2021 Toyota Avalon TRD: The Brand’s Quasi-Performance Full Size Sedan

 

Highlight: The Avalon TRD is the Avalon’s near performance version of the Dodge Charger.

Test Vehicle’s MSRP: $43,870 (Base MSRP: $36,870)

Seating Capacity: 5 passenger seating

Standard Safety Features: airbags; ABS; all-wheel drive; a vehicle stability system; a traction control system; hill start assistance; a pre collision braking system with pedestrian detection system; a lane departure alert system with steering assist; a lane tracing assist system; automatic high beams; a radar activated cruise control system; an electronic blind spot monitor; a brake hold feature; back up camera; and a tire pressure monitoring system

Standard Equipment (XLE): front chrome grille surround with dark grey insert; color-keyed heated power outside mirrors; intermittent windshield wiper; dual exhaust chrome tips; paint protection film; a dual zone automatic climate control system; auto engine shut off; a 7-in multi information display screen; heated pseudo front seats; 60/40 split rear seats; a manual operated heated tilt/telescopic with a leather steering wheel; and a variety of driving modes

Standard Equipment (TRD): 19-inch black alloy wheels; a front wheel drive configuration; an 8-speed automatic transmission; a power moonroof; a rear spoiler; an intake sound generator; aerodynamic front tangential venting; a dual zone automatic climate control system; red brake calipers; a track tuned sports suspension system; a power driver’s seat with lumbar support; a manual front passenger seat; rear split seats; a black leather shift knob; aluminum pedal covers; a keyless entry system; a push button ignition starter system; electric parking brakes; LED reflector headlights;  LED taillights; front black piano grille; color-keyed door handles; black gloss window trim; gloss black heated power outside mirrors; dual exhaust polished stainless steel tips; a 7-in. multi-information display gauges (with TRD start-up animation); pseudo leather and cloth seats with red seat belts; red stitching TRD headrest logo; a manual operated tilt/telescopic premium leather steering wheel; and auto dimming rearview mirror

Options: none

Other Trim Levels:

XLE

XSE

Limited

Touring

Hybrid

Standard Audio On Test Vehicle: a 6-speaker AM/FM/SiriusXM  

Android/Apple CarPlay: Available

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: 3.5-liter, 6-cylinder /301-hp

Recommended Fuel: Regular

Standard Fuel Mileage: 22-city/31-hwy

What’s New: For the 2021 model year, the option of adding on an all-wheel drive configuration is the big news for the fullsize Avalon. However, its only available on select trims.

Also the Avalon’s infotainment system is now compatible with both Apple CarPlay and Android smartphones.

Why: As the large car segment continues to contract, the Avalon, the Nissan Maxima, the Chrysler 300, the Dodge Charger and the Dodge Challenger are the last remaining vehicles.

The roomy current generation Avalon, which was released in 2019, is now available in both a front wheel drive and an all-wheel drive configuration. The all-wheel drive feature, which allows for better grip and handling in wet conditions, are only available in the XLE and Limited trims.

Moreover, up until the 2020 model year, the Avalon was an uneventful fullsize near luxury vehicle. In 2020, the Avalon driving pleasure was enhanced when the engineering team tuned-up the vehicle with a TRD package, which is known as Toyota Racing Development. The Avalon TRD offers a more aggressive sound at both idle and acceleration. The brand’s flagship car is outfitted with a 3.5-liter, 6-cylinder engine that is powered by a direct-injected DOHC. Despite some alterations to the engine, the horsepower is the same as other Avalons. This is the answer to Dodge's variation of power packed models. Well, while we know the Dodge's have several powertrains, this is a great attempt for Toyota. 

The Avalon TRD, which is only available in a front wheel drive configuration, chassis offers stiffer coil springs and stabilizer bars that increase roll stiffness. The vehicle, which rides on 19-inch black alloy wheels, also has larger brake pads and rotors. The Avalon TRD manages to finally find the perfect balance, while adding some driving pleasure.

Furthermore, Toyota has also added some special effects to the Avalon TRD, enhancing both the exterior and interior appearance with such features as a rear spoiler, side aero skirts and black leather-like seats with red trimming.

But: The wide-mouth needle grille is still quite polarizing. The Avalon TRD is only available in a front wheel drive configuration, whereas the model’s other fullsize trims are available in an all-wheel drive configuration.

The audio system seems underpowered. It does not provide that crystal- clear type of concert sound our ears have become accustomed to.

And despite the TRD trim which was added in 2020, there is no 8-cylinder powertrain available in the Avalon, as compared to the Chrysler and Dodge products.

Lastly, the vehicle lacked a power close switch for the trunk.

Verdict: While Toyota has decided to play in a lane that has all of us scratching our heads with the TRD trim, we don’t think many buyers seeking a Charger or Maxima will cross shop the Avalon despite the added effects. The buyer profile is totally different for all three vehicles.

As the large car segment continues to shrink, after the exit of the Ford Taurus and the Chevrolet Impala, Toyota is fighting to stay relevant by adding an all-wheel drive system for the 2021 model year. The Avalon also separates itself from the small segment by offering a hybrid model too.

Competition:  Chrysler 300; Dodge Charger and Nissan Maxima