2020 Toyota Avalon Review, Pricing, and Specs (2024)

Overview

The 2020 Toyota Avalon is king when it comes to comfort. As you'd expect from a full-size sedan, the Avalon provides a palatial back seat and a generously sized trunk. The cabin has an upscale look, the design is modern, and many of the materials used are of premium quality. Handling is smooth and forgiving, and hybrid and gas-only powertrains are available. There's a long list of standard features on board, including the latest driver-assistance technology. If fuel economy is a priority, you'll want to check out the hybrid, which delivers excellent mileage for a large sedan. Keep in mind, though, that if you're looking for the most affordable option in this segment, this Toyota isn't it. The Avalon has a steeper base price than most rivals.

What's New for 2020?

Redesigned for the 2019 model year, the Avalon carries over into 2020 with minimal changes. The big news is the addition of the TRD trim level. TRD stands for Toyota Racing Development, which is the brand's performance division. Relative to other Avalon trims, the TRD variant is sportier both in appearance and handling. It comes with upgrades such as a sport-tuned suspension, black-painted side skirts and red-painted brake calipers.

Pricing and Which One to Buy

Given its generous list of standard features, we imagine the Avalon's base XLE trim has what it takes to keep a wide range of car shoppers happy. The XLE comes with exterior features such as heated power-adjustable side mirrors and LED headlights. Dual-zone automatic climate control is standard, along with heated front seats, an auto-dimming rearview mirror and a tilt-and-telescoping steering column. All Avalon sedans come with tech features such as Apple CarPlay integration and SiriusXM satellite radio, as well as driver-assistance amenities such as blind-spot monitoring and adaptive cruise control.

Engine, Transmission, and Performance

The 2020 Toyota Avalon gives buyers a choice of two powertrains: one that sips gas exclusively and another that uses a fuel-efficient hybrid setup. All gas-only models come with a 3.5-liter V-6 that delivers 301 horsepower and 267 lb-ft of torque. An eight-speed automatic transmission sends power to the front wheels. This engine hustles the Avalon from zero to 60 mph in 6.1 seconds, according to our testing. Trim levels with hybrid in their nomenclature come with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder and two electric motors. This setup provides a net output of 215 horsepower, and it's paired with a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) that powers the front wheels. In our tests, an Avalon hybrid made the run from zero to 60 mph in 7.8 seconds. Many shoppers who seek out large cars like the Avalon prioritize comfort, and Toyota's big sedan doesn't disappoint in this area. In our tests, it delivered well-mannered handling that did an admirable job of keeping bumps and jolts out of the cabin. All-wheel drive isn't available with the Avalon.

Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG

With the gas-only 2020 Avalon, the EPA estimates mileage of up to 22/32 mpg city/highway. In our highway fuel-economy testing, we recorded 34 mpg. The Avalon hybrid achieves EPA-estimated mileage of up to 43/44 mpg. While testing one of these models, we observed fuel economy of 43 mpg in highway driving.

Interior, Comfort, and Cargo

When it comes to the overall look of the cabin, the current Avalon represents a big step up relative to models from previous generations. A broad waterfall-style center stack separates the driver and front passenger, and it shows off handsome switchgear and an easy-to-reach touchscreen. The plastics used throughout the cabin are nicely grained, and the back seat provides lots of room for tall passengers to stretch their legs. In addition, there's a cavernous trunk with 16 cubic feet of cargo space. Standard folding rear seats with a 60/40 split allow you to easily expand this capacity when toting large items. In our testing of the non-hybrid version, we fit seven carry-on suitcases in the trunk and 18 with the back seats folded. The hybrid fit fewer suitcases (six with the rear seats in use and 17 with them folded) due to its battery pack that impinges on cargo space.

Infotainment and Connectivity

The Avalon's base-model XLE trim comes with amenities such as an eight-speaker sound system, Bluetooth connectivity, and Apple CarPlay integration. Android Auto capability isn't offered. A 9.0-inch touchscreen is standard, along with Scout GPS Link navigation, a Wi-Fi hotspot, and Amazon Alexa compatibility. The list of optional upgrades includes a 14-speaker JBL sound system, an integrated navigation system, and wireless device charging.

Safety and Driver-Assistance Features

In crash tests conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the 2020 Avalon earned a perfect five out of five stars overall. The 2020 Avalon hasn't been crash tested by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). However, the 2019 model was designated a Top Safety Pick+ by the IIHS, earning the highest possible score of Good in all crashworthiness measures. Key safety features include:

• Standard rear cross-traffic alert
• Standard blind-spot monitoring
• Standard adaptive cruise control
• Standard lane-departure warning system
• Standard forward-collision warning with automated emergency braking
• Available rear cross-traffic braking

Warranty and Maintenance Coverage

While the rival Kia Cadenza offers longer warranty coverage, the Avalon's two years of complimentary maintenance is a standout.

• Limited warranty covers 3 years or 36,000 miles
• Powertrain warranty covers 5 years or 60,000 miles
• Complimentary maintenance is covered for 2 years or 25,000 miles