Which is more expensive Camry or Avalon?
Historically, the Avalon has been the more expensive model, thanks to its larger size and premium features. Today, Toyota no longer sells the Avalon new in the United States, so for new-car transactions the Camry is the relevant, typically lower-priced option. If you're shopping used, Avalon pricing can be higher depending on year, trim and condition.
The Camry is Toyota's mainstream midsize sedan; the Avalon was the larger, more upscale sibling. As Avalon sales ended in the U.S., buyers looking for a Toyota sedan now primarily encounter Camry pricing, or consider the Crown for a larger, premium alternative. This article walks through pricing history, current status, and what that means for buyers.
Pricing landscape: then and now
Before looking at numbers, note that price varies by trim, options and region. The following summarizes typical new-car price ranges from when Avalon was sold in the U.S. and the current Camry price spectrum. It also notes the current availability status of the Avalon.
Toyota Camry (new, current): Historically started in the mid-$20,000s, rising with higher trims; commonly ranges from the mid-$20,000s for base models to the high-$30,000s or around $40,000 for top-end trims and performance variants.
Toyota Avalon (new, last generation): When sold in the U.S., started in the mid-$30,000s and could top into the low $40,000s for well-equipped trims. Note that the Avalon is no longer offered new in the U.S.; prices shown here reflect historical pricing.
In short, the Avalon was more expensive than the Camry in terms of initial pricing when both were available new. Today, no new Avalon is sold in the U.S., so price comparisons for new cars focus on Camry pricing, while used Avalons represent the remaining price anchor for that model.
Ownership costs and value considerations
Price is only part of the equation. Ownership costs—maintenance, insurance, depreciation, and fuel economy—also shape the true cost of ownership. Here are the key considerations for these two Toyota sedans.
- Upfront cost: Camry generally offers a lower starting price than Avalon, making it more accessible for first-time buyers or budget-conscious shoppers. Avalon, when new, sat at a higher starting point due to its larger size and additional features.
- Used-market dynamics: Because Avalon was positioned above Camry, used Avalons can carry higher price tags for comparable model years, depending on trim, condition, and mileage. Availability is limited since new Avalons are no longer produced for the U.S. market.
- Ownership economics: Insurance premiums and maintenance costs tend to be higher for Avalon-era models due to their size and parts footprint, though claims depend on individual driving history and trim.
- Fuel economy and powertrain choices: Camry offers efficient four-cylinder and hybrid variants that deliver strong economy at a lower price point, while Avalon offered similar powertrains with larger body weight; hybrid versions exist for the Camry and were available on Avalon in earlier generations.
As a practical matter, a Camry remains the more economical path for most buyers seeking a new Toyota sedan, while a well-kept used Avalon may still command a premium depending on year and trim.
Bottom line: which is more expensive?
On a new-car basis, the Avalon was more expensive than the Camry when both were sold side-by-side. Today, there is no new Avalon in the U.S., so the current price comparison centers on Camry pricing; for those seeking a larger, premium Toyota, the Crown is the modern alternative. For used-buy decisions, Avalons can still fetch higher prices than similarly aged Camrys, but condition, mileage and trim drive the final numbers.
Summary
In the contemporary market, the Camry is the affordable, widely available Toyota sedan, while the Avalon lives on primarily as a used vehicle rather than a new one in the U.S. If your goal is to compare which model carries a higher price tag, the Avalon historically did—but now the Camry stands as the practical, economical choice, with the Crown offering a newer, larger option in the Toyota lineup. Always check current dealer listings and regional availability for the most accurate pricing.
