Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov & manufacturer data. Figures reflect base trim; actual specs vary by trim level.
About the 2021 Toyota Avalon
Our scoring places the 2021 Toyota Avalon at 7.9/10 overall, which translates to a Recommended rating for this sedan. Its strongest dimension is Reliability at 8.9/10, while Technology at 6.9/10 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. At 8.9/10, reliability is one of this sedan's best cards — few vehicles in our database score higher on this dimension. The 8.5/10 safety score puts it near the top of the class on this dimension; the official trim-level results at nhtsa.gov are worth a final check.
Performance scores 7.0/10 — competent for everyday use. Acceleration and handling are adequate for commuting and highway driving, though enthusiasts will want to look at higher-rated alternatives. Technology scores 6.9/10 — 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 $29,807–$36,344, 25 MPG, seating 5, the Toyota Avalon sits in the mid-market bracket of the sedan segment. The 7.8/10 value score says the pricing is fair rather than generous; cross-shop the segment before signing anything. At 5 years old, it's worth checking whether a newer generation or refresh has addressed any weaker dimensions — compare it to the current model year before buying.
Our take: The 2021 Toyota Avalon is a solid, well-rounded sedan that covers the essentials without obvious deal-breakers. The main caveat is technology — worth checking if those dimensions are priorities for you. For most buyers in this segment, it's a safe, dependable choice.
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 →
How It Ranks Among Sedans
The 2021 Toyota Avalon ranks #272 of 1310 sedans in the Carivo database — better than 79% of the segment. Its 7.9/10 overall score is 0.4 points above the segment average of 7.5/10. Its $29,807 starting price is about 8% above the segment's median of $27,664.
$0 — 2 campaigns on record; recall work is always free at franchised dealers
Insurance
Varies widely by driver and state — always quote the exact trim before buying
We only print costs we can compute from sourced data (EPA fuel economy, NHTSA recalls). We don't estimate maintenance or depreciation — anyone who gives you one number for those is guessing.
Which Avalon Year Should You Buy?
Smart-money pick: the 2018 Toyota Avalon scores 7.7/10 — within striking distance of the 2021's 7.9 — and starts roughly $3,000 lower. If you don't need the newest model year, that's money better spent on a higher trim or kept in your pocket.
Proven long-term reliability — lower unplanned repair costs than class average
Top-tier safety scores across crash tests and driver-assistance tech
Good overall value; holds its own against pricier alternatives in the segment
✗ Where it falls short
Driving dynamics are adequate but uninspiring; not the choice for enthusiast drivers
Tech suite is functional but lags behind segment-best options; some features cost extra
NHTSA Recalls — 2021 Toyota Avalon (2 on record)
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 with our free VIN recall checker.
Air bags / Frontal 25/11/2020 · 20V734000
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Toyota Avalon and 2020 Avalon Hybrid, RAV4, and RAV4 Hybrid vehicles. Breakaway pins within the steering column, designed to absorb energy and reduce injury during a crash,…
Air bags / Sensor / Occupant classification 20/12/2023 · 23V865000
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Avalon, Avalon Hybrid, Corolla, Highlander, Highlander Hybrid, RAV4, RAV4 Hybrid, Lexus ES350, Lexus RX350, Lexus RX450H, 2021 Sienna Hybrid, Lexus ES250, 2020-2022 Camry,…
Source: NHTSA recall database, fetched at page build time.
Own a 2021 Toyota Avalon that's been repaired repeatedly for the same problem? It may qualify under your state's lemon law — run the free lemon law check →
Common Questions — 2021 Toyota Avalon
Is the 2021 Toyota Avalon reliable?
We rate the 2021 Toyota Avalon's reliability 8.9/10 — one of the stronger records in its class. It has 2 NHTSA recall campaigns on record for this model year (details in the recalls section above — repairs are free at dealers).
How many recalls does the 2021 Toyota Avalon have?
2 NHTSA recall campaigns matched this model and year as of our latest check. Verify your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Is the 2021 Toyota Avalon worth buying?
It scores 7.9/10 overall, ranking #272 of 1310 sedans in our database (better than 79% of the segment). A solid choice for most buyers — compare it against the segment leaders before deciding.
How much does the 2021 Toyota Avalon cost?
The 2021 Toyota Avalon starts at $29,807 and ranges up to $36,344 across trims (MSRP when new). At 25 MPG, expect roughly $2,100/year in fuel at 15,000 miles/year.
Which Avalon years should you avoid?
No standout weak years: across the 8 Avalon model years we've scored, every year lands within half a point of the best (7.9/10). Pick on price and condition rather than year.
What problems does the 2021 Toyota Avalon have?
The documented issues for the 2021 Toyota Avalon are its NHTSA recall campaigns, which involve: Air bags (details in the recalls section above; repairs are free at dealers). For wear-and-tear patterns beyond recalls, owner forums are the best source — we only report what federal data documents.
Owner Essentials — Toyota Avalon
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More Toyota Reviews
Explore the full lineup of Toyota models scored by Carivo — ranked by overall score across reliability, safety, value, performance, and technology.
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