Is a Toyota Avalon the same as a Lexus?
In short: No. The Avalon is a mainstream full-size sedan from Toyota, while Lexus is Toyota’s luxury division. They share some engineering and platform elements, but they are distinct models with different branding, features, and target buyers. In the United States, new Avalon sales ended after the 2022 model year, while Lexus continues to offer sedans such as the ES, which serves as the luxury counterpart within the same family of platforms.
How they relate
Both vehicles are built on Toyota’s modern global architecture and have overlapping powertrain options in some generations. The Avalon and the Lexus ES are effectively siblings in engineering terms, with the Avalon historically offering more space and value-oriented practicality, while the Lexus ES emphasizes luxury touches and premium materials.
- Shared platform and engineering: Both use Toyota’s contemporary underpinnings and front-wheel-drive layouts.
- Similar powertrains: V6 and hybrid options appear on both models, with some hybrid systems shared across the lineup.
- Branding and experience: Avalon targets space, value, and practicality; Lexus emphasizes luxury materials, sound isolation, and a premium ownership experience.
In practice, the relationship is close but not identical; badges and trims create distinct buying experiences and expectations.
Key differences you should know
Be aware that the Avalon is no longer sold new in the United States as of the 2022 model year. For buyers looking at current-new options, the Lexus ES represents the luxury-oriented alternative with similar technology and engineering, while other Toyota sedans offer non-luxury choices.
- Branding and badge: Toyota badge on the Avalon vs. Lexus badge on the ES.
- Interior and materials: The ES typically uses higher-grade materials and more refined cabin insulation.
- Pricing and trims: The ES generally carries a higher starting price with premium options at base levels compared to the Avalon when it was on sale.
- Availability: Avalon sales ended in the U.S. after 2022; the ES remains in production and updated.
- Performance character: Both share some powertrains, but the ES emphasizes a refined luxury driving experience, while the Avalon balanced space, comfort, and value.
Despite shared underpinnings, the two vehicles are aimed at different buyers, with the Lexus badge signaling a more premium ownership experience and the Avalon targeting spacious, value-focused family-sedan buyers.
Summary
The Toyota Avalon and Lexus are not the same vehicle, though they are closely related in engineering. The Avalon was Toyota’s large, value-oriented sedan, and new sales in the United States ended after the 2022 model year. Lexus ES remains the luxury alternative within the Toyota family, offering a similar foundation, a more premium interior, and ongoing updates. For shoppers seeking a current new-car option in this segment, the ES is the direct luxury successor, while the Avalon today exists mainly on the used market or in regions outside North America where it may still be offered.
Why did Toyota discontinue the Avalon?
Toyota discontinued the Avalon primarily due to a major shift in consumer preference from sedans to SUVs and crossovers. Declining sales for the full-size sedan segment, coupled with Toyota's strategy to focus on its SUV lineup and hybrid/electric vehicles, led to the decision to end production after the 2022 model year. The Toyota Crown replaced the Avalon as the company's flagship sedan, offering a new, high-riding design.
- Changing consumer demand: The popularity of SUVs and crossovers, which offer more space and versatility, has steadily eroded demand for traditional sedans like the Avalon.
- Focus on SUVs and hybrids: Toyota is prioritizing its resources on expanding its SUV lineup and developing more hybrid and electric vehicles to meet market trends.
- Declining sales: The Avalon's sales were falling, struggling to compete with other large sedans and even being outsold by the Camry, which was continuously improving.
- Replacement with the Toyota Crown: The Avalon was replaced by the high-riding, hybrid Toyota Crown, which is intended to appeal to a new generation of car buyers and fill the role of a premium sedan in the lineup.
- Market segmentation: The Avalon's role was also seen as overlapping with the more luxurious Lexus ES, and its design was sometimes seen as being difficult for taller drivers to get in and out of, a common complaint from some older buyers.
What Lexus is equivalent to Avalon?
The Lexus ES is the Toyota Avalon's direct Lexus equivalent, as they share platforms, engines, and other mechanical components. The main differences are that the Lexus ES is positioned as a more upscale and luxurious vehicle, while the Avalon offers a greater degree of value and a simpler feature set for a lower price.
You can watch this video to see a comparison between the Lexus ES and Toyota Camry: 22sHawkeye RidesYouTube · Oct 3, 2024
| Feature | Lexus ES | Toyota Avalon |
|---|---|---|
| Positioning | Luxury sedan | Value-oriented, full-size sedan |
| Price | Higher starting MSRP | Lower starting MSRP |
| Interior & Materials | More upscale materials, higher quality finishes | High-quality, but less luxurious than Lexus |
| Ride & Noise | More sound deadening, quieter ride | Quieter ride, but less than the ES |
| Features | More available premium features, such as a panoramic sunroof and power sunshades | Fewer premium features available |
| Engine | Often has a slightly more powerful V6 engine | Shares a similar 3.5L V6 engine with the ES, sometimes with slightly less horsepower |
| Platform | Shared platform with the Avalon | Shared platform with the ES |
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In short, if you are looking for a more luxurious and refined vehicle with a higher-end interior and more features, the Lexus ES is the equivalent. If you are looking for a similar large sedan with great value and reliability, the Toyota Avalon is the right choice.
Is a Toyota Avalon basically a Lexus?
In fact, the Avalon and the Lexus are essentially the same cars, the latter offering a greater degree of refinement and a more appealing design. Otherwise, there isn't a reason for the Avalon to exist in a world gone mad for SUVs.
How big is the Lexus ES 350 compared to the Avalon?
Avalon vs ES 350: Interior Dimensions
The front of the Toyota offers 58.3 inches of shoulder room and 55.8 inches of hip room, which is more than the 55.9 inches of shoulder room and 55 inches of hip room in the Lexus. The back rows of the Toyota and the Lexus offer a similar amount of headroom.
