“The only area that I think needs improvement is the navigation system. I would like to have a full screen rather half screen. I think Nissan's technology system is more user friendly.”
2015 Toyota Avalon: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The biggest change for 2015 is the arrival of the limited-production XLE Touring Sport Edition, which gives the Avalon a darker, sportier look. The rest of the lineup receives light equipment and technology updates rather than a redesign.
About the 2015 Toyota Avalon
4th generation (2013-2018), third model year before the 2016 refresh.
Toyota positioned the Avalon as a roomy premium sedan for shoppers who wanted more comfort and space than a Camry without moving to a luxury brand. Its core appeal was a quiet cabin, generous rear-seat room, easy highway manners, and strong standard comfort features. The V6 models leaned into smooth, effortless power, while the hybrid versions gave the same big-sedan experience with unusually high fuel economy for the class.
The 2015 Avalon remains a roomy, comfort-focused sedan, with either a smooth 3.5-liter V6 or a 200-horsepower hybrid system rated at 40 mpg combined. The XLE trims cover the core comfort features, Touring models emphasize navigation and driver-assistance technology, and the Limited adds touches such as ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, three-zone climate control, and JBL audio.
What changed, by category
Powertrain
The engines and transmissions carry over, but every V6 trim gains standard steering-wheel paddle shifters and Sport, ECO, and Normal driving modes.
Styling
The limited-production XLE Touring Sport Edition joins the lineup with a darker sport-themed appearance, upgraded lighting, perforated heated front seats, and unique trim details. The rest of the Avalon keeps the same basic exterior design.
Safety
Blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert becomes standard on the XLE Touring and XLE Touring Hybrid.
Tech
Every trim receives updated touchscreen software. Satellite radio also becomes standard on the XLE Premium instead of optional.
2015 Toyota Avalon specs and features by trim
| Feature | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | V6, 3.5 Liter | V6, 3.5 Liter / 4-Cyl, Hybrid, 2.5 Liter | V6, 3.5 Liter / 4-Cyl, Hybrid, 2.5 Liter | V6, 3.5 Liter / 4-Cyl, Hybrid, 2.5 Liter | V6, 3.5 Liter |
| Transmission | Auto, 6-Spd Seq Shft | Auto, 6-Spd Seq Shft / Automatic, CVT | Auto, 6-Spd Seq Shft / Automatic, CVT | Auto, 6-Spd Seq Shft / Automatic, CVT | Auto, 6-Spd Seq Shft |
| Drivetrain | FWD | FWD | FWD | FWD | FWD |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Gas / Hybrid | Gas / Hybrid | Gas / Hybrid | Gas |
| MPG City | 21 mpg | 21–40 mpg | 21–40 mpg | 21–40 mpg | 21 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 31 mpg | 31–39 mpg | 31–39 mpg | 31–39 mpg | 31 mpg |
| Horsepower | 268 hp | 200–268 hp | 200–268 hp | 200–268 hp | 268 hp |
| Torque | 248 lb-ft | 156–248 lb-ft | 156–248 lb-ft | 156–248 lb-ft | 248 lb-ft |
| Max Towing | 1000 lb | 1000 lb | 1000 lb | 1000 lb | 1000 lb |
| Trunk/Cargo | 16 cu-ft | 14–16 cu-ft | 14–16 cu-ft | 14–16 cu-ft | 16 cu-ft |
| Rear Legroom | 39.2 in | 39.2 in | 39.2 in | 39.2 in | 39.2 in |
| Seats | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Doors | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Alarm System | |||||
| Automatic High Beams | |||||
| Blindspot Sensors | |||||
| Rain Sensing Windshield Wipers | |||||
| Rear View Camera | |||||
| Alloy Wheels | |||||
| Auto-Dimming Exterior Mirrors | |||||
| Fog Lights | |||||
| HID Headlights | |||||
| LED Daytime Running Lights | |||||
| Memory Exterior Mirrors | |||||
| Power Moonroof | |||||
| Remote Control Liftgate/Trunk Release | |||||
| Bluetooth | |||||
| Navigation System | |||||
| Premium Audio | |||||
| Smartphone Interface | |||||
| Subwoofer | |||||
| USB Ports | |||||
| Auto-Dimming Interior Mirror | |||||
| Dual-Zone Climate Control | |||||
| Heated Front Seats | |||||
| Heated Rear Seats | |||||
| Integrated Garage Door Opener | |||||
| Interior Ambient Lighting | |||||
| Leather Seats | |||||
| Memory Driver's Seat | |||||
| Proximity Keyless Entry | |||||
| Push-Button Engine Start | |||||
| Rear Window Shades | |||||
| Remote Start | |||||
| Tri-Zone Automatic Air Conditioning | |||||
| Ventilated Front Seats | |||||
Frequently asked questions
Was the 2015 Toyota Avalon redesigned?
No. The 2015 Avalon is a light-update year within the fourth generation, not a redesign. Its basic body, cabin, engines, and transmissions carry over from 2014.
What is the biggest difference between the 2015 and 2014 Toyota Avalon?
The biggest difference is the 2015 model’s new limited-production XLE Touring Sport Edition. The 2015 lineup also receives updated touchscreen software, standard paddle shifters on V6 trims, and wider use of standard blind-spot monitoring.
What is special about the 2015 Avalon XLE Touring Sport Edition?
The 2015 XLE Touring Sport Edition is a limited-production trim with a darker sport-themed look. It also has HID headlights, LED daytime running lights, perforated heated front seats, navigation, and blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert.
Did the 2015 Toyota Avalon Hybrid change from 2014?
Yes, but only lightly. Its 2.5-liter, 200-horsepower hybrid system and 40-mpg-combined rating carry over, while the infotainment software is updated and the XLE Touring Hybrid gains standard blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert.
Does every 2015 Toyota Avalon have paddle shifters?
No. Paddle shifters are standard on every 2015 Avalon with the 3.5-liter V6, but not on the hybrid trims. The V6 models also have Sport, ECO, and Normal driving modes.
2015 Toyota Avalon Reviews
What owners are saying about the 2015 Toyota Avalon.
4.2
2015 Toyota Avalon
(249 reviews)
“The car is excellent. The main issue is with the navigation system. The software design does not allow 100% of the screen to be dedicated to navigation. Very annoying because you're forced to either have the radio take up half the screen or some other unnecessary view of the weather.”
“love vehicle appearance, style, wind noise could be improved, as well as cabin noise”
Sources
- pressroom.toyota.com — Toyota 2015 Avalon Sedan Pricing
- pressroom.toyota.com — 2015 Toyota Avalon Turns 20
- pressroom.toyota.com — Toyota Pricing 2014 Avalon Prius
- pressroom.toyota.com — 2015 Toyota Avalon Chicago Auto Show Debut
- pressroom.toyota.com — 2016 Toyota Avalon Hybrid Sporty Midsized With Power