2018 Toyota Avalon Pros vs Cons. Should You Buy?

The Toyota Avalon is the largest sedan in Toyota’s lineup. Over the years, it has become known for offering bulletproof reliability and outstanding passenger comfort. Drivers will also appreciate the Avalon’s strong acceleration. Impressive fuel economy sweetens the deal. While the base model is priced below $35,000, expect to pay around $42,100 for the top-of-the-line Avalon Limited.

What’s New for 2018?

No major changes were made to the new 2018 Toyota Avalon. All of the trim offerings remain the same.

 

Top 10 Reasons to Buy a 2018 Toyota Avalon – The Pros

1. Reliable & Affordable to Own

The 2018 Toyota Avalon is a car that you can keep in your family for many years to come. It has an excellent track record of being dependable. You can travel across the country without fearing a breakdown. All of the key components are engineered to withstand the test of time. A low cost of maintenance also makes the Avalon a great option.

2. Strong V6 Engine

Under the hood of the 2018 Toyota Avalon sits a proven V6 engine. It churns out a competitive 268 horsepower and 248 pound-feet of torque. Because the six-speed automatic transmission shifts so smoothly, the Avalon feels responsive at all times. Test drivers will immediately notice the sedan’s effortless acceleration. The extra muscle will come in handy when merging onto a busy freeway.

3. Fuel-Saving Design

Although the Avalon is classified as a large sedan, it can easily match the fuel efficiency of a smaller car. The Avalon is rated to return 21 mpg in the city and 30 mpg on the highway. Many drivers have actually achieved even better gas mileage in the real world. Fortunately, Toyota tuned the Avalon to burn regular unleaded fuel.

4. Fun-to-Drive Touring Trim

Although the 2018 Toyota Avalon is not a sports sedan, it still has the ability to provide an enjoyable driving experience. The Touring trim is especially engaging to drive. It comes equipped with a sports-tuned suspension, which promotes sharper handling. A set of 18-inch performance tires also help the Touring trim to hug the road.

5. Higher Trims Will Turn Heads

The base 2018 Toyota Avalon XLE looks stylish enough for most drivers. However, a number of other appearance upgrades are found on the higher trim levels. LED headlights and tail lamps transform the Avalon into a sportier-looking ride. Larger wheels also give the sedan a more athletic stance. Some of the hottest paint finishes include Sizzling Crimson Mica and Blizzard Pearl.

6. Well-Equipped Base Model

In terms of overall value, the base model is hard to beat. It delivers the same level of performance as the more expensive trims. Most importantly, the base Avalon comes loaded with a lot of equipment. Some of the standard goodies include leather upholstery, an eight-speaker sound system, and a touch-screen display. The MSRP for the entry-level Avalon is a reasonable $33,500.

7. Delivers Top-Notch Comfort

Your friends will love riding in the 2018 Toyota Avalon. Every passenger will have an outstanding amount of legroom. Wide doors enable elderly family members to easily climb aboard. Heated rear seats are found on the luxurious Limited trim. Whether you are making a quick run to the supermarket or taking an out-of-town road trip, look forward to experiencing a relaxing ride.

8. Easy to Integrate Your Smartphone

If you are a smartphone user, Toyota makes it simple to integrate your device. The entire process is a piece of cake. Although Apple CarPlay and Android Auto is not offered, the standard Bluetooth phone connectivity works very well. Music fans will be able to quickly access their favorite playlists.

9. New Standard Toyota Sense Safety Package

The Avalon already boasted a class-leading, five-star safety. However, every trim in the lineup now comes standard with a Toyota Safety Sense package. This package contains a number of helpful driving aids. Not only can the forward collision system warn you of a potential crash, but it can detect pedestrians as well. Lane-keep assist, automatic braking, and adaptive cruise control also come standard.

10. Safety Connect® Emergency Communications

When equipped with Safety Connect, the 2017 Toyota Avalon becomes a more secure family vehicle. You will have a constant link to emergency roadside assistance. This is a major benefit for the drivers who are constantly on the go.

 

Reasons Not to Buy a 2018 Toyota Avalon – The Cons

1. Front-Wheel Drive Only

Unfortunately, all-wheel drive is not offered on the 2018 Toyota Avalon. While the Avalon inspires confidence in rainy weather, snowy conditions may pose traction issues. If you live in an area that experiences a lot wintry weather, all-wheel drive could prove to be a must-have feature.

2. Some Competitors Deliver More Driving Excitement

The Avalon deserves credit for being a well-engineered automobile. Nevertheless, some drivers may crave more thrills. In contrast to the Avalon, the full-size Dodge Charger offers an exciting lineup of V8 engines. Car enthusiasts will certainly be intrigued by the Charger’s optional performance goodies.

3. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto Not Offered

Apple CarPlay and Android Auto have become extremely popular. Sadly, Avalon buyers don’t have access to these smartphone integration features. Buyers will have to settle for the sedan’s Bluetooth system, which does work quite well.

How it Stacks up to the Competition:

Some of the Avalon’s main rivals include the 2018 Nissan Maxima and the 2018 Chevrolet Impala. When compared to the Nissan Maxima, the Avalon’s more spacious backseat gives it a key advantage. Long-legged folks will have more space to relax. Neither of these competitors can match the Avalon’s proven long-term reliability.

Conclusion:

For good reason, the 2018 Toyota Avalon is highly recommended by numerous car reviewers. It remains a less expensive alternative to a premium luxury sedan. Impressive interior quality and strong fuel economy have helped the Avalon to remain among the class leaders. Everyone will benefit from the Avalon’s standard safety package. Choose the sporty Touring trim if you prefer responsive handling over an extremely plush ride.