Trims, Hybrid System, and Fuel Economy

The front-wheel-drive 2021 Avalon Hybrid is available in a trio of grades: the XLE, XSE, and Limited. Their hybrid system unites a 2.5-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine, a 650-volt electric motor, and a 259-volt lithium-ion battery pack with an electronically controlled continuously variable transmission (E-CVT). The total system output is 215 hp. The XLE gets an EPA-estimated 43 mpg in the city and 44 mpg on the highway, while the XSE and Limited dip a bit to 43 city/43 highway.

Standard and Optional Features

As mentioned, this is a well-equipped vehicle, with the base XLE getting automatic LED headlights, heated side mirrors with turn-signal and blind-spot indicators, a noise-reducing windshield and driver and front passenger side windows, keyless entry and push-button ignition, dual-zone automatic climate control, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, a backup camera with dynamic guidelines, a power-adjustable driver’s seat, heated simulated-leather front seats, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, a 12-volt auxiliary power outlet, four USB ports, and a 60/40 split-folding rear seatback. A moonroof and a wireless smartphone charger are option.

The XSE adds the sunroof and wireless smartphone charger along with gloss-black exterior accents, ventilated faux-leather and suede front seats, aluminum interior trim, and an auto-dimming rearview mirror with HomeLink. The Limited doesn’t get the XSE’s gloss-black and aluminum trim details but it gains memory functions for the side mirrors (auto-dimming on the driver’s side), genuine leather seats, driver’s seat memory, heated rear seats, a heated steering wheel, a head-up display, wood interior trim, and a frameless auto-dimming rearview mirror with HomeLink.

Safety and Technology

All trims come with the Toyota Safety Sense P (TSS-P) system of active driver aids, which incorporates a pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, lane departure alert with steering assist, automatic high beams, and full-speed range dynamic radar cruise control. Blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert is also issued across the board. The Limited is eligible for a sonar system with rear cross-traffic braking and a surround-view monitor.

The XLE and XSE have a well-outfitted infotainment system with a 9-inch touchscreen, an eight-speaker audio system, Bluetooth hands-free phone and audio streaming capability, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and satellite radio. The XSE is eligible for integrated navigation and a premium 14-speaker JBL audio system, both of which are standard on the Limited.