2018 Toyota Avalon

There are a total of eight trim levels including three hybrid trims. All 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.

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.

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

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Despite having all of the equipment you'll need and more, the base XLE grade lacks a sunroof. As a result, we'll pay $1,750 extra for the XLE plus ($35,250) with the sunroof and auto-dimming rearview mirror. If you're concerned about the environment or want to save money on gas, the XLE Plus Hybrid priced at $37,500 is a terrific option at a cost of some performance though.

Even the non-hybrid Avalon, with such performance in such a huge vehicle, is incredibly efficient, getting 21 mpg in the city and 30 mpg on the interstate for a combined rating of 24 mpg. The Impala is marginally more efficient, but it has a significantly lower performance. It has a cruising range of 560 miles thanks to its big 17-gallon gasoline tank, making it a true transcontinental liner.

Model	2018 Toyota Avalon	2018 Nissan Maxima	2018 Chevrolet Impala	2018 Dodge Charger
MPG city	21	21	22	19
MPG highway	30	30	30	30
MPG combined	24	25	25	23

The Hybrid's 2.5L I4 engine is Atkinson-cycle and paired to a CVT transmission. The electric motor works in conjunction with the combustion engine and captures braking energy. This full-size sedan achieves compact car-like efficiency with 40 mpg in the city and 39 mpg on the interstate thanks to these innovations.

“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

2018 Toyota Avalon Seating and Comfort

The interior of the Avalon is made of high-quality materials with excellent fit and finish, and the cabin is well-equipped, even in base trim. Even the driving environment is calm, while the back seats are as comfortable as a warm bath.

The back seats are curved for adults, so three moderately sized persons should be able to squeeze over the bench without jeopardising their dignity. On the way in, the low roofline necessitates a tiny duck, but once inside, there's plenty of room for heads and legs.

With 8-way power-adjustable driver's seats and power lumbar support, finding the ideal driving position is simple. Once you've found your ideal driving position, you'll notice a mostly plain and calm instrument cluster, a comfortable leather-clad steering wheel, and a spacious dashboard with high-quality stitching.

Model	2018 Toyota Avalon	2018 Nissan Maxima	2018 Chevrolet Impala	2018 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

The outward visibility is likewise excellent. While even the base Avalon XLE comes with comfortable heated seats, the Avalon Limited adds ventilated front seats. All of this, paired with its quiet cabin and great range, allows it to cover large distances in a short amount of time. Even an airliner-style ambient light is available — long-distance passengers will like that.

2018 Toyota Avalon 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 offer it as standard.

That said, the top-end Avalon Limited will delight Audiophiles with its gorgeous-sounding 11-speaker JBL audio system.

2018 Toyota Avalon Cargo Capacity

Complementing the Avalon's 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.

Model	2018 Toyota Avalon	2018 Nissan Maxima	2018 Chevrolet Impala	2018 Dodge Charger
Volume (ft cube)	16.0	14.3	18.8	16.1

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.

“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

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 substance of the vehicle.

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.

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	2018 Toyota Avalon	2018 Nissan Maxima	2018 Chevrolet Impala	2018 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

2018 Toyota Avalon 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	2018 Toyota Avalon	2018 Nissan Maxima	2018 Chevrolet Impala	2018 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

In a crash test, the NHTSA gave the new Toyota Avalon a perfect 5-star rating. In addition, the IIHS has named the Toyota Avalon the Top Safety Pick in the large sedan market for 2018. 

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

• Vehicle Stability Control (VSC)
• Traction Control (TRAC)
• Anti-lock Brake System (ABS)
• Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD)
• Brake Assist (BA) 
• Smart Stop Technology (SST) 
• Ten airbags - includes driver and front passenger
• Energy-absorbing collapsible steering column
• Front and rear energy-absorbing crumple zones
• Blind Spot Monitor (BSM) and Rear Cross-Traffic Alert (RCTA) 
• Anti-theft system with engine immobilizer

2018 Toyota Avalon vs 2018 Nissan Maxima

While the Avalon has a calm and quiet appearance, Maxima's busy exterior will draw a lot of attention. Also, with its powerful engine and precise dynamics, the Maxima will appeal to those who appreciate athletic driving qualities. It combines all of these features with comfort, efficiency, and a high level of dependability. The Avalon, on the other hand, offers a significantly superior back seat that will cocoon you and your passengers.

2018 Toyota Avalon vs 2018 Chevrolet Impala

The Impala and the Avalon are nearly identical in terms of internal space, however, the Impala has a larger trunk. It comes equipped with a marginally more efficient but slower I4 engine. Also, the Impala is more exciting when driven around a corner. However, Toyota's ease of ownership and high resale value are unrivaled.

2018 Toyota Avalon vs 2018 Dodge Charger

The Dodge Charger is a full-size sedan unlike any other. In fact, Avalon and Charger are diametrically opposed. The Charger is rear-wheel drive, has muscle car looks with loud colors, and boasts a full range of rumbling and tire-smoking V8s, whereas the Avalon has moderate appearance, FWD, and is serene and quiet. However, when it comes to transporting you over long distances with minimal fat, the Avalon clearly outperforms the Charger.

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.