Toyota’s flagship Avalon is roomy, rides comfortably, and has easy-to-use controls, which make it a pleasant large car. The 3.5-liter V6 engine and eight-speed automatic transmission deliver smooth and robust acceleration.
The hybrid version has a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that returned 42 mpg overall in our tests, which is impressive for such a large sedan. Ride comfort is excellent; it is plusher than most Lexus models. The cabin is quiet and lavishly furnished, particularly with the Limited trim. Handling is responsive and secure, but the car’s low stance hurts ease of access. The infotainment system includes a touch screen that is easy to use. Apple CarPlay is standard, but Android Auto is not. Standard safety equipment includes forward collision warning and automatic emergency braking. All-wheel drive will be available in the fall.