Is a Toyota Avalon a 4-cylinder?
Not always. The Avalon is available with two powertrains: a traditional 3.5-liter V6 for gasoline-only models and a hybrid that combines a 2.5-liter four-cylinder with electric motors. The V6 version uses a conventional automatic, while the hybrid relies on an electronic CVT. In the United States, the Avalon lineup ended after the 2022 model year, though used examples remain on the road.
Powertrain options
Below are the two primary configurations that have powered the Avalon, highlighting engine type, output, and transmission characteristics.
Gasoline-only Avalon
- Engine: 3.5-liter V6 (2GR-FKS)
- Horsepower: about 301 hp
- Torque: roughly 267 lb-ft
- Transmission: 8-speed automatic
- Drivetrain: front-wheel drive (FWD) is standard
- Notes: This is the traditional powertrain for those seeking stronger straight-line performance
For buyers seeking brisk acceleration and a more conventional driving feel, the gasoline Avalon with the V6 remains the benchmark option within the lineup.
Avalon Hybrid
- Engine: 2.5-liter inline-4 Atkinson-cycle
- Electric motors: two motor-generators integrated with the hybrid system
- Net system horsepower: about 215 hp
- Transmission: electronic CVT (eCVT)
- Drivetrain: front-wheel drive (FWD) is standard
- Notes: This configuration prioritizes efficiency and smoother, seamless power delivery
Compared with the V6, the hybrid emphasizes fuel economy and refined operation, trading some all-out power for better efficiency and a quieter ride at city speeds.
Model-year context and availability
The Toyota Avalon’s U.S. lineup was discontinued after the 2022 model year. This means new Avalons are no longer sold in North America, though used examples with either powertrain remain available through secondary markets. Other regions have seen different supply patterns, but the core distinction—V6 gasoline power versus a 4-cylinder hybrid setup—remains a useful guide for prospective buyers or researchers.
Summary
In short, the Toyota Avalon is not exclusively a four-cylinder vehicle. It offers a V6 gasoline version for drivers who want robust performance and a hybrid version that pairs a four-cylinder engine with electric motors for higher efficiency. If your priority is fuel economy and advanced hybrid tech, the Avalon Hybrid is the relevant choice; if you want maximum raw power and classic V6 character, the gasoline Avalon is the path. Note the model-year note: the Avalon is no longer sold new in the U.S., so most current references will involve used examples.
