2014 Review: Toyota Avalon Hybrid

The Toyota Avalon was completely redesigned for the 2013 model year and the new generation model continues in the tradition of smooth and comfortable. The first impressions that we get from the 2014 Avalon is that this top of the line Toyota sedan is all about luxury. We are testing the Avalon with the optional hybrid gas-electric power train that gets excellent fuel economy and extremely low emissions. If you are looking for a full-size sedan that gets the fuel mileage of a compact, then this is the car for you.

This week we are test driving the 2014 Toyota Avalon Hybrid Limited model. It comes with the optional Technology Package ($1,750) and the Hybrid model tech package features Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, automatic high beams, and Pre-Collision System. It also comes with the wireless charging capability option ($200). Total MSRP on this Hybrid Limited is $44,160 which includes $810 destination.

2014: New Car

The Toyota Avalon was all-new for the 2013 model year and essentially remains unchanged for 2014, other than a few minor adjustments to standard feature content. The 2013 Avalon was the first full-size Toyota sedan to offer a hybrid gas-electric powertrain.

The Toyota Avalon in Limited trim remains unchanged for 2014. A rear-view camera is added to the base XLE, and comes with a slight price increase. XLE Premium now offers the display audio unit with navigation and Intune Apps suite, while a blind-spot monitoring system is made optional on the Touring trim. The first impression after getting into the Avalon Limited is the premium interior that looks fit for a more upscale Lexus.

This is Toyota’s flagship sedan and it shows. Leather comes standard along with heated and cooled front seats, and heated rear seats. Akio Toyoda, President of Toyota, said he wanted to create a new passion for the brand, and he has succeeded in setting the bar high with the new Avalon. The new design gives the Avalon a much more expensive look and feel. The big luxury flagship sedan is visually striking, with cutting-edge styling you might expect from a German luxury saloon. The coupe-like offline reminded us of an Audi A7.

Avalon Features

Avalon Limited Hybrid ($41,400) comes loaded with luxury features and gets premium perforated leather heated and cooled front seats, 10-way power driver’s seat, eight-way power front-passenger seat, heated rear seats, three-zone climate control, 7-inch high-resolution touch-screen audio, with navigation, backup camera, JBL Premium HDD audio, color HVAC screen, Safety Connect, rain-sensing wipers, rear sunshade, HID headlamps, LED Daytime Running Lights, puddle lamps, ambient lighting and auto-dimming outside mirrors.

 

Interior space

Stepping inside Avalon made us realize just how big this full-size sedan really is. The 2014 Avalon’s 111-inch wheelbase allowed designers to design a cavernous interior that provides a surprising amount of head, leg, hip and elbow room, front and back. Headroom in the front seats is 38.5 inches. Our rear seat passengers were able to stretch out and relax on our way to a business lunch this week. These big guys were impressed with amount of legroom and comfort the Avalon provides.

The interior comes with a luxury-class level of refinement and comfort with upgraded hand-stitched leather that gives the feel of fine craftsmanship. Avalon sports a 7-inch touchscreen that comes with backup camera and Toyota’s EnTune infotainment system. This tester came with the Technology Package ($1,750) that included radar cruise control, auto high beam and pre collision system. In the back there is extra legroom for passengers to be comfortable.

We took two large guys to lunch and there was more than enough room for them to stretch out and relax. Avalon Limited upgrades further with 10-way power driver’s seat, eight-way power front-passenger seat, three-zone climate control, 7-inch high-resolution touch-screen audio, with navigation, Entune and JBL, JBL Premium HDD audio, color HVAC screen, Safety Connect, rain-sensing wipers, rear sunshade, HID headlamps, LED Daytime Running Lights, puddle lamps, ambient lighting and auto-dimming outside mirrors.

Driving the hybrid

We were surprised at the responsiveness and driving dynamics of the new-generation Avalon. Akio Toyoda said he wanted to infuse a sportier attitude into the brand and his influence in motorsports is being felt throughout the Toyota lineup. The steering is a bit slow, but still feels precise during typical driving maneuvers. Avalon is not a sports sedan, but overall, the Avalon Hybrid is easy to drive. The brakes do feel a bit grabby until you get used to the hybrid system. 

The Avalon Hybrid system uses a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine and produces 156 horsepower and 156 pound-feet of torque. It’s mated with a pair of electric motors using essentially the same Toyota Synergy Hybrid drive found in the latest version of the Camry. The electric motor brings the total up to 200 hp. It’s not a lot of horsepower for a big sedan, but still delivers enough power to feel confident passing or merging onto the highway.

The Avalon Hybrid is exceptionally quiet on the inside, with the feel of a large luxury sedan while cruising at highway speeds. Where the new Avalon hybrid really shines is in its fuel efficiency. This fuel-stingy model gets an EPA estimated 40/39 mpg city/highway. That’s on par with many compact cars. That’s impressive for a full-size sedan, and even more impressive considering the minimal sacrifice in performance.

Don’t expect the Avalon hybrid to run on electric only for more than a few minutes at most. We were lucky to get a full mile with the battery fully charged. But the Hybrid does have the ability to maintain climate control even when the gas engine is shut off.

With the big sedan loaded with four people, the 3.5-liter V6 engine had plenty of power for all driving situations. The standard V6 produces 268 horsepower and 248 pound-feet of torque and still delivers good fuel economy considering the size of the new Avalon sedan and the power it pumps out. Avalon gets an EPA-estimated 21/31 mpg city/highway, or 25 mpg combined and it uses regular 87 octane fuel. Overall, the sedan is smooth and powerful on the highway.

Avalon feels much more solid and sporty than the previous generation. The old version was soft and much less agile than this new model. Toyota has been upgrading their entire line-up, and Avalon received more chassis rigidity that affects the overall handling response and a smooth ride. Suspension changes included new stabilizer bars and new spring rates which was evident in the lack of body roll in the tight corners in the mountains west of Denver.

The only complaint would be the electric power-assisted steering (EPS) has a little too much boost but can be overcome by shifting into Sport mode. Limited models come standard with steering wheel paddle shifters which are a welcome feature and Toyota is trying to upgrade their entire line-up to be sportier.

The 3.5-liter V6 comes mated to a six-speed automatic that’s a bit outdated as other luxury sedans feature two more gears. But the six-speed gearbox shifts are almost completely transparent and there’s little sense of hunting even during more spirited driving. The electronic system modifies throttle, steering and gear shifts to improve overall responsiveness.

Summary/ conclusion:

The 2014 Toyota Avalon Limited is a large sedan but doesn't drive like one anymore. Handling has been greatly improved for a sporty feel but without sacrificing ride quality. The standard 3.5-liter V6 is smooth and powerful and the sedan is a quiet and comfortable place to escape the city noise.

Part of what makes the Avalon great is that it’s uncomplicated and so easy to operate. The interior is comfortable and attractive, with leather standard. Handling is much improved for improved driving dynamics, while keeping its excellent ride quality. The new hybrid-electric offers an impressive EPA-estimated 40/39 mpg city/highway. The new Avalon is an easy car to live with and will be easy on the wallet at the pump.