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Independent review & score by Carivo
| Engine | 3.5L 6-Cylinder |
|---|---|
| Transmission | Automatic (S6) |
| Drivetrain | Front-Wheel Drive |
| Fuel Type | Regular |
| City / Hwy MPG | 21 / 30 MPG |
| Combined MPG | 24 MPG |
| Est. Annual Fuel Cost | $2,800 |
| CO₂ Emissions | 365 g/mi |
| Seating Capacity | 5 passengers |
| Body Style | Sedan |
| Base Price | $25,876–$32,607 |
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov & manufacturer data. Figures reflect base trim; actual specs vary by trim level.
With an overall Carivo score of 7.6/10, the 2017 Toyota Avalon earns a Recommended rating among the sedans we've scored. Its strongest dimension is Reliability at 8.5/10, while Technology at 6.6/10 is where it trails the competition most noticeably. It's a solid all-rounder that delivers across most dimensions without obvious deal-breakers.
Reliability and safety are the two dimensions that matter most for long-term ownership costs. We rate the Toyota Avalon's reliability at 8.5/10 — among the strongest in our sedan database, reflecting the nameplate's track record and recall history. On safety it earns 8.2/10: respectable, if not class-leading — several competitors bundle more driver-assist tech as standard. Check your trim's official ratings at nhtsa.gov.
Performance at 6.8/10 is a genuine liability and a score that should factor heavily into any buying decision. The powertrain and chassis dynamics trail class rivals by a meaningful margin — don't overlook it. Technology scores 6.6/10 — the infotainment and driver-assist features feel dated against current-generation rivals. This is worth weighing if you prioritize connected features or modern safety tech.
Priced from $25,876–$32,607, 21 MPG, seating 5, the Toyota Avalon sits in the mid-market bracket of the sedan segment. Value lands at 7.5/10 — you get what you pay for, no more and no less, with a few rivals offering slightly better per-dollar returns. At 9 years old, resale value, parts availability, and whether a successor model has improved on its weak points are all worth investigating before committing.
Bottom line: Think of the 2017 Toyota Avalon as the dependable pick rather than the exciting one. Its softer scores in performance and technology are the only real asterisks. Shoppers who value predictability over headlines will be well served.
Carivo scores are our own editorial assessment, informed by NHTSA safety and recall records, EPA fuel-economy figures, and manufacturer-published specifications. Scores are reviewed periodically and updated when new data becomes available. See our full methodology →
The 2017 Toyota Avalon ranks #494 of 1310 sedans in the Carivo database — better than 62% of the segment. Its 7.6/10 overall score is 0.1 points above the segment average of 7.5/10. Its $25,876 starting price undercuts the segment's median of $27,664 by about 6%.
Rankings are recalculated as new vehicles and scores are added. See the full Sedan ranking →
Across the Avalon model years we've scored, the 2017 holds its position — we didn't find an older year that delivers similar scores for meaningfully less money.
| Year | Score | Starting price (MSRP when new) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 7.8/10 | $30,789 | Read review → |
| 2021 | 7.9/10 | $29,807 | Read review → |
| 2020 | 7.7/10 | $28,824 | Read review → |
| 2019 | 7.7/10 | $27,841 | Read review → |
| 2018 | 7.7/10 | $26,859 | Read review → |
| 2017 (this review) | 7.6/10 | $25,876 | |
| 2016 | 7.5/10 | $24,893 | Read review → |
| 2015 | 7.5/10 | $23,911 | Read review → |
The following recall campaigns have been filed with NHTSA for this model and year. Recall repairs are performed free of charge by franchised dealers; check your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
| Air bags / air bag/restraint control module 17/01/2020 · 20V024000 | Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2011-2019 Corolla, 2011-2013 Matrix, 2012-2018 Avalon, and 2013-2018 Avalon Hybrid vehicles. During certain crashes, the air bag electronic control unit (ECU) may malfunction,… |
|---|---|
| Tires / Temporary/emergency spare tire 02/05/2017 · 17V295000 | Gulf States Toyota, Inc. (Gulf States) is recalling certain 2017 4Runner , 86, Avalon, Camry, Camry Hybrid, Corolla, Corolla iM, Highlander, Highlander Hybrid, Prius, Prius C, RAV4, RAV4 Hybrid, Sienna and Yaris vehicles. The spare tire air pressure was… |
Source: NHTSA recall database, fetched at page build time.
Explore the full lineup of Toyota models scored by Carivo — ranked by overall score across reliability, safety, value, performance, and technology.