Toyota has kicked off production of a number of new vehicles, including its flagship Avalon Hybrid which is slated to arrive at dealerships by the beginning of December.
The Avalon Hybrid uses the Toyota Hybrid Synergy Drivetrain, which is similar to the drivetrain that powers the Toyota Camry Hybrid. The heart of the Avalon Hybrid is a 2.5-liter Atkinson cycle four-cylinder engine mated to an electronic CVT automatic transmission. The vehicle also boasts dual electric motors, while a 244.8 V battery combines with the engine to produce 200 hp.
Toyota says that the Avalon Hybrid has an EPA rating of 40 mpg in the city and 39 mpg on the highway. The vehicle will be available in four trim levels, including the XLE, XLE Premium, XLE Touring and Limited. The Avalon XLE Premium Hybrid is slated to sell for $35,555, which is $2360 more than a gasoline-powered version.
The XLE Touring hybrid will sell for $37,250 and adds in 18-inch alloy wheels, an improved audio system with navigation, blind spot monitor, and paddle shifters for the transmission. The top-of-the-line Limited version will sell for $41,400 and comes with heated and cooled leather seats, JBL premium audio, heated rear seats, three zone HVAC, and much more. The price difference on higher-end models including the XLE Touring and the Limited between the hybrid and gasoline-powered versions is only $1750.
Toyota also noted that it has built its 25 millionth vehicle in North America – a Classic Silver Hybrid Avalon – and confirmed global sales of 4 million hybrid vehicles.
