The large sedans are a forgotten segment for the general consumer. Most people knocking on the door of $40k will either choose a larger SUV and step into a higher class of luxury brand. Companies like Toyota are scrambling to bring attention to their flagship models.

Toyota introduced the all-black Nightshade Edition for 2021 - following last year's TRD edition in an attempt to make the Avalon sportier.

The Avalon is Toyota's premier car, offering their latest tech and comforts. Shared with the Lexus ES platform, it is the bridge between Toyota and Lexus - which is apparent in the resemblance.

It's main competitors being the Kia Cadenza and Nissan Maxima, the Toyota Avalon is ranked the second-best large sedan. Earning high points with its reliability, comfort, and styling.

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What’s New For 2021?

Via Toyota

Toyota added the Nightshade Edition to their lineup recently to give their vehicles a little extra style. Now for 2021, they've adopted the stealth look onto the full-sized Avalon. The Nightshade Edition, as alluded to by its name, is a blackout package with 19” black alloy wheels and gloss black accents to replace all badges, chrome trim, and door handles.

The Nightshade Edition is exclusive to the XSE trim. Only three color choices are available to compliment the black accents - silver metallic, pearl white, and black metallic.

Also new to the Avalon in 2021 is an available All-Wheel Drive. According to their website, the usual front-wheel-drive is capable of sending up to 50% torque to the rear tires, giving the driver more confidence in far more conditions.

Toyota has made its AWD exclusive to the XLE and Limited editions, making it a standout feature in one of the several available Avalon trims.

Standard Specs And Features

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As Toyota’s flagship luxury vehicle, the Avalon is offered with more standard features than any other vehicle on their lot. Making it well worth the $40,000 price tag.

Underneath the hood is Toyota’s standard 3.5 L V6, which will make an ample 301 horsepower and net 25 mpg. Each model (except the Touring) will also offer a Hybrid variant that comes equipped with their 2.5 L Dynamic Force 4-cylinder engine and claims an impressive fuel economy of 44 mpg.

The Avalon’s long list of standard safety features includes LED headlights and daytime running lights, blind-spot warning detectors, and Toyota’s most advanced safety system, TSS-P.

Via Toyota

On the inside, the first thing the passengers will notice is the polarizing infotainment screen that swoops between the driver from the passenger. The 9-inch touchscreen is compatible with Apple CarPlay, and for the first time, Android Auto. Wireless charging is also an available option. The 7-inch Multi-Information Display between the gauge cluster offers easy access to the fuel and vehicle information.

Via Toyota

The interior of the Avalon is large and spacious with more than enough space within the trunk. The suppressed road-noise, smooth ride, and top quality materials bring this Toyota to a new level of luxury. Dual-climate control and heated front seats will also ensure your passenger’s comfort. Entry-level XLE comes with Toyota’s Soft-tex material that is both durable and comfortable to the touch. The higher level of trim offers genuine Cognac leather and wood accents. A true standout for a Toyota and a car in this class.

Pricing And Trim Breakdown

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Toyota has never been one to shy away from giving their customers options. Across all models are a wide range of trims to meet each customer’s standards - without paying for more than what they want. The Avalon is no exception with 8 available trims to choose from.

The simplest way to grasp Toyota’s trim breakdown is to understand that there are two categories and two levels of standard features. There is a ‘sport’ trim (XSE) and a ‘luxury’ trim (XLE). Each of these also of a hybrid variant, except the Touring.

The XLE is the entry-level ‘luxury’ model for the Avalon, starting just under $37,000. The 17” silver-painted alloy wheels fail to complement the elegant exterior, but a laundry list of standard features make it well worth the price point. The XLE is also one of the models with the new available AWD.

The ‘Limited’ is the second level of the XLE model and introduces an array of standard or optional features. The upgraded edition will cost a minimum of $42,000 but will include heated power mirrors, Premium JBL Audio and Navigation, sequential lights, heated rear seats, and a heads-up display.

The XSE alone is unavailable for 2021 unless you want the XSE Nightshade or an XSE Hybrid. Each of them starts a hair under $40,000.

The ‘sport’ editions add a moonroof as standard, along with sport-tuned suspension, daytime running lights, and 19” wheels.

There are several visual cues to distinguish the sport trims from the luxury model. The large front grille is less obtrusive with the of the sport mesh inserts versus the large chrome one on the XLE variants. The sport models also include small spoilers, dual exhaust with quad-chrome tips, and Integrated Sound Generators (ISG), otherwise known as pumped-in exhaust audio.

The Touring is the top dog in the sporty category, it includes all conveniences of the Limited Avalon, plus the looks of an XSE. To get into this one, you’ll need at least $42,500 but you’ll get a few goodies exclusive to the Touring. Each of them tailors to its athletic nature, including active noise control, engine sound enhancements, adaptive variable suspension, a quad sport sound-tuned exhaust, and a sport plus mode.

To save the reader from a headache, we recommend checking out Toyota’s most recent brochure on the Avalon, it gives a breakdown much easier to digest.

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Don't Overlook It

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The Avalon and the dwindling list of full-size sedans are often overlooked. It's a shame, really. It is a class that allows a company like Toyota to show off their most prominent features in one, complete package. It's the ideal car for a person who wants the best car from a company they can trust.

With 2 years or 25,000 miles of complimentary maintenance, a 5 year or 60,000-mile drivetrain warranty, and general peace of mind that comes with a Toyota, the 2021 Avalon is a safe choice and certainly worth considering.

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