2018 Toyota Avalon Hybrid Sedan

At a starting price of $37,500, the 2018 Toyota Avalon hybrid is a perfect mid-size budget hybrid luxury car. The 2.5L Atkinson cycle inline 4 and electric motor hybrid combination under the bonnet is good for 156hp.

The 2018 Toyota Avalon Hybrid is available in a total of 3 trims. The base trim is called the Hybrid XLE Plus. Its key features include the 17-inch dark gray alloy wheels, leather upholstery push-button entry and start and a moonroof.

Then there is the mid-table hybrid XLE Premium trim. It’s around $1k dearer than the base model. Its key features include a premium audio system, power seats, and mirror with memory function, Entune MMI with nav, blind spot monitoring etc.

The hybrid Limited trim costs around $5k more over the base trim. For the extra money, you get features like HID headlights, multi-zone climate control, premium perforated leather upholstery etc.

Trims	Hybrid XLE Plus	Hybrid XLE Premium	Hybrid Limited
MSRP	$37,500	$38,950	$42,800
Features	Leather-Trimmed Heated Front Seats Smart Key System on Front Doors Push Button Start and Remote Illuminated Entry Power Tilt/Slide Moonroof Integrated Backup Camera 17-In. Dark Gray Painted Alloy Wheels with Machined Finish	Added to or replace features shown on the Hybrid XLE Plus Memory Driver’s Seat and Mirrors Entune Premium Audio with Integrated Navigation and App Suite Leather-Trimmed Tilt/Telescopic Steering Wheel with Audio Controls Blind Spot Monitor (BSM) and Rear Cross-Traffic Alert (RCTA)	Added to or replace features shown on the Hybrid XLE Premium Premium Perforated Leather-Trimmed Heated Front Seats Safety Connect HID Quadrabeam Headlights and LED Daytime Running Lights (DRL) and Auto On/Off Feature Three-Zone Automatic Climate Control with Air Filter and Rear-Seat Vents Entune Premium JBL Audio with Integrated Navigation and App Suite Power Rear-Window Shade

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The base XLE Plus trims offer stupendous value for money at $37,500. There are a lot of creature comforts that are standard on the base model itself and they’re most probably all most would need. It is perfect for buyers looking out to save some fuel bills or trying to do their bit for the environment.

“The hybrid powertrain leaves a little room for improvement, though. It’s adequately powered in most situations, but it occasionally feels a tad weak.” – cars.usnews

Engine and Transmission

The motor on duty is the tried and tested 2.5L Atkinson cycle inline 4 and electric motor hybrid combo.  The continuously variable transmission paired with the motor sends power to the front wheels at all times. Neither the engine nor the transmission is something that will please the enthusiast in you. Notably, the moment the car is pushed to the limit, the rubberband effect on the transmission becomes more than apparent.

Models	Toyota Avalon Hybrid XLE Plus	Ford Fusion Hybrid	Honda Accord Hybrid	Toyota Camry Hybrid
MSRP	$37,500	$26,265	$25,100	$27,800
Engine	2.5L 4Cyl gas/electric hybrid	2.0L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT	2.0L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT	2.5L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT
Transmission	Continuously variable-speed automatic	Continuously variable-speed automatic	Continuously variable-speed automatic	Continuously variable-speed automatic
Power	156hp @ 5700 rpm	188 hp @ 6000 rpm	212 hp @ 6200 rpm	208 hp @ 5700 rpm
Torque	156 ft-lbs @ 4500 rpm	129 ft-lbs. @ 4000 rpm	232 ft-lbs. @ 0 rpm	163 ft-lbs  @ 3600 rpm

Acceleration

Although the engine on the Avalon offers fairly sprighted acceleration, the CVT transmission is surely a letdown. The car struggles to find the powerband when pushed anywhere near to the redline. By the time the rev counter reaches the redline, all hell breaks loose as the car gasps for power delivery.

On paper with rivals, Avalon does a 0-60mph run in under 6.1 seconds and takes 14.5 seconds to complete quarter of a mile run. The Toyota Camry with the similar powertrain is the only vehicle that manages to sprint faster due to its smaller dimensions and less weight than the Avalon.

Models	Toyota Avalon Hybrid XLE Plus	Ford Fusion Hybrid	Honda Accord Hybrid	Toyota Camry Hybrid
0-60 MPH	6.1 sec	8.9 sec	7.1 sec	5.8 sec
Quarter mile	14.5 sec	16.9 sec	15.7 sec	14.4 sec
Engine	2.5L	2.0L	2.0L	2.5L
Emission (Tons/yr of CO2 Emissions @ 15K mi/year)	4.4	4.2	–	–

Ride and Handling

There is doubt at all at making out that Toyota has laid paramount focus in order to make this car as comfortable as possible for all the passengers. The car glides over bumps and rough roads like its nothing. Even over the biggest of potholes, there is a relatively little thud or other noises that seep into the cabin.

The downsides are that soft suspension setup gives up a lot of driver dynamics which certainly take a backseat in this vehicle’s setup. There is a modest amount of body roll and the steering feedback is bland, to say the least.

Braking

Toyota Avalon Hybrid features the same setup as on the other models of the vehicle. There is 11.7-inch rotor in the front and 11.1-inch rotor on the back. The braking efficiency is optimum due to the properly made chassis. There is a little low pedal travel to engage the breaks but this is something that the user will get used to after driving for a while.

A brief comparison with the rivals reveals that brakes featured on the rivals in the segment are more or less similar to that on the Toyota Avalon.

Model	Toyota Avalon Hybrid XLE Plus	Ford Fusion Hybrid	Honda Accord Hybrid	Toyota Camry Hybrid
Brake Front(in)	11.7	11.8	11.5	12
Brake Rear(in)	11.1	11.9	11.1	11.1
60-0 MPH (ft.)	NA	187 ft	NA	NA

Fuel economy is one of the primary reason why a buyer opts for a hybrid powertrain. Fuel economy of 40 mpg combined on the Avalon will never disappoint you.

The rivals, however, are able to achieve relatively better fuel economy than the Toyota. Its own cousin, the Camry, leads the charge with a combined fuel economy of 46 mpg. The Ford Fusion is the second in line with 42 mpg combined. Combined figures for the Honda Accord is not listed but it sure leads the way when City/Highway mileage is compared.

Model	Toyota Avalon Hybrid XLE Plus	Ford Fusion Hybrid	Honda Accord Hybrid	Toyota Camry Hybrid
eMPG (City)	40 mpg	43 mpg	47 mpg	51 mpg
eMPG (Highway)	39 mpg	41 mpg	47mpg	53 mpg
eMPG (Combined)	40 mpg	42 mpg	NA	46 mpg

“The Avalon Hybrid’s interior is clean, uncluttered and attractive in its design and use of materials. Its roomy interior gives passengers ample space to stretch and move around, and it’s generally easy to get in and out of. But we wish the mirrors were bigger and the steering wheel telescoped more.”- edmunds

Seating and Comfort

The front and rear seat comfort on the Avalon will make you feel like its coming out straight from a flagship luxury sedan. The thigh support, legroom, headroom etc will make even the taller folks feel content.  Also, there is little to none decibels of road noise that seeps into the cabin even during the most spirited of the runs.

Comparing with the rivals, Ford Fusion Hybrid is the only vehicle with a tiny advantage in the passenger volume segment as it fares 102.8 ft. cube. Against 102.3 ft.cube of the Avalon. The Camry and the Avalon together lead the pack in terms of leg/shoulder/headroom.

Model	Toyota Avalon Hybrid XLE Plus	Ford Fusion Hybrid	Honda Accord Hybrid	Toyota Camry Hybrid
Passenger capacity	5	5	5	5
Passenger Volume (ft cube)	102.3	102.8	105.6	99.9
Front (Head/Shoulder/Leg)(In.)	37.6/58.2/42.1	/53.1/41.9	39.5/58.3/42.3	38.3/57.7/42.1
Second (Head/Shoulder/Leg)(In.)	37.9/57/39.2	36.8/50.0/34.4	37.3/55/40.4	37.6/55.7/38

Infotainment System

A 7.0-inch touchscreen is standard on all hybrid models of the Avalon. A premium JBL speaker system is optional while the signature Toyota Entune MMI is standard on all models. As on other vehicles, the MMI works flawlessly at most times.

However, when coming back to the home screen it lags a little which a dent in its overall spotless working. All latest connectivity features such as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto also come as standard on all trims of the Avalon.

Interior Features

Some of the key interior features of the 2018 Toyota Avalon Hybrid are

• 7.0-inch touchscreen
• Steering mounted controls
• Auto-dimming rear view mirror
• Heated front seats
• Leather upholstery
• One touch rear window blinds

Cargo Capacity

The trunk on the Toyota Avalon Hybrid is big enough to accommodate up to 2-3 big travel bags comfortably. With a trunk of vol. of 14.0 cu.ft. long trips or airport runs will never be a cause for concern as long as the luggage department is concerned.

In Comparison with rivals, Ford Fusion Hybrid is the only vehicle with a smaller trunk 12.0 cu.ft. volume. The Honda Accord Hybrid and the Toyota Camry Hybrid fare better with 12.0 cu.ft. and 15.1 cu.ft. trunk volume respectively.

Model	Toyota Avalon Hybrid XLE Plus	Ford Fusion Hybrid	Honda Accord Hybrid	Toyota Camry Hybrid
Volume (ft cube)	14.0 cu.ft.	12.0 cu.ft.	16.7 cu.ft.	15.1 cu.ft.

“The 2018 Avalon’s athletic stance and sculpted bodywork were conceived by Toyota’s famed Southern California-based Calty Design studio. The forward-raked C-pillar and sweeping roofline impart an almost coupe-like silhouette. Although it seems counterintuitive, this aggressive design actually improves rear-seat headroom.”- Kelley Blue Book

Dimensions and Weight

The Toyota Hybrid Avalon is easily the lengthiest and widest vehicle in the segment.  Its apparent on the inside as well as there is oodles of space available for all passengers to stretch their legs. Ford Fusion Hybrid is the only one taller in the segment that too only by 0.5 inches

In terms of curb weight, the Ford Fusion Hybrid is the heaviest weighing in at 3668 lbs while the second in line is the Toyota Avalon at 3594 lbs. It’s closely followed by its cousin the Camry Hybrid at 3571 lbs. The last in line and the lightest vehicle is the Honda Accord at 3400 lbs.

Model	Toyota Avalon Hybrid XLE Plus	Ford Fusion Hybrid	Honda Accord Hybrid	Toyota Camry Hybrid
Curb weight(lbs)	3594 lbs.	3668 lbs.	3400 lbs.	3571 lbs.
Length(in)	195.3 in.	191.8 in.	192.2 in.	192.1 in.
Width(in)	72.2 in.	72.9 in.	73.3 in.	72.4 in.
Height(in)	57.5 in.	58.0 in.	57.1 in.	56.9 in.
Ground clearance(in)	5.5	NA	5.8	5.7
Wheelbase(in)	111	112.2	111.4	111.2
Track width(in) F/R	62.6/62.2	62.3/62	63/63.4	63/63.2

Exterior Features

Some key exterior features of the Toyota Avalon Hybrid are

• LED DRLs and Headlights
• Sunroof
• 17-inch alloys
• Signature Toyota front grille
• Hybrid badge on front and rear
• Side mirrors with turn signal repeaters

Being a $40k luxury sedan, the Toyota Avalon Hybrid is certainly not short of safety features. A host of safety features including active safety features such as blind spot monitoring and lane departure assist is standard from the base model itself. The crash testing agencies NHSTA and IIHS have given 5 stars or ‘Good’ rating to the vehicle in almost all sectors. Toyota has not compromised one bit on the safety and reliability of the vehicle.

 Safety Features

• Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
• ABS And Driveline Traction Control
• Side Impact Beams
• Dual Stage Driver And Passenger Seat-Mounted Side Airbags
• Lane Departure Alert (LDA) w/Steering Assist Lane Keeping Assist
• Lane Departure Alert (LDA) w/Steering Assist Lane Departure Warning
• Toyota Safety Sense P Forward Collision
• Tire Specific Low Tire Pressure Warning
• Dual Stage Driver And Passenger Front Airbags
• Curtain 1st And 2nd Row Airbags
• Driver And Passenger Knee Airbag and Rear Side-Impact Airbag
• Airbag Occupancy SensorLane
• Rear Child Safety Locks
• Outboard Front Lap And Shoulder Safety Belts -inc: Rear Center 3 Point, Height Adjusters and Pretensioners

Safety Ratings by NHSTA

Overall Rating	5
Overall Frontal Barrier Crash Rating	4
Frontal Barrier Crash Rating Driver	4
Frontal Barrier Crash Rating Passenger	4
Overall Side Crash Rating	5
Side Barrier Rating	5
Side Barrier Rating Driver	5
Side Barrier Rating Passenger Rear Seat	5
Side Pole Rating Driver Front Seat	5
Combined Side Rating Front Seat	5
Combined Side Rating Rear Seat	5
Rollover Rating	4

IIHS Safety Rating

Crashworthiness
Small overlap front driver side	Good
Small overlap front passenger side	Good
Moderate overlap front	Good
Side	Good
Roof strength	Good
Head restraints & seats	Good

Crash Avoidance & Mitigation
Front Crash Prevention	Superior
LATCH	Acceptable

Toyota Avalon Hybrid vs Ford Fusion Hybrid

The 2018 Ford Fusion Hybrid is now a 6-year-old model. That being said, it is still a tough competitor to beat. The Ford Fusion features a bigger boot space than the Toyota. The overall driving experience is not too great on either of vehicles owing to heavy curb weight but the Ford clinches the game with a little margin to spare.

Notable, the Ford Fusion Hybrid is a much cheaper vehicle while offering more or less same power and fuel ratings. However, the Avalon is much plusher and luxurious in comparison to the Fusion. Long distance travel comfort on the Avalon just nudges the Fusion out of the picture. If you can afford to spend extra on the Avalon, it should most certainly be a better option amongst the two.

Toyota Avalon Hybrid vs Honda Accord Hybrid

The Honda Accord is one of the best selling vehicles of Honda. Therefore, the Honda does have an edge in popularity. But, the Avalon leaves the Accord in the dust when both are compared practically. Not only is the Avalon more comfortable and opulent but the overall feature list on even the basic trims is much better than the Accord Hybrid.

In its defense, the accord is a lighter, agiler and a better driving vehicle overall. Also, it costs $27,800 against the Avalon which starts at $37,500. So, the equation is simple, if you spend better, you’d definitely get a better looking and more luxurious car.

Toyota Avalon Hybrid vs Toyota Camry Hybrid

Both Avalon and Camry are manufactured under the same brand. But, the Avalon is the bigger brother of Camry and it doesn’t take quantum physics to make that out.  There is less cabin noise, better interior materials, better over ergonomics and a bigger list of features that outperform the Toyota Camry Hybrid.

Overall, the Camry should be chosen if your pockets are not as deep. On the other hand, if you can stretch a little and spend around $10,000 more than the Camry, the Avalon is what should buy without thinking twice about it.

The Toyota Avalon Hybrid is one such car that is actually a lone wolf in its segment. No other luxury midsize sedan that is a direct competitor to it is offered with a hybrid powertrain. The amount of sheer luxury and ease of driving is unprecedented by any other supposed rival.

Even after the longest of drives, it makes its passengers at home with its sofa like seats. With a price tag of $37,500, it can in all possible give the much more expensive German luxury sedans a run for their money. It is an ideal car for people who are looking for an entry-level budget luxury hybrid sedan without compromising whatsoever on the utility aspects or the fuel economy.