The Toyota Avalon, a flagship sedan known for its premium comfort and sophisticated style, continues to evolve for the 2021 model year. Building on its reputation for offering a diverse range of customer choices, the 2021 Avalon introduces several key updates, including the highly anticipated All-Wheel Drive (AWD) option, a striking new Nightshade Edition, and advancements to its acclaimed Hybrid powertrain. From the robust power of a 301-horsepower V6 engine to the exceptional fuel efficiency of the Hybrid, and now the added confidence of available AWD, the 2021 Toyota Avalon solidifies its position as a leader in the premium midsize sedan segment.
What makes the 2021 Toyota Avalon truly stand out is its ability to cater to a broad spectrum of drivers. Whether you prioritize exhilarating performance, fuel-sipping efficiency, or enhanced all-weather capability, the Avalon lineup has a configuration designed to meet your needs. This coupe-inspired sedan doesn’t compromise on interior space or luxury, offering a cavernous cabin, premium materials, and the peace of mind of Toyota Safety Sense driver-assist technology, complete with automatic emergency braking.
Toyota’s commitment to innovation is evident in the fifth-generation Avalon, launched in 2019, and further refined for 2021. Following the introduction of the performance-oriented Avalon TRD in 2020, the 2021 model year brings the first-ever AWD Avalon, expanding its appeal to drivers in regions with challenging weather conditions.
For eco-conscious buyers, the Avalon Hybrid, which accounts for a significant portion of Avalon sales, receives a notable upgrade with a new Lithium-ion (Li-ion) battery pack, replacing the previous Nickel-metal hydride (Ni-MH) battery. This enhancement contributes to the Avalon Hybrid’s impressive manufacturer-projected EPA-estimated range rating of 44 combined MPG. Furthermore, a new Vehicle Approach Noise system enhances pedestrian safety at low speeds.
The 2021 Avalon also embraces modern style with the addition of the Nightshade Edition, a factory-custom aesthetic package that adds a touch of sporty sophistication without the custom price tag. No other sedan in its class offers such a comprehensive array of choices, making the Toyota Avalon a truly versatile and compelling option.
The 2021 Toyota Avalon lineup offers a total of 10 distinct variations:
- V6 Gas Engine: Available in XLE, XSE Nightshade, Limited, Touring, and TRD grades.
- Hybrid: Offered in XLE, XSE, and Limited grades.
- All-Wheel Drive: Available on XLE and Limited grades.
For over 26 years, the Toyota Avalon has skillfully balanced premium midsize value with genuine luxury. The current generation incorporates Toyota-first features, such as available Dynamic Auxiliary Turn Signals and sophisticated aluminum and authentic Yamaha wood cabin accents. Its athletic handling provides a sporty driving experience while maintaining its signature luxury feel, especially enhanced by the Adaptive Variable Suspension (AVS) standard on the Touring grade.
Striking Design and Customization Options
Toyota designers aimed for a more emotional and captivating design for the fifth-generation Avalon. The result is a sedan with sculpted lines and a sleek, coupe-like silhouette, made possible by the low center of gravity TNGA platform. The available color palette further enhances the Avalon’s sophisticated drama.
The Avalon TRD performance model offers a distinctive two-tone paint option, featuring a black roof paired with either Windchill Pearl or the new Ice Edge body color. Ice Edge replaces Supersonic Red, which is now available for other Avalon grades. Midnight Black Metallic remains a third color choice for the 2021 Avalon TRD.
Across the Avalon range, a new Blueprint color replaces Parisian Night Pearl. Continuing color options for 2021 include Opulent Amber, Harbor Gray Metallic, Celestial Silver Metallic, and Ruby Flare Pearl. Interior color updates include Cognac with Black for the XSE Hybrid and Touring, and Black replacing Beige in the Limited trim.
For drivers seeking a bolder aesthetic, the new 2021 XSE Nightshade Edition, based on the sporty XSE grade, delivers. Building upon the XSE’s black grille, mirror caps, rear spoiler, and badging, the Nightshade Edition adds black-painted 19-inch alloy wheels, black window trim and door handles, and a black shark fin antenna. The Avalon XSE Nightshade is available with Midnight Black Metallic, Wind Chill Pearl, and Celestial Silver Metallic exterior colors.
All-Wheel Drive: Enhanced Confidence in Any Weather
A significant addition for the 2021 model year is the introduction of all-wheel drive to the Toyota Avalon lineup. Toyota projects that AWD models will account for approximately 20 percent of Avalon sales. Available as a standalone option on the XLE and Limited grades, the Dynamic Torque Control AWD system is paired with a 2.5-liter Dynamic Force four-cylinder engine and an eight-speed Direct-Shift automatic transmission. This powertrain configuration delivers 205 horsepower and features dual exhausts.
The Dynamic Torque Control AWD system provides optimal traction in challenging weather conditions while minimizing the typical fuel economy drawbacks associated with AWD systems. It can direct up to 50 percent of engine torque to the rear wheels when accelerating from a standstill or when wheel slippage is detected at the front.
When AWD is not required, the electromagnetically controlled coupling on the rear drive axle can disengage the propeller shaft to prioritize fuel efficiency. The system is designed to seamlessly re-engage instantaneously when needed, operating transparently to both the driver and passengers.
The Avalon AWD achieves impressive fuel economy, with manufacturer projected EPA-estimated ratings of 25 city / 34 highway / 28 combined MPG. The suspension tuning, wheels, and tires from the front-wheel-drive Avalon models are carried over to the AWD versions. Importantly, the addition of AWD does not compromise the Avalon’s spacious passenger cabin, trunk capacity, ride comfort, cabin quietness, or agile handling.
The XLE AWD trim includes a leather-wrapped heated steering wheel, a feature already standard on the Limited grade. The Avalon AWD is a North America-exclusive model, developed in the U.S. and assembled at Toyota Motor Manufacturing, Kentucky.
Avalon TRD: Track-Inspired Performance for the Road
For driving enthusiasts seeking a more exhilarating experience, the Avalon TRD (Toyota Racing Development) model delivers track-inspired performance with everyday refinement. TRD, renowned for its success in various motorsports disciplines, brings its holistic approach to performance engineering to the Avalon.
The Avalon TRD is powered exclusively by Toyota’s 301-horsepower 3.5-liter V-6 engine with direct injection. The Direct-Shift eight-speed automatic transmission features sport mode and paddle shifters for enhanced driver engagement. A TRD-tuned cat-back dual exhaust system provides a more aggressive engine note during idle and acceleration.
Extensive testing and development by TRD engineers have resulted in significant dynamic enhancements for the Avalon TRD. Thicker underbody braces increase torsional rigidity, and unique coil springs lower the vehicle by 0.6 inches, lowering the center of gravity for improved handling.
The chassis is further enhanced with stiffer coil springs and stabilizer bars, increasing roll stiffness by 44% at the front and 67% at the rear. Exclusive TRD shock absorbers complete the suspension modifications, enhancing body control, handling agility, and steering precision.
Lightweight 19 x 8.5-inch matte-black alloy wheels, a hallmark of TRD engineering, reduce unsprung mass by 18 pounds compared to the 19-inch wheels on the Avalon XSE grade, contributing to improved cornering performance. New for 2021, the Avalon TRD offers the option of summer-only tires for even greater grip and handling capability.
The Avalon TRD features larger front brakes with 12.9-inch diameter rotors and dual-piston calipers, compared to the 12.0-inch rotors and single-piston calipers on the Avalon XSE. Brake performance is tuned for more direct feedback and enhanced stopping power.
The exclusive TRD aerodynamic body kit, including a front splitter, side aero skirts, trunk lid spoiler, and rear diffuser, not only adds aggressive styling but also improves high-speed stability. Available exterior colors include the TRD-exclusive Ice Edge, Wind Chill Pearl, and Midnight Black Metallic, all complemented by red pinstriping on the aero body elements.
Inside, the Avalon TRD features black Sport SofTex-trimmed heated front seats with Ultrasuede inserts and red accents. Exclusive TRD touches include red-stitched TRD embroidered headrests, a leather-wrapped steering wheel with red stitching, red seatbelts, a shift knob with an embossed TRD logo, and unique TRD floor and trunk mats.
In addition to the new Ice Edge exterior color, black roof, and available summer tires, the 2021 Avalon TRD receives a new dramatic startup animation in the multi-information display.
Aerodynamic Design and Distinctive Grade Styling
The Avalon’s sleek and aerodynamic design is not just aesthetically pleasing but also functional. Lateral front vents, a rear spoiler, and extensive underbody paneling contribute to an impressive 0.27 coefficient of drag. This aerodynamic efficiency translates to improved fuel economy and reduced wind noise. Connected, three-dimensional “aero fin” style LED taillamps emphasize the vehicle’s width and planted stance.
Visual distinctions between Avalon grades are clear. A dark gray front grille with a chrome border identifies the XLE and Limited versions, which also feature machined-silver-colored LED headlight bezels and body-color rearview mirror housings. Exclusive wheel designs range from 17 to 19 inches, along with chrome badges and dual exhaust tips.
The XSE and Touring grades showcase a sportier character with a piano-black mesh grille, machine-finish and gloss-black wheels, as well as black outer mirror housings, headlight bezels, trunk lid spoiler, and exterior badging. For XSE, Touring, and TRD models, a grade-specific lower diffuser is positioned above and between quad tailpipes.
Interior Comfort and Technology
The Avalon has long been recognized for its exceptional outward visibility and spacious interior, qualities that are maintained in the latest generation. Thin pillars and a wide windshield create an open and airy feeling for both front and rear passengers. Rear seat spaciousness, a hallmark of the Avalon, offers generous shoulder room (57.1 in.), leg room (40.3 in. for V-6; 40.4 in. for Hybrid/AWD), and headroom (37.5 in. for V-6; 37.1 in. for Hybrid/AWD).
The interior design emphasizes elegance through simple and purposeful placement of controls and amenities, incorporating authentic materials such as Yamaha-sourced wood trim and aluminum accents. Soft-touch materials are abundant throughout the cabin, complemented by piano-black and satin chrome-finish trim elements. Rear passengers benefit from dedicated air vents, available seat heaters, and USB charging ports.
Cabin trim choices reflect each model grade’s personality. The XLE features engineered wood trim, while the Limited boasts genuine Yamaha wood trim. Aluminum trim adorns the TRD, Touring, and XSE cabins. Luxurious perforated SofTex and Ultrasuede upholstery is used in the Touring, XSE, and TRD, while the XLE features SofTex-trimmed seats with unique vertical stitching. The Limited grade adds premium leather seats with a distinctive quilt pattern and two-color stitching, exclusive to Toyota.
The Avalon seamlessly integrates advanced technology with refined luxury. A slim center stack houses a 9-inch Toyota Audio system, displaying audio, navigation, and climate control functions. A satin chrome-finish trim surrounds the center cluster panel, which appears to “float” above the instrument panel.
Below the panel, passengers have easy access to the slide-open eBin, containing a 12-volt plug and wireless Qi mobile device charger (Qi available on XLE grades and standard on all other grades). New for 2021, two versatile USB-C power ports replace USB-A ports in the front and rear console box. Supple padding lines both sides of the console’s lower tunnel at knee height for added comfort.
The Avalon’s three-spoke steering wheel features satin chrome-finish accents and conveniently placed multifunction controls. The wheel can be wrapped in two-tone leather when outfitted in Cognac or Graphite interior colors.
A 7-inch Multi-Information Display (MID) in the driver’s line of sight provides vehicle information, turn-by-turn navigation, and various vehicle settings, including TSS-P functions and available Intelligent Clearance Sonar, Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert, and Head-Up Display.
Avalon Hybrid grades feature the same 7-inch central screen, but with a Hybrid System Indicator to the left, displaying real-time regeneration status.
Limited and Touring grades come standard with a color 10-inch Head-Up Display (HUD), the largest in the segment, projecting critical information onto the lower portion of the windshield, including vehicle and engine speed, turn-by-turn directions, audio settings, and drive mode.
Advanced Connectivity and Audio
Avalon XLE, XSE, and TRD grades come standard with a Toyota Audio Plus eight-speaker system with Connected Navigation App and App Suite, featuring new in-vehicle third-party applications. The system’s nine-inch capacitive touchscreen supports smartphone-like pinch and flick gestures and includes SiriusXM® with a 3-month All Access trial.
For 2021, Android Auto compatibility is added, joining the already standard Apple CarPlay. Toyota Premium Audio with JBL, standard in Limited and Touring and optional for other grades, features a powerful 1,200-watt, 14-speaker sound system, the most speakers in the segment. Both systems can be equipped with embedded Dynamic Navigation.
Connected Services include Safety Connect with a 1-year trial, Service Connect with a 10-year trial, and Remote Connect with a 1-year trial. Wi-Fi Connect Powered by Verizon trial with up to 2GB within 3 months is also included.
The Avalon also integrates smartwatch and Amazon Alexa-enabled device connectivity through Toyota Remote Connect. This allows drivers to remotely lock and unlock doors, start the engine, and check fuel levels using an Apple Watch, compatible smartwatch, or Amazon Alexa-enabled device. It is voice controllable and compatible with select Android or Apple devices.
Powertrain Options: V6 Power and Hybrid Efficiency
The front-wheel-drive Avalon’s 3.5-liter V-6 engine features Toyota’s D-4S fuel injection system, combining direct injection with port fuel injectors. It also uses a VVT-iW (Variable Valve Timing-intelligent Wide) system for the intake and VVT-i on the exhaust. The VVT-iW system enables the engine to switch to the Atkinson cycle, enhancing fuel efficiency.
The V-6 engine delivers 301 horsepower at 6,600 rpm and 267 lb.-ft. of peak torque at 4,700 rpm. Despite its powerful performance, V-6 Avalon models achieve excellent fuel efficiency, with manufacturer projected EPA-estimated ratings of 22 city/32 highway/26 combined MPG for the XLE grade, and 22/31/25 for all other grades.
XLE, XSE, TRD, and Limited grades offer a three-level drive mode selection (ECO, NORMAL, SPORT), while Touring grades feature a four-level selection, including ECO, NORMAL, SPORT/SPORT+, and CUSTOM.
In SPORT+ mode, occupants experience enhanced engine sounds through a sport-modified exhaust, Intake Sound Generator (ISG), Active Noise Control (ANC), and Engine Sound Enhancement (ESE), all of which can be deactivated for a quieter cabin experience.
The TNGA-K platform incorporates extensive sound insulation, including additional seals and sound absorption material, to ensure cabin quietness. Exterior rearview mirror shapes are designed to reduce both aerodynamic drag and wind noise.
The Avalon AWD option is powered by a 2.5-liter Dynamic Force four-cylinder engine with a high compression ratio (13:1) and D-4S fuel injection. It incorporates advanced Toyota technologies, including Dual VVT-i Variable Valve Timing intelligent system by Electric motor (VVT-iE) and laser-clad valve seats. Output is 205 hp at 6,600 rpm and 185 lb.-ft. of peak torque at 4,600 rpm.
Smooth and Responsive Transmissions
Avalon V-6 and AWD models are equipped with a Direct Shift eight-speed automatic transmission, providing smooth and quick shifts for an optimal balance of performance and refinement. Close mid-range ratios enhance passing performance, while a wide torque converter lock-up range contributes to a more direct driving feel and improved fuel efficiency. Steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters are standard on TRD, XSE, and Touring grades. The transmission automatically rev-matches during downshifts for smoother transitions.
Avalon Hybrid: Unrivaled Fuel Efficiency
The 2021 Avalon Hybrid achieves exceptional fuel economy, with manufacturer-projected EPA-estimated ratings of 43 city/44 highway/44 MPG combined for the XLE Hybrid (43/43/43 MPG for other Hybrid grades). The advanced Toyota Hybrid System (THS II) combines a specially engineered 2.5-liter Dynamic Force four-cylinder engine with two electric motors (MG1 and MG2) and a Lithium-ion battery pack.
The hybrid-specific 2.5-liter engine features an even higher compression ratio (14:1) than the AWD engine and incorporates a variable cooling system, cooled exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) system, and a full variable oil pump. Total hybrid system output is 215 hp. The Hybrid XSE features Sequential Shiftmatic technology, allowing drivers to simulate gear shifts using paddle shifters or the console-mounted shift lever.
The TNGA-K platform allows for the Lithium-ion battery pack to be positioned beneath the rear seat, maintaining the same trunk capacity as gas-powered Avalon models.
Avalon Hybrid models offer NORMAL, ECO, EV, and SPORT drive system modes. SPORT mode enhances performance feel with quicker acceleration response.
For maximizing fuel efficiency, the Avalon Hybrid includes Auto Glide Control (AGC), which minimizes speed loss through engine braking, allowing for extended coasting. An AGC indicator light illuminates on the multi-information display when activated.
Ride and Handling Refinement
The Avalon’s multi-link rear suspension contributes to its positive handling characteristics, including a wider rear track, lower center of gravity, and assertive stance. XSE and Touring grades feature sport-tuned suspension, while the Touring also adds Adaptive Variable Suspension (AVS), an electronically controlled damping system typically found in luxury vehicles.
AVS optimizes both controllability and handling agility without compromising ride comfort. It reduces body roll during directional changes, limits body movements, and effectively absorbs road imperfections for a smooth and composed ride.
AVS damping force is continuously variable through up to 650 steps, with adjustments occurring within 20 milliseconds. Drivers can adjust the ride feel with selectable NORMAL mode for comfort and SPORT+ mode for tauter handling and enhanced driving dynamics, which also quickens throttle response, increases steering feedback, and enhances engine sound.
Comprehensive Safety Features
All 2021 Avalon models come standard with Toyota Safety Sense-P (TSS-P), a suite of active safety systems including:
- Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection
- Dynamic Radar Cruise Control
- Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist
- Automatic High Beams
Available safety features include Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Cross Traffic Alert and Intelligent Clearance Sonar with Rear Cross Traffic Braking.
In addition to a standard backup camera, Avalon offers an available Bird’s Eye View Camera with Perimeter Scan, providing a composite overhead view of the vehicle and its surroundings.
All 2021 Avalon models are equipped with 10 standard airbags and Toyota’s Star Safety System, encompassing Enhanced Vehicle Stability Control, Traction Control, Electronic Brake-force Distribution, Brake Assist, Anti-lock Braking System, and Smart Stop Technology.
Proudly Assembled in Kentucky
The fifth-generation Avalon is the result of collaborative efforts from Toyota’s U.S.-based design, engineering, and manufacturing teams at Calty Design Research Inc., Toyota Motor North America Research and Development, and Toyota Motor Manufacturing, Kentucky, Inc. For over two decades, Toyota Motor Manufacturing, Kentucky has been the exclusive home of Avalon production. All Avalons sold in North America and globally are assembled there by dedicated team members.
Warranty and ToyotaCare
Toyota’s 36-month/36,000 mile basic new-vehicle warranty covers all components except normal wear and maintenance items. Additional 60-month warranties cover the powertrain for 60,000 miles and corrosion with no mileage limitation. Avalon Hybrid grades feature an 8-year/100,000 mile Hybrid System Warranty for all HV components. The hybrid battery warranty is now 10 years/150,000 miles, whichever comes first. ToyotaCare, a plan covering normal factory-scheduled maintenance and 24-hour roadside assistance for two years or 25,000 miles, is also standard.
For further information and assets related to the 2021 Toyota Avalon and Toyota Avalon Hybrid, please visit the Toyota Pressroom.
