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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  Uncomfortable Drivers Seat - 2014 Toyota Avalon Hybrid
  By Kadena - July 15 - 2:59 pm

  I have a 2014 Avalon Hybrid XLE Touring. The drivers seat is too firm and not enough padding for me. I took the car to a reputible upholstery shop and had additional foam padding added to the drivers seat. It is very comfortable now. I have had no problems with this car at all. The ride is very smooth and quiet. It handles good. I intend to keep it for a long time.

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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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  Very Uncomfortable Seats. Stay Away! - 2014 Toyota Avalon Hybrid
  By Richard Hastings - April 15 - 12:46 am

  This is supposed to be a luxury car and I bought it thinking it was. After a few hours from leaving the dealership I started having back and sciatic pain. None of my other cars cause this problem including a Mini-Cooper, a Mercedes, and 2 old British Sports cars! This car is nearly un-drivable for me as-is and I dread long drives in it. Luxury car my butt! I am extremely disappointed in Toyota. I have had several others and was a loyal customer. Review Update: I could never get comfortable in the seats and I traded the car in for a Lincoln. Were very happy now.

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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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  Incredible value - 2014 Toyota Avalon Hybrid
  By Scott Campbell - September 1 - 12:32 am

  Im too obsessed with value to buy new when there are so many great-quality used cars out there traded in by the perfectionists who have to have new, or perfect, or both. I gave a test drive to a barely-used 2014 loaded ES 300h and a similarly almost-new 2014 Avalon Limited Hybrid, loaded with the technology package, the Qi wireless charger, and a few other goodies. While I love the look and the ride of both sedans, I almost went for the Lexus but in the end chose the Avalon. Why? Two basic reasons: 1) The cars I drove were virtually identical, but $5,000 more for the Japanese-built version (with identical basic engineering) just didnt make add up to $5,000 more in value, 2) I preferred the ease of use in the Avalons touchscreen interface to the point and click operation of the Lexus. While I might acclimate to the joystick, my shotgun passengers might not. I dont love the stock tires on the Avalon (Bridgestone Turanza; they grip fine but seem to transmit excessive road noise) but a new set of tires can easily remedy that. After 2,000 miles of use, including an 800 mile road trip, I am completely in love with the cars ability to provide a quiet, very comfortable, composed ride with sure handling and minimal sound intrusion into the cabin, and it has delivered an astounding 41.4 mpg according to the cars computer (yes, yes, I know from previous experience that Toyota tunes them about 2 mpg high . . . nevertheless, even 39 mpg is unreal for a car with this curb weight). The Toyota Entune interaction with my iPhone, Bluetooth and such apps as Pandora are all relatively easy to learn . . . and I am my fifties, not my twenties. I also find the capacitive controls for the climate control and other systems easy to use and not a nuisance as others have noted. It isnt perfect: 1) despite the paint protection film, the car only has 14,000 miles and the paint has a few small but deep road wounds down to the bare metal that I need to have addressed; 2) you cant input a new address to the nav system while the car is in gear --maybe with voice command i could do so?), and 3) road noise is minimal, but not coffin-quiet. But hey, come one . . . I didnt pay 60 grand for an LS 460, I bought a used Toyota. For my money, I think I got one hell of a value--very satisfied customer here.

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  Beauty - 2014 Toyota Avalon Hybrid
  By Jackie Stratton - August 31 - 12:33 pm

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  An Avalon fan - 2014 Toyota Avalon Hybrid
  By Gene Amerson - May 2 - 4:25 pm

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  Wow, prepare to be impressed - 2013 Toyota Avalon Hybrid
  By magicbill - January 15 - 10:55 am

  Just traded wifes 2005 Acura TL w/Navi for the Touring edition Avalon Hybrid. My first wow was the price we acutally paid was only $3500 more than what we paid 8 years ago for the TL. The Avalon is so much more sophisticated and so well executed. Small side note is that the owners manual is a must-read (there are so many small items available on this model) and is actually well-written and organized. Even during first week of operation it is easy to see vehicle will likely live up to EPA rating. Toyota gently seduces you into becoming a fuel-efficient driver and supports that conversion with a sophisticated hybrid drive system. Love the ride, the quietness, spaciousness and hybrid.

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  2 months and 3,500 miles - 2014 Toyota Avalon Hybrid
  By mynewavalon - December 26 - 7:07 am

  Over all we love this car. Roomy sedan front and back with lux finishes. The trunk is smaller than non- hybrid big sedans but very respectable. Actual mileage /per gallon is truly impressive. Our friends with Lexus are envious. The chrome bezel on the dash is a negative when the sunlight hits it just right. Toyota could easily fix that. This car does not offer the softest ride on a bad road, as has been noted. However, we are city drivers with fairly frequent extended long distance freeway trips. Not an issue.

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  Fantastic car - one year update - 2013 Toyota Avalon Hybrid
  By hayguy - December 7 - 11:51 am

  After owning this car for one year and 16,000 miles I I must say it is the best car I have owned. I have owned many cars. Among them Corvette, Lexus, Mercedes, and several BMWs and although each has their own claim to fame the Avalon hybrid Limited overall is the best. Comfort, quietness, interior and exterior styling and quality, handling, power and features, and best of all mileage put this in its own league. I consistently meet or beat EPA mileage estimates even at freeway speeds of 80 mph plus. I can easily travel for several hours without stopping and in complete comfort. My next car in three or four years will likely either be another Avalon hybrid or the Lexus variant.