A terrific full-size sedan - 2022 Toyota Avalon Review
0Overview
Toyota's flagship sedan, the 2022 Avalon, sports an aggressive look but underneath it's a big softie. Based on the mid-size Camry, the full-size Avalon offers either a V-6 or hybrid powertrain, front-wheel drive, and a spacious cabin that's all-day comfortable. It comes standard with a comprehensive suite of driver-assistance features and has most of the infotainment goodies that modern drivers need without being overly complicated. For those of us who still prefer a good ol' large sedan over a tall-riding SUV, few choices remain—such as the Chrysler 300, the Nissan Maxima, and the Volkswagen Arteon—and after this year there'll be one less when the Avalon disappears.
What's New for 2022?
Toyota has made few changes to the Avalon for 2022 and it has announced that this model year will be the large sedan's last. Production will end in August 2022, so if you're interested in parking a new Avalon in your driveway, the countdown clock has started. For the Avalon's last model year, buyers will be unable to choose the previously optional all-wheel drive system; the sporty TRD model has also been discontinued. The Hybrid XSE model is now only available with the Nightshade appearance package and all models receive a new rear-seat reminder feature. The car's driver-assistance features are also upgraded with more advanced camera- and radar-based collision avoidance systems.
Given its generous list of standard features, we imagine the Avalon's base XLE trim has what it takes to keep a wide range of car shoppers happy. The XLE comes with exterior features such as heated power-adjustable side mirrors and LED headlights. Dual-zone automatic climate control is standard, along with heated front seats, an auto-dimming rearview mirror and a tilt-and-telescoping steering column. All Avalon sedans come with tech features such as Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and SiriusXM satellite radio, as well as driver-assistance amenities, such as blind-spot monitoring and adaptive cruise control.
Engine, Transmission, and Performance
The Toyota Avalon gives buyers a choice of two powertrains: one that sips gas exclusively and another that uses a fuel-efficient hybrid setup. A 3.5-liter V-6 that delivers 301 horsepower and 267 lb-ft of torque is standard. An eight-speed automatic transmission sends power to the front wheels. The V-6 hustles the Avalon from to 60 mph in 6.0 seconds, according to our testing. Trim levels with hybrid in their nomenclature come with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder and two electric motors. This setup provides a net output of 215 horsepower, and it's paired with a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) that powers the front wheels. Many shoppers who seek out large cars like the Avalon prioritize comfort, and Toyota's big sedan doesn't disappoint in this area. In our tests, it delivered well-mannered handling that did an admirable job of keeping bumps and jolts out of the cabin.
Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG
With the gas-only Avalon, the EPA estimates mileage of up to 22/32 mpg city/highway. In our highway fuel-economy testing, we recorded 34 mpg with both the V-6 and the four-cylinder with all-wheel drive. The Avalon hybrid achieves EPA-estimated mileage of up to 43/44 mpg. While testing one of these models, we observed fuel economy of 43 mpg in highway driving. For more information about the Avalon's fuel economy, visit the EPA's website.
Interior, Comfort, and Cargo
When it comes to the overall look of the cabin, the current Avalon represents a big step up relative to models from previous generations. A broad waterfall-style center stack separates the driver and front passenger, and it shows off handsome switchgear and an easy-to-reach touchscreen. The plastics used throughout the cabin are nicely grained, and the back seat provides lots of room for tall passengers to stretch their legs. In addition, there's a cavernous trunk with 16 cubic feet of cargo space. Standard folding rear seats with a 60/40 split allow you to easily expand this capacity when toting large items. In our testing of the non-hybrid version, we fit seven carry-on suitcases in the trunk and 18 with the back seats folded. The hybrid we tested back in 2019 used the old, larger battery pack which intruded into the trunk and limited cargo space. That car fit fewer suitcases (six with the rear seats in use and 17 with them folded), but Toyota says the new lithium-ion battery is smaller and preserves all of the Avalon's trunk space.
Infotainment and Connectivity
The Avalon's base-model XLE trim comes with amenities such as an eight-speaker sound system, Bluetooth connectivity, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration. A 9.0-inch touchscreen is standard, along with Scout GPS Link navigation, a Wi-Fi hotspot, and Amazon Alexa compatibility. The list of optional upgrades includes a 14-speaker JBL sound system, an integrated navigation system, and wireless device charging.
Safety and Driver-Assistance Features
Overall