2022 Toyota Avalon Trim Levels, Configurations & Comparisons.

Are you interested in full-size sedans? Well, the 2022 Toyota Avalon is the best choice to go for. The high-tech equipped SUV is cost-effective and reliable with a roomy cabin. It comes with two powertrains the simple and hybrid system. On top of all of this, the Avalon looks modern and stylish.

SUVs and crossovers have the gain so much popularity in the past few years. Drivers find it a comfortable and cost-effective choice. The driver-assist technology, safety alerts, LED lights, and exotic look are standard. It can be a smart move to get this sedan since it has such great value.

In this guide, we will compare each trim and see how one differs from the other. On the basis of features, let's see what's best suits you.

Let's drive in!

Compare the XLE vs XLE Hybrid. What is the difference?

Engine

The XLE Hybrid is only $1,000 more expensive than the XLE, so it makes sense that these trims have more similarities than differences. However, the most striking contrast is that the XLE Hybrid has an electric motor giving it a boost. It uses a 2.5-liter, four-cylinder engine along with an electric and it has a net horsepower of 215. The capability is more than decent, and it should make the hybrid fun to drive. Toyota has put an electronically controlled continuously variable transmission into the XLE Hybrid.

According to the engine power, XLE is way more powerful than the XLE Hybrid. The major reason people still prefer to go for the hybrid one is its fuel efficiency. The XLE Hybrid can earn an estimated 44 miles per gallon. In contrast, XLE attains an estimated 26 miles per gallon. It all comes down to personal preference, and a test drive would be handy for those who are undecided about what powertrain to get.

Automatic Transmission

Under the hood of the XLE trim, there's a 3.5-liter V6 that provides 301 horsepower and 267 pound-feet of torque. It works in conjunction with a direct shift eight-speed electronically controlled automatic transmission. Both the XLE Hybrid and XLE have front-wheel drivetrains and a sequential shift magic mode. Allows for manual shifting whenever you want more control over that aspect of driving.

Interior

The interior dimensions of both trims are pretty much the same. Rear-seat passengers get to enjoy having more than 40 inches of legroom. The bucket seats in the front are very comfy as well. The two trims have the same type of SofTex seating upholstery and auto-dimming rearview mirrors. A smart key system is very convenient, and the trunk has a generous size of about 16 cubic feet.

Exterior

The exterior of the two cars is similar in multiple ways. Both include 17-inch wheels, color-keyed shark fin antennas, LED Daytime Running Lights, LED headlights, and LED taillights. The difference is instead of a dual exhaust, XLE Hybrid has a single hidden exhaust. Plus, the hybrid version also has an active grille shutter to reduce drag and enhance efficiency.

Safety Features

The only difference regarding safety is that the XLE hybrid emits a noise when it travels at low speeds. Since hybrids are so quiet, this noise is important to alert pedestrians to its presence. Both trims have an impressive set of driver-assist systems that include blind spot monitoring, forward collision warning, and full-speed range dynamic radar cruise control. Toyota has made a strong effort to make safe and reliable vehicles, and the Avalon exemplifies that.

Compare the XLE Hybrid vs XSE Hybrid Nightshade. What is the difference?

Suspension

Mechanically, the XLE Hybrid and XSE Hybrid Nightshade are almost identical. One exception is that the Nightshade offers improved suspension. While it has the same type of independent MacPherson strut front suspension and multi-link rear suspension that the two XLE trims have, it aids from sport-tuned shock absorbers, springs, and stabilizer bars.

Exterior

Stylistically, these two trims have several differences. Toyota has given the Nightshade a bold appearance. For instance, it has smoked chrome bezels around its headlights and sport mesh inserts on its black grille. At the car's rear, there's a black Toyota emblem and "AVALON" lettering, which match the black door handles, antenna, spoiler, side mirrors, and window trim. Instead of the 17-inch wheels that the lower trims have, the Nightshade has 19-inch, unsurprisingly black wheels.

Sunroof

The sunroof is believed to be a luxury attribute, and most people feel no regret paying extra dollars for it. The Nightshade comes with a sunroof as standard. The XLE and XLE Hybrid can also have a sunroof, but it is not standard.

Interior

Inside the cabin of the Nightshade, there are a few additional enhancements. It offers wireless charging, which is optional solely on the XLE trims. Further, it has paddle shifters on its steering wheel. Its aluminum trim and aluminum pedal covers stand out and offer it a more sporty feel. In addition, the Nightshade has HomeLink technology built into its rearview mirror. This eliminates the necessity for a separate garage door opener.

Compare the XSE Hybrid Nightshade vs Touring Trims. What is the difference?

When moving from the XSE Hybrid Nightshade to the Touring, the Avalon goes back to having the standard powertrain. The Touring has the same kind of enhanced suspension that the Nightshade does. Further, it offers an adaptive variable suspension and active cornering assist. Which, in return, can enhance handling by making precise adjustments according to the inputs they receive regarding speed, driver input, and road conditions.

Driving Mode

The Avalon has various driving modes so that people can customize their ventures. The XLE trims have three modes, which are Eco, Normal, and Sport. The Nightshade adds an EV mode to the list so that drivers can use an electric-only mode for a limited time. However, Touring has a Sport+ driving mode that is more performance-oriented. It can make a regular commute much more thrilling.

Exterior

In numerous ways, the Touring offers a more refined look than the Nightshade does. The dynamic turn signals and adaptive cornering lights give it a trendy touch. Its side mirrors have a memory feature, and the driver's-side mirror has an auto-dimming function.

The Touring has quad chrome tips that give it a more athletic feel. To give the rider sports feel, it offers an active noise control, a sport sound-tuned exhaust, engine sound enhancement, and a sound generator. All these features work together to cancel the noise impact and make the engine more audible. Hence, Touring gives a race car feel to the rider more than the other trims in the lineup.

Seats

While the Nightshade and the lower trims have fairly deluxe seats, the Touring takes things further. Instead of just having heated front seats, it has heated and ventilated front seats. Its front passenger seat has four-way power-lumbar support like the driver's seat. Also, the Touring's rear seats and steering wheel are heated. When the temperatures drop, this can be very much appreciated.

Navigation

A major factor that may make the Touring more attractive is its integrated navigation program. Navigation has been built into its infotainment system so that drivers can always know where they're going and what traffic is like on their routes. Some of the other standard components are SiriusXM, Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, Amazon Alexa, and Bluetooth.

Sound System

Instead of having an eight-speaker sound system as the lower trims have, the Touring has 14 speakers, and they're made by the JBL company. All trims of the Avalon have nine-inch touchscreens. Note that the premium infotainment system with navigation and the JBL sound system is available on the lower trims; it just costs a bit extra.

Display

To keep the driver well-informed, the Touring offers a ten-inch color head-up display.  That holds a compass, outside temperature, speedometer, and further information. However, you can also upgrade the Touring with a bird's eye view camera. Other enhancements that are part of the Touring trim include a frameless auto-dimming rearview mirror and ambient lighting.

Compare the Touring vs Limited Trim Levels. What is the difference?

The Limited is not as athletic as the Touring is. However, it doesn't contain adaptive variable suspension, sport-tuned shocks, or active cornering assist that you enjoy on Touring. The only dissimilarity between the two trims is the high-end features Limited offers.

Seats

Perhaps the most significant upgrade associated with the Limited trim is its premium leather upholstery. This type of seating material can impact and influence a vehicle's overall style. Its genuine wood interior trim looks luxurious. These elements might not justify the extra cost to some buyers, but to others, they may be well worth it.

Wheels & LEDs

Toyota has given the Touring 19-inch wheels, whereas the Limited runs on 18-inch wheels. Although the Limited offers smaller wheels still go great because they're super chrome alloy versions.  However, the Limited has integrated the same LED headlights, dynamic turn signals, and adaptive cornering lights as the Touring. It has color-keyed door handles, side mirrors, and a shark-fin antenna instead of having all of the black exterior accents.

Compare the Limited vs Limited Hybrid. What is the difference?

Exhaust

The Limited Hybrid shares the same features as Limited. The only distinction is the type and efficiency of the engine. As it's clear from the name, the Limited Hybrid has a hybrid powertrain. However, the hybrid SUV comes with an active gray shutter same as the XLE Hybrid. In addition, as noticed in the Limited, the single hidden exhaust at the back of the Limited Hybrid instead of the dual exhaust with chrome tips. It all depends on you whether you prefer fuel efficiency or better power.

Information System

The only interior differences have to do with the information systems. With the Limited Hybrid, the head-up display and digital information cluster are behind the steering wheel.  Both display info that has to do with the hybrid powertrain.

Final Thoughts

A potential buyer first has to ask whether he/she would prefer the V6 or the hybrid powertrain. Because the hybrid versions of the Avalon are so much more efficient than the standard ones, hybrid trims are recommended. While they aren't quite as powerful, the reality is that they have plenty of kicks and will be more than satisfactory for nearly all situations on the roads. Going with the hybrid narrows down the choices to just the Limited Hybrid, XSE Hybrid Nightshade, and the XLE Hybrid.

If your first priority is the budget - the XLE Hybrid would be the best to pick.  It has many impressive features, such as a comprehensive infotainment package, advanced drive-assist safety systems, and a comfortable and well-appointed cabin.

On the other hand, if someone wants to drive a model with a more elegant style and has the budget to accommodate those preferences, then the Limited Hybrid would certainly meet higher expectations. Since it has heated and ventilated seats, leather upholstery, and navigation, it would really be able to please those with more discerning tastes.