Does Avalon ride better than Camry?

In Toyota’s sedan lineup, the Avalon is typically the softer, more plush ride, while the Camry offers a balanced, capable feel—especially in sport-oriented trims. For most buyers seeking a smooth highway experience, Avalon usually edges out the Camry in ride comfort; those who want a bit more driving engagement may prefer the Camry’s sport-tuned variants.

Ride philosophy and what that means for daily driving

Several generations of these sedans illustrate how Toyota prioritizes comfort versus handling. The Avalon has long aimed for a luxury-like, cushioned ride with ample sound insulation, while the Camry strives for a refined, adaptable ride that can lean toward sportiness in certain trims. Wheel and tire choices, along with suspension tuning, heavily influence the actual feel behind the wheel.

• Avalon typically uses a softer suspension setup that smooths potholes and uneven pavement, yielding a more plush ride.


• Camry’s ride is tuned to feel stable and comfortable, but sport trims (SE/XSE) can be noticeably firmer to reduce body roll and enhance steering response.


• Interior sound insulation and overall cabin quietness are usually stronger in the Avalon, contributing to a serene highway experience.

Bottom line: Across most trims, Avalon tends to deliver a smoother, more forgiving ride than the Camry, though Camry can be equally comfortable in non-sport configurations.

Trims, tires, and tuning that shift the experience

Before examining the specifics, it’s important to note that ride quality changes with trim level and wheel/tire packages. The latest Camry lineup offers a range from comfortable daily drivers to sportier variants, while Avalon trims emphasize a softer, more refined feel.

• Avalon XLE and Limited trims commonly ride on softer suspensions with comfort-oriented tires, enhancing plushness.


• Camry LE and XLE trims tend to provide a compliant ride; Camry SE and XSE trims introduce sport-tuned suspensions and larger wheels that can feel firmer on rough pavement.


• Wheel size and tire choices matter: larger wheels and low-profile tires can reduce cushion and amplify road texture, affecting the perceived ride quality.


• Note: Avalon production ended after the 2022 model year, while Camry remains Toyota’s ongoing flagship for the midsize segment with ongoing refinements in the 2020s.

Bottom line: If your priority is maximum comfort, the Avalon’s non-sport trims are typically the softest; for a mix of comfort with the option of sportier character, the Camry offers ample variety.

What reviewers say in practice

Automotive outlets and reviewers consistently rate the Avalon as the more luxurious-feeling option thanks to its cushioned ride and quiet cabin. The Camry, while still comfortable, earns praise for its refined ride and improved damping across recent generations, with sport trims delivering a more engaged driving experience that can trade some softness for control.

• Most reviews highlight the Avalon’s highway serenity and interior quietness as standout strengths.


• Camry reviews emphasize a well-balanced ride that suits everyday driving, with XSE variants offering a notably firmer, more dynamic feel.


• Wheel/tire configurations and model year can shift the verdict; Camry models with larger wheels may feel less cushioned than an Avalon with standard 18-inch wheels.

Bottom line from critics: for pure comfort, Avalon generally wins; for a broader spectrum of ride experiences, including sportier options, the Camry provides valuable alternatives (and, crucially, remains in production today).

Bottom line for shoppers

As of 2024, Toyota ended Avalon production after the 2022 model year. If you’re prioritizing the smoothest possible ride in a Toyota today, the Camry remains the practical choice with a wide range of trims and configurations. A well-kept used Avalon can still deliver exceptional plushness, but buyers will be entering the used market rather than the new-car showroom. For those who want luxury-like ride quality now, also consider Lexus ES, which sits above the Camry in comfort and refinement but carries a different price and ownership dynamic.

Summary

The Avalon typically offers the smoother, quieter ride, especially in non-sport trims, making it feel more plush on highway surfaces. The Camry provides a high level of comfort as well, with the added option of sportier handling in SE/XSE trims that can make the ride feel firmer. With Avalon no longer in production, buyers prioritizing ride comfort now mostly weigh Camry configurations or explore used Avalons if the extra plushness is worth the trade-off. In short, Avalon usually rides better for comfort-focused buyers, while Camry provides broader options and continued modernization.

What is the common issue with Toyota Avalon?

Common problems for the Toyota Avalon include ignition coil failures, especially after 100,000 miles, and leaking valve cover gaskets. Other issues include problems with the automatic transmission, such as rough shifting, and issues with the Evaporative Emission Control System (EVAP) (like a faulty canister or purge valve) which can cause a check engine light. Some model years have also reported specific issues like unintended acceleration and peeling paint.
 
This video discusses some of the common problems found in Toyota Avalons, including the engine and ignition coils: 56sSimple Mechanic AdviceYouTube · Nov 3, 2024
Engine 

• Ignition Coils: May fail after 100,000 miles, leading to misfires and a check engine light.
• Oil Leaks: Valve cover gaskets are a common source of oil leaks.
• EVAP System: Issues with the EVAP canister or purge control valve can trigger the check engine light.
• Oxygen Sensor: A failed oxygen sensor can cause the check engine light to turn on.
• Sludge Buildup: Can occur with infrequent oil changes and cause engine problems. 

Drivetrain and transmission

• Automatic Transmission: Some owners report the transmission not shifting correctly at higher mileages. 
• Unintended Acceleration: A serious problem reported in some models, particularly the 2014 model year, where the gas pedal may become stuck. 

Other common issues

• Rear Window Sunshade: This feature has been reported to fail and make a grinding noise. 
• Peeling Paint: A problem reported on certain model years, often on the roof and around the sunroof. 
• Infotainment System: Some owners have complained about distorted speakers and issues with the infotainment system. 

This video provides a buyer's guide for the 2013-2018 Toyota Avalon, including information on reliability and common problems: 59sDiscerning CarsYouTube · Dec 16, 2023

Why is Avalon better than Camry?

While the 2022 Toyota Camry and Avalon deliver a stellar driving experience, they do have significant differences. For one, the Camry is considered a mid-size sedan while the Avalon is considered a full-size sedan. This can become a deciding factor if you're looking for more passenger and cargo space.

What year to stay away from Toyota Avalon?

Years to potentially avoid for the Toyota Avalon include 2005–2007, which had common issues like oil leaks and dashboard cracking, and the 2013-2014 models, due to a high number of Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) and problems like the pre-collision system causing unexpected braking and a risk of the ball joint detaching. The 2011 model year is also mentioned for its high number of owner-reported issues. 
Years to be cautious with

• 2005-2007: This third-generation group is associated with several problems, including: 
  • Engine oil leaks and excessive oil consumption 
  • Cracked dashboards 
  • Faulty VVTi oil lines that can cause engine damage 
  • Transmission hesitations 
• 2011: Known for significant peeling paint on the roof. 
• 2013-2014: These models from the fourth generation had a notable number of issues, making them a riskier purchase. 
  • The 2013 model had a high number of TSBs and was described as a "big risk" by some users, according to this YouTube video. 
  • The 2014 model year is associated with issues like:
    • Unexpected braking due to the pre-collision system 
    • A risk of the ball joint detaching from the lower control arm 
    • Potential fuel leaks 
• 2014: Owners reported issues with the suspension and touchscreen, including poor Bluetooth connectivity. 

Why these years are a concern

• Fourth generation redesign: The 2013-2018 redesign made some significant changes, and the initial years (2013-2014) struggled with settling on a reliable platform, resulting in numerous recalls, TSBs, and reported issues. The 2015 model year is noted for having far fewer issues, according to this YouTube video. 
• Common issues: Many of the issues reported across the third and fourth generations were related to minor component failures, such as the rear sunshade or door lock actuators, but some were more serious, like unexpected braking or potential fuel leaks. 

What are the advantages of Toyota Avalon?

Toyota's flagship Avalon is roomy, rides comfortably, and has easy-to-use controls, which makes it a pleasant large car. The 3.5-liter V6 engine gained 33 hp and is linked to an eight-speed automatic transmission.