Time has not been kind to the larger sedan class. Lots of models have been retired or replaced in recent years as people keep opting for crossovers of just about every size over the sedan counterpart. While the Corolla and Camry are sure to stay relevant, Toyota found it had to consider putting the Avalon on the chopping block as well. Instead of cutting the Avalon off, Toyota decided to make some changes to the large sedan to widen its audience.
The Toyota Avalon has never offered AWD before the 2021 model year. The inclusion of AWD makes the sedan compete in ways it wasn’t able to do before. Other changes like Android Auto™ compatibility and USB-C connectivity upgrade the technological side, while the new Nightshade Edition adds to the visual side. Nightshade editions can be found on almost all other Toyota models now, but the Avalon might wear it better than other models. The chart that follows gives you an idea of what to expect out of the 2021 Toyota Avalon, including some available features.
Powertrain |
Safety Technology |
Entertainment & Comfort |
3.5L V6 Engine or 2.5L 4-Cylinder Engine with AWD | Intelligent Clearance Sonar with Rear Cross-Traffic Braking | 14-Speaker, Subwoofer, and Amplifier JBL® Audio System |
267 lb-ft of Torque | Blind Spot Monitor | USB Media Port and 4 USB Charge Ports |
301 Horsepower | 10 Airbags Including Seat-Mounted Side Airbags, Knee Airbags, and Side Curtain Airbags | Dual-Zone Automatic Climate Control with Rear-Seat Vents |
Electronically Controlled Transmission (ECT-i) with Sequential Shiftmaticâ„¢ Mode | Driver and Front Passenger Whiplash-Injury-Lessening Seats | Qi-Compatible Wireless Charging System |
The Toyota Avalon is designed to prove its own worth. It may have sensibilities that make it appeal largely to a certain age group of drivers, but some drivers might want or need the extra interior room and don’t want to sacrifice the sedan-style driving experience lost when choosing an SUV. Like previous years, the Limited trim will probably become the most popular version of the 2021 Toyota Avalon. After all, if you are going to buy a larger sedan, why not buy one with more features? The Limited Trim is one of two trim levels where AWD is available, making it more likely to attract buyers.
The following list includes every trim for the 2021 Toyota Avalon including AWD models. Hybrid models are excluded.