Toyota’s take on full-size refinement and elegance is the 2022 Toyota Avalon. The new model provides drivers the comfort, quality, and safety they expect from a premium sedan, with a distinctive coupe-inspired design, a large, luxurious interior, and Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+ (TSS-2.5+) standard on all grades.

Hybrid addition to the Avalon range

The XSE Hybrid Nightshade Edition joins the Avalon family this year. Avalon’s Hybrid and V6 powertrains will be available in six different combinations in 2022. The XLE, Limited, Touring, XLE Hybrid, XSE Hybrid Nightshade, and Limited Hybrid trim levels are available.

Drivers may pick between a silky but dynamic 301-horsepower V6 or a hybrid electric engine that produces an EPA estimated 44 miles per gallon (XLE Hybrid grade), depending on their demands.

The Toyota Avalon has provided a blend of luxury and safety since its introduction in 1994. The whole Avalon range will be upgraded to TSS 2.5+ in 2022, which includes Road Sign Assist and Lane Tracing Assist as part of the active safety system.

The Advanced Safety Package comes standard on the Limited, Limited Hybrid, and Touring versions, and features a Bird’s Eye View Camera with Perimeter Scan and Intelligent Clearance Sonar with Rear Cross-Traffic Braking.

Power and efficiency are the keywords for the 2022 Avalon

The 24-valve, DOHC 3.5-liter V-6 engine in the front-wheel-drive Avalon is equipped with Toyota’s D-4S fuel injection technology, which blends direct injection with supplementary port fuel injectors.

The engine also has a VVT-iW (Variable Valve Timing-intelligent Wide) intake system and a VVT-i exhaust system. The VVT-iW system may convert the engine to the Atkinson cycle, which decreases pumping losses by delaying intake valve closure, thereby lowering fuel consumption.

At 6,600 rpm, the V-6 produces 301 horsepower and 267 lb.-ft. of peak torque at 4,700 rpm. The strong V-6 Avalon models return excellent fuel economy thanks to Toyota’s revolutionary engine technology: the manufacturer predicted EPA-estimated range rating of 22 city/32 highway/26 combined MPG for the XLE grade and 22/31/25 for all other grades.

The ECO, NORMAL, and SPORT drive modes are available on the XLE and Limited grades, while the ECO, NORMAL, SPORT/ SPORT+, and CUSTOM drive modes are available on the Touring grades.

When the SPORT+ mode is turned on, the exhaust system, which has sport-modified baffles, an Intake Sound Generator (ISG), Active Noise Control (ANC), and Engine Sound Enhancement, provide a symphony of exhilarating, natural noises (ESE). All of the lights may be turned out to experience the tranquility of Avalon’s interior.

The TNGA-K platform’s extensive use of sound insulation, which includes extra seals where the front fenders meet the front doors and where the doors combine at the B-pillars, ensures that the cabin is quiet. In the engine compartment, the carpet pad, beneath the floor, and in the wheel well liners, there is more sound absorption material.

Not only does the form of the external rearview mirrors minimize aerodynamic drag, but it also lowers wind noise.

Automatic 8-gear Direct Shift across the board

The Direct Shift eight-speed automatic gearbox is standard on Avalon V-6 models, and it provides a satisfyingly smooth, quick-shifting experience for a stunning balance of performance and elegance.

The tight mid-range ratios boost passing performance, while the broad range of torque converter lock-up gives you a more direct driving sensation and helps you save money on gas.

The Touring grade comes equipped with paddle shifters located on the steering wheel. The transmission automatically “rev-matches” while downshifting for smoother shifts.

A “coupe-esque” design to outline a dynamic character

With tight lines and a sleek, coupe-like shape made possible by the low-slung TNGA platform architecture, Toyota took its flagship sedan down an emotional route for its fifth-generation design.

The distinctions between the Avalon grades are obvious. The XLE and Limited models are distinguished by a dark gray front grille with a chrome border. Both have body-color rearview mirror housings and machined silver-colored LED headlamp bezels. Wheels with a diameter ranging from 17 to 19 inches, as well as chrome emblems and twin exhaust tips, are available.

A piano-black mesh grille, machine-finish, and gloss-black rims, as well as black outer mirror housings, headlamp bezels, trunk lid spoiler, and external badging, give the XSE Hybrid Nightshade and Touring a sportier look. Above and between the quad tailpipes is a grade-specific lower diffuser.

The Avalon is as smooth and slick on the outside as it is on the inside. The front lateral vents, rear spoiler, and extensive underbody panel covering, for example, all contribute to enhancing aerodynamic performance and offer the Avalon a wind-cheating 0.27 coefficient of drag.

This leads to improved fuel economy and less wind noise. The vehicle’s breadth and “planted” attitude are highlighted by connected, three-dimensional “aero fin” design LED taillamps.

Each member of the Avalon family is differentiated by the interior, as well

Avalon has specialized in delivering great outward visibility and internal roominess since its launch a quarter-century ago, and the new-generation design does not compromise those attributes. The large, open sense for passengers in the front and rear is created by thin pillars and a big windscreen.

Shoulder space (57.1 in. for V-6; 40.4 in. for Hybrid) and legroom (40.3 in. for V-6; 40.4 in. for Hybrid) are all examples of Avalon’s legendary rear-seat roominess (37.5 in. for V-6; 37.1 in. for Hybrid).

The simple and deliberate placement of amenities and controls, as well as genuine materials such as Yamaha-sourced wood trim and aluminum accents for the armrests, center console, and instrument panel, add to the elegance. There are a lot of soft-touch materials, as well as Piano Black and Satin Chrome-finish trim pieces.

Air vents, seat warmers, and USB charging outlets are offered for rear passengers.

Cabin trim options reflect the personality of each model grade. The Limited boasts real Yamaha wood trim, whereas the XLE has engineered wood trim. The Touring grade’s interior has aluminum trim.

The Touring grade’s seats are trimmed in a combination of luxurious perforated SofTex and Ultrasuede, while the XLE’s SofTex-trimmed seats feature artistic vertical stitching, and the Limited’s premium leather seats feature a special perforation and two-color stitches – both unique to Toyota – as well as a distinctive quilt pattern.

On the Limited and Limited Hybrid, XSE Hybrid Nightshade, and Touring, a power tilt/slide moonroof with sliding sunshade is standard; on the XLE and XLE Hybrid, a Moonroof Package option is available.

The high-tech features enhance the experience

The Avalon combines cutting-edge technology with finely constructed elegance. The 9-inch Toyota Music system, which displays audio and navigation while also integrating the automated climate control system, is housed in a sleek center stack.

The central cluster panel, which “floats” above the instrument panel, is surrounded by satin chrome trim.

Passengers may easily use the slide-open eBin below the panel, which has a 12-volt socket and a wireless Qi mobile device charger (Qi available as part of Moonroof Package on XLE grades and standard on all other grades). In the front and rear console boxes, two USB-C power connectors provide up-to-date connection options.

For added comfort and bracing, both sides of the console’s bottom tunnel include ample cushioning at knee height.

The three-spoke steering wheel of the Avalon has smooth, satin chrome-finish embellishments and multifunction buttons that are easily situated. When the inside is finished in Cognac or Graphite, the wheel may be covered in a two-tone leather surface.

A 7-inch Multi-Information Display (MID) in the driver’s line of sight displays vehicle information, turn-by-turn navigation, and numerous vehicle settings. TSS-2.5+ features, as well as Intelligent Clearance Sonar, Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert, and Head-Up Display are all available.

The primary 7-inch screen in all Avalon Hybrid grades is identical, but to its left is a Hybrid System Indicator that displays the vehicle’s regeneration status in real-time.

The segment’s biggest standard color 10-inch Head-Up Display (HUD) projected vital information like vehicle and engine speed, turn-by-turn instructions, audio settings, and current driving mode into the bottom section of the windshield in the Limited and Touring models.

The first Avalon hybrid is Toyota’s best take on fuel efficiency

The EPA-estimated fuel efficiency range rating for the 2021 Avalon Hybrid is predicted to be the envy of a subcompact car: 43 city/44 highway/44 MPG combined for the XLE Hybrid (43/43/43 MPG for other Hybrid grades).

The innovative Toyota Hybrid System (THS II) blends the power of a specially built 2.5-liter Dynamic Force four-cylinder engine with the output of an electric motor (MG1). The hybrid battery pack is charged by this motor and a second motor (MG2).

The super-smooth inline-four in the Avalon Hybrid has a 14:1 compression ratio and has a variable cooling system, cooled exhaust gas recirculation (EGR), and a complete variable oil pump.

The hybrid system’s total output is 215 horsepower. Sequential Shiftmatic technology on the XSE Hybrid Nightshade lets the driver to “shift” the electronically controlled continuously variable gearbox (ECVT). It uses paddle shifters or the console-mounted shift lever to simulate a quick-shifting six-speed automatic gearbox.

Because of the TNGA-K platform’s design, the Lithium-ion battery pack can be fitted behind the rear seat without sacrificing trunk space compared to the gas Avalon variants.

NORMAL, ECO, EV, and SPORT driving system modes are available on the Avalon Hybrid vehicles. By combining a faster acceleration response with SPORT mode, the Hybrid’s performance seems more alive. ECO mode, on the other hand, increases economy by using more cautious throttle and gearbox shift positions.

Finally, Avalon Hybrid incorporates the smart Auto Glide Control (AGC) technology, which effectively provides the vehicle a coasting capability, for hyper-milers seeking the best fuel economy. When AGC is turned on, it prevents the vehicle from losing speed due to engine braking by functioning more like a neutral gear and allowing for extended coasting.

On the multi-information display, an AGC indicator light lights to warn the driver of decreased engine braking.

2022 Toyota Avalon prices for the US

XLE: $36,375

XLE Hybrid: $37,350

Limited: $42,675

Limited Hybrid: $43,650

XSE Hybrid Nightshade: $40,700

Touring: $43,075