“This vehicle is a pleasure drive. It glides when you're in it and is really comfortable.”
2020 Toyota Avalon: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The biggest change for the 2020 Toyota Avalon is the arrival of the first-ever TRD trim, a new performance-focused model. The rest of the fifth-generation Avalon is largely unchanged from 2019.
About the 2020 Toyota Avalon
5th gen (2019-2022), second model year; no refresh, first year for the TRD variant
Toyota positioned the Avalon as its flagship sedan: a roomy, near-luxury four-door that mixes comfort, quietness and strong safety tech with a more expressive design than past Avalons. Depending on trim, it could lean toward plush comfort, sportier styling, or hybrid efficiency, but the core appeal stayed the same — a large, well-equipped sedan for buyers who wanted more space and polish than a Camry without moving to a luxury brand.
The 2020 Avalon ranges from the comfort-focused XLE to the upscale Limited, which has leather-trimmed seating, heated rear seats, premium audio and a head-up display. Touring blends luxury equipment with sharper handling, while the new 301-hp TRD stands apart with a lowered suspension, larger front brakes, a louder exhaust and exclusive bodywork.
What changed, by category
Styling
The new TRD trim adds an aerodynamic body kit with a front splitter, side skirts, rear diffuser and trunk spoiler.
Tech
Premium audio moved from standard equipment to an option on the XLE and XSE.
Structural
The TRD receives a lowered, specially tuned suspension with unique shocks, stiffer springs and stabilizer bars, plus larger front brakes with two-piston calipers.
2020 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 | Automatic, 8-Spd w/Sequential Shift | Automatic, 8-Spd w/Sequential Shift / Automatic, ECVT | Automatic, 8-Spd w/Sequential Shift / Automatic, ECVT | Automatic, 8-Spd w/Sequential Shift / Automatic, ECVT | Automatic, 8-Spd w/Sequential Shift |
| Drivetrain | FWD | FWD | FWD | FWD | FWD |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Gas / Hybrid | Gas / Hybrid | Gas / Hybrid | Gas |
| MPG City | 22 mpg | 22–43 mpg | 22–43 mpg | 22–43 mpg | 22 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 31 mpg | 32–44 mpg | 31–43 mpg | 31–43 mpg | 31 mpg |
| Horsepower | 301 hp | 215–301 hp | 215–301 hp | 215–301 hp | 301 hp |
| Torque | 267 lb-ft | 163–267 lb-ft | 163–267 lb-ft | 163–267 lb-ft | 267 lb-ft |
| Max Towing | 1000 lb | 1000 lb | 1000 lb | 1000 lb | 1000 lb |
| Trunk/Cargo | 16 cu-ft | 16–16.1 cu-ft | 16–16.1 cu-ft | 16–16.1 cu-ft | 16 cu-ft |
| Rear Legroom | 40.3 in | 40.3–40.4 in | 40.3–40.4 in | 40.3–40.4 in | 40.3 in |
| Seats | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Doors | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Alarm System | |||||
| Automatic Emergency Braking | |||||
| Automatic High Beams | |||||
| Blindspot Sensors | |||||
| Front & Rear Parking Sensors | |||||
| Lane Departure Warning | |||||
| Rear View Camera | |||||
| 360 Camera | |||||
| Top View Camera | |||||
| Alloy Wheels | |||||
| Auto-Dimming Exterior Mirrors | |||||
| LED Headlights | |||||
| Memory Exterior Mirrors | |||||
| Power Moonroof | |||||
| Rear Spoiler | |||||
| Head-Up Display | |||||
| Navigation System | |||||
| Premium Audio | |||||
| Satellite Radio | |||||
| Smartphone Interface | |||||
| Subwoofer | |||||
| Aluminum Interior Trim | |||||
| Dual Power Lumbar Support Front Seats | |||||
| Dual-Zone Climate Control | |||||
| Heated Front Seats | |||||
| Heated Rear Seats | |||||
| Heated Steering Wheel | |||||
| Integrated Garage Door Opener | |||||
| Interior Ambient Lighting | |||||
| Leather Seats | |||||
| Memory Driver's Seat | |||||
| Memory Steering Wheel | |||||
| Proximity Keyless Entry | |||||
| Push-Button Engine Start | |||||
| Rear Window Shades | |||||
| Ventilated Front Seats | |||||
| Wood Interior Trim | |||||
Frequently asked questions
What is the biggest change to the 2020 Toyota Avalon?
The biggest change is the first-ever Avalon TRD. This new performance-focused trim adds specially tuned suspension hardware, larger brakes, a sport exhaust and exclusive exterior styling.
Was the Toyota Avalon redesigned for 2020?
No, the 2020 Avalon was not redesigned. It is the second model year of the fifth generation introduced for 2019, and most of the lineup carries over.
What makes the 2020 Avalon TRD different from other trims?
The 2020 Avalon TRD is the lineup's most performance-focused trim. It pairs a 301-hp V6 with a lowered, specially tuned suspension, larger front brakes, a louder dual exhaust, sport seats and unique aerodynamic bodywork.
Does the 2020 Toyota Avalon still have a hybrid version?
Yes, the 2020 Avalon still has hybrid versions of the XLE, XSE and Limited. The hybrid lineup carries over rather than receiving a major powertrain change for 2020.
Is the 2020 Avalon meaningfully different from the 2019 model?
Only if the TRD trim matters to you. Most 2020 Avalon trims are much like their 2019 counterparts, while the new TRD adds the year's meaningful handling, braking, exhaust and styling changes.
2020 Toyota Avalon Reviews
What owners are saying about the 2020 Toyota Avalon.
4.3
2020 Toyota Avalon
(210 reviews)
“Avalon is close to the ground, be flexible to get in and out. Takes a great reach to close the door.”
“If you are looking for a comfortable, stylish, well appointed car this is the vehicle for you.”
Sources
- pressroom.toyota.com — Vehicle / 2020 Toyota Avalon
- pressroom.toyota.com — Vehicle / 2020 Toyota Avalon Hybrid
- pressroom.toyota.com — Toyota Revs Up Avalon Attitude With First Ever Trd Model For 2020 Twisty Roads Beware
- toyota.com — Pdf / 2020 / Avalon Ebrochure
- pressroom.toyota.com — First Ever All Wheel Drive And Xse Nightshade Edition Highlight Changes For 2021 Toyota Avalon
- pressroom.toyota.com — Camry Trd And Avalon Trd Bring Track Inspired Styling And Performance To The Streets