The full-size Toyota Avalon sedan claims the best spot in its class among large sedans, but there’s a slight downside to its success. Toyota is one of the best car brands and the Avalon has long been an underrated premium option. The Avalon’s strong reputation for durability, premium interior and cabin materials and relatively affordable starting price make it one of the most reliable cars to drive with others and the best full-size car overall.
The 2022 Toyota Avalon is the best large sedan in its class… but technically
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To win is to win, but to be named the best large sedan in the class by Edmunds has slightly less weight when there are only three cars in the class. It’s true. There are only three full-size cars left on the market: the Toyota Avalon and two Stellantis models, the Chrysler 300 and the Dodge Charger.
The disappearance of the full-size sedan has been a long time coming. Well-known names like the Kia Cadenza, Ford Taurus and Chevy Impala are long gone as shoppers hunt for crossovers and fuel-efficient small cars. It’s not such a surprise to see the Toyota Avalon as one of the few remaining large cars, and not at all surprising that it still tops the list. It is one of the most reliable large sedans, and with a starting price of less than $40,000, it will be one of the most affordable premium cars in 2022.
The interior of the Avalon matches the best luxury cars of 2022
Are Toyota Avalons good cars? Edmunds says yes. The Avalon review claims that “comfort is a strong point of the Avalon and probably the main reason you should consider such a large sedan. All seating positions give you plenty of cushioning and support for long rides or short cruises. The leather upholstery is very soft and gives the feeling that the Avalon is more luxurious than its price suggests.”
Of all the 2022 models, Toyota Avalon XLE or Limited trim levels give you the best big car for the money, but Edmunds recommends the Touring trim level. While this model has the highest price point of the Avalon, it’s also packed with upscale amenities like premium audio, ventilated front seats and integrated navigation.
Disappointing changes for the Avalon 2022, but it’s still on top
The 2022 Avalon is the fourth model to be offered in the fifth generation of the large sedan that the brand first introduced in 2019. There have been a few changes for this last model year, and they’ve all been pretty disappointing.
The Toyota Avalon TRD is missing for the 2022 model year. Toyota discontinued this high-performance variant of the full-size Avalon sedan last year, along with every four-wheel drive model. That means you can only get your next model in XLE, Limited or Touring trims and only with front-wheel drive. Fortunately, all models still come standard with a 301 hp 3.5-liter V6 engine.
Toyota will stop Avalon full-size sedan after 2022
Will the Avalon TRD be discontinued? Not quite yet, but this is its latest run as a popular and affordable premium large sedan. Toyota is killing the Avalon because the market just doesn’t want full-size sedans anymore. Anyone looking for a sleek and inexpensive car is usually looking for the best mid-sized sedans. And buyers wanting space for a family have all set their sights on the huge market of crossovers and SUVs.
RELATED: Why is the Toyota Avalon not getting more respect?
