“I highly recommend the Avalon as it is the most comfortable, best looking and reliable vehicle we have ever owned!”
2021 Toyota Avalon: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The biggest change for the 2021 Toyota Avalon is the model’s first all-wheel-drive option, fitted to XLE and Limited models. This is not a redesign, but the lineup also gains a Nightshade trim, standard Android Auto, USB-C ports, and hybrid updates.
About the 2021 Toyota Avalon
5th generation (2019-2022), third model year; no redesign, but the lineup expands with first-ever AWD and the new Nightshade appearance trim.
Toyota positions the Avalon as its premium large sedan: a roomy, quiet, coupe-inspired four-door that blends long-trip comfort with more style and driver engagement than a typical family sedan. Its big differentiators are interior space, a more upscale cabin than a Camry, standard driver-assist tech, and a broad spread of personalities in one model line, from efficient hybrid versions to sporty TRD and Touring variants.
The XLE remains the straightforward comfort-focused Avalon, while Limited adds premium touches such as ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, a head-up display, and JBL audio. The XSE is now the sport-styled hybrid, the new XSE Nightshade Edition pairs blackout trim with a 301-hp V6, and the TRD combines that V6 with a lower, firmer suspension and larger front brakes.
What changed, by category
Powertrain
All-wheel drive joins the Avalon lineup for the first time on XLE and Limited, paired with a four-cylinder engine. Hybrid models switch to a lithium-ion battery pack, while the gas-powered XSE leaves the lineup.
Styling
The new XSE Nightshade Edition adds a blackout exterior treatment to a V6-powered, sport-styled Avalon.
Safety
Hybrid models gain a low-speed pedestrian warning sound.
Tech
Android Auto becomes standard across the lineup, and the front and rear console charging ports switch to USB-C.
2021 Toyota Avalon specs and features by trim
| Feature | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | V6, 3.5 Liter | 4-Cyl, Hybrid, 2.5 Liter / 4-Cyl, Dynamic-Force, 2.5 Liter / V6, 3.5 Liter | 4-Cyl, Hybrid, 2.5 Liter | 4-Cyl, Hybrid, 2.5 Liter / 4-Cyl, Dynamic-Force, 2.5 Liter / V6, 3.5 Liter | V6, 3.5 Liter | V6, 3.5 Liter |
| Transmission | Automatic, 8-Spd w/Sequential Shift | Automatic, ECVT w/Sequential Mode / Automatic, 8-Spd w/Sequential Shift | Automatic, ECVT w/Sequential Mode | Automatic, ECVT w/Sequential Mode / Automatic, 8-Spd w/Sequential Shift | Automatic, 8-Spd w/Sequential Shift | Automatic, 8-Spd w/Sequential Shift |
| Drivetrain | FWD | FWD / AWD | FWD | FWD / AWD | FWD | FWD |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Hybrid / Gas | Hybrid | Hybrid / Gas | Gas | Gas |
| MPG City | 21 mpg | 22–43 mpg | 43 mpg | 22–43 mpg | 22 mpg | 22 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 30 mpg | 32–44 mpg | 43 mpg | 31–43 mpg | 31 mpg | 31 mpg |
| Horsepower | 301 hp | 205–301 hp | 215 hp | 205–301 hp | 301 hp | 301 hp |
| Torque | 267 lb-ft | 163–267 lb-ft | 163 lb-ft | 163–267 lb-ft | 267 lb-ft | 267 lb-ft |
| Max Towing | 1000 lb | 1000 lb | 1000 lb | 1000 lb | 1000 lb | |
| Trunk/Cargo | 16.1 cu-ft | 16.1 cu-ft | 16.1 cu-ft | 16.1 cu-ft | 16.1 cu-ft | 16.1 cu-ft |
| Rear Legroom | 40.3 in | 40.3–40.4 in | 40.4 in | 40.3–40.4 in | 40.3 in | 40.3 in |
| Seats | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Doors | 4 | 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 | ||||||
| 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 Front Seats | ||||||
| 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 | ||||||
| Ventilated Front Seats | ||||||
| Wood Interior Trim | ||||||
Frequently asked questions
What is the biggest change to the 2021 Toyota Avalon?
The biggest change is the Avalon’s first all-wheel-drive option. It is fitted to the 2021 XLE and Limited and uses a four-cylinder engine rather than the V6.
Which 2021 Toyota Avalon trims have all-wheel drive?
The 2021 Avalon XLE and Limited are the two trims with all-wheel drive. These versions use a four-cylinder engine; the V6 and hybrid models are front-wheel drive.
Does the 2021 Toyota Avalon have Android Auto?
Yes. Android Auto is standard on every 2021 Avalon trim, joining Apple CarPlay on the 9-inch touchscreen system.
What changed on the 2021 Toyota Avalon Hybrid?
The 2021 Avalon Hybrid switches to a lithium-ion battery pack and gains a low-speed pedestrian warning sound. It also receives standard Android Auto and USB-C charging ports.
Is the XSE Nightshade Edition new for the 2021 Toyota Avalon?
Yes. The XSE Nightshade Edition is new for 2021 and combines a 301-hp V6 with black exterior details, heated front seats, wireless phone charging, and a 9-inch touchscreen.
2021 Toyota Avalon Reviews
What owners are saying about the 2021 Toyota Avalon.
4.3
2021 Toyota Avalon
(436 reviews)
“I have had nothing but excellent experiences with Toyota. I love my older Avalon and love my new one. For the money I think Toyota is the best car you can purchase.”
“Excellent comfortable. Great rear seat leg room for people 6ft and taller. A joy to drive.”
Sources
- pressroom.toyota.com — Vehicle / 2021 Toyota Avalon
- pressroom.toyota.com — Vehicle / 2021 Toyota Avalon Hybrid
- pressroom.toyota.com — First Ever All Wheel Drive And Xse Nightshade Edition Highlight Changes For 2021 Toyota Avalon
- pressroom.toyota.com — Toyota Revs Up Avalon Attitude With First Ever Trd Model For 2020 Twisty Roads Beware
- pressroom.toyota.com — First Ever Toyota Avalon Xse Hybrid Nightshade Edition Highlights Changes For 2022