Toyota Avalon Hybrid Research & Reviews

Overview & Reviews

Average Score

4.64/5 Average
61 Total Reviews
Model Overview:

One of the most significant events in the Toyota Avalon's lineage took place with the introduction of the current fourth-generation model. In addition to breathing some much-needed life into the historically bland nameplate, this generation also saw the debut of a hybrid version of this full-size sedan.

Besides boasting the key attributes of the conventional Avalon, which include a high level of comfort, an elegant interior and generous trunk capacity, the Avalon Hybrid benefits from a very efficient powertrain shared with the Camry Hybrid. This results in an impressive EPA-estimated 40 mpg combined rating, which is a number we usually associate with much smaller economy cars, not large sedans with luxury leanings. Equally impressive is that the Avalon Hybrid's performance doesn't suffer much as a result.

Whether or not fuel economy weighs heavily on your large sedan purchase, we would recommend the Toyota Avalon Hybrid as a must-see.

Current  Toyota Avalon Hybrid
The current Toyota Avalon Hybrid comes in XLE Premium, XLE Touring and Limited trim levels. All are powered by a 156-horsepower 2.5-liter four-cylinder that joins forces with an electric motor to bring total output up to 200 hp. A continuously variable transmission (CVT) routes power to the front wheels. Despite the reduction in power compared to the standard Avalon's V6, the Avalon Hybrid still accelerates to 60 mph in an admirable 7.7 seconds -- only about a second slower than the V6 model.

XLE Premium feature highlights include keyless ignition and entry, dual-zone automatic climate control, leather upholstery, heated front seats, a rearview camera and an eight-speaker audio system with USB/iPod integration. The XLE Touring perks include driver seat memory functions, a navigation system and Toyota's Entune smartphone app integration system. The Limited tops it off with xenon headlights, upgraded leather upholstery, ventilated front seats, heated rear seats and an 11-speaker JBL premium sound system. Adaptive cruise control and adaptive high-beam headlights are optional for the Limited.

In reviews, we've been impressed by the Avalon Hybrid's confident and effortless road manners. The precise steering has a firm, responsive feel to it and the hybrid powertrain does a surprisingly good job of moving the car with authority. As an added bonus, the Toyota Avalon Hybrid's cabin is even quieter than the already serene V6-powered model. Traditional Avalon drivers may notice the ride is marginally stiffer than its predecessors, but we applaud the added road-holding confidence and find the blend of comfort and performance to be well balanced.

Used Toyota Avalon Hybrid Models
Introduced for 2013 and based on the fourth-generation Avalon which debuted that same year, the Avalon Hybrid has seen no changes since other than a minor shuffling of standard equipment.

User Reviews:

Showing 31 through 40 of 61.00
  • Love my Car - 2013 Toyota Avalon Hybrid
    By -

    I went to the dealership planning to buy a Toyota Camry Hybrid XLE, but left with the Avalon hybrid instead. This 2013 Avalon hybrid kept catching my eye. It looked so good! I drove the Camry Hybrid, but the interior/exterior design was so plain I just couldnt take it. When I got into the Avalon Hybrid, I fell in love with it. It was sexy, classy, had an EXCELLENT sound system, and a sporty ride. I am worried about mpg. I have 250 miles on it and seem to averaging about 30 mpg in the city. I hope the mpg is lower because it is cold and I run the heat a lot. Still better than any non-hybrid on the market for city driving (except the Volkwagen diesel).

  • Buyers Regrets? None!!!!! - 2013 Toyota Avalon Hybrid
    By -

    Purchased our Avalon Touring Hybrid in May and was immediately very happy with the choice we had made. Looked at the Ford Fusion Hybrid - nice car, but not as nice as the Avalon, whose interior is greatly superior to the Fusion. Have driven 4,000 miles, a mix of highway and city, and am averaging 40.3 mpg. You cant beat that. Put everything together - styling, spacious and excellently appointed interior, plenty of cutting edge technical gadgets - and you have one outstanding package. The fact that it runs on regular gas as another plus. We considered a Lexus, but the Avalon was just too good to pass on. It has to be one of the best cars Toyota has made, and its made in America!

  • Nice Car - 2014 Toyota Avalon Hybrid
    By -

  • Too soon to know - 2014 Toyota Avalon Hybrid
    By -

    Have only owned the car for 4 weeks, however so far I love the comfort and the economy. I have owned an Avalon for 17 years and so far it it looks like this one will be as reliable and a whole lot more ecconomical and with more comfort features.

  • Better than Lexus - 2013 Toyota Avalon Hybrid
    By -

    Test drove Lexus ES350 and Toyota Non-Hybrid Avalon. Lexus was nice but I liked the interior of Avalon better, felt more spacious inside. I also thought ride was better with hybrid. It felt more button down to the road vs Lexus. Overall, I love cars quiet cabin yet the handling is very taught. And there is slight whirl sound when you are braking but I think that sound makes the car almost like its from the future. I am glad with the purchase and I recommend this vehicle to who are considering other similar cars in the segment.

  • Are you too tall for the Avalon? - 2014 Toyota Avalon Hybrid
    By -

    Resale value drops like a rock. The car is great once you get in, at a little over 61" it seems low to me and the center console where my knee rests is kind sharp. The size of the trunk and back seat are great, but when you get the Hybrid the rear seat does not lay down! Cant haul anything long!

  • epa mileage ultra conservative - 2013 Toyota Avalon Hybrid
    By -

    Expecting 40 mpg on my third day of ownershio I changed my style of driving to more suit the personality of the car. With three passengers achieved 43+mpg. Today, travelling rojte 9 NJ achieved 52+ mpg. Frigging amazing as I was travelling with the flow of traffic and at times accelerating beyond the lastpod. This is far superior to diesel poqedered vehicles. My comparison is based on driving from New York to Florida in a VW diesel Passat. So far, totally impressed. This is the sleeper of the century!!!

  • Minor issues, but I love this car - 2014 Toyota Avalon Hybrid
    By -

    We purchased our Avalon in December, 2013. It is reasonably comfortable for a guy my size (65") and very quiet, especially in windy conditions. I also appreciate the stability in windy conditions. I am a fuel economy guy and try to drive to get the best economy--avoid jack rabbit starts, and keep my speed near the speed limit. On the subject of fuel economy, I am very impressed. The city mpg is a little less than advertised, but for a reason. The hybrid works best when the car is warm. We can drive anywhere in my town in a mile, and on our typical trip to the grocery store the computer will typically indicate 35-36 mpg going. Fifteen minutes later we are back in the car, the engine a little warmer and our mpg will be over 40, only because the engine is a little warmer. The return trip is also slightly uphill. Our highway mpg is most impressive. I have hand calculated as high as 46 with a very strong tail wind. We occasionally make a 300 mile round trip to go shopping in central Wyoming. We typically have a tail wind and the computer registers about 45 on the front end of the trip with a tail wind, and will read 42-43 by the time we return home back into the wind. We have found when we hand calculate mpg the computer most frequently overestimates by about one mpg, although we have been 2-3 miles off on the minus side and plus one or more occasionally. But again, an overall average would be one mile per gallon more on the computer reading than actual hand calculated mileage. On my most recent trip I did not reset my computer when I filled and put about 1000 miles on in a couple days, over one mountain pass and in variable conditions, much of it driving 80 on the interstate (unusual for me), and the computer indicated about 42 for the entire trip. I remain very pleased with the economy of my Avalon. On the negative side, my first trip out of town I drove on I-80 for 150 miles and had my windshield and paint damaged by road sand left over from the previous storm. That was very revealing because I realize the finish is very thin and easily damaged. I am very disappointed with the paint and would expect a better quality paint job using more than just the bare minimum amount of paint to cover it. Would I buy it again? Probably. The paint is almost a deal killer, but I am overjoyed with the hybrid fuel economy.

  • Great car- crappy nav system - 2013 Toyota Avalon Hybrid
    By -

    Here is a problem I never thought about before this car- how good is a near luxury vehicle if the computer runs crapware? I have had my esthetically pleasing and beautifully driving Avalon hybrid for less than a month and have had the nav system replaced, repaired and retuned twice. The Entune idea is a good one but I am convinced it is buggering up the on-board computer. Still not resolved but I am hopeful this can be fixed...

  • Retirement Car - 2013 Toyota Avalon Hybrid
    By -

    Got it in March 2013. Just hitting 10,000 miles. Found that I get better than sticker said for road. I have gotten from 39.1 for low and 46.9 for a high. City driving is another thing though. I have a low of 28.0 and a high of 44.2 in city only. 28.0 was in suburbs of Memphis, TN. I use a calculator as the computer always claims higher mileage except 2 times when it was low! Car exceeded my expectations! Substantial vehicle for the money!

Toyota Avalon Hybrid Reviews By Year:
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