What hybrid-averse buyers might not realize is that the 215-hp hybrid is just as responsive with moderate throttle inputs. The weight difference between the hybrid model and the equivalent V-6 is well under 100 pounds, and the trunk is the same 16.1 cubic feet. The hybrid’s price premium over the V-6 is now just $1,000 and will make sense for those who want an EPA-estimated 43/43–44 mpg city/highway instead of the V-6 models’ 22/31–32 mpg. It’s not just about better fuel economy, though—you’ll also drive more miles between fill-ups. There’s also the coolness of cruising through your neighborhood in pure EV mode. The brakes almost feel like normal, non-hybrid car brakes, too, which means coming to a smooth stop isn’t the challenge it normally presents in a hybrid.
Toyota’s past and future collide in the 2019 Avalon, a flagship full-size sedan that must regain the trust of buyers put off by the outgoing model’s stiff ride …read more