In a world where “green” cars tend to be compact, oddly styled or both, the Toyota Avalon Hybrid stands out precisely because it’s neither. In fact, it’s almost as if Toyota decided to create the ultimate anti-hybrid sedan.
For starters, this full-size four-door has the same elegant lines as the non-hybrid version. While the Avalon Hybrid can be a downright classy ride in its luxury-oriented Limited guise, our XSE model featured special sporty styling details, including larger 18-inch dark-painted wheels, unique blacked-out bits such as a mesh grille, and a rear spoiler.
Inside, the model I tested had distinctive perforated faux-leather and -suede seating surfaces and aluminum trim. There’s generous room for four adults, though taller passengers may wish for a little more rear-seat headroom. The huge trunk provides the same 16.1 cubic feet of cargo space as the non-hybrid Avalon, with no bulky hybrid battery pack eating into the space.
All this and 40-plus miles per gallon? Where do I sign?
STRENGTHS
- Classy styling inside and out
- Roomy interior/huge trunk
WEAKNESSES
- Taller rear-seat passengers may want more headroom.
- Features Apple CarPlay but no Android Auto smartphone integration
BOTTOM LINE
- A full-size sedan that gets more than 40 miles per gallon? That’s no typo.
PRICING
- Base Price: $36,850
- As Tested: $41,329
SAFETY
- NHTSA: Not yet tested
M.P.G. (city/highway)
- 43/43 (2.5L I4/CVT automatic)
