2020 Toyota Avalon Pros vs Cons. Should You Buy?

When discussing the best full-size sedans under $50,000, be sure to mention the 2020 Toyota Avalon. A starting MSRP of $35,800 makes it a strong value. You’ll appreciate the Avalon’s well-cushioned ride and strong safety scores. Although this sedan may not be known for being big on performance, most people are pleasantly surprised by its power. Let’s find out if the 2020 Toyota Avalon is right for you.

What’s New for 2020?

This year, not much has changed. However, Toyota has added a new TRD trim to the lineup. This aggressive-looking trim is designed to offer a sportier driving experience.

Top 10 Reasons to Buy a 2020 Toyota Avalon – The Pros

1. Standard Powertrain Packs Ample Performance

Under the hood of the new 2020 Toyota Avalon rests a strong V6 engine, which is also offered on the new Toyota Camry. It’s tuned to kick out slightly more than 300 horsepower and 267 pound-feet of torque. An eight-speed automatic gearbox helps the Avalon to effortlessly get up to speed. With a tested 0-60 mph sprint of 6.0 seconds, the Avalon is definitely fast enough to entertain most drivers.

2. Good On Gas for a Big Sedan

Often times, large sedans force drivers to sacrifice a bit of fuel economy. Fortunately, that’s not the case for the 2020 Toyota Avalon. This car is an efficient option for families who tend to spend a lot of time on the road. It’s rated by the federal government to return an estimated 22 mpg in town and 32 mpg on the freeway. Furthermore, you can feed the engine regular gas as opposed to premium unleaded.

3. All-New TRD Model Delivers More Driving Fun

In the past, the Toyota Avalon didn’t have a big fun factor. However, you’ll enjoy driving the latest generation. Driving enthusiasts will especially like the all-new TRD trim. While it comes standard with the same powertrain, it benefits from a few additional performance goodies. A lowered TRD suspension and upgraded performance tires help enhance the Avalon’s handling capabilities. There’s also no overlooking the Avalon TRD’s more aggressive exterior styling, which is highlighted by 19-inch black alloy wheels and a sporty mesh grille.

4. A Reliable Car You Can Keep for the Long Haul

Toyota has proven its ability to manufacture long-lasting vehicles. The 2020 Toyota Avalon is no exception. When properly maintained, it can easily deliver more than 300,000 miles of trouble-free service. While German luxury sedans like the BMW 5-Series and the Mercedes-Benz E-Class are fine automobiles, they can’t come close to matching the Avalon’s long-term reliability. Avalon owners also enjoy a much lower cost of maintenance, which saves a lot of money.

5. Very Comfortable for Daily Commuting and Road Trips

On the road, the 2020 Toyota Avalon feels like a legitimate luxury sedan. When taking the new Avalon for a test drive, you’ll immediately notice its ultra-smooth ride. Whether you’re traveling on the interstate or driving through the city, expect the Avalon’s well-tuned suspension to minimize bumpiness. Of course, everyone in your family will be thankful for the Avalon’s roomy passenger area. Because of the cabin’s great legroom, even tall folks can kick back.

6. Offers a High Level of Passenger Safety

The new 2020 Toyota Avalon is hands-down one of the safest large sedans you’ll find. Superior crash scores enabled the Avalon to receive top ratings from the NHTSA and the IIHS. Even the least expensive trim receives a Toyota Safety Sense P system, which is essentially a collection of accident-avoidance technologies. Features include pre-collision warning with automatic panic braking, blind-spot warning, lane keeping assist, and radar-based adaptive cruise control. Reverse automatic braking is on the Avalon’s list of options.

7. Looks Far More Exciting Than the Previous Generation

Last year, Toyota decided to completely reinvent the Avalon’s exterior styling. Unlike in the past, the new Avalon no longer gets lost in the crowd. Elegant body lines and a bolder front fascia help the latest model to command plenty of attention on the road. Toyota also gives you two sporty trims to choose from: XSE and TRD. While the Avalon XSE looks sharp with its 19-inch wheels and rear spoiler, the racy Avalon TRD has an even more powerful appearance.

8. Available Features That Take the Pain Out of Parking

For many drivers, parking is one of their least favorite tasks. While the new Toyota Avalon does not offer an automated parking system, it does offer a highly recommend Advanced Safety package. When trying to maneuver in a busy area, you’ll greatly appreciate the enhanced visibility of the Avalon’s optional 360-degree camera system. Meanwhile, reverse automated braking gives you more security when backing out of parking spots. Rear parking sensors are included in the package as well.

9. Base Model Comes Loaded With A Lot of Equipment

If you don’t want to spend any extra money, consider getting the base 2020 Toyota Avalon XLE. An impressive number of standard features makes it an honest bang for the buck. Apple CarPlay now comes standard, which is a big plus for iPhone users. With the ability to support multiple mobile devices at one time, the Avalon’s Wi-fi hotspot is a feature your entire family can benefit from. Satellite and HD radio also come standard.

10. Optional JBL Sound System Rocks

The new Avalon’s standard eight-speaker stereo sounds good enough for the average music fan. If you really want to dial up the sound quality, step up to the Avalon’s 14-speaker JBL premium audio system. It features a 1,200-watt amplifier for especially clear sound at high volumes. A subwoofer mounted behind the rear seat allows you to feel strong bass notes. Because this excellent stereo system costs less than $700, serious music lovers shouldn’t hesitate to get it.

Reasons Not to Buy a 2020 Toyota Avalon – The Cons

1. Still Does Not Offer All-Wheel Drive

Ever since it first hit the market more than 20 years ago, the Toyota Avalon has always used a front-wheel-drive platform. While most buyers won’t have any issues with the sedan’s front-wheel-drive system, others will need the superior traction of an AWD system. This is especially true for folks who are accustomed to dealing with rough winters. A good alternative to the Avalon is the Chrysler 300.

2. Entune Infotainment system Still Needs a Few Tweaks

Toyota’s latest Entune infotainment system is easy to use. However, it’s still a notch behind the competition in some aspects. Android Auto smartphone integration is not offered. A slow touchscreen also takes points away from the Entune interface. Furthermore, some testers have criticized the navigation system’s dated graphics.

3. Not a Lexus

Remember, Toyota is Lexus’ parent company. While the 2020 Toyota Avalon is a nice car, it does not feel quite as luxurious an the new Lexus ES. When checking out the new Lexus ES, you’ll notice its plusher interior. Exclusive upgrades available on the Lexus ES include a 12.3-inch display, noise-reducing side windows, and a hands-free trunk release.

4. No Self-Driving Features

Toyota does not offer the new 2020 Toyota Avalon with any semi-autonomous driving technologies. Even Nissan offers the new Altima with a ProPilot Assist system. By controlling steering and braking, it essentially allows the Altima to drive itself under certain conditions.

How It Stacks Up to the Competition

2020 Chevrolet Impala

When shopping for a new large sedan, you should also give the 2020 Chevrolet Impala some consideration. However, it’s base four-cylinder engine is far less potent. Buyers also can’t get the new Impala with a sports-tuned suspension. Most people will find the new Altima to be more engaging to drive.

2020 Chrysler 300

An optional AWD system makes the 2020 Chrysler 300 a good option for snow-prone regions of the country. You can also get the Chrysler 300 with a muscular V8 engine. However, don’t expect the Chrysler 300 to match the Avalon’s reliability. The Avalon will also save you a bit more money at the pump.

2020 Nissan Maxima

Like the 2020 Toyota Avalon, the 2020 Nissan Maxima comes standard with a powerful V6 engine. While the new Maxima gets high marks for its excellent front-seat comfort, a small backseat puts it at a disadvantage. You’ll also find more standard equipment on the new Avalon.

Conclusion

Although the 2020 Toyota Avalon is not perfect, it’s a great large sedan. With the arrival of a new TRD model, the Avalon is now more fun to drive than ever before. This sedan also remains one of the best family cars in America. A low cost of maintenance, excellent crash scores, and a spacious interior make the Avalon a top pick.

There are only a few shortcomings to the new Toyota Avalon. It's main weakness is the lack of an optional all-wheel-drive system. A revised infotainment system would also elevate the Avalon's appeal.