi Connect powered by Verizon. With no native navigation, third party Scout GPS Link is available for navigation, which seems a rather cumbersome way of doing things. On the Limited trim, a JBL Clari-Fi 14-speaker audio system, including a subwoofer and a three-year trial to Dynamic Navigation with point-of-interest search functionality, is equipped as standard. Disappointingly, there's still no Android Auto.

There have been three recalls involving the Toyota Avalon Hybrid, none of which are isolated to the Avalon specifically. A recall on faulty airbag software was issued in October 2018, and in March 2019, a recall for an improperly connected fuel filler pipe was released. Lastly, May 2019 saw a recall for non-permanent text on a warning label being logged.

Despite this, the JD Power predicted reliability rating for the 2019 Avalon is high, at four out of five. The Avalon is further supported by a three-year/36,000 mile basic, five-year/60,000 mile powertrain, and an extensive eight-year/100,000 mile hybrid system warranty.

The NHTSA awarded the Avalon Hybrid an overall safety rating of five stars, while the IIHS gave it a 2019 Top Safety Pick Plus rating. Safety features are numerous, including a whopping ten airbags (including rear seat-mounted airbags), and Toyota Safety Sense systems comprising pre-collision warning with pedestrian detection and automatic braking, lane departure warning, automatic high beams, and adaptive cruise control. Further safety is added with standard blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert.

The Toyota Avalon has been around for twenty-five years, six of which have included the gas/electric hybrid. Thanks to its 2019 redesign, the Avalon Hybrid offers an updated and modern option to main rivals. It boasts better looks, better driving dynamics, and a high-quality interior that's not only comfortable to be in but is a great place to spend a day on the long road. Many buyers in the market are still hooked on the common misconception that a hybrid vehicle may not be as reliable or dependable as their gas-only counterparts, but that's certainly not the case here - superior ratings prove this point sufficiently. The Avalon Hybrid has an extensive list of creature comforts, a plethora of technology, and most importantly, a Toyota badge. Larger than both it's Camry and ES300h family members, the Avalon is the ideal traveling companion for those seeking a more spacious and luxurious car, without the luxury price tag.

The line-up of the Avalon Hybrid hits three different price points effectively, depending on the level of comfort and technology you want. Even at base trim, the XLE is a well-equipped car and a competent daily companion. As such, the Avalon kicks off at an MSRP of $36,650, excluding tax, licensing, registration, and $930 in destination charges. At a slight increase in price, the sporty mid-range Hybrid XSE comes in at $39,150, adding aggressive styling and a performance pedigree to the mix, as well as throwing in a power moonroof. Crowning the top of the list is the Hybrid Limited, and at $42,950, it's a fully-loaded hybrid sedan with every feature available.

The minor difference in fuel efficiency between the entry-level Avalon and its XSE and Limited trims, is hardly a tipping point for the base XLE; yet the bottom-rung model still manages to tick all the boxes for a well-rounded hybrid sedan. Sharing the same powertrain, choosing a trim level depends on which creature comforts the buyer wants to prioritize. For the first time buyer or the family man looking to pick up a more modern Avalon, the XLE offers plenty of comfort and versatility, with the sacrifice of 18-inch alloy wheels and a power moonroof. The XSE adds both sport and luxury to the Avalon in equal measure, building on an already great list of standard features in all the right places. The Limited trim brings all the bells and whistles to the table, but at Lexus-level pricing - and at the expense of the XSE's sporty appearance. As such, the XLE and XSE make a lot more sense, and neither will leave you wanting more; we are partial to the sport XSE and feel it is the best value-for-money in the range.

The Avalon Hybrid and Camry Hybrid are two of Toyota's gas/electric sedans, featuring at very different price points in the hybrid sedan segment. While each offers distinct advantages over the other, the Avalon utilizes a stretched version of the Camry's chassis and features a slightly more powerful engine. Both are available in three trim levels, each with a single sports variant. The Avalon has a slight advantage in offering 16.1 cubic feet of cargo volume, which is a hair shy of 1 cubic foot less than the Camry. The Avalon also nets you 2.1 inches more legroom and a slightly larger fuel tank. With only a price tag advantage, the Camry seems somewhat out of depth in comparison. However, it is a lot more affordable, with its base-line model priced at $28,150, whereas the entry-spec Avalon costs over $8,000 more. Still, the luxuries, features and added flair of the Avalon make it the clear winner in this comparison.

It's seldom that a family sedan can pit itself against a purpose-built luxury vehicle, but the Avalon hybrid manages to do just that. At an entry-level, Toyota's hybrid comes in $4,910 cheaper than the Lexus hybrid at $36,650, and only $1,390 more expensive in its fully-loaded Limited trim. Gas mileage favors the ES300h by a single mile per gallon, and it boasts only half a cubic foot of extra cargo space. The Avalon Hybrid has blind spot sensors as standard which are trim-specific on the Lexus. Furthermore, the Avalon's cabin is slightly more spacious in terms of head and legroom. Warranty favors the ES300h, however, with one-year/14,000 miles more than the Avalon's three-year/36,000 miles basic warranty, one-year/10,000 miles over its five-year/60,000 powertrain warranty, and an additional two years roadside assistance. For value-for-money, the Avalon Hybrid is the better bet, although this decision is made purely on cost, as both these vehicles are superb, and perform almost identically.