Had one as a rental a couple years ago...initially I was super pissed but quickly realized that it was not terrible. So not terrible I’d consider buying one.
Love the review guys. Especially Paul's part about the Camry being the "experimental" platform. Hope that gives executives at Toyota the idea to make a wagon version. Especially a hot wagon version. "the car that has become irrelevant is the ES." I said it before and I'll say it again, why have the ES? It's like the consolation prize of Lexus. I call the Avalon Toyota's best-kept secret. Everyone knows about Camrys and Corollas but the only ones who know about the Avalon are the niche gearheads who go for luxury cars (think James May of Top Gear/The Grand Tour) and people who work at rentals where the Avalon falls under the "premium" category. I've also referred to the Avalon as "stealth luxury." Everyone outside sees the car and thinks it is a Camry. Or they see the Toyota badge and think mid-level company car. It isn't until you get inside and drive it that you find the luxury of space and quietness. "I have leg problems in this seat." It is sad to see the Avalon's Limited Trim didn't come with a ten-way seat that includes the option to increase the front of the seat's edge. The 2016 model that had that feature. I wonder if you can change the seat for a Lexus one (maybe with a massage feature as well).
Unfortunately the Avalon is going away in 2022. This is the last generation for the Avalon. And the Lexus ES still continues, but production is moving to Japan. I guess Toyota wants to use the Avalon factory to build the Mirai.
The Avalon and ES come with front and side double glass for sound isolation but the Camry not have that .. I drive both the sound isolation in Camry was very bad
I want a large sedan with awd and I drove the Avalon limited 2.5L awd and the Lexus ES 2.5L awd. I loved the Avalon and hated the Lexus. Lexus interior looked the same as previous Lexus models to me. The ride was stiffer, didn’t have that boat like feel that I enjoy and I personally am not a fan of the Lexus sedan steering, it is way too stiff. I would understand on a fast car but they can’t do that and also leave a teeny 2.5L in. Avalon was comfortable, roomy, good soft leather. I did not notice the seat, my legs seemed to have been supported but I will now have to go back and drive again. I did not realize there was such a suspension difference between awd limited and the 2wd Touring. Will have to check that one out. I live in the north east so I am really excited about an awd sedan. I am planning to go back for round 2 test drive. The other car I’m looking at is completely different in everything most so in reliability but it’s the Cadillac ct6awd.
Great discussion, I enjoyed it more than the actual analysis of the vehicle. Still, whichever car you decide to purchase (i.e. Lexus ES / Toyota Avalon / Toyota Camry), you are a winner. All three vehicles are ones you can give to your 18 year old as they head off to college...or donate it to a church and not feel guilty that you donated a lemon. Yeah, it's a win-win situation and that doesn't happen too often in life, Ravi Peiris M.D.
Fun fact: just a few years ago, Hyundai actually sold a vehicle called Aslan, and they even used a lion in their marketing! It was meant to sit in between the 5th gen Avalon-fighting Grandeur (Azera), which is wildly popular in Korea, and the then-new 2nd generation DH Hyundai Genesis (pre-Genesis brand), combining styling elements of both in the interior and exterior. However, customers didn't feel it was worth it as it was basically the equivalent of a Lexus ES but still under the mother brand, so the extra expense wasn't worth it. I don't think it lasted more than two model years before they pulled the plug.
Fully agree that the Avalon is nicer than the ES with the audio system being the exception. Id go Avalon with this revised face. That said it should have an awd V6 option. Much nicer looking now. I think most of Lexus are just rebadged Toyota now. Like Infiniti and Nissan
I drive a 1999 Lexus ES and the biggest reason it has lasted the 6 years I have had it is because the older couple that had it before me took such good care of it. Every preventative maintenance was documented and my car that is older than my teenagers soldiers on! I’m looking forward to a new car with fun turn signals...but don’t tell my Lexus 😉
That engine had a lot of problems in the time it was produced, so I heard. Many people call it the worst engine Lexus has ever built. It might work, if they can make it as reliable as the 3.5 V6.
Love the turn signals! Toyota will sell millions of these because it's smooth, reliable and is somewhat reserved looking. I'd enjoy driving it on a long trip or stuck in traffic as it reminds me of a relaxing peaceful sanctuary on wheels. With all of that said design wise I'd shrink that huge grill some and get rid of some of the harsh angles and put more curves on the car. Oops my Porsche design enthusiasm is showing up again! 🤣
Actually you shouldn't love those turn signals. Not only are they red instead of amber like they should be but they're also the same lights as the brake lights and so every time you turn on the turn signal you lose a brake light. Every Avalon before this one had nice separate amber turn signals up until this model. It is disgusting how red turn signals are even still a thing at all
They do, just that all wheel drive isn't available on those. Better still, use the hybrid from the Highlander. It has more power than the RAV4 hybrid system, and it still gets close to 40mpg in the Highlander and sienna. And that's with all wheel drive.
Well, the Camry and Avalon did diverge. Camry into the future. Avalon to the graveyard, cancelled after 2022. So if you want an Avalon you will have to visit your Lexus dealer and write a bigger number on the check.
Its a shame all 356 speedsters and 1970 porsche 911's and E 30 bmw M3's and 308 ferraris and jaguar v 12's .. bentleys , and gt40's need to be destroyed because they dont have cooled and heated seats or infotainment systems. No lane sensors. No air bags or anti collision systems. I assume they will not be allowed on the street soon.
The combination red turn signal is the most disgusting and lazy move Toyota has made. This is the only Toyota with combination taillights. It is extremely dangerous.
Paul...really? Complaining about the multi-versions of the Camry and Avalon being around a dozen? How many 911s are there? As for why would you get the Lexus? Have you ever dealt with Toyota service/sales and compare it to Lexus? It’s worth 10k more. That said, I would buy neither. Toyota plays it “safe” as you mentioned which is code for boring and old (look at their infotainment, lack of panoramic sunroofs, etc...). Lexus, on the other hand, tried to push it on the infotainment system...hmm...no way to say this nicely...it stinks! Very terrible. But, their interiors are plush otherwise. But, there are much better options for the price range pretty much across the board...The only Toyota I would consider buying is the Corolla hatchback with a manual....great price, fun to drive and just beat the crap out of, and cheap! For that, I would deal with the infotainment and lack of other current tech....
This is the most entertaining review of an utterly boring car that currently exists on TH-cam. Well done!
Glad we were able to make it entertaining. Thanks for watching!
Pretty sure that's the first time I've seen anyone under 70 years old driving an Avalon.
Had one as a rental a couple years ago...initially I was super pissed but quickly realized that it was not terrible. So not terrible I’d consider buying one.
This stigma keeps them from inflation. The luxury, full-size Camry that costs less
My parents drove a couple of them in their 50s. The car is now with my sister who is 19. They're phenomenal cars
You guys can make a great review video of absolutely any vehicle. You and Savagegeese are the only ones who could get me to watch an Avalon review.
If Toyota made an Avalon V6 AWD Wagon with those turning signals, I'd take it as daily driver
This review perfectly illustrates why I love these guys 😂
Glad you enjoyed. Thanks for watching!
Paul is auditioning for SNL in this piece. LOVED it, thank you for making the Avalon more fun than any mood board at Toyota ever expected.
These guys don’t get enough credit for being the longest running TH-cam reviewers
Comprehensive review of the Avalon!
Thank you 🙏
Love you guys always fun to watch.
Love the review guys. Especially Paul's part about the Camry being the "experimental" platform. Hope that gives executives at Toyota the idea to make a wagon version. Especially a hot wagon version.
"the car that has become irrelevant is the ES."
I said it before and I'll say it again, why have the ES? It's like the consolation prize of Lexus.
I call the Avalon Toyota's best-kept secret. Everyone knows about Camrys and Corollas but the only ones who know about the Avalon are the niche gearheads who go for luxury cars (think James May of Top Gear/The Grand Tour) and people who work at rentals where the Avalon falls under the "premium" category.
I've also referred to the Avalon as "stealth luxury." Everyone outside sees the car and thinks it is a Camry. Or they see the Toyota badge and think mid-level company car. It isn't until you get inside and drive it that you find the luxury of space and quietness.
"I have leg problems in this seat."
It is sad to see the Avalon's Limited Trim didn't come with a ten-way seat that includes the option to increase the front of the seat's edge. The 2016 model that had that feature. I wonder if you can change the seat for a Lexus one (maybe with a massage feature as well).
Unfortunately the Avalon is going away in 2022. This is the last generation for the Avalon. And the Lexus ES still continues, but production is moving to Japan. I guess Toyota wants to use the Avalon factory to build the Mirai.
Paul was in a good mood :)
Based on this review, I'm getting a (future collector) Avalon TRD. Thanks Paul and Todd. 🏁
Trust you guys to provide significant video entertainment on the world's most unentertaining car. Great job as usual!
Glad you enjoyed it, thank you for watching!
The Avalon and ES come with front and side double glass for sound isolation but the Camry not have that .. I drive both the sound isolation in Camry was very bad
I want a large sedan with awd and I drove the Avalon limited 2.5L awd and the Lexus ES 2.5L awd.
I loved the Avalon and hated the Lexus. Lexus interior looked the same as previous Lexus models to me. The ride was stiffer, didn’t have that boat like feel that I enjoy and I personally am not a fan of the Lexus sedan steering, it is way too stiff. I would understand on a fast car but they can’t do that and also leave a teeny 2.5L in.
Avalon was comfortable, roomy, good soft leather. I did not notice the seat, my legs seemed to have been supported but I will now have to go back and drive again.
I did not realize there was such a suspension difference between awd limited and the 2wd Touring. Will have to check that one out. I live in the north east so I am really excited about an awd sedan. I am planning to go back for round 2 test drive.
The other car I’m looking at is completely different in everything most so in reliability but it’s the Cadillac ct6awd.
Great discussion, I enjoyed it more than the actual analysis of the vehicle. Still, whichever car you decide to purchase (i.e. Lexus ES / Toyota Avalon / Toyota Camry), you are a winner. All three vehicles are ones you can give to your 18 year old as they head off to college...or donate it to a church and not feel guilty that you donated a lemon. Yeah, it's a win-win situation and that doesn't happen too often in life,
Ravi Peiris M.D.
Fun fact: just a few years ago, Hyundai actually sold a vehicle called Aslan, and they even used a lion in their marketing! It was meant to sit in between the 5th gen Avalon-fighting Grandeur (Azera), which is wildly popular in Korea, and the then-new 2nd generation DH Hyundai Genesis (pre-Genesis brand), combining styling elements of both in the interior and exterior. However, customers didn't feel it was worth it as it was basically the equivalent of a Lexus ES but still under the mother brand, so the extra expense wasn't worth it. I don't think it lasted more than two model years before they pulled the plug.
I guess that explains why the Lexus ES outsells the Avalon. Luxury cars without a luxury car badge and price usually don't sell well.
Fully agree that the Avalon is nicer than the ES with the audio system being the exception. Id go Avalon with this revised face. That said it should have an awd V6 option. Much nicer looking now. I think most of Lexus are just rebadged Toyota now. Like Infiniti and Nissan
I drive a 1999 Lexus ES and the biggest reason it has lasted the 6 years I have had it is because the older couple that had it before me took such good care of it. Every preventative maintenance was documented and my car that is older than my teenagers soldiers on! I’m looking forward to a new car with fun turn signals...but don’t tell my Lexus 😉
Trust me it would’ve lasted even if they dogged it out. It’s a Toyota/Lexus
Lexus will know because they are in fact Toyota
Need a AWD, V6 Option with 300Hp to really get me to buy to the newest Avalon!!!
I’d actually prefer Lexus use the old 2.5 V6 from the 06-15 IS250 in a Luxury Vehicle.. it literally makes the same power but smoother
That engine had a lot of problems in the time it was produced, so I heard. Many people call it the worst engine Lexus has ever built. It might work, if they can make it as reliable as the 3.5 V6.
This show is funnier than any from the Netflix
Love the turn signals! Toyota will sell millions of these because it's smooth, reliable and is somewhat reserved looking. I'd enjoy driving it on a long trip or stuck in traffic as it reminds me of a relaxing peaceful sanctuary on wheels. With all of that said design wise I'd shrink that huge grill some and get rid of some of the harsh angles and put more curves on the car. Oops my Porsche design enthusiasm is showing up again! 🤣
Actually you shouldn't love those turn signals. Not only are they red instead of amber like they should be but they're also the same lights as the brake lights and so every time you turn on the turn signal you lose a brake light. Every Avalon before this one had nice separate amber turn signals up until this model. It is disgusting how red turn signals are even still a thing at all
Unfortunately, Toyota discontinued the Avalon. It was one of the best looking vehicles from Toyota.
That's not fake wood on the doors. Yamaha provides the real wood for the doors and instrument panel.
Running gear is not an improved term for drivetrain and suspension.
I just don’t understand why Toyota didn’t just use the Hybrid from Rav-4 in these cars!
They do, just that all wheel drive isn't available on those. Better still, use the hybrid from the Highlander. It has more power than the RAV4 hybrid system, and it still gets close to 40mpg in the Highlander and sienna. And that's with all wheel drive.
You cannot get panoramic roof on Avalon but you can on the lexus.
Well, the Camry and Avalon did diverge. Camry into the future. Avalon to the graveyard, cancelled after 2022. So if you want an Avalon you will have to visit your Lexus dealer and write a bigger number on the check.
hahaha. The turn signal stuff made me laugh. Is it more of an education thing for BMW drivers that turn signals are fun?
Facts.
I'm sure there will be some people who buy the Toyota and put a Lexus badges on
Hasn't the Avalon always played this role...
اوييليي
toyota should put a v8 engine on avalon
Need for stitching LoL
For the dad who finds the new Camry too edgy.
Its a shame all 356 speedsters and 1970 porsche 911's and E 30 bmw M3's and 308 ferraris and jaguar v 12's .. bentleys , and gt40's need to be destroyed because they dont have cooled and heated seats or infotainment systems. No lane sensors. No air bags or anti collision systems. I assume they will not be allowed on the street soon.
It’s real wood - from Yamaha
The combination red turn signal is the most disgusting and lazy move Toyota has made. This is the only Toyota with combination taillights. It is extremely dangerous.
Imagine making the perfect turn signal lever.. but its for a bmw.. and therefore will never be used in the life of the car..
Toyota Avalon "Shuffle on in!"
That was our alternate title!
Paul...really? Complaining about the multi-versions of the Camry and Avalon being around a dozen? How many 911s are there? As for why would you get the Lexus? Have you ever dealt with Toyota service/sales and compare it to Lexus? It’s worth 10k more. That said, I would buy neither. Toyota plays it “safe” as you mentioned which is code for boring and old (look at their infotainment, lack of panoramic sunroofs, etc...). Lexus, on the other hand, tried to push it on the infotainment system...hmm...no way to say this nicely...it stinks! Very terrible. But, their interiors are plush otherwise. But, there are much better options for the price range pretty much across the board...The only Toyota I would consider buying is the Corolla hatchback with a manual....great price, fun to drive and just beat the crap out of, and cheap! For that, I would deal with the infotainment and lack of other current tech....
How balding white guys should cut their hair: passenger = yes, driver = no. Signed, a guy with a full head of hair.