“Toyota is a brand name and build strong solid automobiles. The quality and craftsmanship in comparison to US Automobiles, there is no comparison with the Toyota Avalon. In my opinion it leads the way. I currently own two 2016 Toyota Avalon's, and prior to these vehicles I once owned a 2013 and 2011 Toyota Avalon, also a 2011 Camry. I stand by this product and brand name!”
2016 Toyota Avalon: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The 2016 Toyota Avalon’s main change is a mid-cycle refresh with updated exterior styling. Toyota also reshuffled the trim lineup, making this a meaningful update rather than a carryover year.
About the 2016 Toyota Avalon
4th generation (2013-2018), mid-cycle refresh year.
Toyota positions the Avalon as its roomy, quiet premium sedan for shoppers who want near-luxury comfort without moving into a luxury brand. Its core appeal is a relaxed cabin, lots of passenger space, strong V6 power or high-efficiency hybrid economy, and a long list of comfort features even in lower trims. Compared with other large sedans, the Avalon leans more toward comfort and everyday ease than flash, while still offering one sportier Touring version.
Toyota positioned the 2016 Avalon as a roomy, comfort-focused sedan, with gas V6 and fuel-saving hybrid versions. The Touring has a sportier look and firmer suspension, while XLE Premium emphasizes navigation, wireless phone charging, and blind-spot monitoring. Limited models add features such as ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, premium JBL audio, and a power rear sunshade.
What changed, by category
Styling
The front and rear were refreshed with a lower, wider grille design, new turn signals, revised taillights, and a chrome rear-bumper accent. The light gray interior also received gray accent stitching.
Trim lineup
XLE Plus joined the gas and hybrid lineups. XLE Touring continued under the shorter Touring name, with a sportier front end and firmer suspension tuning, while XLE Touring SE was dropped.
Tech
XLE and XLE Plus received a standard 7-inch touchscreen with phone-based navigation support. On XLE Premium, the touchscreen, smartphone interface, and built-in navigation became standard; wireless phone charging was also added.
Safety
Toyota Safety Sense P first appeared as an option on Limited and Limited Hybrid. XLE Premium and XLE Premium Hybrid also gained standard blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert.
2016 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 | V6, 3.5 Liter / 4-Cyl, Hybrid, 2.5 Liter | V6, 3.5 Liter / 4-Cyl, Hybrid, 2.5 Liter |
| Transmission | Auto, 6-Spd Seq Shft | Auto, 6-Spd Seq Shft / Automatic, CVT | Auto, 6-Spd Seq Shft | Auto, 6-Spd Seq Shft / Automatic, CVT | Auto, 6-Spd Seq Shft / Automatic, CVT |
| Drivetrain | FWD | FWD | FWD | FWD | FWD |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Gas / Hybrid | Gas | Gas / Hybrid | Gas / Hybrid |
| MPG City | 21 mpg | 21–40 mpg | 21 mpg | 21–40 mpg | 21–40 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 31 mpg | 31–39 mpg | 31 mpg | 31–39 mpg | 31–39 mpg |
| Horsepower | 268 hp | 200–268 hp | 268 hp | 200–268 hp | 200–268 hp |
| Torque | 248 lb-ft | 156–248 lb-ft | 248 lb-ft | 156–248 lb-ft | 156–248 lb-ft |
| Max Towing | 1000 lb | 1000 lb | 1000 lb | 1000 lb | 1000 lb |
| Trunk/Cargo | 16 cu-ft | 14–16 cu-ft | 16 cu-ft | 14–16 cu-ft | 14–16 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 | |||||
| Lane Departure Warning | |||||
| 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 | |||||
| Navigation System | |||||
| Premium Audio | |||||
| Smartphone Interface | |||||
| Subwoofer | |||||
| 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 | |||||
| Tri-Zone Automatic Air Conditioning | |||||
| Ventilated Front Seats | |||||
Frequently asked questions
Was the 2016 Toyota Avalon fully redesigned?
No. The 2016 Avalon is a mid-cycle update of the fourth-generation model, not a full redesign. Its main revisions are refreshed exterior styling, updated equipment, and a reorganized trim lineup.
What changed on the 2016 Toyota Avalon compared with the 2015 model?
The 2016 Avalon received revised front and rear styling, the XLE Plus trim, updated cabin technology, and optional Toyota Safety Sense P on Limited models. XLE Touring became Touring, and XLE Touring SE was dropped.
Does the 2016 Toyota Avalon have Toyota Safety Sense P?
Yes, but Toyota Safety Sense P was optional only on the Limited and Limited Hybrid for 2016. It was not standard across the full Avalon lineup that year.
Which 2016 Toyota Avalon trims are hybrids?
The 2016 hybrid lineup consists of XLE Plus Hybrid, XLE Premium Hybrid, and Limited Hybrid. Each uses a 2.5-liter hybrid system with a continuously variable automatic transmission and a 40-mpg combined rating.
What technology was upgraded in the 2016 Toyota Avalon?
The main technology upgrades were a standard 7-inch touchscreen on XLE and XLE Plus and standard built-in navigation on XLE Premium. XLE Premium also gained wireless phone charging, while its touchscreen and smartphone interface moved from optional to standard.
2016 Toyota Avalon Reviews
What owners are saying about the 2016 Toyota Avalon.
4.3
2016 Toyota Avalon
(447 reviews)
“SEATS COULD BE MORE COMFORTABLE FOR EXTENDED DRIVES I AM NOT SATISFIEDWITH SEAT COMFORT”
“Great looking car, with great performance, great mileage, low maintenance at a reasonable price.”
Sources
- pressroom.toyota.com — 2016 Toyota Avalon Hybrid Sporty Midsized With Power
- pressroom.toyota.com — 2015 Toyota Avalon Turns 20
- pressroom.toyota.com — Releases / 2017 Toyota Avalon Premium Value Advancing Cause Standard Toyota Safety Sensep
- fleet.toyota.com — Repurchase Program / Archived / 2016 Repurchase Specification Sheets.pdf.filepart