2019 Toyota Avalon XLE Hybrid: The Brand’s Fifth Generation Flagship Car

Highlight: The redesign fullsize hybrid price has been reduced by $975 due to a sunroof being an option, as opposed to being standard equipment as was the case on the fourth generation XLE trim.

Test Vehicles MSRP: $39,328 (Base MSRP: $37,420)

Seating Capacity: 5

Standard Safety Features: airbags; ABS; a vehicle stability system; a traction control system; a pre-collision braking system with pedestrian protection; a radar activated cruise control system; a blind spot monitor with a rear traffic alert system; a hill start assist system; and a tire pressure monitoring system

Standard Equipment (Base XLE Model): 17-inch alloy wheels; LED taillights; electric parking brakes; four driving modes: electric, economy, normal or sport; a manually operate tilt/telescopic steering wheel; rear seat armrest with built-in cupholders; a push button ignition starter system; a keyless remote entry system; an auto dimming rearview mirror; a sliding front center armrest; a dual zone automatic climate control system; heated front seats; pseudo leather seats; and a power driver’s seat

Options: a power moonroof; carpeted floormats; and carpeted trunk

Other Trim Level

XSE
Limited

Standard Audio On Test Vehicle: an 14-speaker AM/FM/CD with SiriusXM satellite radio

Bluetooth Connectivity: Standard

USB Connectivity: Standard

Bumper-to-Bumper Warranty: 3 years or 36,000 miles

Powertrain Warranty: 5 years or 60,000 miles

Standard Engine/Horsepower: 2.5-liter, 4-cylinder turbo/176-hp

Recommended Fuel: Regular

Standard Fuel Mileage:

43-city/44-hwy

What’s New: The fifth generation Avalon has been restyled just in time for the 2019 model year.

Why: For buyers seeking a roomy, fuel-efficient near-luxury sedan, the Avalon hybrid fits the bill. The Avalon is also available in a non hybrid configuration too. The restyled five passenger sedan, which borrows cues from both the Toyota Camry and Lexus ES, garners the highest rated mileage in its class, a combined average of 40 MPG, according to fueleconomy.gov. This is great for both navigating the city and long distance road trips.

While the vehicle wears a more aggressive in your face design theme, it continues to be powered by a four-cylinder engine. The Atkinson engine and high tech torque electric motor combined pumps out 200-horsepower. The performance of the engine seemed more than adequate for this large sedan, which is a tidbit longer and wider than the model it replaced.

The all-new Avalon hybrid is available in three trims. For those pinching pennies, the base XLE model is a well-equipped package. It includes everything from leather (heated front) seats to a push button starter system. And for those seeking more near luxury features, but prefers the Avalon hybrid over Lexus’ ES hybrid, they can opt for the top of the line Limited trim.

By stepping into the higher end Limited package, one can expect such premium features as heated rear seats, an in-vehicle wireless charging system, an upgraded audio system and ventilated front seats.

Inside the new Avalon, the interior design team infused a 9-inch iPad-like infotainment screen, which houses the audio, navigation and ventilation systems. The 2019 Avalon has a fresh and more contemporary appearance. Toyota also repositioned the gear shift lever.

Furthermore, Toyota’s safety sense package now adds a blindspot lane changing system.

But: The styling is somewhat dated, when compared to the other vehicles in the segment, especially the athletically designed Maxima. Up until we learned of the announcement of the next generation Avalon, we weren’t sure if Toyota was going to remain committed to another generation being that consumer tastes have shifted from cars to crossovers, SUVs and trucks. However, for those willing to pay several thousand more, they can upgrade to the Lexus ES hybrid, which offers a more enhanced warranty, a contemporary design and a slightly smaller interior cabin.

Verdict: While Ford and Chevy might be walking away from this segment with their large vehicles, the Avalon seems to be committed to the segment, offering both a gasoline and a hybrid model. The redesign Avalon, with its more contemporary interior design, continues to be a great road trip vehicle too.

Competition: None (the only hybrid in the fullsize segment.)