2019 Toyota Avalon Hybrid Reviews, Pricing & Specs

Although the Avalon has been on the market since 1995, Toyota did not release its gasoline-electric hybrid version until 2013, when the...

Although the Avalon has been on the market since 1995, Toyota did not release its gasoline-electric hybrid version until 2013, when the model received its fourth-generation reboot. Now, for the 2019 model year, the entire Avalon lineup receives a full redesign, including the Avalon Hybrid.

The 2019 Avalon Hybrid’s fresh exterior design evolves seamlessly into a slicker, bolder package than before. The most noticeable change is the Avalon Hybrid’s new grille, which stretches across the entirety of the front end. Plus, thanks to the new TNGA architecture, which is rapidly being deployed across Toyota’s line, the new Avalon Hybrid’s shape gets flattering dimensional tweaks: it’s wider and lower than the old model, features shorter front and rear overhangs, and Toyota even managed to reduce the height of the hood.

Inside, the Avalon Hybrid deftly blends athletic, modern, and luxurious elements in its cabin. The center stack and low-profile console are one J-shaped panel that floats above the dashboard and floor, flanked by a full-width strip of dashboard that wraps around at each end to meet the front door panels. The seats are as comfortable as ever for an Avalon, but they now include a good deal of side bolstering as well. Rear occupant legroom and headroom have increased along with trunk space since the battery pack has been relocated under the rear seat.

Under the hood, the Avalon Hybrid utilizes a new 2.5-liter inline 4-cylinder engine coupled with two electric motors, a continuously-variable transmission (CVT) and a Nickel-Metal Hydride (Ni-MH) battery pack for 215 horsepower, an improvement of 15 versus the old hybrid model. In addition, Toyota employs a number of tricks to keep fuel efficiency and drivability at the forefront, such as Auto Glide Control (AGC), which simulates a neutral gear to decouple the engine from the wheels and prevent too much loss of speed during engine braking. While official fuel economy figures are yet to be released, Toyota expects ratings as high as 43 miles per gallon city, 44 highway, and 44 combined.

For 2019, the Avalon Hybrid’s trims have been simplified to correspond directly with trims on the non-hybrid Avalon. XLE ($36,500) and Limited ($42,800) return, but there’s also a new XSE ($39,000) trim sandwiched between them. XSE is the sporty trim of the lineup, offering gloss black elements like the mesh grille, mirror covers, wheels, and headlight mounts. Inside, it gets aluminum trim and a perforated ultrasuede and leatherette upholstery combination in place of the other trims’ wood trim and plain leatherette. XSE buyers are also treated to paddle shifters, allowing them to run through the CVT’s six simulated gear presets, adding a bit of sportiness to the experience.

Standard features for XLE include 17-inch wheels, a 9-inch infotainment system with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Alexa integration, a 7-inch instrument cluster LCD, keyless access and start, five USB ports, 4G LTE hotspot capability, and wireless Qi charging. Limited adds a 14-speaker and 1200-watt JBL audio system, navigation, and a 10-inch head-up display.

Toyota has made sure the Avalon Hybrid stands at the forefront of safety, and to that extent, the entire Toyota Safety Sense P (TSS-P) suite of systems is standard equipment. TSS-P includes forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, lane keep assist, and automatic high beams. Blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and a reversing camera are also standard. The only additional safety options are a panoramic camera system, rear backup sensors, and rear cross-traffic braking.

The Avalon Hybrid remains one of the most efficient ways to carry up to five people in comfort, and for 2019, it adds a healthy dose of style and refinement to the package. Look for the 2019 Avalon Hybrid to arrive in showrooms later this year.