Specifications of Toyota Avalon V (XX50) 2.5 (218 HP) Hybrid Automatic
General characteristics of Toyota Avalon V (XX50) 2.5 (218 HP) Hybrid Automatic
The Avalon is Toyota's flagship sedan and it slots into the full-size classification by virtue of its considerable dimensions. The sedan is 195.9 inches in length with 113 inches making up the wheelbase, while the width works out to 72.8 inches. All variants stand at 56.5 inches tall and ride 5.3 inches from the ground. Curb weight varies, too, ranging between 3,570 pounds on the lightest XLE trim to 3,715 lbs on the heftiest Touring.
Performance from the Avalon with the standard 3.5-liter V6 unit is relatively commonplace; push the accelerator pedal to the floor and the 301 horsepower and 267 lb-ft of torque propel the sedan from 0 to 60 mph in a little over six seconds. This is right on par with the Chrysler 300. For 2021, buyers had the option of AWD by means of the 2.5-liter four-cylinder motor on the XLE and Limited trims, but the AWD is no longer offered. There is another option available: the Avalon Hybrid has a total output of 215 hp, which might be beneficial for the savings in fuel consumption, but does very little for providing exciting take-offs. The hybrid needs around 7.8 seconds to complete the benchmark sprint, according to independent tests.
Overall, power delivery is quick and smooth and the large sedan feels perfectly competent in and around the city, and on the open road. While not exactly sporty in terms of hustling off the line, gas-fed models aren't bad at picking up speed, merging and passing, and getting up to top speed. Hybridized versions may feel more lethargic, however.
As in previous years, the Avalon comes equipped with a 3.5-liter V6 as standard, to generate outputs of up to 301 horsepower and 267 lb-ft of torque. That potential is ceded to the front wheels via an eight-speed automatic transmission. This setup continues to impress with its strapping, instant, and incredibly smooth acceleration responses. It also delivers the naturally aspirated feel and sound that purists relish. The auto transmission does detract from the sportiness of the sedan, but its responses are bearable nonetheless despite having a tendency to upshift too early.
There used to be a 2.5-liter gas-powered AWD Avalon too, but this has been discontinued and the only other choice besides the V6 is the 2.5-liter four-pot connected to a hybrid system; in all cases with front-wheel drive. If it's frugality you're after, look to these hybrid derivatives - the addition of two electric motors results in a total system output of 215 hp for the front wheels only. Avalon Hybrids make use of an ECVT, which manages to ensure consistent power delivery and should keep most drivers happy.
Fuel economy for the Avalon equipped with the 2.5-liter four-cylinder, hybrid system, and eight-speed auto transmission is truly impressive. With that setup, the sedan returns 43/44/43 mpg on the city/highway/combined driving cycles in XLE specification. The non-XLE hybrids return a slightly worse 43/43/43 mpg. The XLE V6 returns 22/32/26 mpg on those same cycles while the rest of the V6s achieve 22/31/25 mpg.
All V6 cars, barring the XLE, are equipped with a 15.8-gallon gas tank, which should allow for 395 miles of driving. The V6-engined XLE gets a 14.5 tank. For hybrid engines, a 13.2-gallon fuel tank means you should be able to manage up to 580 miles before needing to refuel.
Passenger room is plentiful both up front and in the rear, so all five occupants will have no complaints even for long durations. Rear cabin room is especially impressive, with up to 37.5 inches of headroom (without the moonroof installed) and 40.3 inches of legroom on offer. Still, the Toyota's seats are quite comfortable and offer plenty of adjustability, too, but they offer very little support, so you'll need to work on your core exercises if you're looking to crush corners. The Avalon is a large car, so its wide-opening, big doors along with its spacious cabin make ingress and egress effortless.
Within the full-size sedan classification, the Avalon measures up impressively for practicality, presenting a capacious 16.1 cubic-foot trunk. Though that is a little less than what the Chrysler 300 offers, it's nearly a full two cubic feet more than what's in the Nissan Maxima. Plus, the Avalon's trunk opening is really wide and the inside is deep and broad, making for effortless loading and unloading. A family of four could easily fit all their luggage and accessories in the trunk for a weekend getaway. If more space is required, the rear seats can be folded down in 60/40 split configurations, too.
In-cabin storage points are plentiful, too; for the driver and front passenger, there are two large cup holders, large door-side pockets, a cavernous center console cubby, a sizable small-items storage tray, and a large and practical glove box. There is also an overhead console up front. Rear passengers are also provided with two large cupholders and door side pockets.
