Overview & Reviews
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 41 through 50 of 61.00-
Why buy a Lexus anymore? - 2013 Toyota Avalon Hybrid
By kconlon - August 11 - 10:03 pmThis car is phenomenal simply put it is the smoothest, quietest ride Ive tested in the last year, including Mercedes, BMW, Audi, Lincoln and yes, Lexus. If youre in the market for any of these, stop and test drive the Avalon before making your final decision. Our test drive so impressed we immediately eliminated Audi, BMW, Mercedes from consideration. Even the base model oozes comfort and confidence. So, to us, the final decision was between Lexus, Lincoln (we waited for the new MKZs release) and Avalon. After the MKZ came out, we made our decision, and it was really pretty easy. So, forget about your preconceptions about Toyota! This begs my opening question, why buy a Lexus anymore?
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Nice step-up - 2014 Toyota Avalon Hybrid
By skipjack47 - May 14 - 2:39 pmAfter driving a Camry Hybrid for almost 4 years, I find the move to the Avalon Hybrid a nice step-up. The Camry was a very good, very reliable car for me and I got good value on the trade-in. The Avalon is more luxurious, and has a smoother ride, and slightly better fuel economy. I am finding that with the car not quite broken in yet, my Avalon is getting very close to the EPA mileage estimates. I do not understand the comment about "grabby" brakes. Contrary to the test review, I have found Toyota has done a good job of integrating regenerative braking with normal braking. The new Avalon has improved on this aspect of performance.
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It has everything! - 2013 Toyota Avalon Hybrid
By kingira - April 11 - 8:23 amI have owned a MB and a BMW convertible for the past 17 years. They both used premium gas and were fun to drive and handled great. The seats were comfortable, too. My new Avalon handles almost as good, the seats are even more comfortable (hugging me), and it does not use premium gas. The new electronics and technology is super. It takes several weeks to get to know how to use it but it is worth it.
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Perfect....except for those bumps! - 2014 Toyota Avalon Hybrid
By David Luke - April 1 - 10:36 amThis model year only suffers from one drawback - the suspension. While Avalons are known for soft and comfortable rides, this model year suffers from the inability to weather potholes and uneven surfaces. Ive read that the subsequent year models have corrected this problem, but beware if you get a 2014 - stay away from off-track!
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Wow, nice job, Toyota - 2013 Toyota Avalon Hybrid
By ryecatcher - March 17 - 3:51 amThis is my initial review of a 2013 Toyota Avalon Hybrid Touring model, after three days of driving it. I love this car. Its huge  about the size of the Jaguar XJ VDP s/c it replaced, with a bigger trunk, too. Its the quietest car Ive ever driven, too. How Toyota coaxes 40 mpg out of this size car, and still makes it scoot, is a mystery. Its got gobs of low-down electric torque. Even though 0-60 is around 8 seconds, real-world it feels much quicker than that. In-gear passing is stupendous  no waiting for engines or turbos to spool up, just mash the throttle and watch the mph climb. Styling: all subjective, of course, but I like the new design. Has a bit of Audi A7 in the rear.
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GREAT CAR ! Minor Concerns - 2013 Toyota Avalon Hybrid
By johnnj3 - January 14 - 5:07 amPurchased my 2013 Limited Hybrid in December. Now have a little over 9k miles. The mpg is definitely as advertised. It gets better after the break in period. Just did a round trip from New Jersey to Boston and averaged 40.5 mpg. The controls on the dashboard are extremely sensitive. It takes some getting used to. Over a period of time I learned to adapt.As others have stated, the ride can be a little harsh. However, this does not diminish my overall satisfaction with the vehicle. I would highly recommend it.
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Fantastic Car - 2013 Toyota Avalon Hybrid
By butch74 - December 22 - 5:45 amI looked at probably 15-20 different vehicles..but i liked the idea of not being held hostage to the price of oil and the fact that this car is a luxury vehicle and gets 40mpg city is just amazing. I bought the full tech limited package..Pretty much same car as Lexus ES Hybrid only around 3k less. To get Toyota Quality/Reliability coupled with 40/39mpg/Luxury trim options, high end tech is just a really deep value...I cant think of a better value in the space. Lincoln MKZ Or Ford may have simliar but how long will it last? How much will maint be? After owning a german car the last 13yrs which was great but had horrible electric/hvac issues such a breath of fresh air to drive a Toyota.
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gas milage - 2013 Toyota Avalon Hybrid
By lowden - September 6 - 8:05 pmThe hybrid avalon is rated to get 39to 40 miles per gallon.I have 4000 miles on my new hybrid.The first 2500 miles I averaged 33.5.on interstate at 75 mph.The last 1000 miles I averaged 34.5 at 59mph.It is not worth the extra money.
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So far, so good - 2013 Toyota Avalon Hybrid
By skgolfer - June 19 - 11:36 amPurchased this car about three weeks ago and have 1000ish miles on it. Have been averaging 39 mpg in mixed driving. The car is very nice. Rides well but a little stiff. It definitely doesnt have the soft, "grandpa" ride of the older Avalons. It is very comfortable and all the electronics seem easy to navigate. Also considered the Fusion and MKZ hybrids as well as the diesel Passat. Chose the Avalon for its combo of mileage, value, power and fit and finish. Have received a lot of compliments on the look of the car. Was also able to negotiate a deal well below TMV and invoice. Very happy with this purchase so far.
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BEST CAR "EVER"!!! - 2013 Toyota Avalon Hybrid
By dwlund - June 16 - 4:34 pmI have always been a Toyota fan. Have had 2 Avalons, a Lexus, Highlander - and we presently have a Prius. For some unknown reason, I recently purchased a 2013 Nissan Altima with all the "bells and whistles"- a real mistake (see review under Nissan Altima)! To make a long story short, after 6000 miles I traded it in for a 2013 Toyota Avalon Hybrid. I am blown away by this car. It is, by far, the BEST car I have ever owned. Beautiful, inside and out, a head-turner, GREAT gas mileage, OUTSTANDING quality, EXTREMELY quiet - I could go on and on! Toyota took a huge leap with this car - and, as all the reviewers say, they have themselves a winner!!!
