Toyota Has Discontinued the Avalon: Here’s Why

The Toyota Avalon has been a significant member of the large sedan sector for a total of five generations. Available up to the 2022 model year, the Avalon is a great pre-owned model that has an abundance of cutting-edge features and a powerful engine. In addition to its details regarding amenities, customers of our Fairfield Toyota dealership in Ohio wonder whether Toyota has discontinued the Avalon. The answer is yes. Avalon manufacturing stopped in August 2022, making the 2022 model year the last. In this guide, we go over the reasons for discontinuation and discuss alternative vehicles to this model.

Why was the Toyota Avalon Discontinued?

2022 Toyota Avalon via Edmunds.com

The Avalon first debuted in 1994, so a discontinuation is a big change. Roomy and rugged, fancy but fairly priced, the Avalon offers a well-balanced package that is superior to competitors. Toyota initially began manufacturing it to replace the Toyota Cressida, which it also withdrew due to changing driver demands. It now looks like that time has come for the Avalon, as well.

Toyota also discontinued the Yaris in 2020, so it’s possible that more drivers today choose to buy an SUV or truck over a sedan. However, the Corolla has always sold well and remains on the lineup, as does the Camry. In short, Toyota is simplifying things, mainly to make room for a new full-size sedan called the Crown. When demand for sedans returns, we may see other new cars arrive, including a return of the Avalon.

What Will Replace the Toyota Avalon?

SUVs may be roomier than cars, and trucks are usually more capable, but quality sedans with similar capabilities can be appealing to the right driver. Toyota hasn’t left these folks behind, but rather than an Avalon, there are a couple of directions you could go. Many customers are anticipating the all-new 2023 Toyota Crown, the closest model to the Avalon and arguably its successor. There’s also the 2023 Toyota Sequoia, or the 2023 Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid — both great options if similar power would be acceptable in an SUV or crossover. Let’s take a look at each of these vehicles in more detail.

2023 Toyota Crown

Set to release in July, the Toyota Crown combines three distinct benefits over competing midsize cars: executive styling from a high-end sedan, a flowing sports car shape, and an elevated interior from an SUV. It comes in the XLE, Limited, and Platinum trims, all of which look great, partly from the generous ground clearance of 5.8 inches. The Platinum model is equipped with the top-of-the-line Toyota Hybrid Max system; it generates 340 horsepower and 400 lb-ft of torque by combining a turbocharged 2.4L four-cylinder with an electric motor on the back axle.

The XLE and Limited models have a 236-horsepower hybrid system that consists of a 2.5L four-cylinder and three electric motors. All-wheel drive is standard on all trims, with the XLE and Limited using continuously variable automatic transmissions and the Platinum using a more traditional six-speed automatic. The Crown’s performance in standard powertrain editions is strong, with a claimed zero-to-60-mph time of 7.6 seconds. The Platinum model is notably brisker, as well, reaching 60 mph in 5.7 seconds.

As if that weren’t enough, the Crown is also one of the most efficient vehicles of its type. The Platinum puts out 29 city mpg and 32 highway mpg, but all other models get up to 42 city mpg and 41 highway mpg. For drivers who missed the Avalon, we think it’s fair to call the 2023 Crown a suitable replacement. It has the two powerful engines, high efficiency ratings, premium cabin, and up-to-date Toyota technology that you would’ve expected in a new Avalon.

2023 Toyota Sequoia

If you’re okay going full size but think a three-row Toyota SUV might be more your style, you’ll get some incredible power out of a 2023 Sequoia. It’s a new generation for the Toyota Sequoia, but some things shouldn’t change, and it continues to be built on the Tundra’s chassis. Due to this and its sturdy rear axle design, it boasts one of the best towing capacities in its class at 9,520 lbs.

Toyota’s new i-FORCE MAX hybrid powertrain, which we’ve also previously seen in the Tundra, consists of a 3.5L twin-turbocharged V-6 and a 10-speed automatic transmission between an electric motor housed in the bell housing. Compared with the previous 5.7L V-8, Toyota predicts a system peak of 437 horsepower and 583 lb-ft of torque — an increase of 56 horsepower and 182 lb-ft.

2023 Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid

Adding the first-ever Corolla Cross Hybrid to the portfolio, Toyota provides Fairfield drivers with style and convenience in a more compact package, which is ideal for a frequent solo driver. It features new safety and multimedia systems and new paint colors for 2023, in addition to a more potent hybrid system and optional electronic on-demand all-wheel drive.

Rather than the ZR engines used in earlier compact Toyota hybrids, the Corolla Cross Hybrid has a brand-new engine based on the Toyota Dynamic Force family. Three electric motors and a 2.0L four-cylinder engine add up to 194 horsepower. According to Toyota, the crossover can accelerate from zero to 60 mph in just 8 seconds, and fuel economy estimates are about 37 combined city/highway mpg.

Browse and Test-Drive the New Toyotas in Fairfield, Ohio

While the Avalon is discontinued for now, it may return in the future when demand for that style of large sedan returns to its peak. Given the continually changing nature of the automobile market, there’s no telling just how long the Avalon will be out of development, but there are several appealing new Toyotas that could replace it for you, which are either available or coming soon.

If you have any questions about buying a new or used Toyota Crown, Sequoia, Corolla Cross Hybrid, or others, contact Performance Toyota. Our dealership is committed to making your shopping and car ownership experience as simple as possible. In addition to our extensive inventory, you can count on us to service your Toyota Avalon, find replacement parts or accessories, and more. Browse our new Toyota inventory, and you could be test-driving one of our vehicles later this week.