2022 Toyota Camry vs Avalon

Although Toyota is better known for its trucks and SUVs these days, they also have sedans that have stood the test of time. The Toyota Camry is one of the best-known vehicles out there. It is a midsize car that works well for commuters and small families. Then there is the full-size Toyota Avalon, which has more interior space for passengers and gear. This vehicle is in its final year of production, which may add to or reduce the appeal.

Some buyers may be tempted by the increased size and luxury of the Avalon. With it, however, comes a significant increase in price. That is why it is important to get to know these vehicles in depth. Does the 2022 Toyota Camry have everything needed, or is the 2022 Toyota Avalon worth the extra expense? The following guide is designed to help.

Size and Styling

Both the 2022 Camry and the 2022 Avalon are praised for their spacious interiors. Even the midsize Camry provides enough space for adults in the back row as well as the front. Children will have more than enough room in the back of the Avalon, even as they get bigger as the years go on. Some critics feel that the Avalon is a bit lacking in rear headroom, however.

The trunk of the Camry holds up to 15.1 cubic feet of gear. That is considered a bit small when compared to other midsize sedans. As for the Avalon, it has 16.1 cubic feet of trunk space to offer up. This is average for a large sedan. The split-folding rear seats of the Avalon make it possible to bring along longer items as well.

Similar in appearance, the 2022 Camry and the 2022 Avalon both have LED headlights and 17-inch alloy wheels on their entry-level models. The Camry SE is slightly bolder, giving drivers unique exterior trim and 18-inch wheels. For an even more aggressive look, buyers can choose the SE Nightshade. It has a trunk-mounted spoiler and black exterior trim accents.

Another distinctive version of the Camry is the TRD, which gets an aerodynamic body kit along with black-painted outside mirrors. The Avalon does not have as many options. Buyers who choose the Touring model will get 19-inch black-painted wheels, while the Limited shows off 18-inch chrome wheels instead.

When it comes to maneuverability, the Camry is slightly easier to park due to its size. The overall length of the Avalon is 195.9 inches, while the Camry measures in at 192.1 inches. These vehicles are very similar when it comes to width. The Avalon is 72.8 inches wide and the Camry is 72.4 inches. The height is also similar, with the Avalon being 56.5 inches and the Camry at 56.9 inches. This explains why the rear headroom is a bit more generous in the Camry versus the Avalon.

Drivability

The standard engine for the 2022 Toyota Camry is a 203-horsepower four-cylinder. It is mated exclusively to an eight-speed automatic transmission. Front-wheel drive is standard, but all-wheel drive is an available option when buyers stick wtih the four-cylinder. The XSE model has a sport-tuned suspension and manages to get 206 horsepower from the standard engine.

If buyers go with the TRD model of the Camry, they get a 301-horsepower V6 engine. A sport exhaust and sport-tuned exhaust become standard, but this engine, unfortunately, cannot be paired with all-wheel drive.

Similarly, the 2022 Toyota Avalon does not offer all-wheel drive. This is a change that occurred just this year. The standard engine is a 3.5L V6 engine that generates 301 horsepower, which is the same engine found underneath the hood of the Camry TRD. A four-cylinder engine was available in years past, but it has been discontinued for the final year of production for the Avalon. Like the Camry, the Avalon comes standard with an eight-speed automatic transmission.

Both the 2022 Camry and the 2022 Avalon are available as a hybrid. They both are based on a 2.5L four-cylinder, but the Camry has only one electric motor while the Avalon has two. The Camry hybrid makes 208 horsepower combined, while the Avalon makes 215 horsepower. A continuously variable transmission is standard for both.

The 2022 Toyota Camry gets impressive fuel economy. With front-wheel drive and the standard engine, buyers can expect 28mpg in the city and 39mpg on the highway. These numbers go down to 25mpg city and 34mpg highway with all-wheel drive equipped. The V6 TRD is estimated to get 22mpg city and 32mpg highway.

Fuel economy is quite impressive for the 2022 Avalon, especially when compared to other large sedans. The entry-level XLE is estimated to get 22mpg in the city and 32mpg on the highway. Choosing a higher trim level will mean getting an estimated 22mpg city and 31mpg highway.

With the hybrid powertrain, every trim level of the Avalon is estimated to get 43mpg in the city and 44mpg on the highway. While respectable, these numbers lag behind other hybrids. The entry-level Camry Hybrid gets 51 mpg in the city and 53mpg on the highway. Other trim levels get 44 mpg city and 47 mpg highway.

When it comes to ride and handling, both the 2022 Camry and 2022 Avalon would be considered balanced. These are easy sedans to drive around town and on the highway. They may not be particularly exciting, but they are smooth. If buyers are after a bit more athleticism, the Camry TRD is the best bet, thanks to its upgraded suspension and more powerful engine.

Comfort, Options, and Performance

The 2022 Camry gets passing marks when it comes to interior quality, but it is far from the most impressive option in its class. There are a few too many plastics found throughout the cabin to consider the Camry luxurious, particularly on lower trim levels. A considerable amount of road and wind noise also makes its way into the cabin of the Camry.

At the same time, the 2022 Avalon is quite upscale. The modern design of the interior includes high-quality materials and a sleek dashboard. Unlike the Camry, the Avalon will isolate the cabin from wind and road noise quite nicely. All models of the Avalon come with either synthetic or leather upholstery, while the entry-level Camry has cloth seating surfaces.

The base models of both the Camry and the Avalon are equipped with dual-zone automatic climate control and a power-adjustable driver's seat. All models of the Avalon have heated front seats. The entry-level Camry does not have this feature, but all other trim levels do. Both the mid-tier and top Avalon trim levels have ventilated front seats and heated rear seats. Ventilated front seats are available for the Camry as part of a package, but heated rear seats are not.

Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa compatibility are included on all models of the Camry and the Avalon in both 2022. The Camry has a 7-inch touchscreen standard, while the Avalon has a 9-inch one instead. Three USB ports come standard for the Camry, while the Avalon has a minimum of four. Both vehicles offer wireless device charging on upper levels.

The standard stereo setup for the Camry has six speakers. Going with the Avalon means getting at least eight speakers. The Camry can be upgraded to a nine-speaker JBL system, while the Avalon offers a 14-speaker setup. Both vehicles have integrated navigation on their optional feature list.

For the most luxurious version of the Camry, buyers will want the XLE. It bundles the most desirable features, such as wireless device charging, leather upholstery, and a power-adjustable front passenger seat. The Avalon Limited is loaded with sophisticated features as well, such as ambient interior lighting and a heated steering wheel. Buyers can have the Camry XLE for as little as $30,045, while the Avalon Touring starts at $42,675.

Safety

Overall, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration awarded both the 2022 Camry and the 2022 Avalon an overall score of five stars. The Camry received five stars in frontal, side, and rollover accidents. Five stars were also awarded to the Avalon in frontal and side collisions, but the larger sedan received only four stars for rollover testing.

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety gave both the 2022 Camry and the 2022 Avalon the top "Good" score in their six main categories. The 2022 Camry has been named a "Top Safety Pick Plus," while the 2022 Avalon is a "Top Safety Pick." As for the standard front crash prevention systems, the IIHS gave both the Camry and Avalon the top score of "Superior."

Headlight effectiveness is also evaluated by the IIHS. The 2022 Camry received the score of "Acceptable" when equipped with its standard headlights. As for the 2022 Avalon, it received the score of "Poor." That only applies to the entry-level XLE; the Limited and Touring both received the score of "Good" for their headlights.

Choosing either the 2022 Camry or the 2022 Avalon will mean getting several standard driver assistance features. Forward collision warning, traffic sign recognition, adaptive cruise control, pedestrian detection, and lane-keeping assist are all included for both. The Avalon also has blind-spot monitoring standard, while that is an available driver aid for the Camry.

Front and rear parking sensors are optional for the Avalon as well as the Camry in 2022. Both sedans can also be equipped with a head-up display that keeps the driver's eyes on the road while still providing them with the info they need. Either vehicle can also be equipped with a surround-view camera system to help in higher parking situations. The Avalon can further be equipped with adaptive headlights, while the Camry can have reverse automatic emergency braking.

Which Model to Choose?

Choosing between the 2022 Camry and the 2022 Avalon can be tricky. Luckily, these are both well-designed vehicles with plenty of space and standard features, meaning there is no bad choice. The Avalon has a more upscale cabin, more standard driver assistance features, and nicer tech. Since this is the last year of production, bringing home a 2022 Avalon is like bringing home a piece of history. At the same time, the base Avalon costs $11,000 more than the base Camry. That alone may steer some shoppers away from this sedan.

The 2022 Camry is certainly a solid option. It received slightly higher safety scores, and it is available in the exciting TRD trim level. Perhaps most importantly, the Camry is still available with all-wheel drive. If fuel efficiency is the goal, the Camry Hybrid is far more efficient than the Accord Hybrid. The gas-powered models do better as well.

If buyers have room in the budget, the 2022 Toyota Avalon is an upscale option with plenty of luxury and convenience. Those who choose to save some money and go with the 2022 Toyota Camry will not be disappointed either.