2018 Toyota Avalon

If you are looking for the ultimate long-distance comfort but don’t want to spend your hard earned money irresponsibly just for a posh badge, the 2018 Toyota Avalon will delight you. It’s the Toyota’s most premium sedan and offers luxury of a Lexus without costing a bomb.

There are a total of eight trim levels including three hybrid trims. All the 5 non-hybrid trims get a 268 hp V6 mated to a 6-Speed Automatic while the Avalon Hybrid has an I4 engine with electric motors for a total system output of 200 hp. The base Avalon XLE starts at $33,500 and offers more than enough features to keep you satisfied.

Trims	XLE	XLE Plus	XLE Premium	Touring	Limited
MSRP	$33,500	$35,250	$36,700	$37,900	$41,300
Features	Leather-trimmed tilt/telescopic steering wheel with paddle shifters Leather-trimmed multi-stage heated front seats 8-way power adjustable driver’s seat with power lumbar support 4-way power-adjustable front passenger seat Dual-zone automatic climate control with rear-seat vents	Adds to or replaces features offered on XLE: Auto-dimming rearview mirror with compass, map light, and HomeLink universal transceiver Power Tilt/Slide Moonroof	Adds to or replaces features offered on XLE Plus: Entune Premium Audio with Integrated Navigation integrated backup camera display Qi-compatible wireless smartphone charging eBin storage with one 12V power outlet, auxiliary audio jack, and USB port	Adds to or replaces features offered on XLE Premium: Premium leather-trimmed tilt/telescopic steering wheel with paddle shifters Black wood-grain-style interior trim 18-inch wheels	Adds to or replaces features offered on Touring: Premium perforated leather-trimmed multi-stage heated and ventilated front seats 10-way power-adjustable driver’s seat with power lumbar support and power cushion extension 8-way power-adjustable front passenger seat Power rear window sunshade

The Avalon Touring ($37,900) is the one to get if you want a hint of sportiness as it gets a sportier suspension and larger 18-inch wheels. The top-spec nonhybrid Toyota Avalon Limited is priced at $41,300. The Hybrid powertrain is available in three trims – the XLE Plus, the XLE Premium, and the XLE Limited.

Too many to choose from? We help you find the best trim

Although the base XLE trim has all the feature you will need and more, it lacks the sunroof. So, we will choose to spend $1,750 more for the sunroof and auto-dimming rearview mirror equipped XLE plus ($35,250). If you care a lot for the environment (or want to save some fuel bills), the XLE Plus Hybrid ($37,500) is a great choice as well (at a cost of some performance though).

The Avalon aims to lower your pulse and every single component of the powertrain and chassis is engineered to deliver just that. The engine delivers power smoothly, the transmission shuffles the torque smoothly and the suspension absorbs the imperfection and keeps the car moving – smoothly. That said, the Avalon does inspire confidence even through high-speed corners.

“Ample V-6 power, a Lexus-like ride, and composed handling give the Avalon the dynamics we appreciate. Its below-average braking performance and unhurried hybrid acceleration cost it a few competency points here.” – Car and Driver

All the non-hybrid Avalon gets the same powertrain – a 3.5L V6 developing 268 hp and 248 pounds-feet of torque mated to a 6-speed automatic. The V6 can propel this full-size barge with gusto. Sadly, all-wheel drive is not on offer. The Avalon Hybrid gets a 2.5L I4 engine assisted by an electric motor. The combined power is lower though – 200 hp. Hybrid gets a CVT instead of a traditional automatic.

 

Models	Toyota Avalon	Nissan Maxima	Chevrolet Impala	Dodge Charger
MSRP	$33,500	$33,270	$27,770	$28,495
Engine	3.5-Liter V6 DOHC 24-Valve	3.5-liter DOHC 24-valve V6 engine	ECOTEC 2.5L DOHC 4-cylinder	3.6-Liter V6 24-Valve VVT Engine
Transmission	6-speed automatic	CVT automatic	6-speed automatic	8-speed automatic
Power	268 hp @ 6200 rpm	300 hp @ 6,400 rpm	197 hp @ 6300 rpm	292 hp @ 6350 rpm
Torque	248 lb-ft @ 4700 rpm	261 lb-ft @ 4,400 rpm	191 lb-ft @ 4400 rpm	260 lb-ft @ 4800 rpm

Nissan gets a 3.5 litre V6 engine and impala is equipped with a 2.5 litre 4 cylinder engine . Dogde charger and Maxima produces maximum horsepower in the rivalry.

 

Acceleration

The 3.5L V6 in non-hybrid Toyota Avalon can accelerate this full-size luxury barge from rest to 60 mph in 6.1 seconds. That’s faster than the much more aggressive looking Dodge Charger. With so much power on tap, overtaking even the faster freeway traffic is effortless.

Models	Toyota Avalon	Nissan Maxima	Chevrolet Impala	Dodge Charger
0-60 MPH	6.1 sec	5.8 sec	6.3 sec	6.4 sec
Quarter mile	14.5 sec @ 89.9 mph	14.3 sec @ 97.7 mph	14.9 sec @ 95.9 mph	14.8 sec @ 94.9 mph
Engine	3.5L	3.5L	2.5L	3.6L
Emission   Tons/yr of CO2 Emissions @ 15K mi/year	7.4	7.0	7.1	7.6

Ride and Handling

The suspension of the Avalon is supple enough to lull you to sleep on a long trip. It dismissed any kind of bump at any speed with aplomb. This combined with its rock-solid stability at freeway speeds and confidence inspiring cornering characteristics make the Avalon a perfect transcontinental cruiser. The Touring trim gets sporty suspension and larger wheels for those who want a bit more “sport”.The suspension is set up for a plush ride, but the Touring model’s stiffer suspension won’t compromise the luxury feel.

Braking

The Avalon gets 11.7-inch brake rotors up front and 11.7-inch rotors at the back. That’s smallest among the competitors compared here and it does compromise the braking of the Avalon. Even though Avalon is lightest here, it takes longer to stop from 60 than the Impala or Charger. That said, it does offer linear pedal response that helps to make smooth stops easy.

Model	Toyota Avalon	Nissan Maxima	Chevrolet Impala	Dodge Charger
Brake Front(in)	11.7	12.6	12.6	12.6
Brake Rear(in)	11.1	12.1	12.4	12.6
Curb Weight(lbs)	3461	3478	3730	3934
60-0 MPH (ft.)	120	125	118	110

With such performance in such a large size, even the non-hybrid Avalon is incredibly efficient delivering 21 mpg in city and 30 mpg on highway for a combined rating of 24 mpg. The Impala delivers slightly better efficiency but with much lower performance. The large 17-gallon fuel tank gives it a cruising range of 560 miles – as we said, a proper transcontinental liner.

Model	Toyota Avalon	Nissan Maxima	Chevrolet Impala	Dodge Charger
MPG city	21	21	22	19
MPG highway	30	30	30	30
MPG combine	24	25	25	23

And then comes the Avalon hybrid. Everything in its powertrain is tuned for efficiency. The 2.5L I4 uses Atkinson-cycle and it’s mated to a CVT transmission. The electric motor assists the combustion engine and harnesses the braking energy. All these wizardries mean this full-size sedan delivers compact car like efficiency – 40 mpg in city and 39 mpg on highway.

The Avalon’s interior can give any luxury car costing more than twice the money nightmares when it comes to pure comfort. The quality of the material is flawless, the fit and finish are perfect and the cabin is loaded with equipment – even is base trim. While the rear seats are as relaxing as a warm bath, even the driving environment is unhurried.

“Step inside the 2018 Avalon and two traits immediately stand out: The first is that it’s roomy, and the second is that it’s lush and sophisticated.” – Kelley Blue Book

Seating and Comfort

The rear seats are sofa like – wide and expansive with abundant leg-room. The seats are so plush, you sink in them. While standard dual-zone climate control is powerful and keeps the cabin climate pleasant under any condition, the Limited trim gets three-zone climate control.

It’s easy to find a perfect driving position with 8-way power adjustable driver’s seats and power lumbar support. Once you find your perfect driving position, you notice a large simple and unhurried instrument cluster, a leather-clad steering wheel that’s good to hold and wide dashboard covered in rich leather with high-quality stitching.

Model	Toyota Avalon	Nissan Maxima	Chevrolet Impala	Dodge Charger
Passenger capacity	5	5	5	5
Passenger Volume(ft cube)	103.6	98.6	105	104.7
Front (Head/Shoulder/Leg)   (In.)	38.5/58.2/42.1	39.4/56.7/45	39.9/57.9/45.8	38.6/59.5/41.8
Second (Head/Shoulder/Leg)   (In.)	37.9/57/39.2	36.7/55.7/34.2	37.4/56.9/39.8	36.6/57.9/40.1

You will also find the outward visibility great. While even the base Avalon XLE gets standard heated seats that feel lovely, the Avalon Limited gets ventilated front seats. All these combined with its hushed cabin and long-range really helps it shrink vast distances. Even an airliner like an ambient light is on offer – those with frequent long-distance commuters will love it.

 

Cargo Capacity

Complementing the Avalons large cabin and long distance capability is its spacious trunk. With 16 cubic feet of luggage capacity on offer, it can easily swallow all the occupants’ luggage. However, the Avalon Hybrid’s battery pack eats up 2-cubic feet of luggage space. Also, the Impala is even more spacious.As befits a big sedan, the Avalon features a sufficiently large trunk. The rear seats don’t fold down, but there is a central pass-through.

Model	Toyota Avalon	Nissan Maxima	Chevrolet Impala	Dodge Charger
Volume (ft cube)	16.0	14.3	18.8	16.1

Infotainment System

When it comes to infotainment, the Avalon does not have much to impress. Android Auto and Apple CarPlay are missing. On top of that, you have to get Avalon XLE Premium or higher to get Navigation while the rivals like Maxima offers it as standard. That said, the top end Avalon Limited will delight Audiophiles with its gorgeous sounding 11-speaker JBL audio system.

The Avalon has a reserved understated styling – like a typical Toyota sedan. However, the length and width give it a considerable road presence. Carrying on the Toyotas recent fascination, the Avalon gets large front grilles. However, it is not as loud and the long horizontal slats with chrome accent do give it a sense of width and add to the vehicles substance.

The Avalon now has a gently sloping roofline towards the rear that adds a hint of sportiness. However, the ingress and egress are still effortless and the long rear doors ensure getting out of those large rear sofa-seats will still be dignified when arriving at a board meeting.

“When it comes to size, the Avalon certainly earns its place among a segment of substantial sedans, mirroring the dimensions of most rivals.” – Car and Driver

Dimension and Weight

The Avalon weighs lowest among the competition at 3461 pounds – a massive 400 pound less than the Charger. Lengthwise, it’s considerably shorter than the Impala and Charger. However, the Avalon’s wheelbase is similar to the overall lengthier Impala – a hint of its interior roominess.

Model	Toyota Avalon	Nissan Maxima	Chevrolet Impala	Dodge Charger
Curb Weight(lbs)	3461	3478	3730	3934
Length(in)	195.3	192.8	201.3	198.4
Width(in)	62.2	73.2	73.0	75
Height(in)	57.5	56.5	58.9	58.2
Ground Clearance(in)	5.5	5.3	7.1	4.9
Wheel Base(in)	111.0	109.3	111.7	120.2
Track Width(in) F/R	62.6/62.2	62.4/62.4	62.2/62.0	63.4/63.8

Wheels

The Avalon gets 17-inch wheels in all but the Touring and Limited trims. Touring and Limited trims get the larger 18-inch wheels. While the Avalon Touring gets sporty dark painted wheels, the Avalon Limited gets luxury themed super-chrome wheels. Although 18-inch wheels do not compromise ride quality much, Toyota does offer optional 17-inch super-chrome alloys in Limited trim – attention to detail.

Model	Toyota Avalon	Nissan Maxima	Chevrolet Impala	Dodge Charger
Size F/R (in.)	17*7/17*7	18*8/18*8	18*8/18*8	17*7/17*7
Quality	Aluminum	Aluminum	Steel	Aluminum
Wheel type	Alloy	Alloy	w/o alloy	Alloy

The Toyota offers Toyota Safety Sense as standard bundled with following modern active safety and driver assistance systems:

• 2018 Toyota Avalon Safety Systems Star Safety System – includes Vehicle Stability Control (VSC)Traction Control (TRAC), Anti-lock Brake System (ABS), Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), Brake Assist (BA) and Smart
• Stop Technology (SST) ToyotaCare featuring a no cost maintenance plan with roadside assistance Ten airbags – includes driver and front passenger
• Advanced Airbag System, driver and front passenger seat-mounted side airbags, driver and front passenger knee airbags, rear seat-mounted side airbags, and front and rear side curtain airbags
• Driver and front passenger Whiplash-Injury-Lessening (WIL) seats 3-point seatbelts for all seating positions, driver-side Emergency Locking Retractor (ELR) and Automatic/Emergency Locking Retractor (ALR/ELR) on all passenger belts
• LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) includes lower anchors and tether anchors on outboard rear seats
• Child-protector rear door locks
• Energy-absorbing collapsible steering column
• Front and rear energy-absorbing crumple zones
• Side-impact door beams
• Tire Pressure Monitor System (TPMS) with direct pressure readout and individual tire location alert Blind Spot Monitor (BSM) and Rear Cross-Traffic Alert (RCTA) Anti-theft system with engine immobilizer

 

NHTSA Ratings
Overall Rating	4 star
Frontal Barrier Crash Rating Driver	4 star
Frontal Barrier Crash Rating Passenger	4 star
Overall Side Crash Rating	5 star
Side Barrier Rating overall	5 star
Side Barrier Rating Driver	5 star
Side Barrier Rating Passenger	5 star
Side Pole Rating Driver Front Seat	5 star
Combined Side Rating Front Seat	5 Star
Combined Side Rating Rear Seat	5 star
Rollover Rating	4 star

 

IIHS Ratings

Crashworthiness
Small overlap front driver side	Good
Small overlap front Passenger side	N/A
Moderate overlap front	Good
Side	Good
Roof strength	Good
Head restraints & seats	Good

The laid back and worry-free free character of the Avalon continues to its ownership experience too. Toyotas unmatched reliability means no surprises even after years of ownership and the Avalon is second only to the Maxima when it comes to resale value.

Toyota Avalon vs Nissan Maxima

While the Avalon is sedated and reserved in look, the Maxima will attract plenty of attention with its busy exterior. Also, Maxima will be to your taste if you prefer athletic driving characteristics with its strong engine and tight dynamics. It combines all these with its comfort, efficiency and great reliability. However, the Avalon has a far better rear seat and will cocoon you and your passengers better.

Toyota Avalon vs Chevy Impala

The Impala is closely matched by Avalon in interior roominess but has better trunk volume. It comes with slightly more efficient but slower I4 engine as standard. Also, through a corner, the Impala is more entertaining. That said, the Toyota’s ease of ownership and excellent resale value is unbeatable.

Toyota Avalon vs Dodge Charger

The Dodge Charger is unlike any other full-size sedan. In fact, Avalon and Charger are poles apart. While Avalon gets sedate styling, FWD, and is calm and quiet, the Charger is rear wheel drive, has muscle car looks with loud colors, and offers a full array of rumbling and tire smoking V8s. That said, Avalon easily beats the Charger when it comes to transporting you vast distances with minimal fatigue.

The Toyota Avalon is a luxury car within with an innocuous Toyota badge and styling. It has a clear objective – to provide luxury car level comfort, space, and features at a reasonable price. It succeeds in that objective with excellent build quality, comfort, and smooth performance.

However, there is one caveat – its infotainment is not at all modern. Also, while navigation is available, it’s only offered on the higher XLE Platinum trim. And although the sloping roof is there and the Touring trim gets stiffened suspension, it’s never an exciting car.

So, if you are looking for more excitement and are willing to sacrifice rear seat comfort, get the Maxima. Need even more excitement? Get the Charger and spec it with a V8. On the contrary, the Camry is a car that keeps you refreshed and ready for work even after a transcontinental trip. Its hassle free ownership experience and slow depreciation reinforce that appeal.