Road Beat: 2020 Toyota Avalon Hybrid still the best of the best

After testing nearly every hybrid on the market including products from Toyota, Nissan, Honda, Hyundai, Kia, and Ford. Toyota’s 2020 Avalon hybrid is the best yet (actually it is tied with the Camry Hybrid and Lexus ES300h which essentially share chassis and hybrid system). Usually, the predominant factor in buying a hybrid is fuel economy and while the Avalon is rated at 43/43/43 mpg which is not the highest rating among hybrids, it can clearly outperform those numbers while doing so many other things extremely well. This is a three-mpg improvement over the last-gen Avalon Hybrid, which I called the best of the best.

Now in the second year of its new fifth-generation and in its 26th year since introduced as a 1995 model in 1994, the new Avalon has improved world-class looks with a more rakish profile, a new even more gorgeous window line and an aggressive front end. The 2013 fourth-gen redesign was a huge success with the first year of full production were almost triple of the somewhat stogy 2012 model. However, sales have been in a decline (about half of 2013) and that might mean there are great deals out there on this new Avalon. Maybe Avalon has the reputation of being a Japanese Buick, although they were and are manufactured in Kentucky.

Wheelbase has grown by two inches to 113 and length remains essentially unchanged at 195.9 inches. Width is up an inch to 73. But because of its one-inch lower height and new slick shape, it looks longer and wider. It still is the best-looking car in Toyota’s entire lineup. An amazing transformation. And it is improved in so many other ways.

Under the hood remains the trick 3.5L DOHC, 24 valve 268 hp V-6 except for the Hybrid which receives a new hybrid system, engine, and a motor. It’s still a 2.5L Atkinson Cycle inline four-cylinder engine, but now making 176 hp @ 5,700 rpm (and 163 pounds of twist) plus a 118 hp electric motor that when combined with the gas engine produces a total of 215 hp (the same drivetrain resides in the Camry Hybrid, upon which the Avalon is based). Why not 294 hp you ask (176+118)? That is because the battery which powers the electric motor has a limited output of 29kW or 39 hp. It’s not the horsepower of the electric motor that is limiting, it is the energy output of the Ni-MH battery. All hybrids have the same issue. If you discharge or recharge a battery too quickly, it will severely damage the battery life. It is one of the reasons Toyota hybrid batteries last so long, seemingly forever, being tested to over 150,000 cycles. The batteries are tightly controlled.

Performance is another aspect where the Avalon Hybrid shines. Zero to 60 mph occurs in a quick 7.06 seconds, extremely quick for 215 hp. In the passing department, the Avalon Hybrid is no slouch either as 50-70 mph simulated passing runs averaged just 3.75 seconds. Try that same pass up a steep (6%) grade only slows the time to 5.40 seconds. This is hands down a quick automobile lacking nothing in performance. If you compare those times to a V-6 Avalon (same engine and tranny as used currently) the times were 6.20, 3.21 and 4.45 seconds, between a half a second to a second quicker, not that significant and not noticeable by the seat of your pants. This Hybrid will not let you forget gravity as it pushes you forcefully back into the seat when full-tilt boogie is called for.

As to driving, this new Hybrid will surprise you with an instant response, a strong mid-pedal and when you call for flank speed it will shove your backside firmly into the sublime, supportive seats. I found no difference between any of the driving modes, eco, normal or sport. Gone is the slightly non-linear response. One other issue with hybrids is the start/stop feature which sometimes can be felt. But this Avalon start/stop is about the best in the business. Occasionally you can feel the engine alight with a shudder, but 99.9 percent of the time you will never notice.

Economy is the flip side benefit of a Hybrid and that is where the Avalon Hybrid really shines, even beyond my expectations. New EPA numbers show 43/43/43 mpg city/highway/combined. But at a constant 70 mph, the Avalon averaged 46.1 mpg. Overall if driven for fuel economy 40 plus mpg is easy in overall driving, but even in aggressive driving when I really wrung the Avalon out, 38 mpg was the average. In many 20-plus mile runs in rural, hilly country driving, the fuel computer showed 45-46 mpg. And remember this is effectively a high-performance luxury car. Even with its smaller battery, it will EV at speeds up to 60 mph. One negative is the downsized 13.2-gallon fuel tank (down from 17 gallons).

Then there is another benefit to the Avalon Hybrid, it is quiet, bank vault quiet. If you get the engine to about half throttle and above 3,000 rpm, then you can hear the engine, but otherwise enjoy the fine sound system and be sure to think quietly. At 70 mph if you like anechoic chambers, then this is your ride.
But here is a surprise, this new generation Avalon Hybrid handles like a true sports sedan. First, it has a superb electric power steering rack that is quick, only 2.6 turns lock to lock with the 18-inch alloys (get them). Suspension is MacPherson struts up front and dual-link MacPherson struts in the rear with anti-roll bars at both ends. Track is now over 63 inches and it is shod with serious 235/45X18 inch performance, all-season radial meats. As a result, the handling is excellent with very little body roll and good driver communication. This is not your daddy’s Avalon. It is fun in the twisties, precisely following your inputs. It is so easy to drive quick, more than once did the traction/stability control system let me know. The new Avalon can get you exuberant.

And nothing is given up in ride quality. It has the perfect balance of suppleness and firmness. There is absolutely no float or bobbing and weaving. Yet is will coddle you just like you would expect with an Avalon. Balance is everything.
Safety is total with all the bells, whistles and acronyms. Headlights are auto high beam LEDS. Say no more.

Inside is all Avalon and a bit of Lexus. My less than $40,000 tester was a basic XSE which came with the best faux leather called Softex that coddle you in sublime seats. It has all the gauges and equipment except a tach (something not usually found on hybrids). The center stack is simple, beautiful and super easy to use, better than its Lexus sibling.

Out back and I mean like being in the back 40 is a rear seat that has miles of legroom. With the front seat in a normal position, there was at least 10 inches from my knees to the front seatback. Huge, comfortable, too. Get a chauffeur and go to the opera or theater in the rear seat.

Truck space is well shaped and large with over 16 cubic feet.

Priced at $39,350 and everything you need is standard including fully powered front chairs with heat. The truck from Georgetown, Kentucky adds $930. My vehicle had just two options, a premium JBL audio system and NAV, $1,70.00 and fancy floor mats, $259.00 bringing the total price of admission to $42,259. Best hybrid I have ever driven. It is amazing that a car with such a high level of performance that can return 45 plus mpg, easily.

Specifications
Price $40,180 to about $45,000

Engine
2.5L DOHC 16 valve inline 4 cylinder 176 hp @ 5,700 rpm
163 lb.-ft. of torque @ 3,600-5,200 rpm
Permanent magnet electric motor 118 hp
Battery Sealed Nickel-Metal Hydride

Transmission
CVT
Configuration
Transverse mounted front engine, front wheel drive

Dimensions
Wheelbase 113.0 inches
Length 195.9 inches
Width 72.8 inches
Height 56.5 inches
Track (f/r) 62.3/63.6 inches
Ground clearance 5.3 inches
Trunk capacity 16.09 cubic feet
Fuel capacity 13.2 gallons
Passenger volume 102.6 cubic feet
Curb weight (XSE) 3,671 pounds
Steering lock to lock 2.6 turns
Turning circle 37.4 feet
Wheels 7.5X18 inch alloys
Tires 235/45X18 all season performance radials
Coefficient of drag 0.28

Performance
0-60 mph 7.06 seconds
50-70 mph 3.75 seconds
50-70 mph uphill 5.40 seconds
Top speed I don’t care, but well over 100 mph.
Fuel economy EPA rated 43/43/43 mpg city/highway/combined. Expect 43-45 mpg in rural country driving, 46 mpg on the highway at legal speeds.