Toyota Avalon Hybrid 2021 Review

We wouldn't be surprised if a lot of people still think hybrid cars are dorky looking and cheap-feeling. But this same group of people would likely be shocked by the 2021 Toyota Avalon Hybrid. It's roomy, comfortable and upscale, just like you'd expect an Avalon to be, and on top of that it gets up to an EPA-estimated 44 mpg. That's almost double the fuel economy from an Avalon a decade ago.

This latest-generation Avalon came out for 2019 and the 2021 car is largely unchanged. In-car tech is improved with the addition of Android Auto and USB-C ports for charging and connectivity. Toyota says it also replaced the hybrid's previous nickel-hydride battery pack with a new lithium-ion one, though the powertrain's power and fuel economy are unchanged. Overall, we think the hybrid is the best version of the Toyota Avalon. Find out why by reading our Expert Review.

Which Avalon Hybrid does MatoCar recommend?

The 2021 Toyota Avalon Hybrid sedan is available in one of three trim levels: XLE, XSE and Limited. Structurally, it's the same vehicle as the gasoline-powered Avalon. However, under the hood is a four-cylinder engine paired to a hybrid electric system and a continuously variable automatic transmission. Total system output is 215 horsepower. All Avalon Hybrids are front-wheel-drive. Feature highlights include:

XLE The base Avalon Hybrid starts off with these standard features:

• LED headlights and LED taillights
• Heated power exterior mirrors
• 17-inch alloy wheels
• Simulated leather upholstery
• Heated front seats
• Power-adjustable front seats
• Four drive modes (Normal, Eco, EV, Sport)
• Dual-zone automatic climate control
• Rear air vents
• 9-inch touchscreen
• Eight-speaker audio system
• Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration
• Four USB ports

All Avalon Hybrid models come with the following safety equipment:

• Collision mitigation with pedestrian detection (applies the brakes automatically to stop the vehicle to avoid or minimize a collision)
• Lane keeping assist (steers the Avalon Hybrid back into its lane if it begins to drift over the lane marker)
• Adaptive cruise control (maintains a driver-set distance between the Avalon Hybrid and the car in front)
• Blind-spot monitor with rear cross-traffic alert (warns you if a vehicle is in your blind spot during a lane change or while reversing)

XSE This trim adds a sportier appearance and these features to the mix:

• Dark-painted 18-inch wheels
• Paddle shifters
• Wireless charging station
• Sunroof
• Black rear spoiler

Limited The top-line Avalon Hybrid Limited takes comfort and luxury one step further with:

• Adaptive cornering headlights
• 18-inch chrome wheels
• Heated steering wheel
• Head-up display
• 14-speaker audio system
• Leather upholstery
• Ventilated front seats and heated rear seats
• Wood interior trim
• Ambient lighting

Advanced Safety package Available only on the Limited trim, this package offers the following equipment:

• Surround-view camera (gives you a top-down view of the Avalon Hybrid and its surroundings for tight parking situations)
• Parking sensors (alert you to obstacles that may not be visible behind or in front of the vehicle when parking)
• Rear cross-traffic braking (warns you if a vehicle behind you is about to cross your vehicle's path while you're in reverse and brakes if sensors detect an imminent collision)