Toyota models are known for many things, with high-quality, well-built sedan models being one of them. Whether it’s their executive looks, soft-touch materials on the interior, and overall attention to detail and craftsmanship, a Toyota sedan tends to stand for all things positive in the automotive world. Two of the best-known sedans in the Toyota range are the Avalon and the Camry.
Both have been refreshed and updated for the 2022 model year with both gasoline and hybrid models. We’ll be looking at the latest editions, and also taking in a broader view of the two lines and seeing how they compare in the competitive sedan space.
Quick Summary
As the manufacturer’s flagship sedan, the full-size Toyota Avalon is bigger than the mid-size Toyota Camry. Those seeking a more premium experience or have a need for more interior space will want to go for the Avalon. The Camry is more affordable and offers a sporty TRD version that doesn’t exist on the Avalon.
Pricing
Sitting just above the Toyota Corolla in Toyota’s lineup of sedans, the Camry is more budget-friendly than the Avalon, starting at $25,295 in the 2022 model year for the base-level Camry LE model. The LE Hybrid starts at $27,380. For the Avalon, you’ll be starting at $36,275 for the XLE, and $37,250 for the XLE Hybrid.
At the high end of the spectrum, you’ll pay $35,720 for the Toyota Camry XSE V6 model with a 3.5L V6 DOHC engine, and $32,820 for the XSE Hybrid. For the Avalon, the top end of the spectrum is the Touring model at $42,975, and the Limited Hybrid at $43,550.
The Camry is therefore the most affordable of the two at both ends of the spectrum, but the Avalon is a larger sedan, too.
Exterior and Interior Styling
Both the Camry and Avalon are known for their premium executive exterior styling, but the Avalon has a greater sense of grandeur about it than the Camry does. The Avalon has a longer wheelbase, and greater overall length while riding lower and with a larger front grille design than the Camry. The Camry, on the other hand, features more variety in appearance from the sleek executive styling of the XLE and XSE models to the more athletic tones of the TRD build.
The level of sheen and finish on both is very pleasing, both with trims offering 19-inch alloys in various styles. The Camry’s enlarged intakes make a more dynamic front-end for those who like that powerful edge, but the Avalon has more sophisticated detailing like the trapezoidal dual exhaust tips at the rear with the single-bar tail light design making a more elegant and unified appearance.
Both of the interiors feature Toyota’s signature attention to detail and use of high-quality materials, but the individual looks are quite distinct. The Avalon’s center stack offers a more integrated look with the unit sweeping down in a single elegant sloping curve from the infotainment screen that sits parallel to the driver instrument cluster towards the gear shift. The Camry uses a more unusual design defined by another curve, this one sweeping from left to right from the instrument cluster down to the right of the gear shift and cup holders. Both cars make use of lovely soft-touch and premium wood materials in the interior finish without any cheap plastic in sight.
Performance
The standard engine in the Camry gasoline models is a 2.5L 4-cylinder engine paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. It outputs up to 203-hp, and is also used as the standard engine in the hybrid models, too. The Camry also offers the rather spicier TRD model, however, which includes a 3.5L V6 engine paired to an 8-speed automatic, which is capable of 301-hp.
That same 3.5L V6 is the standard engine in the Avalon, giving it that extra power boost as a standard, but the hybrid models use the same powertrain as the Camry Hybrids do, though not quite as efficiently. Even with similar powertrains, the Camry delivers better overall fuel economy.
Fuel Economy
The Camry achieves about 28-mpg in the city and 39-mpg on the highway, with its hybrid models performing exceptionally well with 51-mpg in the city and 53-mpg on the highway. The Avalon is a bit hungrier for gas, achieving 22-mpg in the city and 32-mph on the highway for its gas models and 43-mpg and 44-mpg respectively for its hybrids.
Both the Avalon and the Camry offer smooth and comfortable rides, especially when traveling at a distance. When you factor the reliability of the Toyota cars overall with the spacious and quiet cabins and supportive seats, the ride quality in both is sublime, with some edge perhaps going to the Avalon with more standard horsepower added in. Both hybrid powertrains offer a more exciting drive than the popular Toyota Prius (read our comparison between the Camry Hybrid and Prius), but lack the sporty spirit of some offered by competitors such as Honda.
Practicality
The Avalon is about the best Toyota sedan when it comes to cargo space, offering a pleasing 16.09 cubic feet with the rear seats up, compared to just 15.1 cubic feet from the Camry. It’s not a huge difference, but sometimes even the 1 extra cubic foot makes that all-important difference. This expands with the seats down in both cars, but the Camry has one extra problem which is that when you fold the rear seats, the seat hinges protrude a little which can make loading large luggage a bit awkward.
In the front seat, both Camry and Avalon offer the same amount of legroom, but the Avalon is more generous in the rear seating area, offering 40.3 inches of legroom compared to just 38 inches in the Avalon. The Camry’s seating is already comfortable even for taller adults, so the Avalon’s extra inches make things even better. The Camry does get an extra half inch of head room, however.
Technology & Features
The Avalon gets a 9” infotainment screen as standard, but the Camry can match it with an upgrade to a higher trim. Both offer full smartphone connectivity to Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa. Both have premium audio options from JBL, but the Avalon can deliver a 14-speaker system compared to just a 9-speaker system in the Camry. Both are excellent in quality, however, complete with subwoofer and amplifier.
Safety
Both models come with Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+ as the standard ADAS system, which offers a number of great safety features. There’s collision mitigation with pedestrian detection, lane departure warning and steering assistance, lane tracing, road sign assist, automatic high beams and full-speed dynamic radar cruise control. This package is standard across models in the Camry and Avalon range, making it a close match-up when it comes to safety in each.
Verdict
At the end of the day, the Avalon is essentially a step up from the Camry when you look at each as part of the wider Toyota range. The Avalon is meant to be a top-end sedan model, with the Camry as a smaller but still high-quality version. In that sense, which one you choose will come down to your needs and preferences.
The Camry offers sportier looks and indeed a wider range of looks thanks to the addition of a TRD version. The Avalon is often thought of as a “senior-friendly” car given it’s reputation as a smooth-sailing, steady-as-she-goes kind of sedan, compared the “younger” Camry with its more athletic edge. The Camry is more efficient, but the Avalon larger and grander, while not exactly being a gas guzzler.
It’s hard to go wrong, meaning one really just has to choose according to their taste.
Comparison Table
| 2022 Toyota Avalon | 2022 Toyota Camry | |
|---|---|---|
| Trim | ||
| Price | $36275 | $26835 |
| Performance | ||
| Engine | 3.5L V6 Gas | 2.5L Inline-4 Gas |
| Horsepower | 301 hp @ 6600 rpm | 203 hp @ 6600 rpm |
| Torque | 267 lb-ft @ 4700 rpm | 184 lb-ft @ 5000 rpm |
| Transmission | 8-Speed Automatic | 8-Speed Automatic |
| Drivetrain | Front-Wheel Drive | Front-Wheel Drive |
| Handling | ||
| Steering Type | Rack-Pinion | Rack-Pinion |
| Rear Suspension | Multi-Link | Multi-Link |
| Rear Wheel Size | P215/55VR17 | P235/45VR18 |
| Front Suspension | Strut | Strut |
| Front Wheel Size | P215/55VR17 | P235/45VR18 |
| Turning Diameter (ft.) | 37.7 | 38.0 |
| Fuel Economy | ||
| MPG/MPGe - Hwy | 32 | 39 |
| MPG/MPGe - City | 22 | 28 |
| MPG/MPGe - Combined | 26 | 32 |
| Gas Tank Size (gallons) | 14.5 | 15.8 |
| Cruising Range - Hwy (miles) | 464.0 | 616.2 |
| Size and Weight | ||
| Height (in.) | 56.5 | 56.9 |
| Length (in.) | 195.9 | 192.7 |
| Weight (lbs) | 3570 | 3340 |
| Max Width (in.) | 72.8 | 72.4 |
| Wheelbase (in.) | 113.0 | 111.2 |
| Interior Dimensions | ||
| Seating Capacity | 5 | 5 |
| Trunk Volume (cu. ft.) | 16.1 | 15.1 |
| Front Seat Leg Room (in.) | 42.1 | 42.1 |
| Front Seat Head Room (in.) | 38.5 | 38.3 |
| Front Seat Hip Room (in.) | 55.8 | 55.4 |
| Front Seat Shoulder Room (in.) | 58.3 | 57.7 |
| Rear Seat Leg room (in.) | 40.3 | 38.0 |
| Rear Seat Head Room (in.) | 37.9 | 38.0 |
| Rear Seat Hip Room (in.) | 54.8 | 54.7 |
| Rear Seat Shoulder Room (in.) | 57.1 | 55.7 |
| Infotainment Features | ||
| HD Radio | Standard | Optional |
| MP3 Player | Standard | Standard |
| WiFi Hotspot | Standard | Standard |
| Satellite Radio | Standard | Standard |
| Bluetooth Connection | Standard | Standard |
| Entertainment System | Not Available | Not Available |
| Premium Sound System | Optional | Not Available |
| Auxiliary Audio Input | Standard | Standard |
| Smart Device Integration | Standard | Standard |
| Hard Disk Drive Media Storage | Not Available | Not Available |
| Interior Trim | ||
| Cloth Seats | Standard | Standard |
| Vinyl Seats | Standard | Standard |
| Leather Seats | Standard | Standard |
| Premium Synthetic Seats | Standard | Standard |
| Bucket Seats | Standard | Standard |
| Sun/Moonroof | Optional | Optional |
| Leather Steering Wheel | Standard | Standard |
| Woodgrain Interior Trim | Standard | Not Available |
| Comfort Features | ||
| A/C | Standard | Standard |
| Rear A/C | Not Available | Not Available |
| Telematics | Standard | Standard |
| Seat Memory | Not Available | Not Available |
| Seat-Massage | Not Available | Not Available |
| Keyless Entry | Standard | Standard |
| Keyless Start | Standard | Optional |
| Cruise Control | Standard | Standard |
| Multi-Zone A/C | Standard | Standard |
| Power Liftgate | Not Available | Not Available |
| Climate Control | Standard | Standard |
| Head-Up Display | Not Available | Not Available |
| Power Mirror(s) | Standard | Standard |
| Automatic Parking | Not Available | Not Available |
| Navigation System | Optional | Not Available |
| Power Driver Seat | Standard | Standard |
| Cooled Rear Seat(s) | Not Available | Not Available |
| Hands-Free Liftgate | Not Available | Not Available |
| Heated Rear Seat(s) | Not Available | Not Available |
| Remote Engine Start | Standard | Not Available |
| Cooled Front Seat(s) | Not Available | Not Available |
| Heated Front Seat(s) | Standard | Optional |
| Power Passenger Seat | Standard | Not Available |
| Remote Trunk Release | Standard | Standard |
| Heated Steering Wheel | Not Available | Optional |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | Standard | Standard |
| Navigation from Telematics | Not Available | Not Available |
| Universal Garage Door Opener | Not Available | Optional |
| Steering Wheel Audio Controls | Standard | Standard |
| Safety Features | ||
| ABS | Standard | Standard |
| Brake Assist | Standard | Standard |
| Night Vision | Not Available | Not Available |
| Rear Parking Aid | Not Available | Not Available |
| Traction Control | Standard | Standard |
| Stability Control | Standard | Standard |
| Blind Spot Monitor | Standard | Optional |
| Cross-Traffic Alert | Standard | Optional |
| Lane Keeping Assist | Standard | Standard |
| Tire Pressure Monitor | Standard | Standard |
| Lane Departure Warning | Standard | Standard |
| Airbags | ||
| Knee Air Bag | Standard | Standard |
| Driver Air Bag | Standard | Standard |
| Seatbelt Air Bag | Not Available | Not Available |
| Passenger Air Bag | Standard | Standard |
| Rear Head Air Bag | Standard | Standard |
| Rear Side Air Bag | Standard | Standard |
| Front Head Air Bag | Standard | Standard |
| Front Side Air Bag | Standard | Standard |
| Warranty | ||
| Basic | 3 Years / 36,000 Miles | 3 Years / 36,000 Miles |
| Corrosion | 5 Years / Unlimited Miles | 5 Years / Unlimited Miles |
| Drivetrain | 5 Years / 60,000 Miles | 5 Years / 60,000 Miles |
| Maintenance | 2 Years / 25,000 Miles | 2 Years / 25,000 Miles |
| Roadside Assistance | 2 Years / Unlimited Miles | 2 Years / Unlimited Miles |