The 2021 Toyota Avalon is getting some upgrades for the new model year, which includes the addition of an all-wheel drive version, the blacked out XSE Nightshade Edition and some small tech upgrades.
The current Avalon was introduced for the 2019 model year, so there aren’t any big styling changes, but the 2021 Avalon does get the sportier XSE Nightshade edition. It adds a black grille, mirror caps, rear spoiler, badges, 19-inch alloy wheels and black trim. The Avalon XSE Nightshade is available in Midnight Black Metallic, Wind Chill Pearl and Celestial Silver.
The tech upgrades to the entire 2021 Toyota Avalon lineup, includes the addition of Android Auto, which joins Apple CarPlay and new USB-C charging ports. The Avalon Hybrid also gets a new lithium-ion battery pack that replaces the previous Nickel-metal hydride battery and a new vehicle approach noise system that alerts pedestrians that the Avalon is near them at low speeds.
The new all-wheel drive version is available with the 205-hp 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that’s mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission. When extra traction is needed the system can send up to 50 percent of the torque to the rear wheels. The Avalon AWD is rated at 25 mpg city, 34 mpg highway and 28 mpg combined.
A 301-hp 3.5-liter V6 is also available in addition to the 2.5-liter hybrid powertrain.
For buyers that want to have more fun, the Avalon TRD returns and it’s now available with summer tires. It’s available in Ice Edge, Wind Chill Pearl and Midnight Black Pearl.
