How Long Do Toyota Avalon Hybrids Last? (12 Important Facts)

The Avalon is Toyotas flagship sedan, and its hybrid version made its debut in 2013.

The Avalon Hybrid is known for being extremely comfortable, spacious and quiet, all while delivering class-leading fuel efficiency.

In this article, we’ll cover its average lifespan.

Here is the short answer to how long the Toyota Avalon Hybrid lasts:

The Toyota Avalon Hybrid should last at least 200,000 miles and can even last over 300,000 miles with proper servicing and good driving habits. If you drive 15,000 miles per year, you can expect 20 years of reliable service from your Avalon before repair costs become uneconomical.

How Many Miles Can You Expect from a Toyota Avalon Hybrid?

Toyota is known for building some of the most reliable vehicles in automotive history, and the Avalon Hybrid is no different.

The Japanese automaker has been paving the way for hybrid vehicles since the late 1990s with the introduction of the Toyota Prius and after 20+ years in the market, it’s still the most popular and most reliable hybrid in the world. 

You can expect to get at least 300,000 miles out of the Toyota Avalon Hybrid without having to spend an arm and a leg just to keep it on the road.

The Avalon Hybrid uses the same platform and drivetrain as the Camry Hybrid, but has a slightly bigger body.

Because of this, parts for both Toyota hybrids should be widely available and quite affordable.

People who are not familiar with hybrids will say that the Avalon’s electric powertrain makes maintenance more complicated and expensive.

But in reality, lots of Toyota hybrids have reached 300,000 – 500,000 miles on their original motor and battery. 

If you eventually need to replace the high voltage battery in your Toyota Avalon Hybrid, there are lots of aftermarket options available which should only cost you around $2,000.

All Toyota hybrids sold from 2020 onwards also come with a 10-year/150,000-mile battery warranty. Older hybrids came with a 10-year/100,000-mile warranty, so even earlier models of the Avalon Hybrid should still be covered as long as they haven’t gone over 100,000 miles.

Note: Regular maintenance is crucial to get the most life from your Avalon Hybrid. The electric motor and gas engine work in synergy and if one isn’t working properly it can negatively affect the other.

Does the Toyota Avalon Hybrid Rust Easily?

The Toyota Avalon is a very well-built vehicle that is quite resilient against rust. 

At most, you’ll only see excessive rusting in typical problem areas such as:

  • Brake rotors
  • Exhaust system
  • Undercarriage 

But this shouldn’t affect the drivability or structural integrity of the vehicle and are often just cosmetic issues.

All Toyotas also come with a 60-month/unlimited mile Rust-Through warranty in case you encounter any excessive corrosion in your newish Avalon.

You might see some rust spots on different parts of the body after 5 to 7 years, but this is typical of any vehicle and is usually just limited to surface rust.

If you want to ensure your Avalon Hybrid’s body panels and frame stay relatively rust-free throughout its lifetime, here are a few tips:

  • Regular washing: This includes its underside (especially during the winter) to remove the salt, dirt and grime that causes rust. We recommend having a detail shop wash everything underneath at the end of each winter.
  • Repair paint damage and scratches: Exposed metal will oxidize. If it’s beyond a DIY fix, take it to your local body shop.
  • Garage: Keep your Avalon in the garage to protect it from harsh weather and bird droppings which can wreak havoc on the paint
  • Waxing: Wax your car twice a year. Not only will this give your Avalon a nice shine, it also gives it a protective coating against rust.
  • Rustproofing: If you’re planning on keeping your Avalon for a very long time, you might want to consider a rustproofing treatment; popular choices are Krown and Rust Check.
  • Ceramic Coating: A popular choice for those who want to add an extra layer of protection to the paint job.

What is High Mileage for a Toyota Avalon Hybrid?

Although the Toyota Avalon Hybrid is a very reliable vehicle, anything over 100,000 miles is considered high mileage.

If you’re looking at a pre-2020 Avalon Hybrid, its high voltage battery warranty will have already expired once it reaches 100,000 miles even if it’s less than 10 years old.

Although Toyota hybrid batteries have no problem going past 200,000 miles, it’s always better to stay on the safe side, especially if you don’t really know the vehicle’s past history aside from what the seller or dealer is telling you.

At over 100,000 miles, other wear items like the shocks, brake rotors, wheel bearings, and various belts and hoses may also need replacing. Although these are small fixes, it can add a significant amount to your initial purchase price.

Of course, a higher mileage Toyota Avalon Hybrid can still be a wise purchase if it’s in really good condition inside and out, and you can get it at a really good price.

When buying a used Toyota Avalon Hybrid, always consider the following:

  • Maintenance history. Check that the car was properly serviced and the owner can provide evidence of this.
  • Get a second opinion. Have it checked by a Toyota dealership or an independent repair shop with a good reputation.
  • Check the CarFax. This doesn’t guarantee anything but it will provide a clearer picture of wear-and-tear. Ensure it has minimal damage, if any, and has not been involved in a major accident. 
  • Number of previous owners. As a general rule, less is better. More owners usually means more wear-and-tear. If one family owned it and drove the full mileage and serviced the car, then you can almost guarantee they took good care of it throughout their ownership.
  • How long you are planning on keeping the car. If you’re planning on keeping the car for a long time, you should evaluate whether the short-term savings outweigh spending a bit extra on something more reliable.
  • Examine the interior. The condition of the interior tells the story of how well the car was maintained and cared for. Does the steering wheel, pedals, or shifter look suspiciously new? If so, there’s a good chance that the car was very heavily used, and those parts were just replaced before sale.

How Long Does the Avalon Hybrid Last Compared to its Rivals?

In this section we’ll take a look at some of the Avalon’s closest competitors in the hybrid and EV segment and see how they stack up in terms of reliability and upkeep.

Toyota Avalon Hybrid vs. Camry Hybrid

The Toyota Camry Hybrid is a midsize version of the Avalon but it’s been sold since 2006, so there are a lot more of them on the road.

Since both vehicles share the same platform and drivetrain, their reliability and average lifespan will be pretty similar.

The Camry Hybrid can easily reach 300,000 – 500,000 miles and last 17 – 20 years, which is the same as what you’d expect from the Avalon Hybrid.

  • RepairPal gave the Camry and Avalon similar reliability ratings of 4/5.
  • According to RepairPal, the average annual repair cost for the Avalon is slightly higher at $463 compared to the Camry which only costs $388.
  • Kelley Blue Book’s consumer rating index gave the latest generation of the Avalon Hybrid a higher reliability rating of 4.8/5 versus the Camry Hybrid’s 3.8/5.
  • J.D. Power gave the Toyota Avalon a Quality & Reliability rating of 85/100 which is slightly higher than the Camry’s rating of 84/100.
  • Edmunds consumer reviews gave the 2021 Avalon Hybrid an overall rating of 4.6/5 which is slightly higher than the Camry Hybrid’s 4.3/5.

The Avalon Hybrid is considered an entry-level luxury car and uses the exact same platform as the Lexus ES. It has a roomier interior and a much more comfortable ride than the Camry.

The Toyota Camry Hybrid is significantly more affordable than the Avalon Hybrid, but their used prices are going to be much closer.

The Camry Hybrid also sells a lot more units due to the price difference. If you’re looking for used examples, you’ll see more Camrys than Avalons.

If you want a more luxurious daily driver and you have room in your budget, the Avalon is going to be the better option.

Toyota Avalon Hybrid vs. Honda Accord Hybrid

The first Accord Hybrid was first introduced to the U.S. market in 2005, and then again in 2014 after it was briefly discontinued.

Honda and Toyota have similar reputations when it comes to reliability and durability, but Toyota has a lot more experience with hybrid vehicles and has sold many more units than Honda. 

Toyota hybrids are also regularly used in taxi fleets so there are a lot more high mileage examples on the road compared to Honda hybrids.

The Honda Accord Hybrid should have no trouble reaching 250,000 – 350,000 miles and can easily last 15 – 17 years, which is only slightly less than what you can expect from the Avalon Hybrid.

  • RepairPal gave the Honda Accord a slightly higher reliability rating of 4.5/5 compared to the Toyota Avalon’s rating of 4/5.
  • According to RepairPal, the average annual repair cost for the Honda Accord is only $400 which is slightly lower than the Toyota Avalon’s average of $463.
  • Kelley Blue Book’s consumer rating index gave the latest generation of the Avalon Hybrid a higher reliability rating of 4.8/5 versus the Accord Hybrid’s 4.6/5.
  • J.D. Power gave the Honda Accord a Quality & Reliability rating of 82/100 which is slightly lower than the Toyota Avalon’s rating of 85/100.
  • Edmunds consumer reviews gave the 2021 Accord Hybrid an overall rating of 4.9/5 which is slightly higher than the Avalon Hybrid’s 4.6/5.

One can expect similar reliability from both the Accord and Avalon. 

The Avalon Hybrid is larger and more comfortable but the Accord Hybrid will typically have better handling.

A brand new Accord Hybrid will also be significantly cheaper than the Avalon Hybrid, but if you’re looking for used vehicles, the price gap won’t be more than a few thousand dollars.

The reliability and durability of both hybrid vehicles should be roughly the same, but as mentioned earlier, Toyota has a stronger track record in the hybrid segment.

The choice will ultimately boil down to personal preference.

Some might prefer the styling and driving dynamics of the Accord Hybrid, while others will gravitate towards Toyota’s stellar track record and the Avalon Hybrid’s luxury ride.

You may also be interested in our article: How Long Do Honda Accord Hybrids Last?

Toyota Avalon Hybrid vs. Tesla Model 3

The Tesla Model 3 is one of the most popular EVs in the world today. 

It’s packed with all the tech that Tesla is known for and has class-leading range and performance.

Lots of enthusiastic owners have gone past 300,000 miles in older Tesla models. Tesla also claims that the Model 3’s battery can reach 500,000 miles while the drive units have been tested to last up to 1 million miles.

With all the development that Tesla has put into the Model 3, we expect it to easily last 300,000 – 500,000 miles and 10 – 15 years using its original battery, taking into account battery degradation.

  • Kelley Blue Book’s consumer rating index gave the Tesla Model 3 a reliability rating of 4.7/5 which is only slightly lower than the Avalon Hybrid’s rating of 4.8/5.
  • Edmunds consumer reviews gave the 2021 Tesla Model 3 an overall rating of 4.3/5 which is slightly lower than the Avalon Hybrid’s score of 4.6/5.
  • RepairPal and J.D. Power do not have any reliability ratings for the Tesla Model 3.

While the Model 3 may have lots of innovative tech, Tesla has been plagued by build quality issues.  On the other hand, Toyota is known for its excellent build quality.

Over the years, the Model 3 will eventually go through significant battery degradation which will affect its usability for longer trips. This is not much of a concern with the Avalon Hybrid because of its gas engine and the availability of affordable battery replacements.

Although you’ll save a lot of money on gas and oil changes with the Tesla, replacing the electric battery will cost you around $20,000 and can only be properly done at a Tesla dealership. 

The Avalon Hybrid will be much cheaper to maintain once the warranty expires and will definitely outlast the Model 3 by several years.

You may also be interested in our article: How Long Do Tesla Model 3 Last?

Comparison Chart

Toyota Avalon HybridToyota Camry HybridHonda Accord HybridTesla Model 3
RepairPal Reliability Rating*4/54/54.5/5NA
RepairPal Average Repair Cost*$463$388$400NA
KBB Consumer Index Reliability Rating4.8/53.8/54.6/54.7/5
Edmunds Consumer Rating4.6/54.3/54.9/54.3/5
JD Power Reliability Rating*85/10084/10082/100NA
Expected Lifespan (miles)300k – 500k300k – 500k250k – 350k300k – 500k
Expected Lifespan (years)17 – 2017 – 2015 – 1710 – 15

* Ratings for entire model range (not specific to hybrid models)

Is the Toyota Avalon Hybrid Reliable?

The Toyota Avalon Hybrid is one of the most reliable full-size hybrid sedans you can buy. 

It uses the same platform and drivetrain components as the hybrid versions of the Toyota Camry and Lexus ES, both of which have stellar reputations for reliability.

Toyota also has perfected its hybrid technology over the last 20 years and is responsible for making the Prius the most successful hybrid vehicle in history.

Here are just a few of the outstanding reviews that the Toyota Avalon Hybrid has received:

  • Kelley Blue Book’s consumer rating index gave the Toyota Avalon Hybrid an almost perfect reliability rating of 4.8/5.
  • Edmunds consumer reviews gave the Toyota Avalon Hybrid an excellent rating of 4.6/5.

The Best and Worst Years for the Toyota Avalon Hybrid

Although the Toyota Avalon Hybrid has had a great track record for reliability, it still has its share of good and bad years.

Worst Model Year

Looking at the CarComplaints database, we believe the 2013 Toyota Avalon Hybrid is the worst model year as it’s had the most number of complaints.

2013 is the first model year of the Toyota Avalon Hybrid, so some early build issues can be expected.

Most of the complaints are minor problems related to interior accessories such as:

  • Bluetooth connectivity issues
  • Sagging headliner
  • Build quality of seats

Best Model Year

The 2021 Toyota Avalon Hybrid is the best model year. 

Aside from having zero customer complaints so far on the CarComplaints website, the 2021 model also features a newer and smaller Lithium-ion battery which frees up more trunk space.

Model Year and Number of Complaints

Here is the total number of complaints on the CarComplaints database for every model year of the Toyota Avalon Hybrid so far:

Model YearNo. of Complaints
20210
20200
20191
20181
20170
20162
20155
20149
201314

What About Recalls for the Toyota Avalon Hybrid?

The Toyota Avalon Hybrid has had 23 recalls in total since it was released in 2013.

You can check if your Toyota Avalon Hybrid has been subjected to a recall campaign by entering your VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) on the Toyota recall site or the NHTSA recall database.

It is important to note that recalls are manufacturing faults repaired at no charge to the consumer.

Here is the total number of recall campaigns for every model year:

  • 2021 Toyota Avalon Hybrid: 0
  • 2020 Toyota Avalon Hybrid: 2
  • 2019 Toyota Avalon Hybrid: 3
  • 2018 Toyota Avalon Hybrid: 2
  • 2017 Toyota Avalon Hybrid: 2
  • 2016 Toyota Avalon Hybrid: 4
  • 2015 Toyota Avalon Hybrid: 2
  • 2014 Toyota Avalon Hybrid: 4
  • 2013 Toyota Avalon Hybrid: 4

Toyota Avalon Hybrid Model Year List

The first Toyota Avalon Hybrid was released alongside the fourth generation Toyota Avalon in 2013.

Toyota announced its discontinuation after the 2022 model year.

Fourth Generation:

  • 2013 Toyota Avalon Hybrid 
  • 2014 Toyota Avalon Hybrid 
  • 2015 Toyota Avalon Hybrid 
  • 2016 Toyota Avalon Hybrid 
  • 2017 Toyota Avalon Hybrid 
  • 2018 Toyota Avalon Hybrid

Fifth Generation:

  • 2019 Toyota Avalon Hybrid 
  • 2020 Toyota Avalon Hybrid 
  • 2021 Toyota Avalon Hybrid 
  • 2022 Toyota Avalon Hybrid

Is the Toyota Avalon Hybrid Expensive to Maintain?

According to RepairPal, the average annual repair cost for the Toyota Avalon is only $463 per year. 

This is much lower than the average for all full-size cars which is estimated at $590, as well as for all vehicle models which is estimated at $652.

Since it uses the same engine as the Camry Hybrid and Lexus ES Hybrid, parts should be widely available and affordable.

Avalon Hybrid owners on the Toyota Nation forum report that the only maintenance items their vehicles have needed are oil changes and new tires.

Toyotas in general are known for being very reliable vehicles that require only basic maintenance to keep them running in tip-top condition.

You may also be interested in our article: How Long Do Toyota Camry Hybrids Last?

How Long Do the Brakes Last?

The Toyota Avalon Hybrid uses regenerative braking to charge its battery and help the vehicle slow down to a complete stop at the same time. This gives the Avalon Hybrid’s brake pads and rotors the ability to easily last well over 100,000 miles. 

If you don’t take advantage of the benefits of regenerative braking and stomp on the brake pedal hard every time you need to slow down, you’ll definitely see less life out of your brakes.

You’ll also need to replace your brakes sooner if you live in an area that uses a lot of road salt during the winter because of rust buildup on the brake rotors.

How Long Do the Tires Last?

The Toyota Avalon Hybrid’s stock tires typically last around 30,000 – 40,000 miles or around 3 years with average use.

They can wear out much sooner depending on road conditions, driving habits, climate and maintenance.

Here are a couple of tips that will help you preserve the life of your tires:

  • Rotate tires every 5,000 miles to ensure even wear.
  • If you drive on rough roads or regularly launch the car and slam on the brakes, your tires will take more of a beating.
  • Check your tire pressure every few weeks to make sure they’re at the correct tire pressure.
  • Check your wheel alignment every 6 months.

How Long Do the Transmissions Last?

The Toyota Avalon Hybrid’s transmission should last well over 300,000 miles.

Both generations of the Toyota Avalon Hybrid use an e-CVT or Electronic Continuously Variable Transmission.

Toyota’s eCVT is more reliable than traditional CVTs used in ICE-powered vehicles because it doesn’t use belts or chains. 

How Long Will the Toyota Avalon Hybrid’s Electric Motors Last?

The Toyota Avalon Hybrid’s electric motors are very reliable and can easily last over 500,000 miles.

Failures in Toyota’s hybrid motors are very rare and shouldn’t be a cause for concern.

Toyota has been developing its Hybrid Synergy Drive (HSD) for over 2 decades and it’s the most proven and reliable system in the market today.

How Long Do the Spark Plugs Last?

Toyota recommends changing the Avalon Hybrid’s spark plugs every 120,000 miles or every 12 years whichever comes first.

The Avalon Hybrid uses Iridium spark plugs which are designed much longer than older-style traditional plugs.

How Long Do Avalon Hybrid Batteries Last?

The Toyota Avalon Hybrid’s high voltage batteries should be able to last at least 200,000 – 300,000 miles.

Replacement batteries for Toyota hybrids are also quite affordable compared to a fully electric vehicle’s batteries.

There are lots of aftermarket options available for different Toyota hybrids that will only cost you around $2,000.

This is quite reasonable considering battery replacements for an EV can cost 5 to 10 times more.

Replacing the battery yourself is also not very difficult if you are somewhat mechanically inclined, and you won’t need any special tools to do it.

What About Insurance Costs?

Insuraviz estimates that the Toyota Avalon costs around $1,574 per year or roughly $131 per month to insure.

Insurance costs can vary from person to person, so be sure to shop around to find the best possible deal.

Tips to Prolong the Life of Your Toyota Avalon Hybrid

  • Practice smooth and safe driving habits..
  • Keep up to date with factory-recommended maintenance.
  • Use quality parts and fluids.
  • Keep on top of repairs to prevent them from developing into larger problems.
  • Regularly wash your Avalon Hybrid to remove dirt and grime to protect the paint and undercarriage from rust.
  • Keep your Toyota Avalon stored in a garage to help protect it from extreme heat.
  • Read the owner’s manual to learn the location of important components, what your Avalon needs and in what quantities, and to understand the symbols and dashboard warning lights.

Related: 27 Best & Worst Toyota Avalon Years (Pictures & Stats)

Sources

https://www.torquenews.com/6626/toyota-hybrid-owners-speak-out-battery-length-and-cost

https://toyota.custhelp.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/7683/~/what-warranty-coverage-do-i-have-on-my-new-toyota-vehicle%3F

https://repairpal.com/reliability/toyota/avalon

https://www.kbb.com/toyota/avalon-hybrid/2021/

https://www.edmunds.com/toyota/avalon-hybrid/

https://www.jdpower.com/cars/2022/toyota/avalon

https://www.carcomplaints.com/Toyota/Avalon_Hybrid/

https://insuraviz.com/vehicles/toyota/toyota-avalon-insurance/

Author:

  • Ian Sawyer

    Growing up with a father who was a mechanic I had an appreciation for cars and motorcycles from an early age. I shared my first bike with my brother that had little more than a 40cc engine but it opened up a world of excitement for me, I was hooked. As I grew older I progressed onto bigger bikes and...