Price: $36,870- $44,295
8.5 /10
Rating
Pros
- Sporty performance, powerful V6 engine.
- Aggressive, unique TRD styling.
- Toyota reliability, strong resale value.
Cons
- Stiff ride, less comfortable.
- Reduced fuel efficiency.
- Higher price, limited features.
Overview: 2021 Toyota Avalon
Built as a true flagship, the 2021 Toyota Avalon delivers a smooth ride with a well-equipped interior, offering a spacious cabin that prioritizes comfort. This large sedan is known for its broad range of trims, including the refined XLE, luxurious Limited, and the sporty XSE and TRD, each providing a unique blend of performance and style. The available V-6 engine and hybrid powertrain options ensure balanced power and fuel efficiency, with proven mpg results from real-world testing. Advanced technology and driver-assistance features further elevate the experience, enhancing safety and convenience for a diverse customer base. Despite the segment collapsing, with new-car buyers opting for SUVs, the Avalon maintains its status as one of the last premium sedans in its breed, competing with few rivals still in production. Whether navigating city streets or highways, this sedan remains a compelling choice—exciting in performance yet staid in its refined elegance.
What's New in the 2021 Toyota Avalon?
Toyota is introducing several changes to its 2021 Avalon lineup, making the full-size sedan even more appealing. The TRD variant, already known for its sporty character, now receives factory-installed summer tires for enhanced grip and handling. Inspired by the Nightshade Edition, the XSE trim gets a sleek black exterior trim, paired with aggressive 19-inch wheels that add to its bold stance. Performance meets efficiency with the hybrid version, now equipped with a lithium-ion battery pack that optimizes space while improving fuel economy. Driving dynamics are further enhanced with all-wheel drive, now optional on the XLE and Limited trims, providing better traction for various road conditions. Inside, the latest infotainment system comes with Android Auto, ensuring seamless smartphone integration. The updated roster of features makes this model a well-rounded choice for drivers who crave both style and substance.
Pricing, Trim Levels, and Best Choice
For those looking for a blend of performance and comfort, Toyota offers the 2021 Avalon TRD with a competitive price range starting at $36,870 and reaching $44,295, depending on options and selected trim levels. The base XLE is a solid choice for car shoppers who prefer a well-equipped ride, featuring power-adjustable side mirrors, LED headlights, and a sleek exterior design. Inside, the cabin is packed with features, including dual-zone climate control, heated front seats, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, and a tilt-and-telescoping steering column for enhanced driver comfort. The generous list of standard tech amenities includes Apple CarPlay, SiriusXM, and satellite radio, making infotainment seamless. Safety remains a priority, with driver-assistance tools like blind-spot monitoring and adaptive cruise control, ensuring confidence on the road. The heated seating and premium materials elevate the experience, making this sedan a top-tier option for those who want both luxury and sportiness.
$36,870
$37,995
$40,495
$43,170
$43,570
$43,870
$44,295
Powertrain, Transmission, and Driving Dynamics
Big sedans aren’t dead—they’re evolving. Toyota proves this with the Avalon TRD, a luxurious big sedan that refuses to compromise. For buyers torn between gas and hybrid powertrains, the TRD leans into performance with a 3.5-liter V-6 pumping out 301 horsepower and 267 lb-ft of torque, paired with a standard eight-speed automatic transmission. During testing, this setup hustles to 60 mph in 6.0 seconds, a stark contrast to the 202-hp 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine (paired with two electric motors in hybrid trim levels), which feels sluggish at 7.7 seconds in zero-to-60-mph sprints. While the hybrid’s continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) prioritizes fuel-efficient smoothness, its coarse whine under hard acceleration reminds you why enthusiasts still crave the V-6’s growl. The TRD’s optional all-wheel drive adds confidence in slick conditions, though most large cars like this prioritize comfort over corner-carving—a balance the Avalon nails with well-mannered handling that soaks up bumps and jolts without isolating the driver. Having spent decades behind the wheel of rivals like the XLE and Limited trims, I’ll admit the TRD’s nomenclature feels more aggressive than its demeanor, but its cabin remains a serene escape, blending sporty intent with Toyota’s signature refinement.
Fuel Efficiency and Driving Range
For drivers seeking a balance between power and efficiency, Avalon offers both gas-only and hybrid models with varying fuel economy ratings. According to EPA estimates, the V-6 version delivers 22/32 mpg for city and highway driving, while real-world highway fuel-economy testing has recorded up to 34 mpg. The hybrid variant achieves an EPA-estimated 43/44 mpg, and in our highway driving, we observed an actual 43 mpg, making it an excellent choice for long-distance commuters. The four-cylinder version with all-wheel drive trades some efficiency for traction, but the overall mileage remains competitive among full-size sedans. Whether prioritizing fuel savings or performance, the Avalon offers a configuration to match different driving needs.
Premium Interior and Comfort
The Avalon takes a step up from previous generations, offering a refined cabin with a waterfall-style center stack that creates a seamless design between the driver and front passenger. High-quality plastics and nicely grained surfaces make the interior feel premium, while the handsome switchgear and responsive touchscreen enhance usability. The back seat provides lots of room, allowing tall passengers to stretch their legs comfortably. A cavernous trunk with 16 cubic feet of cargo space ensures enough storage for large items, while the standard folding rear seats with a 60/40 split let you expand capacity when needed. During testing, the non-hybrid model fit seven carry-on suitcases, while the back seats folded accommodated 18. The hybrid version we tested in 2019 had an older battery pack that intruded into the trunk space, limiting it to six suitcases with the rear seats in use and 17 when folded. However, Toyota now uses a lithium-ion battery, which is smaller and preserves full cargo capacity, making the Avalon’s storage more practical for daily and long-distance travel.
Infotainment, Connectivity, and Smart Tech
Staying connected on the road is effortless in Avalon, thanks to its standard 9.0-inch touchscreen, which provides quick access to Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa for a fully integrated experience. The base-model XLE trim comes equipped with an eight-speaker sound system, while those seeking enhanced audio can opt for the optional 14-speaker JBL system, known for its premium sound quality. Navigation is seamless with Scout GPS Link, and passengers can enjoy internet access via the Wi-Fi hotspot. For added convenience, the wireless device charging feature ensures that your smartphone stays powered without the need for messy cables. The Bluetooth connectivity and system compatibility allow hands-free calling and easy media streaming. With integrated technology and thoughtful upgrades, the Avalon delivers a refined and modern infotainment experience.
Safety and Driving Support
When it comes to safety, Avalon stands out with its full suite of driver-assistance features, ensuring a secure and confident driving experience. The standard package includes automated emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane-keeping assist, and an advanced lane-departure warning system to help drivers stay in control. Equipped with adaptive cruise control, the Avalon enhances highway driving by maintaining speed and distance from other vehicles. In crash evaluations, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) have thoroughly tested the Avalon, with detailed crash-test results available on their websites.
Key features:
✅ Adaptive Cruise Control – Maintains safe distances on highways.
✅ Lane-Keeping Assist & Lane-Departure Warning – Helps prevent unintended drifting.
✅ Automated Emergency Braking & Pedestrian Detection – Enhances accident avoidance.
Toyota's Warranty and Maintenance Plan
Avalon ensures long-term reliability with a limited warranty covering three years or 36,000 miles, while the powertrain warranty extends up to five years or 60,000 miles. Competing with its rival, the Kia Cadenza, which offers a longer plan, Toyota maintains its reputation with complimentary maintenance for two years or 25,000 miles. Owners of hybrid components get superior protection, covering ten years or 150,000 miles, making it a standout in the segment.
Key features:
✅ Limited Warranty: Three years or 36,000 miles of basic coverage.
✅ Powertrain Warranty: Five years or 60,000 miles for engine and drivetrain.
✅ Hybrid Coverage: Ten years or 150,000 miles of protection.
✅ Complimentary Maintenance: Two years or 25,000 miles of free service.
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