In a market space where every marque is abandoning the sedan in favor of a new SUV or crossover, Toyota is sticking to its roots with the Avalon. When you want a Toyota that really represents what the brand is capable of, then the 2020 Toyota Avalon is a great way to do that. Its design points help set it apart from other Toyota models, and the price point is relatively competitive. Those looking for a luxurious, quiet, and efficient drive will be pleased with the Avalon.
8 Years of Exterior Elegance
Let’s start with all the best things about the Avalon, beginning with the exterior. The design evolution has been quite astonishing in 8 years, particularly at the front end where we’ve seen the trademark Avalon grille grow from a 3-slat chrome finish grille to this vast edgy construction of modernity that we see now. It creates a powerful, even unforgettable first impression.
The multi-spoke alloy wheels extend the front-end design nicely, while authoritative lines extend from hood to trunk in a pleasing, stylish frame. Proportion and quality abound in this exterior design. That even extends to the doors, which open very widely to make ingress and egress a breeze. The doors were constructed to open with a near 90-degree tilt.
Well-crafted Interior
The best way to sum up the 2020 Avalon hybrid’s interior design is “craftsmanship.” You get a plush quilted leather on the seats and a dual-tone color scheme that grew on me in person. The control center is focused on the large 9″ touchscreen display, which altogether helps make this “traditional-feel” car maintain an air of high-tech brilliance.
There’s about 16 cubic feet of space in the trunk, which can’t beat the SUVs, but it’s ample for most. In general, interior storage is very pleasing— cup holders, cabins, glove box, and additional storage in the center console.
Efficient in Drivetrain and Safety Tech
The 2020 model is the second generation of hybrid Avalon, which comes with a 2.5L 4-cylinder engine that works with the electric motor and Toyota’s Hybrid System II powertrain. It delivers a total of 215hp. Power is down from the standard offering, but that’s the be expected from the hybrid model. The electric component is an 88-kW motor featuring regenerative braking and a CVT transmission.
The hybrid model is not an athletic car, that’s for sure, but the instant torque from the electric drive unit should be pleasing enough to the everyday driver. Fans of the Avalon are typically more enamored with its efficiency, achieving 43 mpg in the city and 44 on the highway.
As usual, Toyota has you well covered when it comes to safety options. The standard package on all trim levels —- XLE, XSE, and Limited —- includes things like Enhanced Vehicle Stability Control, Traction Control, ABS with brake assist, Smart Stop technology, and whiplash-injury-lessening seats. Go further and add a bird’s eye view camera, as well as Toyota’s Intelligent Clearance Sonar with rear-cross traffic automatic braking. With most safety features standard on all variants, you can rest assured that no matter which Avalon Hybrid you choose, you’re well protected.
Some Drawbacks
First of all, there are one or two technology drawbacks with the 2020 Avalon Hybrid. Android users, for instance, will be disappointed to learn that the 2020 Avalon still does not support Android Auto. The good news is that Toyota is set to roll out that update into other 2020 models, so it won’t be long until the Avalon definitely does support it. While we’re on the issue of Infotainment, I have to add that while the screen is a nice size, the interface is quite a letdown – clunky and lacking intuitiveness.
My final small complaint is about the materials being still somewhat over reliant on plastics to form the interior, but I suppose you can’t have everything. In fairness, the plastic surfaces used are of a high order, not the cheap stuff used in a more basic model. It doesn’t detract from the look, at least.
2020 Toyota Avalon Hybrid – Final Thoughts
The Avalon Hybrid is pleasing to look at and delivers a pleasant yet no-frills driving experience. While it doesn’t deliver 100 percent on the tech front, nor would it satisfy a gearhead in need for quick acceleration, it is nonetheless a dynamic and fun car to drive. The hybrid system keeps it quiet and comfortable, and the unique styling cues reflect what is deservedly Toyota’s “flagship” sedan. If you’re looking for an Avalon with a sporty side, check out the Avalon TRD, a cool car indeed.
