2022 Toyota Avalon

2022 Toyota Avalon comes standard with a comprehensive suite of driver-assistance features and has most of the infotainment goodies that modern drivers need without being overly complicated.

For those of us who still prefer a good ol’ large sedan over a tall-riding SUV, few choices remain—such as the Chrysler 300, the Nissan Maxima, and the Volkswagen Arteon—and after this year there’ll be one less when the Avalon disappears.

ENGINE AND IMPLEMENTATION

The 2022 Toyota Avalon gives buyers a choice of two powertrains: one that sips gas exclusively and another that uses a fuel-efficient hybrid setup. A 3.5-liter V-6 that delivers 301 horsepower and 267 lb-ft of torque are standard.

An eight-speed automatic transmission sends power to the front wheels. The V-6 hustles the Avalon from 60 mph in 6.0 seconds, according to our testing.

Trim levels with hybrid in their nomenclature come with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder and two electric motors. This setup provides a net output of 215 horsepower, and it’s paired with a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) that powers the front wheels.

Many shoppers who seek out large cars like the Avalon prioritize comfort, and Toyota’s big sedan doesn’t disappoint in this area. In our tests, it delivered well-mannered handling that did an admirable job of keeping bumps and jolts out of the cabin.

ENERGY AND REAL-WORLD MPG

With the gas-only 2022 Toyota Avalon, the EPA estimates mileage of up to 22/32 mpg city/highway. In our highway fuel-economy testing, we recorded 34 mpg with both the V-6 and the four-cylinder with all-wheel drive.

The Avalon hybrid achieves EPA-estimated mileage of up to 43/44 mpg. While testing one of these models, we observed fuel economy of 43 mpg in highway driving. For more information about the Avalon’s fuel economy, visit the EPA’s website.

INTERIOR, CONVENIENCE, AND BOOTH

When it comes to the overall look of the cabin, the current 2022 Toyota Avalon represents a big step up relative to models from previous generations.

A broad waterfall-style center stack separates the driver and front passenger, and it shows off handsome switchgear and an easy-to-reach touchscreen. The plastics used throughout the cabin are nicely grained, and the back seat provides lots of room for tall passengers to stretch their legs.

In addition, there’s a cavernous trunk with 16 cubic feet of cargo space. Standard folding rear seats with a 60/40 split allow you to easily expand this capacity when toting large items. In our testing of the non-hybrid version, we fit seven carry-on suitcases in the trunk and 18 with the back seats folded.

The hybrid we tested back in 2019 used the old, larger battery pack which intruded into the trunk and limited cargo space. That car fit fewer suitcases (six with the rear seats in use and 17 with them folded), but Toyota says the new lithium-ion battery is smaller and preserves all of the Avalon’s trunk space.