Which Avalon is the top of the line?
The top-of-the-line Avalon trim is the Limited. It sits at the peak of Toyota's Avalon lineup, above XLE and XSE, delivering the most luxury features and tech. As background context, Toyota ended Avalon production for North America after the 2022 model year, so new stock isn't available in most markets.
Trims that make up the Avalon lineup
Here's a quick overview of the trims that have historically been offered in recent Avalon model years. Exact features vary by year and market.
- LE — base trim with essential features and value-oriented equipment.
- XLE — mid-level luxury that adds upgraded interior materials and comfort tech.
- XSE — sport-oriented variant with a firmer ride and distinct styling cues.
- Limited — the top-of-the-line trim, combining premium materials, advanced tech, and maximum comfort.
In practice, Limited remains the pinnacle of the Avalon lineup, while the other trims serve different priorities such as value, luxury, or sportiness.
Why the Limited is considered the top tier
The Limited earns its status through a combination of interior luxury, technology, and convenience features that are either standard or widely included on the top trim.
- Premium interior: leather seating surfaces, refined trim, and available heated/ventilated seats depending on year.
- Technology: larger touchscreen, enhanced audio options, integrated navigation, and a broad suite of driver-assistance features.
- Convenience: features like memory seating, wireless charging, and enhanced climate controls are commonly available.
- Ride refinement: a smoother, more composed ride with the possibility of all-wheel-drive on certain years.
For buyers prioritizing luxury and tech, the Limited is typically the preferred choice within the Avalon lineup.
Current status of Avalon in the market
As of 2025, Toyota has discontinued the Avalon for North American markets after the 2022 model year. There are no new Avalons; prospective buyers generally look at late-model used examples, particularly Limited-trim cars, or explore alternative Toyota sedans and crossovers for a similar balance of space and features. Outside North America, some markets may still offer Avalon variants or related models under different names.
Summary
The Limited is the top-of-the-line Avalon trim, offering the most luxurious interior, advanced technology, and feature set. With the model-year discontinuation in North America, potential buyers should consider late-model used Avalons if a top-tier experience remains a priority, or explore Toyota’s contemporary sedans and crossovers for a comparable blend of space and refinement.
What year to stay away from Toyota Avalon?
The Toyota Avalon years to avoid are primarily 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2011, 2013, and 2014 due to reports of issues like cracked dashboards, engine oil leaks, premature brake wear, transmission problems, and faulty VVTi oil lines. Specifically, the 2006 model is known for several significant problems, including an oil leak issue that could lead to engine damage, and the 2013 and 2014 models are criticized for a rougher ride and electrical issues.
This video discusses the best and worst Toyota Avalon years to own: 51sCar MavenYouTube · Jul 23, 2025
Specific years to approach with caution
- 2005: Has been associated with numerous recalls and issues, particularly concerning brakes, electrical accessories, and other components.
- 2006: Noted for multiple problems including engine oil leaks (potentially from a faulty oil line), excessive oil consumption, transmission hesitations, and dashboard cracks.
- 2007: Owners report issues like cracked dashboards, exhaust system problems, and paint delamination.
- 2008: Has been subject to recalls and complaints about exhaust issues, dashboard cracks, paint defects, and wheel bearing wear.
- 2011: Is listed as a model year with higher reported issues.
- 2013: Has a high number of complaints related to engine, transmission, and electrical steering problems.
- 2014: Faced complaints about a less luxurious ride compared to previous generations, early suspension wear, and infotainment system glitches.
This video provides a buyer's guide for the Toyota Avalon, including potential issues with 2013-2018 models: 1mDiscerning CarsYouTube · Dec 16, 2023
Key issues to look for
- Engine and Oil Leaks: The 2006 model is especially notorious for a VVTi oil line that can rupture and cause engine damage.
- Dashboard Cracks: This is a common complaint across several model years, including the 2005, 2006, 2007, and 2008 models.
- Transmission Problems: Some 2013 and 2015 models reported transmission issues, with some sources noting transmission rebuilds are common for 2015 models.
- Suspension and Ride: The 2014 model was noted for trading plushness for a sharper ride, with some early wear reported in the suspension.
- Electrical Issues: Problems have been reported in various years, including headlight issues in 2013, a problematic blind spot monitor system in 2013, and infotainment glitches in 2014.
Which is better, Avalon XLE or Limited?
The main differences between the Avalon XLE and Limited trims are the Limited's added luxury and convenience features, which include premium leather-trimmed and ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, a heated steering wheel, a 10-inch Head-Up Display, genuine wood interior trim, and a premium JBL audio system. The Limited also features unique 18-inch SuperChrome alloy wheels and specific exterior lighting and trim details.
You can watch this video to see a comparison of different Avalon models, including the XLE and Limited trims: 52sToyotaJeff ReviewsYouTube · Jun 16, 2018
| Feature | Avalon XLE | Avalon Limited |
|---|---|---|
| Seats | SofTex-trimmed, heated front seats | Premium leather-trimmed, heated and ventilated front seats |
| Rear Seats | Standard | Heated |
| Steering Wheel | Standard | Heated tilt/telescopic premium leather-wrapped |
| Wheels | Silver-painted alloy wheels | 18-inch SuperChrome alloy wheels |
| Audio | Standard audio system | 14-speaker premium JBL audio system with navigation |
| Interior Trim | Standard | Genuine wood interior trim |
| Technology | Standard features, such as a 7-inch Multi-Information Display | 10-inch color Head-Up Display (HUD) |
| Mirrors | Standard heated mirrors | Color-keyed, heated, and auto-dimming power outside mirrors |
| Sunroof | Standard | Standard (in many model years) |
(this||self).Wufxzb=function(c,e,f,l,k){var d=document.getElementById(c);if(d&&(d.offsetWidth!==0||d.offsetHeight!==0)){c=d.querySelector("div");var g=c.scrollWidth-c.offsetWidth,h=Math.min(e?g:0,g);c.scrollLeft=e&&(l||f)?0:h;var a=d.getElementsByTagName("g-left-button")[0],b=d.getElementsByTagName("g-right-button")[0];a&&b&&(e=RegExp("\\btHT0l\\b"),f=RegExp("\\bpQXcHc\\b"),a.className=a.className.replace(e,""),b.className=b.className.replace(e,""),h===0?a.className="pQXcHc "+a.className:(a.className=
a.className.replace(f,""),k&&c.classList.add("pA30Ne")),h===g?b.className="pQXcHc "+b.className:(b.className=b.className.replace(f,""),k&&c.classList.add("FpCCub")),setTimeout(function(){a.className+=" tHT0l";b.className+=" tHT0l"},50))}};}).call(this);(function(){var id='_dtwladHAFOPpi-gPs6Xj0Q8_222';var rtl=false;var gecko=false;var edge=false;var soh=false;
(this||self).Wufxzb(id,rtl,gecko,edge,soh);})();
This video provides a detailed review of the 2018 Avalon, highlighting the differences between trims: 53sCar ConfectionsYouTube · Aug 19, 2017
What is Toyota's highest trim level?
Toyota's highest trim level varies by model, but it is most commonly the Platinum or Capstone trim. For specific vehicles, the highest trim is determined by a model's hierarchy; for example, the TRD Pro is the highest trim for the Tacoma, while the XSE is the top trim for the Camry.
Highest trim level by model example:
- Grand Highlander: Platinum
- Sienna: Platinum
- Highlander: Platinum
- Tundra: Capstone
- Sequoia: Capstone
- Tacoma: TRD Pro
- Camry: XSE
Is Avalon more luxury than Camry?
Think of the Avalon as a more refined, luxurious alternative to the Camry. Its standard 3.5L V6 engine has quite a bit more power - 268 hp - but less compelling fuel efficiency, with EPA ratings of 21 mpg city/30 mpg highway.
