2026 Toyota Avalon Hybrid MPG, Release Date, Redesign

2026 Toyota Avalon Hybrid MPG, Release Date, Redesign  –  The Toyota Avalon doesn’t get much attention, which is a shame considering its solid styling, high-end interior, and smart packaging. Fortunately, the automaker hasn’t forgotten about its stately sedan, with the 2026 Toyota Avalon adding available all-wheel drive like its smaller sibling, the Camry. That extra traction should broaden the big sedan’s appeal for Canadian buyers, but the Avalon needs to have much more than that if it’s to upstage the countless SUVs on the market, not to mention the jack-of-all-trades Camry.

2026 Toyota Avalon Hybrid Redesign and Update Plan

Exterior and Interior

As long as you’re not in a hurry, the Avalon delivers a confident and comfortable ride. Even if you want some extra speed the chassis is surprisingly responsive, with a quick turn-in that’s unexpected for a vehicle of this size. The architecture that underpins the Avalon is similar to what’s found throughout the brand’s lineup, so the same kudos given to the Camry applies here. However, the large sedan has limited steering and road feel.

Fortunately, it feels sturdy at higher speeds. I’m glad the car doesn’t feel too floaty; in the past, the Avalon had a reputation for being a boring land-yacht, but this model feels robust and comfortable yet responsive. The Avalon proved to be a perfect companion for road trips, and the addition of all-wheel drive makes it even more so.

2026 Toyota Avalon Specs

The Avalon comes loaded with plenty of equipment and features. Naturally, there’s dual-zone climate control, but there are four USB ports for charging devices, as well as a wireless phone charger. All-wheel drive is standard on the loaded Limited trim, which also includes a 14-speaker stereo, interior ambient lighting, and built-in navigation.

Engine and Performance

I’m most critical of the choice of motors in the Avalon. While the sedan can be equipped with a V6, all-wheel drive models are saddled with a 2.5L four-cylinder. It’s a fine engine on its own, making 205 hp and 185 lb-ft of torque, but the Avalon weighs more than the gas-powered Toyota RAV4 that uses the same motor. As a result, the Avalon can feel a bit dull to drive, which is a shame considering how smart the all-wheel drive system is. 2026 Toyota Avalon Hybrid MPG

An eight-speed automatic transmission performs shifting duties, and it’s acceptable. Drivers can toggle through a trio of drive modes (eco, sport, and normal), but none of them dramatically alters the driving experience. When the white stuff fell during testing, I found myself wanting a snow mode that would maintain a 50/50 torque split and prevent the rear axle from disconnecting for the confidence it would bring to the drive.

2026 Toyota Avalon Fuel Economy

Due to the smaller engine, the all-wheel-drive Avalon is more efficient than its V6-powered compatriot that powers only its front wheels. These figures are the same as higher-spec Camry models with all-wheel drive, so buyers shouldn’t have to worry about extra fuel costs despite the Avalon’s larger size. In my time with the Avalon, I averaged around 9.0 L/100 km – slightly worse, though it was equipped with winter tires. 2026 Toyota Avalon Hybrid MPG

2026 Toyota Avalon Safety Features

There’s a long list of safety features, too, including a head-up display and automatic high-beam headlights. There’s also forward-collision warning with pedestrian detection, adaptive cruise control, and lane-departure alert, as well as blind-spot monitoring, and the Limited trim adds rear cross-traffic alert and a surround-view camera system.

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) hadn’t published its findings for the all-wheel-drive Avalon at the time of this writing, but the V6-powered version earned the not-for-profit organization’s Top Safety Pick+ award. The big sedan earned top ratings in every crash test conducted by the IIHS. 2026 Toyota Avalon Hybrid MPG

2026 Toyota Avalon Price and Release Date

As a large sedan, the Avalon carries a large price. While the V6-powered version starts at $43,350, this all-wheel-drive model is $49,050 before fees and taxes. By the comparison, the cheapest Camry with all-wheel traction starts at $30,590, while the top-of-the-line Camry XLE AWD is more than $10,000 less, at $38,650. But the Avalon is far roomier and far better equipped.

On paper, the price seems to be a lot for an average product. It is just a sedan, after all. But all-wheel drive helps to improve the Avalon’s appeal, and this is a car for shoppers who don’t want a crossover yet need something spacious and comfortable. It might seem like a niche, but if you’re the type who isn’t interested in the body style, seating position, or ergonomics of a crossover, then the Avalon is the best Toyota for the job. It’s just a shame it doesn’t have more oomph under the hood.  2026 Toyota Avalon Hybrid MPG