What cars are comparable to Toyota Avalon?
The Toyota Avalon has long been viewed as a spacious, comfortable full-size sedan. The most direct modern rivals in this class are the Nissan Maxima, Chrysler 300, and Dodge Charger.
Note that the Avalon was phased out in the U.S. after the 2022 model year, so buyers looking for a similar experience today often compare these full-size or near-full-size sedans and consider near-luxury alternatives or used options to match space, ride quality, and value. This article outlines the primary comparables, how they stack up in key areas, and what to consider when shopping in this category.
Direct rivals in the full-size sedan segment
These models are the closest contemporary matches to the Avalon in terms of size, seating comfort, and powertrain options. They offer similar cabin space and trunk capacity, with varying approaches to luxury, performance, and technology.
Nissan Maxima — A traditional full-size sedan powered by a 3.5-liter V6, delivering strong highway performance and a roomy interior. Pricing commonly sits in the low-to-mid $30,000s before options, with higher trims pushing into the upper $30,000s. The Maxima emphasizes a balance of comfort and sportiness, though some buyers note it trails premium-brand rivals in cabin refinement and features at higher trims.
Chrysler 300 — An American full-size sedan known for interior space and a comfortable ride, often with a 3.6-liter V6 and rear-wheel drive (with all-wheel drive available on select trims). Base pricing generally starts in the low $30,000s, with higher trims adding luxury touches and more powerful options. The 300 tends to focus on room and ease of use rather than cutting-edge tech.
Dodge Charger — A large sedan that emphasizes performance, offering V6 and multiple V8 engine choices and all-wheel drive on certain trims. Starting prices are typically in the low $30,000s, but higher-performance variants can push well beyond that. The Charger appeals to buyers who want straight-line speed and a roomy cabin, at the expense of some interior quietness compared with more upscale rivals.
These models constitute the core set of direct competitors to the Avalon in today’s market, especially for shoppers prioritizing interior space, ride quality, and straight-line power in a traditional four-door sedan.
What to consider when comparing
When evaluating these cars, buyers should weigh ride comfort, interior quality, technology, and long-term ownership costs. Full-size sedans compete on rear-seat space, trunk capacity, and highway refinement, while performance-oriented trims can shift emphasis toward acceleration and driving dynamics.
Key decision factors by category
- Ride and interior: If you prize a serene, comfortable cabin with substantial rear-seat space, the Chrysler 300’s softer ride and roomy back seat can be appealing. The Maxima offers a balanced ride with solid V6 performance, while the Charger prioritizes performance and a sportier feel in its higher trims.
- Technology and features: All three offer modern infotainment and safety systems, but feature availability and user experience vary by model year and trim level. Verify the latest standard and optional equipment for the exact car you’re considering.
- Fuel economy and maintenance: The Maxima’s V6 delivers respectable performance without extreme fuel use for its class; the Charger and 300 have comparable figures that vary with drivetrain and engine choice. Maintenance costs depend on drivetrain, age, and local service options, so consider total ownership costs over a typical ownership horizon.
Beyond these direct rivals, buyers may also look at near-luxury alternatives or used options to match similar space and comfort. Toyota’s current flagship sedan lineup in the U.S. has shifted toward other configurations, and shoppers often expand their search to Lexus sedans or other large sedans from different brands depending on price, features, and availability.
Summary
In short, the Nissan Maxima, Chrysler 300, and Dodge Charger are the most commonly cited contemporaries to the Toyota Avalon in today’s market. Since the Avalon is no longer sold new in the U.S., many shoppers compare these models to find comparable space, comfort, and performance. For those seeking Avalon-like attributes in the current landscape, evaluating used Avalons, near-luxury sedans, and alternative full-size or near-full-size options can help identify the best fit based on ride quality, tech features, and price. Always check the latest model-year specifications and availability when shopping.
