First introduced in 1994, the Toyota Avalon is the Japanese brand's full-size sedan offering, seeing sales in North America, Puerto Rico, and the Middle East. Since its debut at the Chicago Auto Show back in the '90s, a total of four generations have come and gone, and now, there's a brand-new fifth-gen heading for the dealer lots. First making the scene at the 2018 Detroit Auto Show, the 2019 Avalon is framed as “attainable premium,” or “mid-premium,” and Toyota hopes it'll entice customers with an upscale, comfortable four-door package that won't break the bank. Truth be told, the sedan bodystyle (especially full-size sedans) can be a hard sell these days, as consumers usually fulfill their seating-for-five requirements with some kind of high-riding SUV or crossover. Despite this, Toyota is confident the 2019 Avalon will be an exception to the rule thanks to its extensive list of upgrades, which include a variety of luxurious touches and technology enhancements that almost lend it a feeling of “Germaness” on the surface. Dig deeper, though, and you'll find the Avalon stays true to its Japanese roots, with unique charactersitics throughout, as well as a hybrid option for those looking for extra dollars saved at the pump.

The new Avalon will go on sale later this spring, but until then, read on for the details.

Continue reading for the full story.

2019 Toyota Avalon

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2019 Toyota Avalon
  • Engine/Motor: V6
  • [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array
Pros
Cons

Exterior

- Larger front grille - Greater aero efficiency - LED lighting elements front to back - Wheel sizing between 17 and 19 inches - Extra paint options - Bigger exterior dimensions

In a bid to make the 2019 Avalon give off those upscale, premium vibes, Toyota started with the way it's styled. Indeed, this new sedan looks quite a bit different than the four-door that came before, so let's dive into the specifics.

The first thing to jump out can be found on the front end of the car, or rather, it's the entire front end of the car. Of course, I'm talking about the grille, which sees a considerable size increase over the fourth-generation's primary intake. And that's saying something, because the old grille was already rather large. By contrast, the grille in the 2019 model year Avalon is downright astronomical in scope, dominating the entire nose of the car with a single unending black mesh insert.

Toyota says the front end prioritizes “aerodynamic efficiency, cooling, and pedestrian protection,” but we can't see anything beyond that insanely big grille. Of course, styling is always a subjective thing, and we'll take a striking, off-the-wall design over something boring any day of the week, so it's really up to the individual to decide if it works or not.

Make it past the grille without accidentally falling in or getting lost, and you'll find slim vertical side intakes in the corners of the bumper, features which Toyota assert are actually functional for aero efficiency purposes. The overhangs are now shorter as well, while the headlight housings are crisp and more geometric, offering three individual reflectors – one for the daytime running lights, one for the low beams, and the third for the high beams. There are also adaptive cornering lamps for better visibility around turns, and available LED elements for the main beams, plus dynamic turn signals for an extra splash of lighting coolness. Up top, an aluminum hood takes a little extra weight off the nose.

Moving to the car's flanks, we find a dual set of character lines, on higher and one lower, both of which add to the car's visual beefiness. Wheel sizing ranges between 17 and 19 inches, with a selection of interesting designs to choose from. In back, there's an unbroken 3D “aero fin” style design for the taillights, once again employing LEDs for the lighting element. There's also a subtle trailing trunk spoiler offered, depending on the trim level.

All told, the updates make the Avalon appear fresh and upscale, doing away with the rounded look of the older model in favor of sharper edges and elements that remind us a bit of what Toyota's design team is doing in the Lexus camp. The updates make the Avalon more aero-efficient as well, reducing the coefficient of drag to 0.27 from the previous model's 0.28. And that's always a good thing, and should be expected coming from the same company that makes the highly aero-efficient Prius.

While most of the Avalon line looks pretty much identical, there are a few small coloring and styling differences that help to differentiate between the various trim levels. For example, with XLE and Touring models get gray and chrome for the grille, while the XSE and Touring get piano black. New exterior colors for the 2019 model year include Opulent Amber and Harbor Grey Metallic, while the rest of the paint options include Celestial Silver Metallic, Midnight Black Metallic, and Parisian Night Pearl. Toyota also added two new colors from outside the model line, offering up Wind Chill Pearl and Ruby Flare Pearl to round it off.

Finally, per tradition for a luxury-oriented model like the Avalon, the exterior dimensions are longer, wider, and lower this time around, measuring in at 113 inches for the wheelbase, 196 inches for the overall length, 72.8 inches for the overall width, and 56.5 inches for the overall height.

2019 Toyota Avalon Exterior Dimensions

Wheelbase

113 inches

Overall Length

196 inches

Overall Width

72.8 inches

Overall Height

56.5 inches


Interior

- Rear cabin extended by 7 inches - Fresh interior layout - Much more premium feeling - Loads of soft-touch materials - WiFi hot spot and Qi wireless charging - Optional Yamaha wood and aluminum trim - 9-inch infotainment screen - Apple CarPlay as standard (finally!) - Engine Sound Enhancement pumped into the cabin - Toyota Safety Sense as standard

Of course, those bigger dimensions outside the car translate into larger dimensions inside as well. Toyota says the rear cabin was extended by 7 inches, and that the Avalon now boasts a trio of segment-best interior measurements, including the most shoulder room (57.1 inches), the most legroom (up to 40.4 inches), and the most headroom (up to 37.5 inches).

The layout also changed, and now looks far more upscale than it did before. The center console is now a cohesive, single unit, sweeping upwards from the central tunnel and over the dash. Typically, we don't like the look of a stand-up infotainment screen, as it usually looks tacked on (and tacky, too). This, however, is different. We like how the design leads the eye vertically into the central tunnel or up and into the windshield – nice choice there, Toyota.

The 2019 Avalon's quilted door trim also looks like it could have been made at Mercedes, and there was a redesign for the steering wheel as well, although the changes there are much more minor. Passengers might also notice that the side glass was lengthened, which should certainly help to expand the sense of spaciousness when sitting inside the cabin.

One of the best features of the Avalon is the plethora of soft-touch materials added throughout the passenger space. These include “Ultrasuede” and leather, and come complemented by trim made from brushed metal, piano black metal, and satin chrome. There's also available Yamaha wood and aluminum, if you're feeling saucy.

On the infotainment front, that large digital screen in the center of the dash measures in at 9 inches corner to corner, while a 7-inch display in the gauge cluster provides readouts on navigation info, safety system info, and the like. Higher trims get a 10-inch heads-up display and a high-end JBL stereo.

Standard spec throws in the Entune 3.0 infotainment platform, a WiFi hotspot, Qi wireless device charging, and Toyota remote connect for smartphone support, as well as Amazon Alexa connectivity and standard Apple CarPlay. That last bit is of particular importance, as Toyota has been reluctant to get on the Apple CarPlay bus for some time now, so we're quite happy to see it listed as a feature on the latest Avalon.

There's also digital Engine Sound Enhancement thanks to an Intake Sound Generator that gives the powertrain some interesting aural feedback when you put your foot down. And yeah, we're gonna count that as an infotainment feature, because really, it's just there to make you smile a little more when accelerating hard. A cheap thrill, maybe, but hey, who are we to judge?

Those seated in the back will enjoy the rear USB ports and optional rear seat warmers, not to mention the increased space already discussed above.

Finally, the 2019 Avalon comes standard with the Toyota Safety Sense (TSS) suite of technology, which includes stuff like pre-collision warning and braking, lane departure alert, automatic high beams, adaptive cruise control, and a pedestrian detection system.

Drivetrain

- 3.5-liter V-6 projected to make 300 horsepower - V-6 mates to new eight-speed automatic transmission - New hybrid set-up with 2.5-liter 'four and 650-volt electric motor - Hybrid mates to CVT with paddle shifters - FWD across the line

Making the go in the 2019 Toyota Avalon is once again a 3.5-liter V-6 engine, however, this time around the powerplant is “new,” making more power and returning better mpg thanks to features such as the revamped D-4S direct injection fueling system, and an updated variable valve system. Exact output figures have yet to be released, but for now, we know the outgoing Avalon makes 268 horsepower and 248 pound-feet of torque. That said, the new V-6 makes about 300 horses and 270 pound-feet of torque in the Camry, so expect figures somewhere in that ballpark. A new eight-speed transmission now routes the output to the front axle exclusively, replacing the older model's six-speed unit.

Alternatively, buyers can get theirs with hybrid motivation. If you prefer this greener solution, you'll find the V-6 ditched in favor of a 2.5-liter four-cylinder and 650-volt electric motor, all of which connects to a continuously variable transmission for motivation at the front axle. Toyota boasts the Avalon is the only “full hybrid” in the segment, and eco buyers will also enjoy the hybrid's Sport mode, which adds a dose of extra electrified oomph to help you get that last parking spot at Whole Foods. There are even steering wheel-mounted paddles for a more hands-on approach to wrangling the CVT.

Chassis And Handling

- New architecture underneath - Fully independent suspension - Optional adaptive components - Stiffer suspension tuning

In addition to the new look, new interior, new gear, and new engine lineup, the 2019 Toyota Avalon also comes with fresh underpinnings, or the TNGA-K (Toyota New Global Architecture K) platform to be exact. Created specifically to cater to the demands of sedans, TNGA K is used on the present-day Toyota Camry and Lexus ES. The Lexus RX SUV also uses the platform.

As for the suspension, the 2019 Avalon uses a multi-link set-up that allows for a wider track and a lower center of gravity. The fresh suspension also offers the option for adaptive variable components, which is a first for the brand. Finally, the tuning for the 2019 model year introduces stiffer settings all the way around, all in the name of making the Avalon more interesting to drive. Thing is, we're not really looking to flog this large sedan in some mountain pass. This is a cruiser, no doubt about it, but either way, we appreciate Toyota looking into new ways of making it more exciting.

Prices

The 2019 Avalon was designed in the U.S. and will be built here as well, with an on-sale date set for later this spring. Pricing is thus far unannounced, but with the current model starting at $33,500, we wouldn't expect a huge jump in MSRP.

Customers will have four individual trim levels to choose from. These include the “sportier” XSE and Touring, as well as the more luxury-focused XLE and Limited. All four will get the previously mentioned V-6 powerplant, while the hybrid will only be offered on the XLE, Limited, and XSE trims.

Competition

Chrysler 300

While far more understated than the grille-tastic Toyota Avalon, the Chrysler 300 still has all the essentials of a large, semi-luxurious sedan. The interior gets plenty of soft-touch materials and niceties, plus tech features like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard, while the engine options include the base model's 3.6-liter V-6 making 292 horsepower, plus a top-trim 5.7-liter V-8 making 363 horsepower. RWD is standard, while AWD is optional. And with pricing starting at just $28,995, there's plenty of leeway to dig into the options list, if you want.

Read our full review on the 2018 Chrysler 300.

Nissan Maxima

Of the three sedans listed here, we think the Nissan is the best-looking option of the bunch, grabbing eyeballs thanks to its attractive two-tier V-motion grille and sharp styling features front to back. Things look good inside as well, where NVH levels are low and soft-touch materials abound, plus Apple CarPlay comes as standard and there's more than a few safety technologies as well. Providing the power is a 3.5-liter V-6, which produces as much as 300 horsepower and mates with a CVT connected to the front axle. Pricing starts at $33,270.

Read our full review of the 2017 Nissan Maxima.

Conclusion

With terminally waning popularity and a variety of competitors to steal away sales, the new fifth-generation Avalon has its work cut out for it. However, all the upgrades make a ton of sense – the sharper styling reminds us of a Lexus, while the interior layout is a huge improvement over the outgoing model. Then we have the extra gear and more powerful engine, plus the addition of a hybrid model to the lineup, all of which will do well to expand the model's desirability considerably.

Of the few remaining large sedans out there, we'd argue the Avalon is one of the better options. Whether or not it's got what it takes to secure a buy in the face of overwhelming SUV and crossover popularity, well, that remains to be seen.

Now, about that front grille...

References

Toyota Avalon

2019 Toyota Avalon Gets More Aggressive, Boasts New Tech at Detroit

Read our full review on the 2017 Toyota Avalon

Read more Detroit Auto Show news.

Read more Toyota news.