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2016 Toyota Avalon review

Research, photos, specs, and expertise

Toyota Avalon highlights

Customer rating

RepairPal reliability rating

Pros

  • Large, quiet interior
  • Excellent trunk space
  • Quality construction

Cons

  • No all-wheel-drive option
  • Firm ride in Touring trim

Mileage (EPA estimate)

21 city, 30 highway, 24 combined

Pricing for current inventory

From $23,998*

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2016 Toyota Avalon is a prudent choice in a full-size sedan

The Toyota Avalon is the full-size passenger sedan offering from the popular Japanese automaker. For the 2016 model year, the Avalon was in the middle of its fourth generation, and this large car was in its heyday. This generation offers a high-quality interior, longevity, and reasonable luxury that approaches what you’d find in Toyota’s luxury division, Lexus.

In the U.S., the Avalon was fitted with Toyota's long-proven 3.5-liter V6 engine and a six-speed automatic transmission. The driveline powers the front wheels only, and performance is good for its class. Direct competitors include the Chevrolet Impala, Chrysler 300, Nissan Maxima, and Kia Cadenza. However, the Avalon generally scored higher than all its competitors in head-to-head comparisons. Buyers value the security of the Toyota brand.

All Toyota Avalon years

Not sure what year to select? Learn about each Toyota Avalon generation from 2013 to 2022

What is new for the 2016 Toyota Avalon?

  • The Avalon is available in a variety of new trims, including the XLE Plus and Touring.
  • The XLE Touring trim has been discontinued for 2016.
  • Smart Key features are now available as options on select trims.

What We Like   

  • Interior space and comfort: As a full-size sedan with front-wheel drive, there's plenty of space in the cabin. Toyota went to extra effort to keep the noise out and the smoothness in. The seats are soft and comfortable, even on long drives, and you can enjoy your music or conversation without shouting.  

  • Large trunk space: One reason to buy a full-size sedan is that you can carry four adults as well as four sets of golf clubs. Instead of golf clubs, the Avalon's 16 cubic feet of trunk space also equates to about 20 bags of groceries or luggage for four. 

  • Near-luxury at a mainstream price: The Avalon may wear a Toyota badge, but if you were to hide that “T” logo, you’d swear you were in a Lexus. The seats, touch surfaces, and controls all feel a cut above the rest of the class. If you’re seeking luxurious surroundings but aren’t worried about badges, the Avalon is worth a look. 

What Needs Improvement 

  • No all-wheel drive: By 2016, most sedans offered some form of all-wheel drive. Toyota did not offer AWD on the Avalon until the 2018 model year, the start of the fifth generation. Also, buyers should note that the 2016 Avalon Touring trim level comes with a sport-tuned suspension that may be firmer and harsher than expected. 

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Ratings & reliability

Customer ratings

4.7 out of 5

7 customer reviews
The 2016 Toyota Avalon is praised for its spacious and comfortable interior, smooth ride, and impressive power. Customers appreciate its handling and reliable build, but note some cabin noise, dashboard design issues, and concerns over maintenance costs. Though fuel economy and cargo space could improve, overall satisfaction remains high among users.

RepairPal reliability rating

4
1
2
Excellent

RepairPal gave the Toyota Avalon an overall reliability rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars, which RepairPal describes as Excellent. This rating ranks Toyota Avalon 1st out of 13 among Fullsize Cars.

View RepairPal's full rating of the Toyota Avalon

Toyota Avalon features and specs

Curious how Toyota Avalon trims differ? Use our side-by-side vehicle comparison to see the differences and similarities

XLE Premium 4D Sedan 2WD

Standard Features

  • Smart Key
  • Heated Mirrors
  • ABS Brakes
  • Air Conditioning
  • Blind Spot Monitor
  • Cruise Control
  • Front Seat Heaters
  • Leather Seats
  • Memory Seat(s)
  • Overhead Airbags
  • Power Locks
  • Power Mirrors
  • Power Seat(s)
  • Power Windows
  • Rear Defroster
  • Rear View Camera
  • Side Airbags
  • Sunroof(s)
  • Traction Control
  • Alloy Wheels
  • Automatic Transmission
  • AM/FM Stereo
  • Auxiliary Audio Input
  • CD Audio
  • Entune
  • Navigation System
  • Satellite Radio Ready

Optional Features

  • Leather Seats
  • Remote Start
  • Smart Key
  • Bluetooth Technology

Drive Wheels

Front Wheel Drive (2WD)

Engine size

3.5L

Horsepower

268

Torque (ft-lbs)

248

Engine type

Gas

Fuel capacity

17

Wheelbase

111"

Overall length

195.3"

Width

72.2"

Height

57.5"

Leg room

F 42.1"/R 39.2"

Head room

F 37.6"/R 37.9"

Front tires

P215/55VR17

Rear tires

P215/55VR17

Seating capacity

5

Max towing capacity

100/1000 lbs.

Transmission

Automatic

2016 Toyota Avalon FAQ

The 2016 Toyota Avalon has a maximum towing capacity of 1000 pounds, when properly equipped. Various factors may impact towing capacity, including weight of passengers, cargo, and options/accessories.
The 2016 Toyota Avalon has received an average 4.7 out of 5 stars from our customers. If you're in the market for a 2016 Toyota Avalon, check out reviews from customers just like you. 2016 Toyota Avalon Reviews.
The Toyota Avalon received a rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from RepairPal, which RepairPal describes as Excellent. This rating ranks the Toyota Avalon as 1 out of 13 among Fullsize Car
Here are the pros and cons of the 2016 Toyota Avalon: Pros - Interior Space - Power - Ride and Handling Cons - Dashboard - Cabin Noise - Cost to Maintain
Here is what's new for the 2016 Toyota Avalon:
  • XLE Plus
  • Touring
  • Smart Key
The 2016 Toyota Avalon offers the following fuel efficiency options: • Gas: 21 city / 30 highway MPG (XLE Plus trim) • Gas: 21 city / 30 highway MPG (Limited trim) • Gas: 21 city / 30 highway MPG (XLE trim) • Gas: 21 city / 30 highway MPG (XLE Premium trim) • Gas: 21 city / 30 highway MPG (Touring trim) Actual mileage may vary based on driving conditions, vehicle condition, and driving habits.

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* Price excludes state and local taxes, title, registration, tags, and any optional products or services. Price assumes that final purchase will be made in the State of WA, unless vehicle is non-transferable. Vehicle subject to prior sale. Applicable transfer fees are due in advance of vehicle delivery and are separate from sales transactions. Limited warranty is 30 days. See store for details. We make every effort to provide accurate information, but please verify before purchasing.

We hope you found this information helpful. This content is intended to inform and is not meant to indicate that a particular vehicle is currently available or recommended for you.​

Statements of fuel economy or EV range are based on EPA and other third-party estimates for vehicles when new. Fuel economy and EV range will degrade with time and vary based on age, driving conditions, vehicle history, and other conditions. See fueleconomy.gov for more info.

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We make every effort to provide accurate information, but please verify before purchasing.