Written by Marco Carvajal
2021 Toyota Avalon XSE Hybrid
As Hybrid cars become more popular, the Avalon XSE Hybrid becomes a very appealing sedan.
Driving the Toyota Avalon XSE Hybrid makes you understand the future is definitely electric cars. Hybrid technologies are getting better and better, just like full-electric cars are also becoming the future. The Avalon hybrid is a great luxury full-size sedan that can surprise most demanding car drivers.
Toyota engineers made an amazing job on the new Avalon, it drives better than you would expect, however, there is always room for enhancements and we will see new upcoming Avalon models, better and better.
The new Avalon is full of added value with a stylish and premium design typical of the high-end luxury brand Lexus, but the Avalon is not a Lexus.
The Avalon is not a new kid on the block, it was launched 26 years ago offering premium midsize value with genuine luxury. The new Avalon mixes early elements of Toyota cars such as available Dynamic Auxiliary Turn Signals and aluminum and authentic Yamaha wood cabin accents.
The new Avalon has Athletic handling with a sporty and luxury feel. You can feel the luxury and sportiness of the 2021 Avalon when driving with Adaptive Variable Suspension (AVS).
Avalon 5th Generation
Toyota’s designed the new Avalon to reach 5-passenger sedan customers who do not buy SUVs. As most car manufacturers are focusing on SUVs as if this is the only life-saver for the automobile industry, I think it has been a smart move from Toyota to keep improving and selling sedans like the Avalon that would always have a market of car buyers who prefer a sedan versus an SUV.
The fifth-generation Toyota Avalon, introduced for the 2019 car model, came on strong with a striking new coupe-like design built around the new advanced Toyota New Global Architecture (TNGA). The high-strength TNGA is the ideal foundation for an exceptionally athletic luxury-sport sedan, and the Avalon XSE grade takes advantage of all the possibilities of this TNGA platform.
New for 2021 there is a new Lithium-ion Battery Pack for Avalon Hybrid that should improve the electric portion of this hybrid vehicle. The new battery replaces the previous Nickel-metal hydride (Ni-MH) battery for better performance and lasting longer.
The Avalon gets an All-Wheel Drive option something that sedan lovers will appreciate. The Avalon trim XSE Nightshade also makes its debut now in 2021, and all other grades of Avalon get Android Auto compatibility. New USB-C Charging Ports for new devices becoming more up-to-date with new technologies and new generation car buyers.
Avalon Hybrid
The Avalon Hybrid takes a big share of the sales, it is taking a third of Avalon sales. Why?
Let me tell you all the reasons why car buyers love the Avalon.
The Avalon Hybrid has good fuel economy with a range rating of 44 combined MPG. The advanced Toyota Hybrid System (THS II) combines the output of a specially engineered version of the 2.5-liter Dynamic Force four-cylinder engine and an electric motor (MG1). That motor and a second motor (MG2) charge the hybrid battery pack. The new Hybrid includes the clever Auto Glide Control (AGC) system. When activated, AGC limits the loss of vehicle speed through engine braking, acting more like a neutral gear to allow longer coasting. An AGC indicator light illuminates the multi-information display to alert the driver of reduced engine braking. Are we in the future? The new Avalon priced at 37K and up can give you more than what you will expect in a basic SUV.
The Avalon hybrid has the power and modernization of an SUV, Disguised in the body of a sedan.
New higher compression ratio (14:1) than in the AWD models and employs a variable cooling system, cooled exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) system, and a fully variable oil pump.
The total hybrid system output is 215 horsepower, which can be surprising and powerful in a sedan.
Keeping up with more power and value on the Hybrid XSE, Sequential Shiftmatic technology, allows the driver to shift the electronically controlled continuously variable transmission (ECVT), similar to a six-speed automatic transmission via paddle shifters or with the console-mounted shift lever.
The TNGA-K platform’s packaging allows the Lithium-ion battery pack to be installed beneath the rear seat for no sacrifice in trunk capacity over the gas Avalon models.
The new Hybrid models feature NORMAL, ECO, EV, and SPORT drive system modes, being able to adapt to your driving needs.
The Avalon is not a Lexus but it looks like a Lexus
Lexus or Toyota, both are the same family and share a lot of technology and innovation, when driving the Toyota Avalon you smell the name Lexus everywhere. The Avalon gets a lot of features from Lexus, however, it is priced at the Toyota level, starting at 37K, great value for your money.
To make the Avalon more sporty, the new 2021 has a roof one inch lower than the previous model, and wider rear fenders that give a more appropriate sport touch.
Toyota is trying to increase its fan base with younger buyers. The usual buyer of the Avalon is 64 years old, a few years older than average car buyers in the full-size sedan segment. But it seems that Toyota wants a new target market for this great sedan. The new 2021 Avalon model has a new improved sportier design to attract a younger and wider audience to increase sales.
2021 Toyota Avalon XSE Hybrid Highlights
- 4-mode switch (EV, ECO, Normal, Sport)
- MPG 43/43 city and highway
- Paddle shifters and aluminium pedal covers
- 18 inch gray painted alloy wheels
- Gloss black accents and rear spoiler
- Sport tuned suspension
- Audio Plus 9 inch touch-screen, eight speakers with subwoofer and amplifier
- ED reflector headlights with smoked chrome bezels and on/off feature; LED Daytime Running Lights (DRL) with auto on/off feature
- Front gloss-black grille with sport mesh insert and active grille shutter
- Power tilt/slide moonroof with sliding sunshade
- 18-in. dark-gray-painted alloy wheels with P235/45R18 tires
- Acoustic noise-reducing windshield and driver and front passenger side windows
- 7-in. TFT Multi-Information Display (MID) with customizable setting
- SofTex-trimmed121 seats with perforation and Ultrasuede 124 heated front seats; 8-way adjustable driver’s seat with 2-way power lumbar support; 8-way adjustable passenger seats
- 60/40 split folding rear seats with two adjustable and one fixed headrest, armrest with cup holders
- Two USB-A charge ports
- Two USB-C charge ports
- Two front and two rear cup holders; two front door and two rear bottle holders
Avalon Pricing and Trims
The Avalon 2021 is available on three hybrid trims, XLE, XSE, and Avalon Limited. Toyota offers three good hybrid models to satisfy all customer needs. Pricing for the 2021 Avalon Hybrid is not too low ranging from $37K all the way to $43K, compared to many other sedans, but it is worth the price, it is a very luxury and full-size hybrid sedan. The Avalon looks luxurious as a Lexus and it comes with great value.
The Avalon is a premium full size sedan with an amazing design and toons of standard features.
- 2021 Avalon Hybrid XLE $37,100
- 2021 Avalon Hybrid XSE $39,600
- 2021 Avalon Limited $43,400
The new Avalon includes a longer wheelbase with shorter overhangs, more power in both engines, the V6 version or the hybrid model, and higher interior space. The Avalon is a beautiful Toyota full-size sedan that looks like a Lexus.
The Avalon is a sedan, and it is not easy to sell sedans anymore. Every automaker is facing the reality of a market dominated by SUVs and crossovers.
Toyota has created the Avalon ready to fight and win on the SUV-dominated market, ready to sell! The new Avalon offers a modern mix of style and features to attract car buyers from different segments.
The Toyota Avalon retains most buyers with its comfort, its spacious interior, its quiet ride, and becoming one of the most reliable cars on the market.
Buyers who like the Toyota Camry and all its reliability, are good candidates for an upgrade into the new Avalon.
The Avalon hybrid feels safe and firm in curves. The brakes can feel hard in heavy braking, although that’s fairly common in hybrid sedans. The Avalon is fun to drive, the sportier versions are more refreshing and spirited when cornering. The feel and response of the steering are exceptional and combined with a new multilink rear suspension and stiffer suspension components.
Technology
The Avalon XSE Hybrid includes an Audio Plus 9 inch touch-screen, eight speakers with a subwoofer, and an amplifier.
USB media port, four USB charge ports, hands-free phone capability and music streaming via Bluetooth wireless technology, Android Auto & Apple CarPlay & Amazon Alexa compatible, SiriusXM with 3-month All Access trial
Safety Connect with 1-year trial
Service Connect with 10-year trial
Remote Connect with 1-year trial
Wi-Fi Connect with up to 2 GB within 3-month trial
Engine
The engine of the 2021 Toyota Avalon XSE Hybrid is a powerful 2.5-Liter 4-Cylinder ECVT Hybrid with 176 horsepower @ 5700 rpm and 163 lb.-ft. torque @ 3600-5200 rpm. This engine is not as powerful as the regular engine you can find in the non-hybrid Avalon models, but it has enough power for regular roads and certain minimal off road situations.
The 2.5. Liter Hybrid engine includes DOHC 16-Valve D-4S Dual Injection with VVT-iE, VVT-i with modes ECO, Normal, Sport, and EV drive.
The Avalon XSE Hybrid includes an Electronically controlled Continuously Variable Transmission (ECVT) with Sequential Shiftmatic Mode. The advanced transmission does not crash during acceleration as in other models of the segment, as it works perfectly suited for a large sedan.
The Avalon XSE Hybrid has a combined fuel consumption of MPG 43/43 city and highway. The Avalon includes good fuel economy for those who enjoy better fuel economy and savings.
The Avalon keeps getting more premium style and features. It has adaptable shock absorbers and a more sporty exhaust in more aggressive trim levels, which premium cars like the Lexus ES does not offer.
Safety
The new hybrid Avalon is full of standard safety features like Toyota Safety Sense Plus (TSS-P), traction and stability control, anti-lock disc brakes, front and side rear seat airbags, side curtain airbags, and front knee airbags. You can speed and feel safe.
This TSS-P system includes a pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, cruise control with dynamic radar, lane departure alert with steering assistance, automatic high beams that automatically switches high and low beams when it detects headlights, and lights backs that approach.
Several safety features standard is something that can attract car buyers to select the Avalon instead of other sedans or even instead of compact SUVs.
A new noise system helps to alert pedestrians of the car’s presence at low speeds.
Interior
The cabin of the Avalon is comfortable and spacious, with a lot of leather and a lot of sobriety, with wood trim and quilted leather, similar to Lexus.
The new interior of the Avalon has more style. The older design was quite similar to the new Camry’s, but the new version of the Avalon has been enhanced with a high and straight central column that rises from the center console and seems to move away from the rest of the board.
The interior includes high-quality materials. The front seats are very comfortable and highly adjustable, with plenty of lateral support and lumbar support for the driver and front passenger. The rear seats are quite spacious.
The Toyota Entune system is now up to date with the Apple CarPlay standard, along with Amazon Alexa smartwatch connectivity and a generous five USB ports to connect everybody on board the Avalon.
