--- title: 2021 Toyota Avalon XSE Hybrid Review description: A new lithium-ion battery and available all-wheel drive are updates for the 2021 Toyota Avalon XSE Hybrid. Find a CarPro Certified Toyota Dealer. --- [Car Reviews | CarPro ](https://www.carpro.com/vehicle-reviews) # [2021 Toyota Avalon XSE Hybrid Review](https://www.carpro.com/vehicle-reviews/2021-toyota-avalon-xse-hybrid-review) Written by [Amy Plemons](https://www.carpro.com/vehicle-reviews/author/amy-plemons) | Jan 13, 2021 6:00:00 AM This week I bring you the 2021 Toyota Avalon Hybrid, a vehicle that makes up about a third of Avalon sales. Also in 2020, sales of the Avalon hybrid were up slightly from 2019. The XSE trim is the sportiest of the three-trim Avalon hybrid lineup, in terms of looks and ride. ### What’s new For 2021, Toyota swaps out the previous nickel-metal hybrid battery for a new lithium-ion battery pack. 2021 also sees the addition of a new Vehicle Approach Noise system, designed to help to alert pedestrians of the car’s presence at low speeds, and two USB-C ports replace USB-As in the front and rear console box. All-wheel drive is also available for 2021. An Avalon Nightshade edition is also part of the lineup. ### Exterior The XSE looks terrific in Ruby Flare Pearl with gloss black accents and 18-Inch dark gray painted alloy wheels. LED headlights feature smoked chrome bezels. A sporty front end features a piano-black grille with a sport mesh insert and an active grille shutter. Lateral vents help with aerodynamics. Gloss-black heated power outside mirrors adorn the sides along with color-keyed door handles. The tail end book ends the sporty look with aero-fin-style LED tail lamps, single hidden exhaust, rear spoiler, and black Camry Avalon lettering. ### Interior The XSE’s available Cognac and Black interior is stylish, well-designed and roomy. Soft-touch materials adorn the multi-layered dash and doors. Real aluminum trim and glossy black accents give the cabin an upscale look.   SofTex-trimmed seats with ultrasuede insert seats and contrast stitching look upscale and are comfortable. Both front seats are heated and 8-way power adjustable. The driver’s seat adds 2-way power lumbar. Aluminum pedal covers greet your feet. A tilt and telescopic leather-wrapped steering provides paddle shifters and various controls. Above you find an overhead console area and a power tilt moonroof. The center console houses a leather-wrapped gear shift along with an electronic parking brake and brake hold. The console armrest bin is nicely padded. Back seat room is impressive. There is plenty of leg- and head-room, but beware of a high hump in the floorboard for the middle passenger. Back seat passengers get their own A/C vents and USB ports. Opening the trunk remotely from a key fob reveals an impressively spacious cargo area, one of the largest in its segment, at 16.9 cubic-feet. ### Technology Like the Camry, the Avalon’s technology hasn’t made the move to all-digital, like you find in the Hyundai Sonata Limited hybrid. A well-lit, easy to read 7-inch digital display sits between analog dials. A responsive 9-inch multimedia touchscreen supports Apple CarPlay and Alexa-enabled device connectivity along with new for 2021 Android Auto. A backup camera offers dynamic gridlines. Dynamic navigation is embedded with the optional 14-speaker JBL sound system package, which I recommend if music is important to you. It sounds great and replaces a standard 8-speaker system. Wireless charging is standard in the XSE and you also have two USB-A and two USB-C charge ports. ### Powertrain Car Pro Show host Jerry Reynolds calls Toyota’s hybrid powertrains the best out there today. The XSE hybrid powertrain produces 215-horsepower and 163 pound-feet of torque for this 3,685 pound sedan. Acceleration was okay, but if you want more oomph you’ll want to go with a gas-only V6 302-horsepower model. The engine is mated to an electronically controlled variable transmission (ECVT) with Eco, Normal, Sport and EV Drive Modes. ### Ride and Drive The Avalon XSE handles well and the ride is on the firmer side compared with the 2021 Camry SE Nightshade Edition I drove recently as well as my parents’ 2020 Camry XLE. That’s due to a sport-tuned front and rear suspension. The cabin is quiet in terms of road noise but I was surprised by the amount of wind noise at speeds around 40 mph and higher. Fuel economy is 43 mpg across the board. ### Safety The Avalon XSE is equipped with standard Toyota Safety Sense P, a great driver assistance system with Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection, Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist, Automatic High Beams, and Full-Speed Range Dynamic Radar Cruise Control. The XSE adds standard Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Cross Traffic Alert. ### Standard features and options Standard XSE features include an auto-dimming rearview mirror, dual zone climate, auto engine shut off, power tilt and slide moonroof, push-button start, remote keyless entry and remote illuminated entry. Options aside from the JBL sound system include carpeted floor mats ($259) and illuminated door sills ($379). ### What you’ll pay The XSE hybrid starts from $39,500. Options on my test model including the exterior paint and JBL sound system take it to $43,278. I’d love to see some technology upgrades, a larger multimedia screen for example, included for the price point. ### Verdict If fuel economy is a priority for you, you’ll want to test drive the 2021 Toyota Avalon XSE Hybrid. It’s comfortable, roomy, stylish (and those who prefer a firmer ride will enjoy the XSE trim). If horsepower is more important to you, a gas-only V6 model will be more up your alley. ### 2021 Toyota Avalon XSE Hybrid Review - **What I liked most:** Multi-toned comfortable interior. - **What I would change:** Wind noise. - **MSRP:** Base price $39,500: **$43,278 as equipped** - **Fuel Economy:** 43 city/43 highway/ **43 combined**. - **Official Color:** Ruby flare pearl. ($425). - **Odometer reading when tested:** 2,536 miles. - **Weight:** 3,685 pounds. - **Spare Tire:** Temporary spare. - **Length-Width-Height:** 195.9” long/ 72.8” wide/ 56.5” high. - **Towing Capacity:** N/A. - **Fuel Tank Capacity:** 13.2 gallons with filler on the driver’s side. - **2021 Toyota Avalon XSE Hybrid in a few words:** A stylish and comfortable sedan for the fuel-efficient minded. - **Manufacturers website:** [Toyota](https://www.toyota.com/configurator/build/step/color/year/2021/series/avalon/model/3507/exteriorcolor/03T3/interiorcolor/EB43) - **Warranty:** 3-year, 36,000-mile basic warranty; 5-year, 60,000-mile powertrain protection; 60 months/unlimited miles Corrosion; 96 months/100,000 miles Hybrid System; 120 months/150,000 miles, Hybrid Battery. Toyota Care no cost maintenance and roadside assistance. 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