Flash Drive

2022 Toyota Avalon Hybrid

 Model Tested: 2022 Toyota Avalon XSE Hybrid Nightshade

The 2022 Toyota Avalon Hybrid is a very spacious full-size family sedan that also gets great fuel economy.

Engine: 2.5-liter I-4, 215 combined horsepower and 163 lb.-ft torque

Transmission: ECVT automatic transmission, front-wheel drive

EPA Rating: 43-mpg city, 43-mpg highway, 43-mpg combined

Base Price: $40,600

As Tested: $44,157

Performance:

Excellent fuel economy in the low forties

Very good acceleration

Front seat space and features are excellent.

Smooth power application

Very comfortable highway ride

Drive modes: Eco, Normal, Sport, EV

Comprehensive driver assistance suite

Comfort:

Spacious, comfortable, well-appointed interior

Super stretch-out front legroom

Heated front seats

Driver power lumbar

Medium thick, slightly contoured steering wheel

Rear seat room and comfort are one of the Avalon’s best features.

Lots of good auxiliary controls

Good quality leather on seats

Very spacious rear seat

Firm, but comfy rear seats

An adult can fit in middle position

Utility:

Wide trunk opening

Flat trunk floor

Six-inch lift-over

Sixteen cubic feet of trunk space

Trunk lip release buttons for folding rear seats

The Toyota Avalon Hybrid is ideally suited for long distance driving.

Big height difference between trunk and folder seats

Folded seats slope

Medium size front door bins

Big console bin

Top of console lightly padded

Three charging ports in console

Medium glovebox but no lock

Big visors that slide

Extra storage in front of shifter

Big seatback pouches

Interior upholstery materials and trim are on par with many luxury sedans.

WOW Factors:

Nice use of black trim for Nightshade Edition

Big, comfy interior including rear seat

Very good fuel economy

Pleasurable long distance cruiser

Whines:

Grille design a little busy for us

Height difference between trunk and folded seats

Inexpensive headliner

The 2022 Toyota Avalon Hybrid Nightshade Edition is the most stylish contemporary version of the Avalon.

Bottom Line:

The 2022 Toyota Avalon XSE Hybrid Nightshade is a big, comfortable full-size sedan—a vehicle category that’s fast disappearing in the sea of SUVs. Not everyone wants or needs an off-road capable vehicle. Many people just want a comfortable, fuel-efficient four-door sedan and that’s what the Toyota Avalon has always been and has always done very well. The hybrid option only makes the Toyota Avalon better.