I know this has a very polarizing design. It's either a "love it or hate it". I test drove a Limited the other day and absolutely fell in love with this car! Different people have different tastes. This one appeals to me. And I usually prefer trucks or SUV's. I was so impressed with this car, I'm probably going to buy one. Exactly the same color and options as this one. It's a whole lot of car for the money!!
I drove a lightly used 2015 Avalon Hybrid this weekend...just driving city streets for 20-25 minutes I managed an indicated 41 MPG. That said, switching from my " bare bones " 09 Crown Victoria to the Avalon was quite daunting. There are buttons/controls for an absolute plethora of functions with the cruise control being one of the more involved in my experience of driving for nearly 50 years. The 2015 isn't even as " improved " as the model tested here, so I would imagine it is an even more complex machine to drive. I will say, if you have never driven a hybrid before, you will be surprised by the seamless transitions between EV mode and " regular " mode. (I was in and out of EV mode nearly a dozen or more times in 25 minutes and only detected a small " bump " while turning and accelerating up a hill enthusiastically at a large intersection when the light went green.)
Thank you Alex. This video helped us buy our first hybrid. Just picked up a 21 limited hybrid this past weekend . Only regret is that we didn’t get it sooner
Hey Alex, I love the way you compare cars and have been watching for a long time, and just had a thought: your ratings within a category are so consistent and helpful, and you do a good job of telling people in your narrative where the segment you're discussing is in the big picture. Would it be worthwhile to close the loop and give each segment you're comparing to a ride/handling/fuel economy/etc. score? Because in a way, when you say the Avalon is low or high in its segment, it may be cool to know that the Avalon's segment overall is about a C on handling and an A on ride, or something like that. Keep up the great work!
I don't know how people can hate that grill!!! I have always been a "Honda guy" but this car took for surprise! I LOVE THAT FRONT GRILL!!!! Specially on the XSE avalon.... (Though i hate the ones on the camry)...
I think Alex may be a bit confused about the new Avalon line-up. According to other reviews there are basically two series now, one is on the luxury cushier side and the other more sporty. So, you have the XLE and Limited as the cushier Avalons and the XSE and Touring as the firmer more 'sporty' Avalons. In other words, the XLE and Limited are now softer and less firm than the last-gen Avalon, which is different than how Alex describes them.
I found that the grill doesn’t look as imposing in person as it does here. I suspect that has to do with the low angle of the camera. I like the line grill more because I tend to like the classy look. On the sport trims the vertical lines of the grill are too pronounced and keep it from looking really sharp. I really like the waterfall design. Get rid of the lines and the grill would look awesome.
Toyota, just make the entire car out grill. Doors: grill. Windows: grill. Wheels: grill. Love the limited hybrid in terms of reliabilty, amenities and price. But boy does the styling give me pause
Exactly, i refuse to buy a car that still has a windshield, i will only buy if there is 0 % glass and 100 % grill, this is only 99 % grill, disappointing.
I just bought the 2020 version and I love it. I agreed with everything you said with one minor exception. I traded in a 2015 Camry Hybrid and I found the road/wind noise to be quieter on the Camry. I’m not sure if it’s from the tangential vents in the front bumper of the Avalon or from the side mirror design, but I did notice that my Camry was quieter once I got back into it from the test drive. In the Avalon, I find myself checking the window switches to make sure the windows are all the way up. Other than that, I really do like the car quite a bit.
[old] Lexus ES. Not a 2019 Lexus ES. The avalon has always and will remain cheaper than the ES, if not by a lot. But then, it's not a lot different than an ES anyway.
Alex, are you talking about ride firmness compared to the just replaced previous gen or to earlier versions that were much softer? The previous gen was actually pretty firm already. If this is firmer than that one than this must be _really_ firm. That will upset quite a few Avalon owners looking to replace theirs since many of them already complain about ride firmness.
Just a follow up. Here's what Consumer Reports had to say about the new Avalon's ride. It differs quite a bit from Alex's comments: The ride is the distinguishing characteristic. With the Limited, it doesn’t take long for the smoothness to impress, especially in contrast with the previous generation. (Despite a midcycle update, the outgoing Avalon never recaptured the pampering ride that the model was known for.) The Touring is fitted with an adaptive suspension, which can alter the ride stiffness according to road conditions and driver demands, but the overall impression is a firmer ride, partly due to the large, 19-inch wheels on our sample car, than that of the Limited.
Michael Brashier I've ridden in all of those 3. The accord hybrid is a fantastic car, all around. The Avalon is good but it's suspension isn't the greatest and fuel economy isn't as good as accord. The Prius interior and overall space is not on the same level and acceleration, handling isn't on par. I'd go for accord, it's the fastest and best handling, and burns almost no gas like the Prius. And they hold their value, I want one myself but it's out of my budget.
With respect to the infotainment display panel, I am not thrilled. It looks disconnected from the rest of the driver's displays. I want a fully integrated dash mounted, driver centric display and control system. I like many of the other improvements, but the swept display design, creates crowded knee/leg space. Alex, if you could address this concern in future reviews, it would be greatly appreciated.
Alex, This Hybrid with smaller wheels sounds like a very sensible way to go . Does this have Nickel or Lithium batteries? I know the Camry Hybrid has both types.
Arrrgghh! I knew it was too good to be true - putting the battery under the seat loses rear head room! :( I'm a limo driver in Australia, looking forward to the new ES, and we are *only* getting the hybrid. Up until now, I assumed that the new battery placement had no negatives at all. Somehow I think my best option is to hold on to my current car (a Holden Caprice) for as long as possible. Long wheelbase S-class space on a budget. Fantastic 6.2L V8 engine. Praying we get the Caddy CT6 here one day, but even it doesn't appear to have as large a boot/trunk as the Caprice.
I do think the grill is getting a bit obnoxious, but the Avalon as a whole, as well as the RAV4 and the Corolla Hatchback are all fat better this time around than they have been in quite some time!
My opinion on that polarizing look of the new car? May I offer you a parking lot post at 2 mph? If not for $5,000 worth of collision avoidance software, that parking lot post would be worth some serious cash. I'm on the fence as to whether the front grill would look better before or after kissing the post.
Your Net Price After Rebate for a 2018 Avalon FWD Limited (3554) is $32,597* *Plus any of these accessories or packages. Price does not reflect tax, license and fees.
I was not thrilled about the front end of the 2014 Avalon Hybrid, but I got one because I figured if I’m driving it, I can’t look at it. This newer Avalon is just ugly up front, and I would have to swallow really hard to buy it.
My 2014 Avalon Hybrid in Limited trim has the extending thigh cushion. Did they eliminate that in the 2019 edition, or is that only available on certain trim levels or packages?
A spare tire!? Thank you Toyota. You have no idea how much I respect this because of the talk of removing them. In Canada, traveling isn't so simple without a spare.
Hello Alex, I do find others saying 7.8s as 0-60 for this car, not the 7.0s as you estimated. Could you verify it? It is logical for the two cars having different acceleration under same powertrain, since they can be programmed in a different way.
Why does Toyota continue with the whole Cylon front end treatments? I keep expecting to hear, "By your command", every time Alex gets into any of these new ones.
Yeah, I've had the displeasure of finding a piece of said brush one time at a barb-b party. Back in the day, you could barbecue inside the engine bay, but now with all that plastic around the engine, forget it!
i really hate that massive front grill, not a fan of tablets on the dash like that, the rest of the avalon is not bad. only senior citizens and those limo cab companies use these cars and Toyota might have lost that market with the firm sporty ride.
I test drove the Honda accord hybrid earlier this week. I was not able to get close to EPA figures and I did drive conservatively. The salesman with me couldn't figure out either why my mpg was stalling at a mere 35 mpg, but he didn't blame it on me. Also at 30 mph there was some resonance entering the cabin from the CVT. For me the new Accord hybrid ain't gonna be it. My suggestion: Test drive the car and see for yourself.
It's so frustratingly close to perfect, but then horrendous front end (that will look far worse in lighter exterior colors) and no Android Auto. Who am I kidding, I'd still buy this car.
My only problem with the new Avalon is the omission of Android auto, the grille doesn't bother me. A really ugly grille is on the 2019 Dodge Ram pickup...that grille is a deal-breaker.
I don't like that grille (either model) or the infotainment screen or placement or the non-hybrid performance. Team Buick LaCrosse (even though 2019 is the last year for America).
Fuel economy for the XLE should be 33 highway? Sadly Canada never got an Avalon Hybrid. No, it's the other way around, - by creating stupid sloping roof line and a useless mail slot trunk opening, buyers were forced to move to utility vehicles. But that means more profit for the manufacturers. Call it a conspiracy theory, if you will.
Never clicked a UA-cam notification so fast. I think you're one of the first to bring us a real review, thank you!
I know this has a very polarizing design. It's either a "love it or hate it". I test drove a Limited the other day and absolutely fell in love with this car! Different people have different tastes. This one appeals to me. And I usually prefer trucks or SUV's. I was so impressed with this car, I'm probably going to buy one. Exactly the same color and options as this one. It's a whole lot of car for the money!!
I drove a lightly used 2015 Avalon Hybrid this weekend...just driving city streets for 20-25 minutes I managed an indicated 41 MPG.
That said, switching from my " bare bones " 09 Crown Victoria to the Avalon was quite daunting. There are buttons/controls for an absolute plethora of functions with the cruise control being one of the more involved in my experience of driving for nearly 50 years. The 2015 isn't even as " improved " as the model tested here, so I would imagine it is an even more complex machine to drive.
I will say, if you have never driven a hybrid before, you will be surprised by the seamless transitions between EV mode and " regular " mode. (I was in and out of EV mode nearly a dozen or more times in 25 minutes and only detected a small " bump " while turning and accelerating up a hill enthusiastically at a large intersection when the light went green.)
My dream hybrid car other than the Prius. Toyota is the future!!! Toyota is life!!!!
This will be my first hybrid car to buy Alex.
Thank you Alex. This video helped us buy our first hybrid. Just picked up a 21 limited hybrid this past weekend . Only regret is that we didn’t get it sooner
Serious MPG for its size, luxury and features. LOVE that interior.
Absolutely gorgeous car inside and out.Good job Toyota
Toyota needs to do a full body grille
Hey Alex, I love the way you compare cars and have been watching for a long time, and just had a thought: your ratings within a category are so consistent and helpful, and you do a good job of telling people in your narrative where the segment you're discussing is in the big picture. Would it be worthwhile to close the loop and give each segment you're comparing to a ride/handling/fuel economy/etc. score? Because in a way, when you say the Avalon is low or high in its segment, it may be cool to know that the Avalon's segment overall is about a C on handling and an A on ride, or something like that.
Keep up the great work!
Great explanation regarding the transmission. Thanks, I like what I heard.
I don't know how people can hate that grill!!! I have always been a "Honda guy" but this car took for surprise! I LOVE THAT FRONT GRILL!!!! Specially on the XSE avalon.... (Though i hate the ones on the camry)...
I don't have a problem with the grill, but what about accidents when you hit a car with 10 miles speed difference.
That is going to cost a lot
those old days are gone, even if you get cheap $30k car, the new LED headlamps cost $500-1000+
I think Alex may be a bit confused about the new Avalon line-up. According to other reviews there are basically two series now, one is on the luxury cushier side and the other more sporty.
So, you have the XLE and Limited as the cushier Avalons and the XSE and Touring as the firmer more 'sporty' Avalons.
In other words, the XLE and Limited are now softer and less firm than the last-gen Avalon, which is different than how Alex describes them.
I love the front end on this model. Wish the step in height was higher.
I found that the grill doesn’t look as imposing in person as it does here. I suspect that has to do with the low angle of the camera. I like the line grill more because I tend to like the classy look. On the sport trims the vertical lines of the grill are too pronounced and keep it from looking really sharp. I really like the waterfall design. Get rid of the lines and the grill would look awesome.
I bought the Limited Hybrid in Parisian Night Pearl. I love it. But I don't care for the "swallow the earth" grill.
I am going to get a black one this weekend, what was your final price if you don't mind. before taxes
How much is the price for yours out the door. ???
Toyota, just make the entire car out grill. Doors: grill. Windows: grill. Wheels: grill. Love the limited hybrid in terms of reliabilty, amenities and price. But boy does the styling give me pause
LMFAO...... just spilled my coffee....
Exactly, i refuse to buy a car that still has a windshield, i will only buy if there is 0 % glass and 100 % grill, this is only 99 % grill, disappointing.
Hahhahahah
J Du it’s not too ugly.. if you look at it closely.
Need the hood grill too. "Sport vents".
I just bought the 2020 version and I love it. I agreed with everything you said with one minor exception. I traded in a 2015 Camry Hybrid and I found the road/wind noise to be quieter on the Camry. I’m not sure if it’s from the tangential vents in the front bumper of the Avalon or from the side mirror design, but I did notice that my Camry was quieter once I got back into it from the test drive. In the Avalon, I find myself checking the window switches to make sure the windows are all the way up.
Other than that, I really do like the car quite a bit.
Finally, an avalon that is attractive!
The top end model at 41K I don't think will do all that well. They'll be heavily discounted down from that price. That's Lexus ES money at that point.
TheHvk you mean toyota camry ES ? 😂😂😂
TheHvk / new ES will be 54k in top trim
[old] Lexus ES. Not a 2019 Lexus ES. The avalon has always and will remain cheaper than the ES, if not by a lot. But then, it's not a lot different than an ES anyway.
patty109109 how? Same badge different name
Benjamin Burkhardt best in class better than ES 4 SURE
Del Mar! I grew up there in the ‘70s.
NO Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 ? = DEAL BREAKER. Waiting for the 2019 Hybrid RAV 4
People hating the front grill
I actually like it in this car.
i see what you did there with your song choice at 8:26 😂
Alex, are you talking about ride firmness compared to the just replaced previous gen or to earlier versions that were much softer?
The previous gen was actually pretty firm already. If this is firmer than that one than this must be _really_ firm. That will upset quite a few Avalon owners looking to replace theirs since many of them already complain about ride firmness.
Just a follow up. Here's what Consumer Reports had to say about the new Avalon's ride. It differs quite a bit from Alex's comments:
The ride is the distinguishing characteristic. With the Limited, it doesn’t take long for the smoothness to impress, especially in contrast with the previous generation. (Despite a midcycle update, the outgoing Avalon never recaptured the pampering ride that the model was known for.)
The Touring is fitted with an adaptive suspension, which can alter the ride stiffness according to road conditions and driver demands, but the overall impression is a firmer ride, partly due to the large, 19-inch wheels on our sample car, than that of the Limited.
Looks so good in person
I’m shopping this vs accord hybrid vs Prius prime. I want comfort and luxury but I absolutely hate buying and burning gas.
Michael Brashier I've ridden in all of those 3. The accord hybrid is a fantastic car, all around. The Avalon is good but it's suspension isn't the greatest and fuel economy isn't as good as accord. The Prius interior and overall space is not on the same level and acceleration, handling isn't on par. I'd go for accord, it's the fastest and best handling, and burns almost no gas like the Prius. And they hold their value, I want one myself but it's out of my budget.
Definitely getting this car as my next car
With respect to the infotainment display panel, I am not thrilled. It looks disconnected from the rest of the driver's displays. I want a fully integrated dash mounted, driver centric display and control system. I like many of the other improvements, but the swept display design, creates crowded knee/leg space. Alex, if you could address this concern in future reviews, it would be greatly appreciated.
I think it looks great
So the car you are using is the Limited which is the top of the line?Most expensive?
Toyota really needs to 86 that grille. It looks like a household appliance.
That is a huge grill
Grill ?? What grill ??
bigden 2755 front grill
I still don't see a grill...... LMFAO....
Alex, This Hybrid with smaller wheels sounds like a very sensible way to go . Does this have Nickel or Lithium batteries? I know the Camry Hybrid has both types.
Arrrgghh! I knew it was too good to be true - putting the battery under the seat loses rear head room! :( I'm a limo driver in Australia, looking forward to the new ES, and we are *only* getting the hybrid. Up until now, I assumed that the new battery placement had no negatives at all. Somehow I think my best option is to hold on to my current car (a Holden Caprice) for as long as possible. Long wheelbase S-class space on a budget. Fantastic 6.2L V8 engine. Praying we get the Caddy CT6 here one day, but even it doesn't appear to have as large a boot/trunk as the Caprice.
Greg Sullivan Get a Holden GTSR W1. Your passengers will thank you for it. Just a mere 636 HP.
The interior is so nice, but I just can't accept the exterior styling. I'd have to go for a Kia K900 or even a Cadenza. Both are gorgeous.
Can anyone tell me how comfy the drivers seat is? Coming from a buick park avenue
Enough about the grill (it’s a bit in your face) BUT the rest of the car looks nice,great savings at the pump as well.
One week in San Francisco (or a.y city with parki g problems) and that grill is toast.
Much prefer look of 2018 Avalon to the 2019 - especially the front grill.
I agree, they just had to revise the head lights for LED, sportier wheels, and revised infontaintment
That grill is like your logo and opening animation...
Nice car. Love the look over the Camry but the interior storage is poor for such a large car. The Hybrid is the way to go
I do think the grill is getting a bit obnoxious, but the Avalon as a whole, as well as the RAV4 and the Corolla Hatchback are all fat better this time around than they have been in quite some time!
“Fat better” is extremely appropriate for most American buyers. Well said!
The mid-$40,000's for a Toyota sedan, let alone almost any Toyota, is hard to swallow.
Awesome review. Thank u very much
The front grill is growing on me. I like it better than the original Lexus spindle.
Is there a cd player, didnt see one but I did see a seek and track button?
My opinion on that polarizing look of the new car? May I offer you a parking lot post at 2 mph? If not for $5,000 worth of collision avoidance software, that parking lot post would be worth some serious cash. I'm on the fence as to whether the front grill would look better before or after kissing the post.
Looking good and great car like Avalon of the last 2/3 generations
Your Net Price After Rebate for a 2018 Avalon FWD Limited (3554) is
$32,597*
*Plus any of these accessories or packages. Price does not reflect tax, license and fees.
Cabin noise 69 or 70 db. Hmmm. Does it come with dual pane front driver and passenger windows?
I love that car and I want it....but the front grill prevents me from doing so.
Kevin Fogarty Get it in Black, you won't notice it.
I was not thrilled about the front end of the 2014 Avalon Hybrid, but I got one because I figured if I’m driving it, I can’t look at it. This newer Avalon is just ugly up front, and I would have to swallow really hard to buy it.
Is there a way to purchase some sort of aftermarket front grill cover? It will be destroyed in New York street parking in a month...
I want to grill that's at least 8 feet tall and 6 feet wide. Just take one off of the semi trucks to put it on the front
That grill looks like it’s about to eat an 8-year-old
Michael Silbert well then you better get out the way
That grill is horrendous
To each their own, I actually like it.
Absolute garbage
Kenneth Mangulabnan ... You're right. It needs to be bigger.
... Grill ?? What grill ??
Yeah. they should have asked you before making that.
My 2014 Avalon Hybrid in Limited trim has the extending thigh cushion. Did they eliminate that in the 2019 edition, or is that only available on certain trim levels or packages?
I think it has to be seen in person to understand what Toyota is going for. Its a great look car but for some reason videos don't show it off well.
this car looks really good.
I don’t really like how the vents are integrated into the center stack.
A spare tire!? Thank you Toyota. You have no idea how much I respect this because of the talk of removing them. In Canada, traveling isn't so simple without a spare.
Hello Alex, I do find others saying 7.8s as 0-60 for this car, not the 7.0s as you estimated. Could you verify it?
It is logical for the two cars having different acceleration under same powertrain, since they can be programmed in a different way.
love it, Alex
What's the road noise
Why does Toyota continue with the whole Cylon front end treatments? I keep expecting to hear, "By your command", every time Alex gets into any of these new ones.
Can you barbecue on that grill?
I'll bring the pork chops.
And the insects will just add more protein and some flavor.
MM, That's where we disagree. Always clean the grill before cooking and never use a wire brush as they can be very dangerous.
Yeah, I've had the displeasure of finding a piece of said brush one time at a barb-b party. Back in the day, you could barbecue inside the engine bay, but now with all that plastic around the engine, forget it!
I have found a piece of said brush in food I had been served at a barbecue lunch.
Alex, what do you prefer and why? The Camry and the Avalon? Im considering the hybrid of either model
i really hate that massive front grill, not a fan of tablets on the dash like that, the rest of the avalon is not bad. only senior citizens and those limo cab companies use these cars and Toyota might have lost that market with the firm sporty ride.
Don't you think the previous centre console is more organizing and the new one look clutter.
This is the one I was looking for... Thank you Mr Alejandro :)
When will you get a Honda accord hybrid Alex?
I test drove the Honda accord hybrid earlier this week. I was not able to get close to EPA figures and I did drive conservatively. The salesman with me couldn't figure out either why my mpg was stalling at a mere 35 mpg, but he didn't blame it on me. Also at 30 mph there was some resonance entering the cabin from the CVT. For me the new Accord hybrid ain't gonna be it. My suggestion: Test drive the car and see for yourself.
Gillette : the best a man can get
Toyota: Hold My beer
It's so frustratingly close to perfect, but then horrendous front end (that will look far worse in lighter exterior colors) and no Android Auto. Who am I kidding, I'd still buy this car.
8:32 Song name "Avalon -- Reborn" Nice lol
10/10 rear seat comfort and his head is touching in every seat in the hybrid......
Blake Swan yep. Modern sedan design is going BACKWARDS. SUVs be damned, along with all the fools that buy them. :D
Why hybrid got less horsepower always than regular gasoline powered vehicle.
excuse me but the front appears to be not finish from the assembly line, it looks like a huge part fell off it
I thought the Avalon is full size not midrange?
Look a sequential turn signal.😆
5:19 airvents moved =)
The seats with the faux leather and other material...it's a no-go for me. :-(. But otherwise, very slick looking.
Grill speed ahead.
ohh, so I know that you used PR to cut videos.
My only problem with the new Avalon is the omission of Android auto, the grille doesn't bother me. A really ugly grille is on the 2019 Dodge Ram pickup...that grille is a deal-breaker.
Looks like a filter feeder. In addition to gasoline, it ingests swarms of plankton for additional fuel economy.
The grill looks wayyyyy better than the Lexus.
Looks nice
my new luxury cleaner with good suction.
Besides for that hideous grille, it looks great.
That grille is a deal breaker, regardless of the version.
I need a grilled hood so I can BBQ while driving
I don't like that grille (either model) or the infotainment screen or placement or the non-hybrid performance. Team Buick LaCrosse (even though 2019 is the last year for America).
Looks just like the Camry to me but not the price
They managed to make a front worse then the standard Camry. It is a remarkable achievement
Idk if this design will age well lol
As long as the car's mechanical components age well...........
7 seconds 0-60? Everyone else says 8
Fuel economy for the XLE should be 33 highway? Sadly Canada never got an Avalon Hybrid.
No, it's the other way around, - by creating stupid sloping roof line and a useless mail slot trunk opening, buyers were forced to move to utility vehicles. But that means more profit for the manufacturers. Call it a conspiracy theory, if you will.
The back seats are not bigger than the Honda Accord hybrid. Check your facts sir
Jeez that grill is so small I don't know how they think the engine can cool.