Best Reviewed
Family Cars
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- Exceptionally roomy and luxurious
- Comfortable ride
- Excellent crash-test scores
- Fuel economy
- Expensive
- Not much fun to drive
- Rear seats don't fold
Roomy and practical, the 2011 Toyota Avalon is one of the top runners-up in the large family sedan class – although critics prefer the more stylish 2011 Buick LaCrosse (Base MSRP: $27,130 to $33,205). The Avalon hasn't changed much in the past couple of years, although Toyota has whittled the trim levels down to two for 2011 (each with some extra standard features). Toyota has also massaged the exterior styling slightly, although reviewers say the Avalon still looks very conservative. Our full report on the 2009 Toyota Avalon offers a complete analysis of this car.
Good fuel economy for a big sedan
Fuel-economy ratings carry over unchanged for 2011, and the Avalon is still one of the most fuel-efficient full-size sedans you can buy. Expect 19 mpg city/28 mpg highway/23 mpg combined from the 268-horsepower V6 engine.
Aces IIHS safety tests
The 2011 Avalon is a Top Safety Pick at the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, where it earns the highest possible rating in all crash tests – front, side, rollover and rear. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has not yet fully tested the 2011 Avalon under its revised and toughened crash-test program. Front, front-side and curtain airbags come standard, along with antilock brakes and stability and traction control.
Toyota cut last year's under-$28,000 base model from the Avalon lineup this year, leaving two choices: A more fully equipped base 2011 Toyota Avalon (Base MSRP: $33,195 to $36,435) with leather upholstery, a sunroof and other upscale features now standard, and the 2011 Toyota Avalon Limited (Base MSRP: $33,195 to $36,435) that adds heated and ventilated seats, a power rear sunshade, upgraded sound system and more.
Our Sources
1. Edmunds.com
Edmunds.com says aside from some trim and equipment changes, the 2011 Toyota Avalon hasn't changed much for this year: It's still a refined (but pricey) choice for a full-size sedan.
Review: 2011 Toyota Avalon, Editors of Edmunds.com
2. IIHS.org
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety names the 2011 Toyota Avalon one of its Top Safety Picks. The Avalon earns the highest rating of "good" in front, side, rollover and rear crash tests here.
Review: Toyota Avalon, Insurance Institute for Highway Safety
3. SaferCar.gov
The Toyota Avalon has not yet been fully evaluated under the federal government's more stringent 2011 crash tests. Only the rollover-avoidance rating (4 stars out of 5) was available when we checked.
Review: 2011 Toyota Avalon 4DR FWD, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
This government website lists EPA fuel economy ratings for most passenger vehicles sold in the U.S. The 2011 Toyota Avalon delivers an estimated 23 mpg overall.
Review: 2011 Toyota Avalon, U.S. Department of Energy and Environmental Protection Agency
The 2011 Toyota Avalon remains largely unchanged since 2009. Our comprehensive review of that model links to multiple expert reviews for additional information.
Review: 2009 Toyota Avalon, Editors of ConsumerSearch.com, April 2009
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