2016 Toyota Avalon Hybrid review

1. A smart appearance 

The Toyota Avalon Hybrid is a large sedan with an upmarket appearance. Styling is updated for 2016, with a new front grille, turn signals, LED taillights, and a chrome accent on the rear bumper. A subdued palette of colors complements the exterior updates and suits the Avalon Hybrid’s handsome lines. Choose from Parisian Night Pearl, Ooh La La Rouge Mica, Sizzling Crimson Mica, and Cosmic Gray Mica if you want to make more of a statement. 

2. Standard feature list  

Trim lines are realigned for the 2016 Toyota Avalon Hybrid, and whichever trim you choose, you’ll be rewarded with lots of standard features. The new entry Hybrid XLE Plus trim has a power tilt/slide sunroof, color-keyed heated and power-folding side mirrors, leather-trimmed heated front seats with power adjustments, and dual-zone climate control. The XLE Premium trim adds driver-assist features. Choose the Limited trim for convenient rain-sensing wipers, three-zone climate control, and a power rear window sunshade.  

3. Technology to please 

Whatever journey you’re on, you and everyone accommpanying you will be onboard with the Avalon Hybrid’s entertainment technology. The XLE Plus trim has the Toyota Entune^™ App Plus multimedia bundle as standard for 2016, with a seven-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth^® connectivity, USB integration, and HD Radio^®. The Entune^™ App Suite with integrated navigation, and smartphone app integration comes with the XLE Premium trim, and an 11-speaker JBL^® audio system is standard on the Limited trim.

To make sure no one’s device runs out of juice, choose the Limited trim for its Qi-compatible wireless smartphone charging. 

4. A spacious interior 

With room for five people and their stuff, the Avalon Hybrid has interior space to spare. Front seat legroom of 42.1 inches and rear seat legroom of 39.1 inches mean all the family should have room to stretch out. Near-identical front and rear headroom of around 37 inches is generous, and the 14 cu-ft trunk space is useful whether you’re going to the hardware store, or taking the kids to a sleepover.  

5. Excellent gas mileage 

Hybrid cars have the benefit of a gas engine with an electric motor to improve fuel economy. The 2.5L four-cylinder engine and hybrid system of the 2016 Toyota Avalon Hybrid has an output of 200 hp, controlled by a continuously variable transmission. Ideal for cruising, the Avalon Hybrid has an EPA-estimated 40 mpg combined.

With a 17-gallon fuel tank, that gives a theoretical range of nearly 700 miles, according to the EPA, which is great for those long interstate trips.