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 1 through 10 of 61.00

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  2014 Avalon Hybrid - Caveat Emptor - 2014 Toyota Avalon Hybrid
  By avalon_owner - May 24 - 7:40 pm

  Theres a lot to like about this car, but dont buy one. I test drove it, and thought the ride was a little stiff, but acceptable. Ive been driving it for a month now, and each day the harshness of the ride becomes more annoying. Every rut, crack and bump on the road is telegraphed through the chassis. Youll hear every road imperfection and feel it in your feet on the floor and through the seat. On a rough road, youll be thrown around like a rag doll. The longer you ride in it, the more horrible it becomes. Toyota at least owes us an apology for the terrible suspension. But they really owe us a recall and repair of this abomination.

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  New to hybrids, bringing the average buyers age down :) - 2013 Toyota Avalon Hybrid
  By blueste - October 19 - 12:12 pm

  After considering everything from Passat, to Accord to BMW I ended up with the Avalon Touring Hybrid. I really wanted to get the new Accord Hybrid. However, there were several issues for me…trunk space is horrible, engine revs are hard to get used to, availability and only MSRP available right now. Plus its a new system and who knows what reliability will be. Now, on to the Avalon Hybrid…I love it so far. Interior is sharp, hybrid drivetrain is smooth, Toyota has been building hybrids for a long time now so I expect this to be very reliable. I do, however, see them making a switch to Lithium Ion technology in the near future. For now, we have the "tried and true" nickel metal hydride.

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  An amazing Hybrid sedan ... Wow Toyota! - 2013 Toyota Avalon Hybrid
  By bimmer18 - May 17 - 8:44 pm

  For the last 9 years Ive been driving my Sweet BMW 5 series and what a joy it was to drive on a daily basis. The power and road feel was superb but the maintenance was starting to get excessive. I have never owned a Toyota anything... The technology that is engineered in this vehicle is utterly amazing. I love the Hybrid engine and transmission, its really quite astounding. The car handles well, it has excellent low end electric torque. When driving in econ mode the entire hybrid system takes control and superbly enhances the Avalons fuel consumption. The car is quite and has good rad feel.

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  Great car; questionable mileage claims - 2013 Toyota Avalon Hybrid
  By scott_k - September 3 - 12:14 am

  Love the comfort and surprisingly peppy engine (outside of eco mode). Controls are ok, certainly better than our Lexus hybrid with the mouse set-up. Nice and quiet; handles well for a luxury car. Nice design and lines; much more modern than all previous Avalons. Have just 1,800 miles on the car, but dont ever approach 40 or 50 MPG as some reviewers have. I suggest you do the math, and not believe the car calculations. Heated seats heat up quickly and hot; and I like the ease of the climate control system. Stereo is average.

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  Love my Car - 2013 Toyota Avalon Hybrid
  By jtavalon - January 20 - 10:10 pm

  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).

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  Are you too tall for the Avalon? - 2014 Toyota Avalon Hybrid
  By glen carson - September 26 - 10:36 pm

  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!

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  Minor issues, but I love this car - 2014 Toyota Avalon Hybrid
  By Charles Smith - September 11 - 4:48 pm

  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.

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  Great car- crappy nav system - 2013 Toyota Avalon Hybrid
  By kslj1234 - August 30 - 12:00 pm

  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...

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  Perfect....except for those bumps! - 2014 Toyota Avalon Hybrid
  By David Luke - April 1 - 10:36 am

  This 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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  gas milage - 2013 Toyota Avalon Hybrid
  By lowden - September 6 - 8:05 pm

  The 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.