Review and Test Drive: 2019 Toyota Avalon Hybrid Limited – The Green Car Driver –

While I wouldn’t say that the handling was sporty, the adaptive suspension bestowed on it a more European feel than most Japanese cars offer. Steering was spot on and the hybrid’s 18-inch Hankook Kinergy GT tires provided a smooth ride even on sharp turns. The steering-responsive full-LED headlights followed the steering input nicely.

The Avalon Hybrid not only outdoes its fourth-generation predecessor in fuel economy at 43 mpg (5.47 l/100 km) (it gets 2.15 times the fuel economy of the 2005 Buick Park Avenue, at 20 mpg or 11.76 l/100 km).

The Avalon is very well equipped in the safety department, thanks to Toyota’s commitment to offering its Safety Sense package as standard. This includes a pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, lane departure alert with steering assist, automatic high beams, and radar cruise control. Also standard are blind spot monitor, and rear cross-traffic alert.

The advanced safety package adds a Bird’s Eye View camera with Perimeter Scan, Intelligent Clearance Sonar (which helps detect low-speed collisions), and rear cross-traffic braking.

BOTTOM LINE

It’s rare that a hybrid excels at fulfilling its mission of excellent fuel economy but the Avalon Hybrid is that rare bird. Its 43 mpg (5.47 l/100 km) both in the city and on the highway is nothing short of exemplary for a car of its size and, when one adds in its excellent road manners and posh interior, it’s clear this will be on many car buyer’s short lists.

THE DETAILS

	2019 Toyota Avalon Hybrid Limited
Base price/price-as-tested	$42,800/$45,116
Drivetrain	Front engine, all-wheel drive
Engine	2.5-liter inline four  and 2 electric motors
Combined Horsepower	215
Transmission	CVT
Curb weight (lbs)	3,175
Wheelbase(inches)	195.9
Length x width x height(inches)	120.1 x 66.1 x 59.1
0-60 mph(seconds) (est.)	7.8
Fuel economy(mpg) (city/hwy)	43/43

(Photos: Accura Media Group)

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