Is the Toyota Avalon worth it?
The short answer: the Avalon can be worth it for buyers who prize a roomy, comfortable, and reliable sedan—especially when buying used, since Toyota stopped selling new Avalons in the U.S. after the 2022 model year. If you want a brand-new car today, you would need to look at alternatives or other Toyota sedans.
Beyond that quick takeaway, this article weighs the Avalon’s strengths and drawbacks in 2025, explains who benefits most from its blend of space and efficiency, and offers practical guidance for anyone considering a used Avalon in a market that now favors SUVs and crossovers.
What the Avalon offers
The following points summarize the main advantages that have kept the Avalon appealing in its heyday and continue to attract buyers who are shopping used.
- Spacious interior and large trunk: comfortable seating for five with generous rear legroom and a sizable cargo area.
- Comfortable, quiet ride: prioritizes a smooth, refined cabin experience ideal for long trips and daily commuting.
- Hybrid option with strong efficiency for a full-size sedan: the Avalon Hybrid delivers notably better mpg than the V6 while preserving a roomy interior.
- Proven reliability and strong resale support: Toyota’s reputation for durability helps owners keep running costs down over time.
- Solid safety and driver-assistance features: many trims come with Toyota Safety Sense and available advanced features that age well with the car’s platform.
Taken together, these attributes have historically made the Avalon a compelling choice for families, long-distance commuters, and buyers who value comfort and resale value in a traditional sedan. However, the model’s age and the market shift toward SUVs affect its current value proposition.
Limitations to consider
While the Avalon has many strengths, several caveats are important for prospective buyers to weigh in 2025.
- No new models on the market: the Avalon is no longer sold new in the U.S., so ownership is restricted to the used-car market.
- Aging design compared with newer sedans and SUVs: styling, tech interfaces, and some features lag behind current competitors.
- Tech and infotainment may feel dated in older examples: touchscreen responsiveness and interface design can be less intuitive than modern systems.
- Higher price for well-kept used units vs. comparable Camry trims: you’ll pay a premium for size and comfort in the used market.
- Market shift toward SUVs affects demand and resale dynamics: some buyers prefer crossovers, which can influence pricing and availability of Avalons.
For buyers who prioritize value, these limitations mean it’s especially important to verify condition and maintenance history when shopping for a used Avalon, and to compare with near-equivalent options in Toyota’s lineup and beyond.
Is the Avalon a good buy in 2025?
If you’re considering purchasing a used Avalon today, use these considerations to guide your decision and help ensure you get solid value.
- Prioritize a documented maintenance history: look for regular service, timing-belt/drive-belt work if applicable, and battery health for hybrids.
- Get a thorough pre-purchase inspection: check the condition of the suspension, brakes, tires, and the hybrid battery, if applicable.
- Check recalls and service campaigns: ensure all open recalls have been addressed by a certified dealer.
- Compare with alternatives in the same segment: a Camry Hybrid or a Grand Highlander may offer similar space with newer tech and better resale trends.
- Assess total ownership costs: insurance, maintenance, potential battery replacement, and fuel costs based on your driving.
In practice, a well-maintained used Avalon can still deliver a dependable, comfortable ownership experience. The key is to verify history, ride quality, and the specific features you want, while keeping expectations aligned with the realities of a discontinued model in a market that increasingly favors SUVs.
Alternatives to consider
If you like the Avalon’s virtues but want something more current or better suited to today’s market, consider these options that balance space, efficiency, and value.
- Toyota Camry (especially Hybrid): closely related, widely available new and used, with strong efficiency and modern tech.
- Honda Accord: spacious, engaging to drive, with competitive efficiency and up-to-date features.
- Hyundai Sonata or Kia K5: stylish options with strong warranties and robust technology packages.
- Toyota Grand Highlander: if you want a roomy SUV with similar comfort characteristics and modern tech.
- Lexus ES: a more luxurious alternative if you’re willing to pay a premium for refined materials and a similar ride feel.
These options can offer comparable interior space, reliability, and comfort while delivering more current technology and a newer chassis in many cases. Your choice depends on whether you prefer the traditional sedan experience or are drawn to SUV practicality and modern features.
Summary
The Toyota Avalon remains a compelling choice for buyers who value comfort, space, and reliability, particularly in the used-car market. However, its discontinuation means there are no new Avalons, and market trends favor SUVs, which can influence pricing and availability. If you find a well-kept Avalon with a solid service history at a fair price, it can still be a smart, long-term purchase. If you want the latest tech, newer safety features, or SUV practicality, consider the Camry Hybrid, Grand Highlander, or other modern midsize options.
