Toyota Avalon

Toyota Avalon: generations: what actually changed when you pick a year

The catalogue lists 10 generation records for one Sedan body. Restylings sit inside the same generation; they are not extra generations.

The catalogue lists 10 generation records for one Sedan body. Restylings sit inside the same generation; they are not extra generations.

5 generation (from 2018-01-01, no stop date). Four versions. This is the only generation with AWD, an 8-speed Automatic, a 50 L tank, 135 mm ground clearance on every version, and 301 hp. The Hybrid 2.5 CVT is two listings with the same name: 218 hp (to 2020-12-31) then 215 hp (2021-01-01 to 2022-12-31). Combined output drops 3 hp; mixed consumption stays 5.3 L/100 km; 0–100 stays 8.2 s; torque stays 221 Nm. The 5 generation 3.5 AT adds 33 hp over the 4 generation 3.5 AT (277 hp) and 33 hp over the 4 generation, restyling 3.5 AT (268 hp). Wheels go up to 235/40 R19 only on this 3.5 AT.

4 generation (2012-11-01 to 2015-01-31) and 4 generation, restyling (2015-01-01 to 2018-12-31). Two versions each. The Hybrid 2.5 CVT is the largest power jump in the whole model: 154 hp in 4 generation versus 203 hp in the restyling (+49 hp, +31.8%). Mixed consumption is unchanged at 5.9 L/100 km. The 3.5 AT goes the other way: 277 hp and 346 Nm in 4 generation, then 268 hp and 337 Nm in the restyling (−9 hp, −9 Nm). Gearbox stays Automatic with 6 gears. Tank is 64 L on all four versions — 14 L more than 5 generation. Ground clearance rises from 127 mm (4 generation) to 140 mm (restyling), the highest later-era figure. Only the 4 generation 3.5 AT has a measured top speed of 210 km/h and Euro 4; the restyling 3.5 AT has both top speed and eco class not measured. Rear brakes on the restyling 3.5 AT are not measured.

3 generation (2004-12-01 to 2007-07-31), 3 generation, restyling (2007-08-01 to 2010-01-31), 3 generation, restyling 2 (2010-04-01 to 2012-10-31). All 3.5 AT, Gasoline, 6 cylinders, V-shaped, FWD, Automatic, 70 L tank, 135 mm clearance. Two same-name engines in the first 3 generation: 3.5 AT 284 hp (6.4 s to 100 km/h) and 3.5 AT 272 hp (8.4 s, 215 km/h). The 284 hp car is 2.0 s faster than the 272 hp car in the same generation. Restyling keeps 272 hp but consumption is not measured; gears stay 5. Restyling 2 keeps 272 hp, moves to 6 gears, measures 8.2 s and 220 km/h (the highest top speed in the data), and lists Euro 5. Mixed consumption on restyling 2 is 10.2 L/100 km — 0.9 more than the 3 generation 284 hp and 272 hp cars, both at 9.3.

2 generation (1999-08-01 to 2003-05-31) and 2 generation, restyling (2003-06-01 to 2004-11-30). One 3.0 AT each, identical in the numbers: 213 hp, 298 Nm, 2994 cm³, 8.4 s, 215 km/h, 4-speed Automatic, 1600 kg, 1975 kg gross, 130 mm, fuel 95. City, highway, and mixed consumption are not measured on both. Front brakes are Disc, not Ventilated disc.

1 generation (1994-03-01 to 1997-09-30) and 1 generation, restyling (1997-10-01 to 1999-07-31). One 3.0 AT each at 200 hp and 284 Nm. These are the lightest Avalons (1470 kg) and the highest ground clearance (145 mm). Fuel is 92, unique in the catalogue. Restyling adds measured consumption (11.2 / 8.1 / 10.5 L/100 km) and a 1745 kg gross weight; the first 1 generation has consumption and gross weight not measured. 0–100 and top speed are not measured on both.

Engines and specs

Same names must be told apart by horsepower and generation.

Engine position is Front, transverse on every version. Valves per cylinder are 4 on every version. Direct injection (direct) appears on 5 generation and on 4 generation, restyling 3.5 AT. Distributed injection (multi-point) is on Hybrid 2.5 CVT through 4 generation, all 3 generation 3.5 AT, and both 2 and 1 generation 3.0 AT. Fuel system on 4 generation 3.5 AT is not measured.

Power per litre (hp ÷ displacement in litres): 5 generation 2.5 CVT 218 hp is 87.4 hp/L; 5 generation 3.5 AT 301 hp is 87.1 hp/L; 5 generation 2.5 CVT 215 hp is 86.2; 5 generation 2.5 AT 205 hp is 82.2; 3 generation 3.5 AT 284 hp is 82.2; 4 generation, restyling 2.5 CVT 203 hp is 81.4; 4 generation 3.5 AT 277 hp is 80.2; 3 generation 3.5 AT 272 hp is 78.7; 4 generation, restyling 3.5 AT 268 hp is 77.5; 2 generation 3.0 AT 213 hp is 71.1; 1 generation 3.0 AT 200 hp is 66.8; 4 generation 2.5 CVT 154 hp is 61.7 hp/L — the weakest specific output in the set.

Compression: 14.0 on 5 generation 2494 cm³ engines (bore × stroke 87.5 × 103.4); 11.8 on 5 generation 3.5 AT (94 × 83); 12.5 on 4 generation Hybrids (90 × 98); 10.8 on 4 generation 3.5 AT (94 × 83, restyling bore × stroke measured; 4 generation bore × stroke not measured); 10.5 on 3.0 AT. Compression on all 3 generation 3.5 AT is not measured.

Performance, mpg and fuel use

0–100 km/h measured: 3 generation 3.5 AT 284 hp 6.4 s; 4 generation 3.5 AT 277 hp 7.4 s; every Hybrid 2.5 CVT (154, 203, 218, 215 hp) 8.2 s; 3 generation, restyling 2 3.5 AT 272 hp 8.2 s; 3 generation 3.5 AT 272 hp, 3 generation, restyling 3.5 AT, and both 2 generation 3.0 AT 8.4 s. Not measured: 5 generation 2.5 AT, 5 generation 3.5 AT, 4 generation, restyling 3.5 AT, both 1 generation 3.0 AT.

Top speed measured: 3 generation, restyling 2 3.5 AT 220 km/h; 3 generation, restyling 3.5 AT and 3 generation 3.5 AT 272 hp and both 2 generation 3.0 AT 215 km/h; 4 generation 3.5 AT 210 km/h; 4 generation 2.5 CVT 154 hp and 4 generation, restyling 2.5 CVT 203 hp 185 km/h. Not measured on all 5 generation versions, 4 generation, restyling 3.5 AT, 3 generation 3.5 AT 284 hp, and both 1 generation 3.0 AT.

Mixed L/100 km, lowest to highest among measured: 5 generation 2.5 CVT 218 hp and 215 hp 5.3; 4 generation 2.5 CVT 154 hp and 4 generation, restyling 2.5 CVT 203 hp 5.9; 5 generation 2.5 AT 8.4; 5 generation 3.5 AT 9.0; 3 generation both 3.5 AT 9.3; 4 generation 3.5 AT 9.4; 4 generation, restyling 3.5 AT 9.8; 3 generation, restyling 2 3.5 AT 10.2; 1 generation, restyling 3.0 AT 10.5. Not measured: 3 generation, restyling 3.5 AT, both 2 generation 3.0 AT, 1 generation 3.0 AT.

City vs highway on Hybrids: 5 generation 2.5 CVT is 5.5 city / 5.3 highway. 4 generation, restyling 2.5 CVT is 5.9 / 6.0 — highway is 0.1 above city. 4 generation 2.5 CVT is 6.0 / 5.9. Gasoline 5 generation 2.5 AT is 9.4 / 6.9; 3.5 AT 10.7 / 7.3. Versus the 5 generation Hybrid, the 5 generation 2.5 AT uses 3.1 L/100 km more mixed and the 3.5 AT uses 3.7 more. CO2 is not measured on every version.

Dimensions, weight, tank and wheels

Kerb weight: 1 generation 3.0 AT 1470 kg (lightest). 4 generation, restyling 3.5 AT 1571 kg; 4 generation 3.5 AT 1570 kg; 3 generation, restyling 3.5 AT 1583 kg; 3 generation 3.5 AT 272 hp 1585 kg; 2 generation 3.0 AT 1600 kg; 5 generation 3.5 AT 1615 kg; 3 generation 3.5 AT 284 hp and restyling 2 3.5 AT 1620 kg; 4 generation 2.5 CVT 1630 kg; 4 generation, restyling 2.5 CVT 1632 kg; 5 generation 2.5 AT and both 5 generation 2.5 CVT 1650 kg (heaviest).

kg per hp: 5 generation 3.5 AT 5.37; 4 generation 3.5 AT 5.67; 3 generation 3.5 AT 284 hp 5.70; 3 generation, restyling 3.5 AT 5.82; 3 generation 3.5 AT 272 hp 5.83; 4 generation, restyling 3.5 AT 5.86; 3 generation, restyling 2 3.5 AT 5.96; 1 generation 3.0 AT 7.35; 2 generation 3.0 AT 7.51; 5 generation 2.5 CVT 218 hp 7.57; 5 generation 2.5 CVT 215 hp 7.67; 4 generation, restyling 2.5 CVT 8.04; 5 generation 2.5 AT 8.05; 4 generation 2.5 CVT 154 hp 10.58.

Gross weight measured only on 4 generation 3.5 AT (2130 kg), both 2 generation 3.0 AT (1975 kg), and 1 generation, restyling 3.0 AT (1745 kg). Not measured on all other versions.

Ground clearance: 145 mm (1 generation), 140 mm (4 generation, restyling), 135 mm (5 generation and all 3 generation), 130 mm (2 generation), 127 mm (4 generation).

Tank: 70 L (1–3 generation), 64 L (4 generation), 50 L (5 generation) — 20 L less than the early cars.

Wheels measured: 5 generation 2.5 AT and both 2.5 CVT 215/55 R17 and 235/40 R18; 5 generation 3.5 AT adds 235/40 R19. 4 generation, restyling both versions and 4 generation 2.5 CVT: 215/55 R17 and 225/45 R18. Wheels not measured on 4 generation 3.5 AT and all 1–3 generation versions.

Suspension is Independent, spring front and rear on every version. Front brakes are Ventilated disc except both 2 generation 3.0 AT (Disc). Rear brakes are Disc except 4 generation, restyling 3.5 AT (not measured).

Which version to choose

Lowest fuel use: 5 generation 2.5 CVT Hybrid, either 218 hp (2018–2020) or 215 hp (2021–2022). Mixed 5.3 L/100 km, 0–100 8.2 s, 1650 kg, FWD, Variable, tank 50 L. The 3 hp difference does not show up in consumption or acceleration in this data. A 4 generation, restyling 2.5 CVT (203 hp) is 0.6 L/100 km higher mixed and has a 64 L tank; the 4 generation 2.5 CVT (154 hp) matches that 5.9 mixed but is 49 hp down and 10.58 kg/hp.

Most power, least mass per hp: 5 generation 3.5 AT, 301 hp, 362 Nm, 1615 kg, 8-speed Automatic, FWD, mixed 9.0 L/100 km. 0–100 and top speed not measured. Compared with 4 generation 3.5 AT 277 hp: +24 hp, +16 Nm, +45 kg, two extra gears, tank 50 L instead of 64 L, mixed 9.0 versus 9.4. Compared with 4 generation, restyling 3.5 AT 268 hp: +33 hp, +25 Nm, mixed 9.0 versus 9.8.

Only AWD: 5 generation 2.5 AT, 205 hp, 186 Nm, Automatic 8, mixed 8.4, 1650 kg. Versus the Hybrid 2.5 CVT in the same generation: −13 hp versus 218 hp (or −10 versus 215 hp), −35 Nm versus 221, +3.1 L/100 km mixed, AWD instead of FWD. Versus the 5 generation 3.5 AT: −96 hp, −176 Nm, +35 kg, AWD instead of FWD, −0.6 L/100 km mixed.

Fastest measured 0–100: 3 generation 3.5 AT 284 hp at 6.4 s — 1.0 s quicker than 4 generation 3.5 AT 277 hp (7.4 s) and 1.8 s quicker than every Hybrid. Top speed on this 284 hp car is not measured. The other 3 generation 3.5 AT (272 hp) is 8.4 s and 215 km/h, 2.0 s slower, 35 kg lighter (1585 vs 1620).

Highest measured top speed: 3 generation, restyling 2 3.5 AT 272 hp, 220 km/h, 8.2 s, Euro 5, 6 gears, mixed 10.2 L/100 km — the thirstiest measured 3.5 AT.

If you want 2015-era specs (common search: 2015 horsepower): 4 generation, restyling 2.5 CVT 203 hp or 3.5 AT 268 hp. Clearance 140 mm. Hybrid torque 212 Nm at 4500, not the later 221 Nm band.

If you want 2012–2014 (searches for 2012/2013/2014 hp): 4 generation 3.5 AT 277 hp (7.4 s, 210 km/h, Euro 4, 2130 kg gross — the only 4 generation gross weight) or 2.5 CVT 154 hp. Clearance 127 mm, lowest in the model.

If you want 2004–2007 (searches for 2004/2005/2006/2007 hp): two 3.5 AT names — 284 hp or 272 hp. Pick 284 hp for 6.4 s; pick 272 hp for 215 km/h and 35 kg less kerb weight. 2007 restyling is only 272 hp, 5 gears, consumption not measured.

If you want a 3.0-litre car: 3.0 AT only. 1 generation 200 hp, 92 fuel, 1470 kg, 145 mm. 2 generation 213 hp (+13 hp), 95 fuel, 1600 kg (+130 kg), 130 mm (−15 mm), 8.4 s and 215 km/h measured. Consumption on 2 generation not measured.

Problems and reliability in this data: there are no failure rates, oil specs, or mount/filter intervals here. What the numbers do show is which parameters were never measured — treat those as unknown, not as “does not apply”: 0–100 on 5 generation Gasoline, top speed on all 5 generation cars, consumption on 3 generation, restyling 3.5 AT and both 2 generation 3.0 AT and 1 generation 3.0 AT, wheels on most pre-2012 cars, rear brakes on 4 generation, restyling 3.5 AT, CO2 on all.

Short map. Fuel: 5 generation 2.5 CVT (218 hp or 215 hp). AWD: 5 generation 2.5 AT. Peak hp and best kg/hp: 5 generation 3.5 AT 301 hp. Fastest clocked sprint: 3 generation 3.5 AT 284 hp. Fastest clocked top speed: 3 generation, restyling 2 3.5 AT 272 hp. Lightest and tallest: 1 generation 3.0 AT. Weakest Hybrid: 4 generation 2.5 CVT 154 hp. Do not assume a 2022 2.5 CVT is a different car from 2018–2020 except 215 hp versus 218 hp; the rest of the measured sheet matches.