2014 Toyota Avalon Hybrid Review, Price, Photos, Features, Specs



2014 Toyota Avalon Hybrid Review, Price, Photos, Features, Specs
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When Toyota announced its redesigned 2014 Avalon flagship last year, among the most significant revelations was it would offer a hybrid version alongside the traditional V6.

The move is part of Toyota’s ongoing effort to introduce hybridized examples of its various models and it was a good time to do it.

Why? Because the 2014 Avalon Hybrid got what is essentially the Camry Hybrid’s powertrain. This Hybrid Synergy Drive (HSD) system had just been re-worked for 2014 yielding improved efficiency, power and driveability.

Its aerodynamic profile – another major variable determining performance – is comparable too, with a coefficient of drag of 0.28 versus the Camry Hybrid’s 0.27.

The 2014 Avalon Hybrid has run 0-60 at around eight seconds or a few-tenths less. In exchange for maybe a second-and-a-half in quickness compared to the six-cylinder, the hybrid boasts 40 mpg combined. This is a huge gain over the six’s 24-25 mpg combined, and the hybrid costs as little as $1,750 more depending on trim. The 2014 Avalon Hybrid’s EPA rating is also favorable against other higher performance-oriented hybrids.

Powering the electric motor is a 244.8-volt nickel metal-hydride battery comprised of 34 modules made up of a total of 204 cells. It’s stored in the trunk and costs two-cubic-feet of storage compared to the 2014 V6 Avalon leaving a still-respectable 14 cubic feet of volume.


The NiMH battery resides in the in trunk and eliminates pass-through-capability into rear seats.
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Three propulsion modes enable the driver to select the car’s degree of tameness or aggressiveness. Skewing toward ultimate economy is EV mode which – assuming sufficient battery charge – allows all-electric driving up to a mile at under 25 mph. Another fuel-saving mode, Eco, notches back throttle response and the HVAC system to save energy.

And then you have Sport mode activated like EV and Eco by a center console button or by moving the shift lever to the left from Drive. Sport mode simulates multiple gears in the CVT, a digital tachometer appears in the center display, and shift points are at redline. Also, the rpms may increase noticeably if you shift to Sport on the road as the CVT mimics a downshift.

In all, the HSD system won’t likely disappoint many people wanting a well-appointed $36,000-$40,000-plus sedan that still has enough get up and go.