The tech-savvy amongst us will rejoice at the upgrade of the Avalon Hybrid’s battery pack from nickel-metal hydride to lithium-ion chemistry, but what’s more likely to woo consumers is the long-awaited inclusion of standard Android Auto and some USB-C ports for the 2021 model year. Not that the Avalon had to work hard to stand out. With no other direct competitors in the full-size hybrid sedan market outside of luxury options, it’s literally in a class all its own.
In theory, this lithium-ion battery pack should provide better efficiency in a smaller package, though strangely neither the EPA-estimated 43 mpg combined (44 mpg for XLE models) fuel-economy rating nor rear seat room have been noted to improve this year. That’s right, the battery pack in the Avalon Hybrid is located beneath the rear seats, which means there’s no sacrifice with regard to the 16.09 cubic feet of trunk capacity, regardless of whether or not you choose standard gasoline or hybrid power. There’s also a new (federally-mandated) anti-stealth low-speed vehicle noise system that’ll prevent you from sneaking up on passengers when driving on battery power alone.
Available in XLE, XSE, and Limited trim levels, buyers have to choose just how much comfort and luxury they want in their full-size sedan. XLE trims come standard with heated power front seats, keyless entry and ignition, LED headlights, WiFi hotspot, and satellite radio. Safety is covered as well, with adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning and automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, lane-departure warning and auto high beams.
That’s a nice package, but it’s the Limited that really delivers everything the Avalon promises. Here you’ll enjoy leather and ventilation for the front seats, heat for the rear seats, a heated steering wheel, sunroof, wireless charging, head-up display, and an upgraded 14-speaker JBL stereo. The Limited is also the only trim where you can add the optional rear parking sensors and a 360-degree camera system.
The XSE aims to add a bit of sportiness to the Avalon Hybrid, but the bottom line is that the Avalon Hybrid will never be sporty. While it looks great with the XSE’s sunroof, aluminum interior trim, and suede-trimmed seats, the larger wheels you get with this trim hurt the ride–which is the Avalon’s strong suit.
Combined output from the 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine and two electric motors comes in at 215 horsepower, sent to the front wheels via what Toyota calls an “electronically controlled continuously variable transmission” (ECVT). It’s certainly slower than the standard V6 Avalon, though not enough to matter here. The electric power provides stout motivation from a stop and keeps pushing all the way to highway speeds with little effort.
While pricing on the Avalon Hybrid brings it dangerously close to more upscale luxury options, it remains the go-to choice for a full-size, hybrid sedan. The one big drawback is the omission of an all-wheel-drive (AWD) option, something the rest of the Avalon lineup got for the 2021 model year. While front-wheel drive (FWD) should be more than adequate in most conditions, when the snow really starts to blow, AWD is the way to go.
Which car would be most comfortable & will have smoothest ride for passenger seated on rear seat out of Toyota Avalon, Rav4 or Accord specially for people who have motion/car sickness when going around mountains. I'm looking for a new car with comfort for passengers in mind. Any comments/suggestions would be welcome.
Air Conditioning
Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Dual front knee airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Rear side airbags · Front side curtain airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: mast · Voice recognition audio system · USB auxiliary audio input · IHeartRadio internet radio · HD radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · 1 subwoofer · Total Number of Speakers: 8
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Braking assist: hill start assist · Electronic parking brake: auto off · Front brake diameter: 11.7 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 11.1 · Rear brakes: disc
Comfort Features
Armrests: rear center with cupholders · Center console trim: leatherette · Dash Trim: Leatherette · Dash trim: simulated wood · Door trim: simulated wood · Floor Material: carpet · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Adaptive stop and go cruise control: semi-automatic · Assist handle: front · Center console: front console with armrest and storage · Cruise control: adaptive · Cupholders: front · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Multi-function remote: trunk release · One-touch windows: 4 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Power steering: speed-proportional · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: rear · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: cruise controls · Storage: door pockets · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating
Driver Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: power · Power adjustments: 8
Engine
Electric Motor Battery Type: lithium ion · Electric Motor HP: 118 · Electric Motor Power Output (Kilowatts): 88 · Electric Motor Torque: 149 · Hybrid Gas Engine HP: 176 · Hybrid Gas Engine HP@RPM: 5700 · Hybrid Gas Engine Torque: 163 · Hybrid gas Engine Torque@RPM: 3600
Exterior Features
Door handle color: body-color · Exhaust: hidden exhaust · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: black · Mirror color: body-color · Paint protection: clear film · Rear bumper color: body-color · Window trim: chrome
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3
Hybrid
Starter Type: motor/generator
In Car Entertainment
Connected in-car apps: Yelp · Infotainment: Apply CarPlay ready · Infotainment screen size: 9 in.
Instrumentation
Fuel economy display: range · Instrument cluster screen size: 7 in. · Warnings and reminders: maintenance reminder
Lights
Daytime running lights: LED · Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps · Headlights: auto delay off · Tail and brake lights: LED
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power
Passenger Seat
Power adjustments: 8
Rear Seats
Type: 60-40 split bench
Safety
Automatic emergency braking: front · Camera system: rearview · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Cross Traffic Alert: rear · Crumple zones: front · Impact absorbing seats: dual front · Impact sensor: alert system · Pre-Collision Warning System: audible warning · Pre-collision warning system: pedestrian detection · Rearview monitor: in dash
Seatbelts
Emergency locking retractors: front · Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Seatbelt warning sensor: driver and passenger · Second row seatbelts: 3-point
Seats
Driver seat power adjustments: reclining · Front seat type: bucket · Passenger seat power adjustments: reclining · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: leatherette
Security
Power door locks: anti-lockout
Spare Tire
Mount Location: inside · Size: temporary
Spare Wheel
Rim Type: steel
Suspension
Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Stabilizer Bar: diameter 25 mm · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Stabilizer Bar: diameter 25 mm · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link
Telematics
Driver assistance app: roadside assistance · Electronic messaging assistance: with voice recognition · Phone: voice activated · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth · Smart device app compatibility: Toyota Connected Services · Smart device app function: engine start · Wifi: hotspot
Tires
Type: all season
Tires and Rims
Wheels: painted aluminum
Windows
Front wipers: speed sensitive · Laminated glass: acoustic · Power windows: with safety reverse
Air Conditioning
Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Dual front knee airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Rear side airbags · Front side curtain airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: mast · Voice recognition audio system · Auxiliary audio input: iPod/iPhone integration · IHeartRadio internet radio · Touch screen display radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · 1 subwoofer · Total Number of Speakers: 8
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Braking assist: hill start assist · Electronic parking brake: auto off · Front brake diameter: 11.7 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 11.1 · Rear brakes: disc
Comfort Features
Armrests: rear center with cupholders · Center console trim: leatherette · Dash Trim: Leatherette · Door trim: leatherette · Floor Material: carpet · Foot pedal trim: aluminum · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Adaptive stop and go cruise control: semi-automatic · Assist handle: rear · Center console: with lighting · Cruise control: adaptive · Cupholders: front · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Multi-function remote: keyless entry with panic alarm · One-touch windows: 4 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Power steering: speed-proportional · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: rear · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio · Storage: sunglasses holder · Universal garage door opener: Homelink · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating
Driver Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: power · Power adjustments: 8
Engine
Electric Motor Battery Type: lithium ion · Electric Motor HP: 118 · Electric Motor Power Output (Kilowatts): 88 · Electric Motor Torque: 149 · Hybrid Gas Engine HP: 176 · Hybrid Gas Engine HP@RPM: 5700 · Hybrid Gas Engine Torque: 163 · Hybrid gas Engine Torque@RPM: 3600
Exterior Features
Door handle color: body-color · Exhaust: hidden exhaust · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: black · Headlamp bezel color: smoked chrome · Mirror color: black · Paint protection: clear film · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rear spoiler: lip · Rear spoiler color: black · Window trim: chrome
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3
Hybrid
Starter Type: motor/generator
In Car Entertainment
Connected in-car apps: Amazon Alexa · Infotainment: Android Auto ready · Infotainment screen size: 9 in.
Instrumentation
Fuel economy display: MPG · Instrument cluster screen size: 7 in. · Warnings and reminders: low fuel level
Lights
Daytime running lights: LED · Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps · Headlights: LED · Tail and brake lights: LED
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: heated
Passenger Seat
Power adjustments: 8
Rear Seats
Type: 60-40 split bench
Roof
Moonroof: sliding sunshade
Safety
Automatic emergency braking: front · Camera system: rearview · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Cross Traffic Alert: rear · Crumple zones: rear · Impact absorbing seats: dual front · Impact sensor: door unlock · Pre-Collision Warning System: visual warning · Pre-collision warning system: pedestrian detection · Rearview monitor: in dash
Seatbelts
Emergency locking retractors: front and rear · Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Seatbelt warning sensor: driver and passenger · Second row seatbelts: 3-point
Seats
Driver seat power adjustments: height · Front seat type: bucket · Passenger seat power adjustments: height · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: leatherette · Upholstery accents: faux suede
Security
Power door locks: anti-lockout
Spare Tire
Mount Location: inside · Size: temporary
Spare Wheel
Rim Type: steel
Suspension
Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Stabilizer Bar: diameter 27 mm · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Rear stabilizer bar: diameter 27 mm
Telematics
Driver assistance app: roadside assistance · Electronic messaging assistance: with read function · Phone: voice activated · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth · Smart device app compatibility: Toyota Connected Services · Smart device app function: lock operation · Wifi: hotspot
Tires
Type: all season
Tires and Rims
Wheels: painted aluminum
Windows
Front wipers: speed sensitive · Laminated glass: acoustic · Power windows: with safety reverse
Air Conditioning
Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Dual front knee airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Front side curtain airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: diversity · Voice recognition audio system · Auxiliary audio input: iPod/iPhone integration · IHeartRadio internet radio · Premium Brand: JBL · HD radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · 1 subwoofer · Surround audio: 7.1 · Total Number of Speakers: 13 · 1200 watts
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Braking assist: hill start assist · Electronic parking brake: auto off · Front brake diameter: 11.7 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 11.1 · Rear brakes: disc
Comfort Features
Armrests: rear center with cupholders · Center console trim: leather · Dash trim: leather · Door trim: leather · Floor Material: carpet · Interior accents: wood · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Adaptive stop and go cruise control: semi-automatic · Assist handle: rear · Center console: front console with armrest and storage · Cruise control: adaptive · Cupholders: front · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Easy entry: power steering wheel · Memorized settings: side mirrors · Multi-function remote: trunk release · One-touch windows: 4 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Power steering: speed-proportional · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: rear · Steering wheel: power tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio · Storage: door pockets · Universal garage door opener: Homelink · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating
Driver Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: 4-way power · Power adjustments: 8
Engine
Electric Motor Battery Type: lithium ion · Electric Motor HP: 118 · Electric Motor Power Output (Kilowatts): 88 · Electric Motor Torque: 149 · Hybrid Gas Engine HP: 176 · Hybrid Gas Engine HP@RPM: 5700 · Hybrid Gas Engine Torque: 163 · Hybrid gas Engine Torque@RPM: 3600
Exterior Features
Door handle color: body-color · Exhaust: hidden exhaust · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: chrome surround · Headlamp bezel color: smoked chrome · Mirror color: body-color · Paint protection: clear film · Rear bumper color: body-color · Window trim: chrome
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3
Hybrid
Starter Type: motor/generator
In Car Entertainment
Connected in-car apps: Google POIs · Infotainment: Android Auto ready · Infotainment screen size: 9 in.
Instrumentation
Fuel economy display: MPG · Instrument cluster screen size: 7 in. · Warnings and reminders: maintenance reminder
Lights
Daytime running lights: LED · Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps · Headlights: LED · Tail and brake lights: LED
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power
Passenger Seat
Power adjustments: 8
Rear Seats
Type: 60-40 split bench
Roof
Moonroof: anti-trapping feature
Safety
Automatic emergency braking: front · Camera system: rearview · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Cross Traffic Alert: rear · Crumple zones: front · Impact absorbing seats: dual front · Impact sensor: fuel cut-off · Pre-Collision Warning System: visual warning · Pre-collision warning system: pedestrian detection · Rearview monitor: in dash
Seatbelts
Emergency locking retractors: front and rear · Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Seatbelt warning sensor: driver and passenger · Second row seatbelts: 3-point
Seats
Driver seat power adjustments: reclining · Front seat type: bucket · Passenger seat power adjustments: reclining · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: leather-trimmed
Security
Power door locks: anti-lockout
Spare Tire
Mount Location: inside · Size: temporary
Spare Wheel
Rim Type: steel
Suspension
Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Stabilizer Bar: diameter 25 mm · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Stabilizer Bar: diameter 25 mm · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link
Telematics
Driver assistance app: roadside assistance · Electronic messaging assistance: with read function · Navigation system: hard drive navigation system · Phone: voice activated · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth · Smart device app compatibility: Toyota Connected Services · Smart device app function: security event/collision alert · Wifi: hotspot
Tires
Type: all season
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy
Windows
Front wipers: speed sensitive · Laminated glass: acoustic · Power windows: with safety reverse