Toyota Avalon Hybrid

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 Avalon is a little more upscale than the typical midsize sedan (Toyota's own Camry, for example). As such, the best way to maximize this distinctiveness is to go with the top-line Limited. Its extra touches such as authentic leather and wood make it our pick of the bunch. The price increase from a regular Avalon Limited to an Avalon Hybrid Limited is less than $1,000 too.

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)