2019 Avalon Hybrid

Yeah, the 2018 Hybrid starts at $37,500, versus $33,500 for the V6. ($35,250 for the same trim level V6.) It's still cheaper for Toyota to make the V6, and you may also have some people who don't actually care about the power, but they think that a V6 is a really small engine, and can't even imagine buying the 4-cylinder. (You've also got a lot of people who fear hybrid maintenance requirements and batteries.)

At least the new Avalon solves the trunk space problem.

 

Or someone like me who drove all three drivetrains and found the silky smooth V-6 best suited to my mountainous driving conditions compared to the coarse I-4 in the other two applications.

They all have the same normally aspirated power lapse rate with altitude, so the V-6 has better power reserves where I live. That makes for a safer car since I'm more of a proactive than a reactive driver and often use the extra thrust to stay clear of other vehicles. Sometimes that means overtaking a 60' long slow moving 5th wheel RV going over a mountain pass and the reduced overtake time makes for a less stressful (and fun) driving experience.

Yes, I give up fuel economy, but my last HyCam only got low 30 mpg half the year in cooler conditions while the new V-6 gets 26 all day, 30 on a level highway, both on regular grade, and the 2018+ V-6 has valvetrain, fuel system, and transmission upgrades that improve power and economy substantially over the last V-6.

Now that the TNGA platform has a more stable rear suspension, lower, more forward CG, and next-gen hybrid system, the choice will be harder to make, but think that sweet V-6 has a lot going for it besides initial cost in this era of declining fuel prices until the solid-state battery hybrid system arrives.

 

Thanks! I am anxious to measure the new one against my 2014. I will probably upgrade simply due to the advancement in safety features.

 

I took my Avalon Hybrid in for an oil change today and asked at the sales desk when the '19 Avalons would be arriving. The obviously uninformed salesman told me "November". No amount of clarifying information would move him to actually check.
I then called Dianne Whitmire (she sold me my '16 Prius) at Carson Toyota and she said that there were Avalons "at the port" and as soon as Toyota allows them they will bring them into the dealership. Sounds like it's close.

 

Carson too far from you for an oil change? I would patronize my preferred dealer more if it were not 150 miles away.

 

i bought the current Avalon from this dealer. And my patronage helped them cover costs to the rear view mirror and the rear window screen outside of the stated warrantees.

 

I was told that the hybrid limited would be in short supply initially. but will have some as early as June.