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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

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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 2012 to 2022

What is new for the 2016 Toyota Avalon?

  • The Avalon is available in a variety of new trims, including the Touring and XLE Plus.
  • The XLE Touring trim has been discontinued for 2016.
  • The XLE Premium trim now comes with Blind Spot Monitor, Memory Seat(s), Entune, and Navigation System as standard equipment.
  • The XLE trim now comes with Bluetooth Technology and Entune as standard equipment.

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

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 Plus 2WD 4D Sedan

Standard Features

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

Optional Features

  • Leather Seats
  • Remote Start
  • Smart Key

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

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