Toyota Avalon vs Lexus LS

The 2019 Toyota Avalon was often caught in a dilemma of identity, positioned between the Camry and the Lexus ES, and sometimes perceived as an "old person's car." Despite this, the Avalon offered significant advantages, such as robust power, ample space, and a focus on comfort over performance. The 2019 model featured a longer wheelbase and a shorter overall length, enhancing stability. Its new grille design was a standout feature, drawing comparisons to the Lexus ES. The Avalon came in various trims, starting with the XLE at $35,500, which included 17-inch alloy wheels and a host of tech and safety features. The XSE trim added sporty elements for $38,000, while the Limited trim focused on luxury for $41,800. The top Touring trim combined features from the XSE and Limited, with additional enhancements, bringing the total cost to $44,665.

In contrast, the 2018 Lexus LS was a polarizing design statement with its spindle grille, which some found aggressive and others unique. The LS 500 was immediately recognizable, with its long and wide stance complementing the bold front design. The F Sport trim added sporty elements like gray 20-inch wheels and a blacked-out grille. Inside, the LS 500 was a showcase of luxury, with red and black leather, microsuede, and aluminum trim. The detailing was exquisite, with layered trims and floating armrests. While the F Sport trim focused on driving dynamics, the regular LS 500 offered even more luxurious options, such as laser-cut glass trim and exotic woods, making it a standout in the luxury sedan segment.

The 2019 Toyota Avalon was equipped with a 3.5-liter V6 engine, delivering 301 horsepower and 267 lb-ft of torque, paired with an 8-speed transmission. This setup provided an EPA-estimated 26 mpg combined for the base XLE trim, with 22 mpg in the city and 32 mpg on the highway. Other trims saw a slight decrease in fuel efficiency due to increased weight. Despite not being sporty, the Avalon offered a composed and comfortable ride, with light steering and ample power.

The 2018 Lexus LS 500 featured a twin-turbo 3.5-liter V6 engine, producing 416 horsepower and 442 lb-ft of torque, mated to a 10-speed automatic transmission. It was available in rear- or all-wheel drive. The LS 500h hybrid variant combined a gas engine with electric motors for 354 horsepower. The LS 500 offered strong acceleration and smooth power delivery, with the F Sport trim enhancing driving dynamics through rear-axle steering and active stabilizer bars. Fuel economy for the RWD model was rated at 19 mpg city and 30 mpg highway, with the hybrid offering even better efficiency. Over a long drive, the LS 500 averaged 22 mpg, slightly below the EPA's combined estimate.

The 2019 Toyota Avalon provided a spacious and comfortable interior, though headroom was slightly limited for taller individuals. Legroom was generous, and the trunk offered 16 cubic feet of space. Interior storage was adequate, with numerous cubbies and cupholders. However, the lack of all-wheel drive limited its appeal in snowy regions.

The 2018 Lexus LS 500 excelled in interior space, with large door openings and excellent sightlines for the driver. The trunk offered 17 cubic feet of space, though the rear seatbacks did not fold down. The infotainment system's touchpad was a drawback, but the LS 500's overall interior experience was luxurious and spacious.

The 2019 Toyota Avalon featured the Entune 3.0 system with Apple CarPlay, though Android Auto was absent. The system included a 9-inch touchscreen with pinch-and-zoom navigation and a Wi-Fi hotspot. The Linux-based architecture promised future app development.

The 2018 Lexus LS offered unique features like the Lexus Concierge, which synchronized seat and steering-wheel temperatures. The air suspension had an "entry height" feature, and the navigation system allowed custom route programming. The optional 24-inch head-up display and 23-speaker Mark Levinson stereo enhanced the driving experience.

The 2019 Toyota Avalon boasted a comprehensive suite of safety features, including adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, and lane-keeping assist. The addition of blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert enhanced its safety credentials, earning it a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS.

The 2018 Lexus LS 500 included rear-side thorax airbags and the Lexus Safety System+ as standard, with features like automatic emergency braking and lane-keep assist. The optional Lexus Safety System+ A added advanced features like active steering and road-sign detection. Telematics services were included for 10 years.