2018 Toyota Avalon Hybrid Review

Most of today's big family sedans offer roomy interiors, plenty of standard features and large trunks. But none offer the fuel efficiency of the 2018 Toyota Avalon Hybrid. That's because the Avalon Hybrid uses a four-cylinder engine and electric motor combination to achieve 40 mpg in combined driving, according to EPA estimates. That's not quite as much compared to what you can get from Toyota's Prius or Honda Accord Hybrid, but it's nonetheless impressive given the Avalon Hybrid's size and its substantial offering of useful features. No other large sedan or hybrid crossover today can match it.

But beyond its fuel efficiency, the Avalon Hybrid is simply an excellent large sedan. Its cushioned ride and hushed cabin make it equally suited to commutes and road trips, and its roomy interior offers plenty of room for five passengers to spread out. And with standard features that include a sunroof, leather upholstery and heated seats, even the base trim level Avalon Hybrid comes well stocked. Opting up to the Limited trim brings near Lexus-like appointments and luxury. As a five-passenger, full-size sedan that achieves exceptional fuel economy, the Avalon Hybrid stands alone.

Each vehicle typically comes in multiple versions that are fundamentally similar. The ratings in this review are based on our full test of the 2013 Toyota Avalon Hybrid (2.5L inline-4 hybrid | CVT automatic | FWD) as well as a 2017 Toyota Avalon Limited (3.5-liter V6 | 6-speed automatic | FWD).

NOTE: Since this test was conducted, the current Avalon Hybrid has received some revisions, including a redesigned front end, the latest generation of the Entune infotainment system, and the inclusion of standard driver assistance features. Our findings remain broadly applicable to this year's Avalon Hybrid.