2019 Toyota Avalon | CarGurus Test Drive Review

Shop 2019 Toyota Avalon listings: cargur.us/qqzkZ
Toyota redesigned the Avalon for 2019 with more power and new tech in hopes of connecting with a younger audience. Its new Lexus-looking grille has generated some controversy, but aside from that, reviewer Mike Perkins was mostly impressed by the new car. It uses a 3.5-liter V6 that’s standard equipment in a number of Toyota and Lexus vehicles, but it’s been beefed up to 301 horsepower and gets a new 8-speed transmission this year.
As for tech, the new Avalon’s Toyota Entune 3.0 system supports Apple CarPlay and Amazon Alexa, and a wireless charging pad actually fits the larger smartphones that can use it. It has a 9-inch touchscreen and offers a Wi-Fi hotspot for up to 5 devices, and its Linux-based open-source architecture should allow third-party developers to add features and functionality via new apps.
The new Avalon also gets more standard safety features, including blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alerts, helping the car earn the IIHS’s Top Safety Pick+ rating. Read the full review on CarGurus: cargur.us/qqDkL
Presenter: Mike Perkins
Cinematographer: Carl Nenzen Loven
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[@erickadrianvf]

I am 26, and I have recently leased a Black 2019 Avalon Touring. Heads turn, some think it’s a lexus, but I didn’t get it for them, I got it because of the experience when I test drove it. Test drove V6 Camry, and then this one... sales person was trying to close me hard on the Camry “It’s the same engine” “it’s a big car.” Although all of it was true, the experience of suspension, the Luxury feeling, it really gives it a “Batmobile feeling” IN MY OPINION. Test drove a lexus, and it was 10K MORE, but the feeling was a standard-entry level, again, IN MY OPINION. Is it a big car? Yes. But for only 2K more than the V6 Camry you get to experience FULL LOAD Luxury and Sporty feeling. Don’t regret it at all.

[@timmatheson6736]

Just test drove Camry's a Maxima and a Avalon XLE no comparison in ride and room Avalon wins although seats in Nissan are great

[@michaelalsbrooks7274]

Looking into the 2019/20 Toyota Avalon. All I want to know if it has the Engine Start Stop technology.

[@kannermw]

You are wise beyond your years. Now everyone is buying cross-over and SUVs. It is not following the herd mentality where you get the most value for the $. Just bought a 2021 Avalon Touring with Advance Safety Package for under $38K. All I can say is wow and it seems people are trying to tailgate me if I let them (not because I drive like a grandpa 🤣) but just to see what it is cause they are like a unicorn car you never see. You are also right about Lexus ES in comparison. There are 6X more Toyota dealers versus Lexus and equally fewer Lexus cars to compete on price so that difference is more like $12-$15K for nearest equivalent with only about $2K in real tangible incremental value. The rest is vested interest in the swoopy "L" ego booster badge on the front

[@ldfrazi]

I'm 32 years old and idk if I'm consider in the young group but I went and saw this car in person yesterday and wow Toyota take my money please!

[@funlovingJohn]

My 2019 Avalon just got rear ended on the freeway when I was stopped in traffic. The force of the impact pushed my car into the car in front of me. It aperid no real damage to the two other cars, maybe a little scrap on the bumpers. My Avalon suffered $8000 damage to the front and rear do to no real bumpers, just a very thin cosmetic skirt instead of bumpers like the two other cars in the accident a 2018 BWM and a 2010 Volvo.

[@siseesan3147]

The Avalon looks more stylish , still comfortable and a good performance upgrade from the previous model it’s a great car overall

[@peterthompson2953]

I am 64 and feel fit and great. I still do plenty of things that require physical dexterity I do not like the ageism here.

[@limpunsing224]

At first i thought the grille was overdone but at least it stands out As a whole it's gorgeous

[@swanblake]

My Dad and I talk cars, and one day when I was over there he brings up how cool the new Avalon looks and loves the grill. There's its demographic hahaha

[@baldheadlogic]

I really like this new 5th gen Avalon especially this "touring" trim. I agree with MP. Toyota should have offered AWD.

[@scandalfan1667]

I could give two squats about a grill if the inside is nice.

[@germanium1872]

Im 34 and I would love an avalon

[@TruthHasSpoken]

Nice review. I agree with you: THE Achilles heal is the lack of AWD (for those of us in snow states) Also ... i notice: - another humongous center console. Doesn't look like you can move your right leg at all to the right. You seem boxed in completely. A GREAT idea when driving on a road trip and putting the car on "Cruise." I'm quite convinced that designers never, ever drive the cars they are designing, at least off the test track. - Also, it looks like the touchscreen is it tilted up, facing the sun. Did you encounter any glare with this screen? Finally, I have a pretty good size curb entering my driveway. I'm quite convinced that I'll hit it driving this car.

[@TacSoob253]

Strangely enough, people survived in snowy areas with FWD for years and years.

[@MikeDPerkins]

And for decades before that with RWD and no LSD. Things change. Things evolve. We didn't used to have ABS or air bags or seat belts, either!

[@GoofieNewfie]

Yup no awd and that hideous grill are it's problems. Otherwise I'd really consider it. The Es is in a similar position with no awd. No awd = no sale. I'm in canada and I am done with fwd cars. Even in the summer, I've had too many around 300 hp fwd cars and I'm sick of torque steer and over aggressive traction control systems to stop the wheels from spinning on hills or corners. Awd is a must for me.

[@swanblake]

Love Mike. A,gazing review as always.

[@ashrick718]

They need an AWD Avalon!

[@stevewise1656]

The grill doesn’t stand out as much and blends better in the red, blue, and black. I own one and I’m not 66.:) I purchased the Touring and it includes WiFi hotspot, wireless charging, heads-up display, SOS for breakdowns etc..

[@gregorynoll6523]

Im 66 and I am considering this car after spending 36 months in a WRX, really!!

[@stevewise1656]

Gregory Noll that would be quite a change for you.:) This reviewer talking about his height is silly. My neighbor is 6’8” and all he had to do when he got in was lower the seat. He fit just fine. I’d recommend testing the car around town, the highway, and parking. It’s a long car, so coming from a WRX will be something I’d recommend you try. Parking spaces are getting smaller and so are the parking lanes. My cousin lives near me and drives a WRX. He likes my Avalon, though he did comment on the length and width of the car. He’s 6’5” and his head wasn’t grazing the headliner either.:) The higher level 2019 Camry offers this same 301hp engine and isn’t as long or wide. The Camry also offers a panoramic roof. The pearl white with the black panoramic roof and tinted windows looks very sharp. I have kids to drive around and wanted a larger touring car. Lastly, depending on how many add on apps like SOS, remote start, other apps/features and WiFi can add up. I don’t believe they should charge for these features, though I’m 55 and wanted them all. The good thing about all Toyota updates for the Avalon and the 2019 Camry is they’re done while driving and not with a disc. Not that you were asking my opinion, though I wanted to give you some feedback.

[@gregorynoll6523]

Just grab a 2019 Kia Sportage Turbo loaded with beige leather interior. Excited. More comfortable and quiet than my 2016 WRX.

[@markvantrease7610]

Wait for the trd when it comes out. You will love it that much more.

[@venictos]

Looking clean my man. I always enjoy your presentation style. Glad those sunglasses are blocking out the haters! lol

[@princegorman2979]

Can the engine be on for five hours

[@bestcarreview5021]

Awesome 😀 😀 2019 Toyota Avalon review .

[@JMotorCity]

Holy triceps, Batman

[@golfbuddy1969]

I have seen this car on the road several times...I have to admit it catches a lot of attention and looks really pretty good. BUT, the person driving was a dinosaur...seriously old. So I’d say Toyota’s search for younger buyers will continue.

[@BanBiofuels]

Look, the grill is designed to squash or push away cows, goats, sheep, dogs, cats, and runaway pot belly pigs and pet monkeys that cross our roads at night. Old people have poor eyesight so they need a giant grill just so they can see it to admire its beauty. The next generation Avalon will have a grill so big it will take up two freeway lanes. The bigger the grill the better. BIG! BIG! BIG! BIG! At least that is what my grandpa told me.

[@MikeDPerkins]

Christopher Calder Hahaha!

[@katieperkins2945]

Nice shirt! The car is pretty great too.

[@MikeDPerkins]

Katie Perkins #charlie's4eva

[@MikeDPerkins]

Follow me on IG for behind-the-scenes and upcoming cars: mikedperkins

[@luckytrader8551]

When are you going to review the 2019 Rav4?

[@richicamacho7989]

I'd rather have a big front grill than a "tesla" grill

[@aaronc.5636]

Your haircut and the car look great. Another great review! I’m 42 and this car is very appealing, but I live in the northeast where all-wheel drive is desired.

[@MikeDPerkins]

Aaron C. That's the big issue. So much of the country it's missing out on.

[@swanblake]

It's called snow tires.

[@MikeDPerkins]

Blake Swan For a LOT of people, that's no longer enough. They insist on AWD.

[@malcolmscott4150]

Great review - nice grille said the Lexus owner and no one else :)

[@ianalexander2017]

Looks good

[@silentrefusal9911]

This lack of proper comfortable headroom in both front and rear seat really bothers me. I mean who exactly are the car manufacturers targeting with their latest and newest sedan offerings?? Did they really just deduct that people who want to buy a low driving vehicle or are sedan lovers somehow stopped growing taller after the age of 16 when they reached 5, 8 height? Or... They simply assume anyone and everyone wishing to enjoy the luxury of a comfortable rear seat in a sedan must be a short guy not more than 5, 9 maximum?? If you are a tall guy and want a perfectly comfortable seat with good headroom, go buy an SUV. What kind of stupid logic is that? For a long time (past 3-5 years) car manufacturers have been blaming car buyers for the increasing interest in SUV and the decline in sales of sedans, whereas in reality, I personally think it's the manufacturers, who are literally forcing their buyers to look somewhere else than sedans to get anything comfortable.

[@funlovingJohn]

Yes I agree I have a hard time getting in and out of my 2019 Avalon. do to the very low roof line. I'm average height (6' 1") and my Avalon was real designed for short people.

[@Nightbird.]

Was there a car in this video? I couldn't take my eyes off the hottie with the chest hair peaking out of his shirt collar to tell.. Mmm...😛

[@udontknowmeg7254]

Chill

[@jaffarbaqi]

Give it awd, increase its ground clearance a couple of inches, and I will consider it. Wait a minute. Isn't that available over at Ford? It's a shame Ford had aborted the Taurus.

[@bigpoppa1992]

I have a ford Taurus SHO and im disappointed that ford is doing away with their cars.

[@MikeDPerkins]

Give it a few years.

[@jamesdoe8690]

til the SUV craze is over good luck with that

[@swanblake]

Fix or repair daily, yeah no thanks

[@scaldon2]

Jaffar Ford stop selling cars because nobody bought them. Taurus were unreliable pieces of junk. Ask any mechanic. FORD stands for Found On Road Dead. Also Ford stands for For Only Retired Dumbasses.

[@gsctht123]

Make it AWD. Get rid of the ugly grill... oh and can you tilt that Nav display toward the sun a little more.

[@farrahdawn2272]

I am very impressed with the car and I had a 3.0 Avalon xls, I raced it one time and I have to say I was impressed by the way I won the mustang GT I beat had no idea what just happened and I absolutely love the mustang cobra..

[@middler5212]

This is the best Toyota car to date. Hope it sells well. And I would like to drive one someday too.

[@swanblake]

I'm guessing you haven't driven an 86

[@MsRose00]

I still haven’t seen them on the road. We shall see.

[@middler5212]

True. But I was meaning the best full package sedan. 🙂

[@middler5212]

I’ve seen a few. They’ve got a great presence! Could be easily mistaken for a new Camry though.

[@mrpmj00]

Saw it in person at the dealership today, fugly. Ain't worth $40-45k. Cheapened out on the details such as halogen bulbs for courtesy lights, really? That center console is fugly, reminds me of my Renault Grand scenic minivan rental in Paris.

[@JWB19]

I was thinking of getting an Avalon, until Toyota discriminated against Android users, smh

[@timmatheson6736]

There is a reason Android is crap

[@shopwithaaron]

Stop...That....grill!!!!

[@Jm-my1rd]

Mike, you are hotter than the car 😍

[@AllStars2525]

That design is really ugly.

[@markovwms]

If the car came with you, I’ll buy it lol

[@derickj1976]

Bro you lost a lot of weight.😮😲

[@Hosein868]

This grill is an insult to humanity. Avalon buyers are not looking for awd and awd buyers would never consider Avalon.

[@TacSoob253]

Strangely enough, people survived in snowy areas with FWD for years and years.

[@MikeDPerkins]

And for decades before that with RWD and no LSD. Things change. Things evolve. We didn't used to have ABS or air bags or seat belts, either!